Qualifying Facility

(QF)

  A category of electric power producer established under the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) of 1978, that includes small-power producers (SPP) who use renewable sources of energy such as biomass, geothermal, hydroelectricity, solar (thermal and photovoltaic), and wind, or cogenerators who produce both heat and electricity using any type of fuel. PURPA requires utilities to purchase electricity from these power producers at a rate approved by a state utility regulatory agency under Federal guidelines. PURPA also requires utilities to sell electricity to these producers. Some states have developed their own programs for SPPs and utilities.

  A cogeneration of small production facility that meets criteria established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

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  A cogeneration or small power production facility that meets certain ownership, operating, and efficiency criteria established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).

  U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Information Administration's Energy Glossary

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  Under PURPA, QFs were allowed to sell their electric output to the local utility at avoided cost rates. To become a QF, the independent power supplier had to produce electricity with a specified fuel type (cogeneration or renewables), and meet certain ownership, size, and efficiency criteria established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

  California Energy Comission. Dictionary of Energy Terms

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  QFs are non-utility power producers that often generate electricity using renewable and alternative resources, such as hydro, wind, solar, geothermal or biomass (solid waste). QFs must meet certain operating, efficiency, and fuel-use standards set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). If they meet these FERC standards, utilities must buy power from them. QFs usually have long-term contracts with utilities for the purchase of this power, which is among the utility's highest-priced resources.

  California Energy Comission. Dictionary of Energy Terms

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  A cogenerator or small power producer which under federal law, has the right to sell its excess power output to the public utility.

  California Energy Comission. Dictionary of Energy Terms