1. Despite EPAct's preference for producing renewable energy on Federal lands, the Department relied almost exclusively on purchases of renewable energy. In fact, in FY 2010, on-site renewable energy generation represented less than 1 percent of total electricity consumed Department-wide. The lack of large-scale on-site projects occurred, at least in part, because of the challenges the Department faced in financing renewable energy projects;

 

2. Sites may not have always purchased renewable energy in the most cost-effective manner. In particular, we noted significant variability in the costs sites paid to purchase renewable energy-- ranging from $0.44 to $26.67 per megawatt hour. The cost variability we noted was often a result of the sites' lack of awareness about available purchasing options and was not generally based on a detailed cost analysis of options that identified the best value. Additionally, the Department guidance on renewable energy purchases did not provide sites with advice regarding how to evaluate the different purchase options to ensure procurement at the best value; and,

 

3. The Department had not ensured its sites reported consistent and accurate renewable energy data. For example, some sites inaccurately reported either the megawatt hours or the cost of renewable energy purchased. We noted that the Department's guidance did not provide detailed instructions to site officials concerning data input. However, it is important to note that the Department's achievement of EPAct's energy usage goals was not affected by the errors.