Qualifying facilities
The Public Utilities Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) created an obligation for electric utilities to offer to purchase power from, and interconnect with, qualifying generation projects. PURPA is implemented through a set of rules established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and each state with jurisdiction over Rocky Mountain Power. Qualifying Facilities (QFs) must meet certain criteria as specified in the FERC rules.
Avoided cost (the cost a utility avoids as a result of the QF) forms the basis for determining QF purchase pricing. In many states where the company operates, prices are established by a tariff applicable up to a certain-sized threshold and below. Each state is regulated by a public service or utility commission that has certain responsibilities for the implementation of PURPA as provided in the FERC rules. The rules and relevant orders are from each state are identified below.
Power Purchase Agreements – Standard power purchase agreements are required for some states and such agreement forms are available using the links below. For those states that do not require a standard form agreement, the QF should contact Rocky Mountain Power for the form used in that state. Questions regarding QF power purchase agreements or the company's avoided cost rates should be directed to the Qualifying Facilities contact below.
Interconnection – QFs located in Rocky Mountain Power's service area also will need to execute an interconnection agreement. QF interconnection agreements are administered by the company's transmission services function (PacifiCorp Transmission Services). Learn more about interconnect requests.
The process for entering into a power purchase agreement is generally described and applicable to all QFs as shown in Schedule 38 filed in Utah.
The following links provide further information:
Idaho
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Wyoming
Wyoming Schedule 37 Avoided Cost Prices
Wyoming Schedule 38 Avoided Cost Purchases from Non-standard Qualifying Facilities
Wyoming Public Service Commission
Utah
Utah Schedule 37 Avoided Cost Prices
Power Purchase Agreement for QFs greater than 1 MW
Utah Schedule 38 Process for QFs greater than 3,000 kW
Utah Indicative Pricing Request Checklist
Utah Public Service Commission