CEC Publishes 10th Edition of the RPS Eligibility Guidebook

On December 19, 2025, the California Energy Commission (“CEC”) adopted the Tenth Edition of the Renewables Portfolio Standard (“RPS”) Eligibility Guidebook (“the Guidebook”). The Guidebook describes eligibility requirements as well as processes required to certify eligible renewable energy resources for the RPS program. The Tenth Edition of the Guidebook also acknowledges and incorporates both legislative as well as technological advancements made since the Ninth Edition, which was adopted in 2017.

While the Guidebook is not incorporated into California’s regulatory framework directly, by providing requirements and processes for the RPS program the Guidebook is determinative in effect. By adopting the Guidebook, the CEC has promulgated guidance and rules for which those participating in the RPS program must abide by. The Guidebook implements laws such as Senate Bill 100 (2018, DeLeon) which establish state renewable energy targets by applying them to the RPS program. The Guidebook includes further updates to energy resource eligibility requirements, such as for final delivery points and clarifications for new biomethane procurement contracts, updates to facility requirements related to locations and permitting, and clarifications for the RPS online system as well as for RPS certification processes. The Guidebook elucidates a variety of verification and compliance updates, such as for reporting and renewable energy credit (REC) retirements, including rules on creating retroactive RECs.

Further, the updated Guidebook significantly expands the discussion  on storage system requirements considering the exponential increase of storage resources coupled with renewable generation since the Ninth Edition’s adoption. Those changes focus on energy losses and station load netting. Substantial updating regarding inclusion of linear generators to the coterie of RPS-eligible resources. The Guidebook also includes clarifications and revisions asserting the CEC’s authority over the RPS program, particularly with respect to publicly owned utilities.

At the CEC’s Business Meeting to consider the proposed resolution adopting the new edition of the Guidebook, linear generation developers publicly expressed support for the inclusion of this technology in the Guidebook. Several parties expressed concern that it had been 8 years since the last update, and the Commission expressed intent to provide more regular updated in the future. Hydrogen fueled generation was also a subject raised in a number of public comments. CEC staff and Commissioners expressed the view that more work and legislative direction are needed to determine how hydrogen, either green or as a combustion resource, fits into the RPS program. Some of this work may be forthcoming in 2026

The Guidebook and related materials are available in the CEC’s docket for the “Renewables Portfolio Standard 10th Edition Guidebook Update,” Docket No. 21-RPS-02.

For more information, contact Clarissa Maloney