What regulations impose the requirement of the use of biomass in pennsylvania electricity generation 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from The regulation of wood biomass used to generate electricity is inherently complex, because relevant laws are not found exclusively within electricity-sector legislation. They are required to follow rules and regulations for billing, collections, and terminations and must offer assistance programs for low income households. Under these new rules, Pennsylvania electricity suppliers must follow new guidelines to help their Find information on biofuel energy such as sorghum, switchgrass, and wood. Biomass energy generation is governed by regulations that address emissions and land use. These regulations impose strict requirements for proper ash management and require biomass energy facilities to meet certain air and water quality regulations and standards. The law applies to both electric distribution companies (EDCs) and electric generation suppliers (EGSs) who must demonstrate their Biomass energy, which shall mean the generation of electricity utilizing the following: organic material from a plant that is grown for the purpose of being used to produce electricity or is protected by the Federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and provided further that crop production on CRP lands does not prevent achievement of the water quality protection, soil erosion prevention or Download Pennsylvania’s renewable electricity PDF Renewable Mandate Status: Not on Track 2009 Estimated Qualified Renewable Generation: 2. 128, 129 Municipal solid waste and landfill gas fuel most of the state's biomass facilities. Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS Act) 1 requires that a certain percentage of the electric energy that electric distribution companies (EDCs) and electric generation suppliers (EGSs) sell to retail customers be derived from qualifying alternative energy sources. Also, biomass combustion produces emissions, which must be carefully monitored and controlled to comply with regulations. Generally, the AEPS Act requires that a certain percentage of all electric energy sold to retail customers be derived from alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, biologically derived methane gas, and demand-side management resources. For each reporting period, the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) and Electric Generation Suppliers (EGSs) are required Sep 3, 2025 · For the top ten swine and dairy states, the guide characterizes the sizes and types of operations where biogas projects are technically feasible, along with estimates of potential methane production, electricity generation, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Off-grid residents interested in biomass systems should familiarize themselves with state and local guidelines to ensure compliance. Period find more Total Net To operate in Pennsylvania’s retail electric market, electric generation suppliers (EGS) must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Home > biomass > What regulations exist for the use of biomass in energy generation? Biomass is a renewable energy source with great potential to reduce dependence on Fossil fuels and reduce polluting emissions. Overview This report concludes that sufficient generation, transmission and distribution capacity exists to reasonably meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s electricity consumers for the foreseeable future. When wood biomass is harvested from forests, forestry-sector legislation and unlegislated certification schemes play a significant role in determining what products are brought to market and how. 1509 Amending Titles 15 (corporations and unincorporated associations) and 66 (public utilities) of the Pennsylvania consolidated statutes, providing for generation choice for customers of electric cooperatives and utilities; further providing for definitions; reenacting procedural requirements for taxicab certificates and The disadvantage of biomass for electricity generation, however, is that the fuel needs to be procured, delivered, stored, and paid for. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from The AEPS Act identifies the energy resources that are eligible for consideration in the program. (a) License requirement. AEPS requires that 18 percent of the electricity supplied by Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies (EDCs) and electric generation suppliers (EGSs) come from Tier I resources include solar thermal electric, out-of-state solar photovoltaic, wind, low-impact hydropower, geothermal electric energy, biologically derived methane gas, fuel cells, biomass, electricity produced in-state from the by-products of pulping and wood manufacturing industries, and coal mine methane. This directive obliges Member States to ensure that biomass used to produce energy meets environmental criteria. Thus, projections of generating capability and overall system reliability have been obtained from regional assessments. Find out how your monthly energy bills may benefit! PA PUC Electric Supplier Rules The PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently announced new electricity supplier rules. 4% [i] 2009 Renewable Mandate: 6. Biomass is an important fuel in many countries, especially in developing countries for cooking and heating. Countries are to incorporate this change into their national laws in 2021. that supported the use of forest biomass for heat and electricity production [21]. To the extent possible, the AEO2022 reflects state laws and regulations enacted as of November 2021, that establish minimum requirements for renewable generation or capacity for utilities operating in the state. In 2023, biomass accounted for about 5% of U. The Biomass Thermal Utilization Act is a bipartisan bill that would enable biomass facilities to qualify for the Investment Tax Credit for upgrades to make use of byproducts of biomass electricity generation, including steam, heat, hot water and industrial process heat. The amount of “renewable” generation depends on the definitions of renewable. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from Pennsylvania’s energy system exists in a context of federal rules and regulations that affect electricity movement, air quality, interstate pipeline siting, the demand for Pennsylvania natural gas for export, and many other things. Additionally, domestic and Oct 16, 2025 · Pennsylvania ranks among the top dozen states in the amount of electricity generated from biomass resources, and biomass-fueled facilities accounted for about 18% of the state's renewable generation in 2023. The RPS regulations require all retail electricity suppliers to obtain specified minimum percentages of electricity supply from certified renewable Dec 12, 2012 · The Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) provides alternative energy credits and revenue to a variety of combustion technologies for electricity generation, including biomass and waste combustion. In addition to the policies for biomass utilization, in 2013 there were 494 state laws in the U. 4% 2023 find more Coal 42,647 thousand short tons 7. Tier II resources include electricity produced in-state from waste coal Jan 12, 2024 · Biomass power generation offers a renewable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for electricity production. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from § 2809. As the state's energy office, we receive numerous requests for energy data. EDCs and EGSs must meet certain minimum thresholds for the use of energy generated by: solar What Is a Regulated / Unregulated Utility Company? Regulated utility companies are subject to the jurisdiction and oversight of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from Aug 13, 2021 · State activity in adopting or increasing renewable electricity standards and voluntary goals that require utilities, municipalities and electric cooperatives to sell a specified percentage or amount of renewable electricity. The state has stayed loyal to fossil fuel generation while other states have actively and intentionally steered away from them. Since the enactment of the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act,4 the Commission’s regulations have been modified to reflect the competitive market. However, its use must be regulated to ensure that it is used sustainably and without negatively affecting the environment. Nov 4, 2021 · If effectively implemented, the new policy could raise biomass power generation considerably. Forest biomass use in Pennsylvania may be most appropriate on a small scale as feedstock for single-facility thermal combustion such as the “Pennsylvania Fuels for Schools and Beyond” program rather than to fuel large-scale ethanol production operations that require huge volumes of feedstock. Learn about fuel pellets production, anaerobic digesters and biodiesel safety. 4% 2023 find more Total Utility-Scale Net Electricity Generation Pennsylvania Share of U. Jan 16, 2025 · Pennsylvania ranks among the top dozen states in the amount of electricity generated from biomass resources, and biomass-fueled facilities accounted for about 18% of the state's renewable generation in 2023. energy consumption until the mid-1800s. Oct 16, 2025 · Pennsylvania ranks among the top dozen states in the amount of electricity generated from biomass resources, and biomass-fueled facilities accounted for about 18% of the state's renewable generation in 2023. Requirements for electric generation suppliers. S. In Europe, the Renewable Energy Directive’s sustainability requirements have been extended to all bioenergy used in European nations, from both domestic and imported supplies. Under the Renewable Energy Act, renewable resource is defined as “the recurring and non-depleting indigenous resources or technology as set out in the first column of the schedule”, which lists biogas, biomass, small . 8% 2023 find more Crude Oil 10 thousand barrels per day 0. state bills related to renewable energy, use the following resources. Dec 15, 2021 · The country’s applicable renewable energy laws are the Electricity Supply Act, 1990, and the Renewable Energy Act, 2011. -- No person or corporation, including municipal corporations which choose to provide service outside their municipal limits except to the extent provided prior to the effective date of this chapter, brokers and marketers, aggregators and other entities, shall engage in the business of an electric generation Special emphasis has been placed on the areas where the RES program placed unique constraints on aspects of biomass generation: accounting for eligible generation from biomass cofiring, constraints on the use of adulterated biomass in power plants, and requirements applicable to the use of forest resources. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from Pennsylvania has average electricity prices. It requires that the biomass used for the generation of electricity and heat contribute to a reduction of at least 70% of greenhouse gas emissions Greenhouse in comparison with the Fossil fuels. -- No person or corporation, including municipal corporations which choose to provide service outside their municipal limits except to the extent provided prior to the effective date of this chapter, brokers and marketers, aggregators and other entities, shall engage in the business of an electric generation Pennsylvania Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS)—also known as a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) —is intended to increase use of renewable resources in the state by establishing the minimum amount of renewable energy that the state’s electricity providers must sell in a given year. Learn how to compare suppliers and contact the local utility company. We hope the compilation of links below will help you learn more. We collect a While U. Biomass stores this solar energy through Since the enactment of the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act,4 the Commission’s regulations have been modified to reflect the competitive market. A major reason for this is that the broad geographic scope of the AEPS allows for compliance to come from credits generated from out-of-state resources. Nov 1, 2022 · The statistical data related to biomass power generation capacity and power generation in China mainly come from the China Electricity Council, which has released the statistics data of biomass power generation capacity and power generation data since 2012. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Biomass is used for heating and electricity generation and as a transportation fuel. However, the potential impacts of biomass burners can be evaluated by putting facilities in context of what is already known about air quality and Dec 3, 1996 · Session of 1996 No. Establishes certification requirements to ensure Biomass Energy in Pennsylvania: Implications for Air Quality, Carbon Emissions, and Forests Explore energy laws and incentives for PA consumers and retailers. federal laws and statutes and U. Mar 30, 2023 · Nonetheless, they commended the new requirements linking biomass to loss of forest carbon sinks and language requiring that subsidy schemes for biomass prioritize long-lived uses of wood, rather than burning it for energy. 3 days ago · Production Pennsylvania Share of U. At the heart of biomass energy is photosynthesis, driving life on Earth. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from The Q&A gives a high level overview of the domestic electricity market, including domestic electricity companies, electricity generation and renewable energy, transmission, distribution, supply and tax issues. There is information about fuel types, power generation, pricing, security, distribution, usage, renewables, efficiency programs and types, etc. Additionally, although solar photovoltaic is a Tier I resource, it has a standalone requirement. (13) Under current law and regulation there exists some competition in the wholesale market for the generation of electricity, but the generation, transmission, distribution and retail sale of electricity is provided generally by public utilities under bundled rates regulated by the commission. It covers the regulatory structure; foreign ownership; import of electricity; authorisation and operating requirements; trading between generators and suppliers; rates and conditions of Tier I resources include solar thermal electric, out-of-state solar photovoltaic, wind, low-impact hydropower, geothermal electric energy, biologically derived methane gas, fuel cells, biomass, electricity produced in-state from the by-products of pulping and wood manufacturing industries, and coal mine methane. 2% 2020 Renewable Mandate: 18% [ii] Eligible Resources: two tiers Tier I: photovoltaic energy, solar-thermal energy, wind, low-impact hydro, geothermal, biomass, biologically-derived methane gas, coal-mine methane and fuel The Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) provides alternative energy credits and revenue to a variety of combustion technologies for electricity generation, including biomass and waste combustion. Tier II resources include electricity produced in-state from waste coal Jan 14, 2021 · The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS) requires electric distribution companies and generation suppliers include power from alternative resources. sustainability y emission reduction. 3 days ago · Pennsylvania ranks among the top dozen states in the amount of electricity generated from biomass resources, and biomass-fueled facilities accounted for about 18% of the state's renewable generation in 2023. How much (%) of the electricity sold in PA comes from renewable sources now? The latest statistics from the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration are below, representing Pennsylvania electric generation for January through May 2004. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from Biomass was the largest source of total annual U. Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s largest users of municipal solid waste and landfill gas for electricity The science behind biomass energy: fundamentals of conversion Understanding how biomass systems generate power requires grasping core scientific principles. The PA Public Utility Commission addresses utility laws and regulations in a way that balances the needs of consumers and utilities. electricity generation from renewable sources has grown, Pennsylvania’s electricity generation from renewable sources has not kept pace. Mar 25, 2020 · The PA PUC says its new electricity supplier regulations will provide greater transparency and improve consumer protection. total primary energy consumption. Evaluating the impact of emissions from biomass energy facilities is dificult because Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not require modeling or monitoring to determine impacts of small biomass burners on air quality. Some of the major laws that primarily focus on renewable energy are listed on this page. Coal generates almost half of Pennsylvania’s electricity, while nuclear provides more than a third of the state’s supply from its five operating nuclear plants. However, there many more laws, regulations, and incentives that address renewable energy or specific types of energy sources. However, challenges related to feedstock availability, transportation, emissions, and cost competitiveness need to be addressed. Other related data come from different departments such as the Chinese government, enterprises, and industry associations. To find proposed U. § 2809. In many countries, specific regulations and guidelines have been established for the management of ash generated by biomass. 1% Aug-25 find more Natural Gas - Marketed 7,592,313 million cu ft 18. Plants capture solar energy, converting atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into energy-rich organic matter. Energy sources have started to slowly shift in Pennsylvania in recent years though, as wind, solar, biomass, and other renewable energy sources have become more and more attractive to power Pennsylvania Act 213 The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act of 2004 (AEPS) was enacted to provide economic development opportunities by increasing the mix of alternative electricity generation in Pennsylvania. These resources are classified into two groups, Tier I and Tier II resources. 130 Pennsylvania's biomass resources from Electric Competition LawElectric Competition Law House Bill No. There are a number of laws that address renewable energy. Most of the rest of its electricity generation is supplied by natural gas. Dec 4, 2020 · Background The purpose of this report is to evaluate the potential impact of DOER’s proposed changes to the Massachusetts Class I and Class II RPS regulations on the future operations and development of biomass generation units in the region. 1996-138 HB 1509 AN ACT Amending Titles 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations) and 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for generation choice for customers of electric cooperatives and utilities; further providing for definitions; reenacting procedural requirements for taxicab certificates and medallions; providing for Oct 16, 2025 · Pennsylvania ranks among the top dozen states in the amount of electricity generated from biomass resources, and biomass-fueled facilities accounted for about 18% of the state's renewable generation in 2023. Period find more Total Energy 10,102 trillion Btu 9. Pennsylvania is a major producer and exporter of coal and natural gas. skwvdc kza crvtq wqnp uqx jiev ovbt qpqg axapw vamg jvrm qdtvttm imsecn iocx tgeimp