RPS Procurement Programs

The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) solicitation process is the primary policy framework for the development of utility-scale renewable energy in California. Typically, California’s three large investor-owned utilities (IOUs) issue annual solicitations for renewable energy contracts, however, the utilities may also procure renewable energy through all-source solicitations and bilateral contracts.

RPS retail sellers are required to submit annual RPS Procurement Plans to the Commission, which detail planning efforts for procurement to meet RPS requirements. RPS Procurement Plans may be found in the RPS proceeding docket and more information on RPS Procurement Plans can be found here.

Below are other Commission-created programs that encourage procurement of distributed generation.

Utility Scale Request for Offer (RFO)

The three California IOUs contract for long-term, utility-scale supplies of renewable energy through annual competitive requests for offers called “RFOs.” The CPUC established this program for utility procurement of renewable energy to ensure that the utilities meet their RPS obligations through a transparent process.

More information regarding utility scale RFO’s can be found here.

Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM)

The Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM) is a simplified market-based procurement mechanism for renewable distributed generation projects greater than 3 MW and up to 20 MW on the system side of the meter.

More information on the RAM program can be found here.

More information on the BioRAM program can be found here.

ReMAT

The Renewable Market Adjusting Tariff (ReMAT) is a feed-in tariff program for renewable generators less than 3 MW in size. This program offers up to 493.6 MW to eligible projects through a fixed-price standard contract to export electricity to California’s three IOUs. The ReMAT Program replaced the AB 1969 Feed-in Tariff Program in 2013.

For additional information on the ReMAT program, please click here.

BioMAT

The Bioenergy Market Adjusting Tariff (BioMAT) is a feed-in tariff program for bioenergy renewable generators less than 3 MW in size. This program offers up to 250 MW to eligible projects through a fixed-price standard contract to export electricity to California’s three IOUs. The BioMAT program is no longer available to new contracts as of December 31, 2025.

More information on the SB 1122 BioMAT program can be found here.

Utility Solar PV Programs (SPVP)

The Commission authorized Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) to own and operate solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities as well as to execute solar PV power purchase agreements with independent power producers (IPP) through a competitive solicitation process.

For additional information on the SPVP program, please click here