(a) Eligibility. Section 212(d) of the Act provides for a permanent exemption for certain fuel mixtures. To qualify a petitioner must certify that:

(1) The petitioner proposes to use a mixture of natural gas or petroleum and an alternate fuel as a primary energy source;

(2) The amount of petroleum or natural gas proposed to be used in the mixture will not exceed the minimum percentage of the total annual Btu heat input of the primary energy sources needed to maintain operational reliability of the unit consistent with maintaining a reasonable level of fuel efficiency; and

(3) No alternate power supply exists, as required under § 503.8 of these regulations.

(b) Evidence required in support of a petition. The petition must include the following evidence in order to make the demonstration required by this section:

(1) Duly executed certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section;

(2) Exhibits containing the basis for the certifications required under paragraph (a) of this section (including those factual and analytical materials deemed by the petitioner to be sufficient to support the granting of this exemption);

(3) A description of the fuel mixture, including component fuels and the percentage of each such fuel to be used; and

(4) Environmental impact analysis as required under § 503.13 of these regulations.

(c) Solar mixtures. OFE will grant a permanent mixtures exemption for the use of a mixture of solar energy (including wind, tide, and other intermittent sources) and petroleum or natural gas, where:

(1) Solar energy will account for at least 20 percent of the total annual Btu heat input, of the primary energy sources of the unit; and

(2) Petitioner meets the eligibility and evidentiary requirements of paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section.