As used in this article, “distributed energy resources” means electric generation technology that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Commences initial operation between May 1, 2001, and June 1, 2003, except that gas-fired distributed energy resources that are not operated in a combined heat and power application shall commence operation no later than September 1, 2002.
(b) Is located within a single facility.
(c) Is five megawatts or smaller in aggregate capacity.
(d) Serves onsite loads or over-the-fence transactions allowed under Sections 216 and 218.
(e) Is powered by any fuel other than diesel.
(f) Complies with emission standards and guidance adopted by the State Air Resources Board pursuant to Sections 41514.9 and 41514.10 of the Health and Safety Code. Prior to the adoption of those standards and guidance, for the purpose of this article, distributed energy resources shall meet emission levels equivalent to nine parts per million oxides of nitrogen, or the equivalent standard taking into account efficiency as determined by the State Air Resources Board, averaged over a three-hour period, or best available control technology for the applicable air district, whichever is lower, except for distributed generation units that displace and therefore significantly reduce emissions from natural gas flares or reinjection compressors, as determined by the State Air Resources Board. These units shall comply with the applicable best available control technology as determined by the air pollution control district or air quality management district in which they are located.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 193. Effective January 1, 2009.)