Federal Renewable Energy Certificate Guide

The Federal Renewable Energy Certificate Guide provides basic information for Federal staff who are new to the concept of renewable energy and renewable energy certificates (RECs), and are seeking to better understand the options for using RECs to meet Federal renewable energy targets. Section 3(c) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13693 calls for agencies to obtain at least 30 percent of their electricity from renewable electric energy by 2025. This exceeds the 7.5 percent government-wide minimum called for by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct2005). Progress towards this renewable electricity goal is one of the three main publicly-reported metrics of progress under this E.O. (see www.performance.gov), and agencies are encouraged to capture and report all electricity use that counts towards this goal.

This guide serves as the “CEQ REC Guidance” referenced in the E.O. 13693 implementing instructions and is intended to assist agencies in understanding the use of RECs to meet the statutory and Executive Order goals for renewable energy. It does not specifically address the process for agencies to report renewable energy consumption. Agencies should refer to the most recent Department of Energy reporting guidance for instructions on how to report renewable energy consumption.