Electricity Certification Programs

Ian RowlandsUniversity of Waterloo

CEA/NRCan Workshop25 November 2002

Purpose

to introduce electricity certification programs

generate discussion about their role in ‘diversifying the mix’

Outline

ecolabels, generallyelectricity certification programs (ECPs)

intentions some global examples similarities and differences, worldwide Canadian situation ongoing issues and prospects

summary and conclusions

Ecolabels, generally

ecolabels’ intention identify those products and services that are, based

on life cycle considerations, environmentally-preferable

Ecolabels, generally

the motivation? to get consumers to buy more environmentally-

friendly products and services

$

Electricity Certification Programs: ECPs

intentions

similar to those of ecolabelling programs more generally

unlike many products, however, it is not the product itself that is ‘different’

instead, virtually all environmental impacts occur ‘earlier in the lifecycle’

ECPs: some global examples

Switzerland

Australia

United States

GermanyUnited Kingdom

ECPs: similarities, worldwide

what is ‘green’?

what is not ‘green’?

ECPs: differences, worldwide

declared aim of the program

narrow

broad

‘reduce GHG emissions’

‘reduce air emissions’

‘reduce environmental impacts’

ECPs: differences, worldwide

inclusion of ‘light green’ resourcesparticularly hydropower and biofuels

ECPs: differences, worldwide

inclusion of ‘new’ versus ‘old’ green electricity

percentage of ‘new’ in a certified product

how is ‘new’ defined (i.e., what cut-off date is used?)

ECPs: differences, worldwide

part of ‘broader’ ecolabel program, or not

governance

executive responsibilities

day-to-day management

ECPs: differences, worldwide

‘levels’ of certification

only one, or more than one

certification of ‘blends’

role of ‘green power funds’

ECPs: Canadian situation

Discussion Draft ECP-79

‘Guideline on Renewable Low-Impact Electricity’

ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects

certification programs have had an impact to date verifying supplies and increasing consumer

confidence

however, on their own, electricity certification programs may only get us ‘so far’ ...

ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects

... thus, their relationship with other strategies needs to be considered

for example, renewable portfolio standards, systems benefits charges and so on

ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects

international interactions among different certification programs in North America, any incongruity between

continentalisation and sub-national activity to promote ‘green electricity’?

potential for trade and/or investment disputes? encourages us to ask at what scale should

certification programs be undertaken?

ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects

international interactions among different certification programs benefits of a harmonised approach benefits of a localised approach more fully describing a ‘middle ground’ lessons from Europe?

Summary and Conclusions

Presenter’s contact details:

Ian RowlandsFaculty of Environmental StudiesUniversity of Waterlootel: (519) 888-4567, ext. 2574email: irowland@uwaterloo.ca