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Renewable Energy

Updated March 7, 2006

Public Benefit Funds

Public Benefit Funds are typically state-level programs developed through the electric industry restructuring process as a measure to assure continued support for renewable energy resources, energy efficiency initiatives, and low-income support programs. (These funds are also frequently referred to as a system benefits fund, or SBF). Such a fund is most commonly supported through a charge to all customers on electricity consumption, e.g., 0.2 cents/kWh. Examples of how the funds are used include: buy-downs of the per kWh cost of renewable energy; rebates on renewable energy systems; funding for renewable energy R&D; and development of renewable energy education programs.

Who’s adopted it?

Fourteen states have a public benefit fund in place. Maine receives funding through voluntary, rather than mandatory, contributions.

For additional information on public benefit funds, please reference the fact sheet located on the Renewable Policy Fact Sheets page.

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