| New renewable energy tracking system
launched for Western US
July 13, 2007—The California Energy Commission recently announced the launch of the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS), a renewable energy registry and tracking system for electricity generation. The system, reportedly the largest of its kind in the world in terms of coverage, includes the Western US, parts of Canada, and a portion of Baja California. Created with extensive stakeholder input, the system will be used to meet renewable portfolio standard requirements and other renewable energy policies for states and provinces within the Western Interconnection transmission area. California plans to use the system to meet its goal of generating 33 percent of our electricity from renewable energy by 2020. WREGIS will track renewable energy generation to help ensure the credibility of the "green" value of renewable electricity. Using independent, verifiable, and reliable data, the system is designed to make it easier to implement renewable policies and achieve renewable energy goals. WREGIS is expected to facilitate the growth of renewable energy throughout the Western US. Data in WREGIS includes megawatt-hours produced, fuel source, facility location, and all state, provincial, and voluntary renewable energy program qualifications. One WREGIS certificate is issued for each megawatt-hour of renewable energy produced and deposited on the grid. To prevent double counting, each WREGIS certificate has its own unique serial number. According to CEC, participation in WREGIS is voluntary.
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