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Weekly Digest
Application of PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (U39E) for Review of the Disadvantaged Communities – Green Tariff, Community Solar Green Tariff and Green Tariff Shared Renewables Programs.
Renewable Energy Programs Update
The recent documents related to A22-05-022 provide a comprehensive update on the state of renewable energy programs in California, focusing on the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and community solar projects. Here's a breakdown of the key points and positions from various stakeholders:
Overview of Renewable Energy Programs
- The NVBT and community solar projects are at the forefront, with discussions on their potential to expand renewable energy access.
- Criticisms target the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) for not fully recognizing the benefits of NVBT and potentially undermining renewable energy efforts.
Comments on Proposed Decision
- The Coalition for Community Solar Access expresses concerns about the proposed decision not aligning with Assembly Bill 2316 and the potential cost shifts to nonparticipating customers.
- Solar Landscape Origination LLC criticizes Pacific Gas and Electric Company's green tariff programs, suggesting modifications to better serve low-income households and increase the capacity of the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program (DAC-GT).
FERC Orders and Cases
Discussions include FERC orders related to electric storage and distributed energy resources, emphasizing that community solar facilities and utilities do not engage in wholesale sales.
Treatment of Credits
The treatment of credits from net metering and community solar is debated, with a focus on retail rate design under state jurisdiction.
Solar for All Program and National Community Solar Partnership
The document highlights the importance of targeting low-income households and recommends utilizing various funding sources for renewable energy projects.
Potential Modifications to the NVBT
Suggestions include implementing a net surplus compensation framework and applying it to all surplus energy at the end of the NVBT facility’s Relevant Period.
Recommendations for the NVBT Program
The NVBT program is praised for its flexibility and contribution to peak load reductions, with a call for the Commission to confirm NVBT resources as load modifiers.
Use of Funding Sources
Recommendations include utilizing state and federal funding sources like AB 102 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for renewable energy projects.
Targeting Low-Income Households
Emphasizes the importance of automatic enrollment and flat monetary credits on bills for existing program participants.
Challenges with PURPA Prices
Discusses the challenges with PURPA prices in attracting developers to community solar projects and suggests using additional funds to incentivize participation.
Stakeholder Comments
- Valta Energy and The Clean Coalition support the NVBT for its potential to democratize access to solar energy and promote equitable distribution of economic benefits.
- Concerns are raised about the commercial viability of the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) and the adequacy of compensation under PURPA’s framework.
Concusion
The documents collectively underscore the potential savings and advantages of deploying NVBT for renewable energy programs in California. Stakeholders urge the Commission to modify or reject the Proposed Decision based on these findings, highlighting the need for a program that benefits all ratepayers, promotes energy efficiency, and ensures participation from low-income households.
Bill to cut California's industrial emissions, shift to zero-emission tech, and prioritize disadvantaged communities by 2045
Renewable Energy Programs Update
The recent documents related to A22-05-022 provide a comprehensive update on the state of renewable energy programs in California, focusing on the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and community solar projects. Here's a breakdown of the key points and positions from various stakeholders:
Overview of Renewable Energy Programs
- The NVBT and community solar projects are at the forefront, with discussions on their potential to expand renewable energy access.
- Criticisms target the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) for not fully recognizing the benefits of NVBT and potentially undermining renewable energy efforts.
Comments on Proposed Decision
- The Coalition for Community Solar Access expresses concerns about the proposed decision not aligning with Assembly Bill 2316 and the potential cost shifts to nonparticipating customers.
- Solar Landscape Origination LLC criticizes Pacific Gas and Electric Company's green tariff programs, suggesting modifications to better serve low-income households and increase the capacity of the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program (DAC-GT).
FERC Orders and Cases
Discussions include FERC orders related to electric storage and distributed energy resources, emphasizing that community solar facilities and utilities do not engage in wholesale sales.
Treatment of Credits
The treatment of credits from net metering and community solar is debated, with a focus on retail rate design under state jurisdiction.
Solar for All Program and National Community Solar Partnership
The document highlights the importance of targeting low-income households and recommends utilizing various funding sources for renewable energy projects.
Potential Modifications to the NVBT
Suggestions include implementing a net surplus compensation framework and applying it to all surplus energy at the end of the NVBT facility’s Relevant Period.
Recommendations for the NVBT Program
The NVBT program is praised for its flexibility and contribution to peak load reductions, with a call for the Commission to confirm NVBT resources as load modifiers.
Use of Funding Sources
Recommendations include utilizing state and federal funding sources like AB 102 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for renewable energy projects.
Targeting Low-Income Households
Emphasizes the importance of automatic enrollment and flat monetary credits on bills for existing program participants.
Challenges with PURPA Prices
Discusses the challenges with PURPA prices in attracting developers to community solar projects and suggests using additional funds to incentivize participation.
Stakeholder Comments
- Valta Energy and The Clean Coalition support the NVBT for its potential to democratize access to solar energy and promote equitable distribution of economic benefits.
- Concerns are raised about the commercial viability of the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) and the adequacy of compensation under PURPA’s framework.
Concusion
The documents collectively underscore the potential savings and advantages of deploying NVBT for renewable energy programs in California. Stakeholders urge the Commission to modify or reject the Proposed Decision based on these findings, highlighting the need for a program that benefits all ratepayers, promotes energy efficiency, and ensures participation from low-income households.
Streamline approval process for upgrading transmission facilities by allowing advanced reconductoring projects without construction permits, reducing costs and improving efficiency
Renewable Energy Programs Update
The recent documents related to A22-05-022 provide a comprehensive update on the state of renewable energy programs in California, focusing on the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and community solar projects. Here's a breakdown of the key points and positions from various stakeholders:
Overview of Renewable Energy Programs
- The NVBT and community solar projects are at the forefront, with discussions on their potential to expand renewable energy access.
- Criticisms target the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) for not fully recognizing the benefits of NVBT and potentially undermining renewable energy efforts.
Comments on Proposed Decision
- The Coalition for Community Solar Access expresses concerns about the proposed decision not aligning with Assembly Bill 2316 and the potential cost shifts to nonparticipating customers.
- Solar Landscape Origination LLC criticizes Pacific Gas and Electric Company's green tariff programs, suggesting modifications to better serve low-income households and increase the capacity of the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program (DAC-GT).
FERC Orders and Cases
Discussions include FERC orders related to electric storage and distributed energy resources, emphasizing that community solar facilities and utilities do not engage in wholesale sales.
Treatment of Credits
The treatment of credits from net metering and community solar is debated, with a focus on retail rate design under state jurisdiction.
Solar for All Program and National Community Solar Partnership
The document highlights the importance of targeting low-income households and recommends utilizing various funding sources for renewable energy projects.
Potential Modifications to the NVBT
Suggestions include implementing a net surplus compensation framework and applying it to all surplus energy at the end of the NVBT facility’s Relevant Period.
Recommendations for the NVBT Program
The NVBT program is praised for its flexibility and contribution to peak load reductions, with a call for the Commission to confirm NVBT resources as load modifiers.
Use of Funding Sources
Recommendations include utilizing state and federal funding sources like AB 102 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for renewable energy projects.
Targeting Low-Income Households
Emphasizes the importance of automatic enrollment and flat monetary credits on bills for existing program participants.
Challenges with PURPA Prices
Discusses the challenges with PURPA prices in attracting developers to community solar projects and suggests using additional funds to incentivize participation.
Stakeholder Comments
- Valta Energy and The Clean Coalition support the NVBT for its potential to democratize access to solar energy and promote equitable distribution of economic benefits.
- Concerns are raised about the commercial viability of the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) and the adequacy of compensation under PURPA’s framework.
Concusion
The documents collectively underscore the potential savings and advantages of deploying NVBT for renewable energy programs in California. Stakeholders urge the Commission to modify or reject the Proposed Decision based on these findings, highlighting the need for a program that benefits all ratepayers, promotes energy efficiency, and ensures participation from low-income households.
Application of PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (U39E) for Review of the Disadvantaged Communities – Green Tariff, Community Solar Green Tariff and Green Tariff Shared Renewables Programs.
Renewable Energy Programs Update
The recent documents related to A22-05-022 provide a comprehensive update on the state of renewable energy programs in California, focusing on the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and community solar projects. Here's a breakdown of the key points and positions from various stakeholders:
Overview of Renewable Energy Programs
- The NVBT and community solar projects are at the forefront, with discussions on their potential to expand renewable energy access.
- Criticisms target the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) for not fully recognizing the benefits of NVBT and potentially undermining renewable energy efforts.
Comments on Proposed Decision
- The Coalition for Community Solar Access expresses concerns about the proposed decision not aligning with Assembly Bill 2316 and the potential cost shifts to nonparticipating customers.
- Solar Landscape Origination LLC criticizes Pacific Gas and Electric Company's green tariff programs, suggesting modifications to better serve low-income households and increase the capacity of the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program (DAC-GT).
FERC Orders and Cases
Discussions include FERC orders related to electric storage and distributed energy resources, emphasizing that community solar facilities and utilities do not engage in wholesale sales.
Treatment of Credits
The treatment of credits from net metering and community solar is debated, with a focus on retail rate design under state jurisdiction.
Solar for All Program and National Community Solar Partnership
The document highlights the importance of targeting low-income households and recommends utilizing various funding sources for renewable energy projects.
Potential Modifications to the NVBT
Suggestions include implementing a net surplus compensation framework and applying it to all surplus energy at the end of the NVBT facility’s Relevant Period.
Recommendations for the NVBT Program
The NVBT program is praised for its flexibility and contribution to peak load reductions, with a call for the Commission to confirm NVBT resources as load modifiers.
Use of Funding Sources
Recommendations include utilizing state and federal funding sources like AB 102 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for renewable energy projects.
Targeting Low-Income Households
Emphasizes the importance of automatic enrollment and flat monetary credits on bills for existing program participants.
Challenges with PURPA Prices
Discusses the challenges with PURPA prices in attracting developers to community solar projects and suggests using additional funds to incentivize participation.
Stakeholder Comments
- Valta Energy and The Clean Coalition support the NVBT for its potential to democratize access to solar energy and promote equitable distribution of economic benefits.
- Concerns are raised about the commercial viability of the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) and the adequacy of compensation under PURPA’s framework.
Concusion
The documents collectively underscore the potential savings and advantages of deploying NVBT for renewable energy programs in California. Stakeholders urge the Commission to modify or reject the Proposed Decision based on these findings, highlighting the need for a program that benefits all ratepayers, promotes energy efficiency, and ensures participation from low-income households.
Bill to cut California's industrial emissions, shift to zero-emission tech, and prioritize disadvantaged communities by 2045
Renewable Energy Programs Update
The recent documents related to A22-05-022 provide a comprehensive update on the state of renewable energy programs in California, focusing on the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and community solar projects. Here's a breakdown of the key points and positions from various stakeholders:
Overview of Renewable Energy Programs
- The NVBT and community solar projects are at the forefront, with discussions on their potential to expand renewable energy access.
- Criticisms target the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) for not fully recognizing the benefits of NVBT and potentially undermining renewable energy efforts.
Comments on Proposed Decision
- The Coalition for Community Solar Access expresses concerns about the proposed decision not aligning with Assembly Bill 2316 and the potential cost shifts to nonparticipating customers.
- Solar Landscape Origination LLC criticizes Pacific Gas and Electric Company's green tariff programs, suggesting modifications to better serve low-income households and increase the capacity of the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program (DAC-GT).
FERC Orders and Cases
Discussions include FERC orders related to electric storage and distributed energy resources, emphasizing that community solar facilities and utilities do not engage in wholesale sales.
Treatment of Credits
The treatment of credits from net metering and community solar is debated, with a focus on retail rate design under state jurisdiction.
Solar for All Program and National Community Solar Partnership
The document highlights the importance of targeting low-income households and recommends utilizing various funding sources for renewable energy projects.
Potential Modifications to the NVBT
Suggestions include implementing a net surplus compensation framework and applying it to all surplus energy at the end of the NVBT facility’s Relevant Period.
Recommendations for the NVBT Program
The NVBT program is praised for its flexibility and contribution to peak load reductions, with a call for the Commission to confirm NVBT resources as load modifiers.
Use of Funding Sources
Recommendations include utilizing state and federal funding sources like AB 102 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for renewable energy projects.
Targeting Low-Income Households
Emphasizes the importance of automatic enrollment and flat monetary credits on bills for existing program participants.
Challenges with PURPA Prices
Discusses the challenges with PURPA prices in attracting developers to community solar projects and suggests using additional funds to incentivize participation.
Stakeholder Comments
- Valta Energy and The Clean Coalition support the NVBT for its potential to democratize access to solar energy and promote equitable distribution of economic benefits.
- Concerns are raised about the commercial viability of the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) and the adequacy of compensation under PURPA’s framework.
Concusion
The documents collectively underscore the potential savings and advantages of deploying NVBT for renewable energy programs in California. Stakeholders urge the Commission to modify or reject the Proposed Decision based on these findings, highlighting the need for a program that benefits all ratepayers, promotes energy efficiency, and ensures participation from low-income households.
Streamline approval process for upgrading transmission facilities by allowing advanced reconductoring projects without construction permits, reducing costs and improving efficiency
Renewable Energy Programs Update
The recent documents related to A22-05-022 provide a comprehensive update on the state of renewable energy programs in California, focusing on the Net Value Billing Tariff (NVBT) and community solar projects. Here's a breakdown of the key points and positions from various stakeholders:
Overview of Renewable Energy Programs
- The NVBT and community solar projects are at the forefront, with discussions on their potential to expand renewable energy access.
- Criticisms target the Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) for not fully recognizing the benefits of NVBT and potentially undermining renewable energy efforts.
Comments on Proposed Decision
- The Coalition for Community Solar Access expresses concerns about the proposed decision not aligning with Assembly Bill 2316 and the potential cost shifts to nonparticipating customers.
- Solar Landscape Origination LLC criticizes Pacific Gas and Electric Company's green tariff programs, suggesting modifications to better serve low-income households and increase the capacity of the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program (DAC-GT).
FERC Orders and Cases
Discussions include FERC orders related to electric storage and distributed energy resources, emphasizing that community solar facilities and utilities do not engage in wholesale sales.
Treatment of Credits
The treatment of credits from net metering and community solar is debated, with a focus on retail rate design under state jurisdiction.
Solar for All Program and National Community Solar Partnership
The document highlights the importance of targeting low-income households and recommends utilizing various funding sources for renewable energy projects.
Potential Modifications to the NVBT
Suggestions include implementing a net surplus compensation framework and applying it to all surplus energy at the end of the NVBT facility’s Relevant Period.
Recommendations for the NVBT Program
The NVBT program is praised for its flexibility and contribution to peak load reductions, with a call for the Commission to confirm NVBT resources as load modifiers.
Use of Funding Sources
Recommendations include utilizing state and federal funding sources like AB 102 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for renewable energy projects.
Targeting Low-Income Households
Emphasizes the importance of automatic enrollment and flat monetary credits on bills for existing program participants.
Challenges with PURPA Prices
Discusses the challenges with PURPA prices in attracting developers to community solar projects and suggests using additional funds to incentivize participation.
Stakeholder Comments
- Valta Energy and The Clean Coalition support the NVBT for its potential to democratize access to solar energy and promote equitable distribution of economic benefits.
- Concerns are raised about the commercial viability of the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) and the adequacy of compensation under PURPA’s framework.
Concusion
The documents collectively underscore the potential savings and advantages of deploying NVBT for renewable energy programs in California. Stakeholders urge the Commission to modify or reject the Proposed Decision based on these findings, highlighting the need for a program that benefits all ratepayers, promotes energy efficiency, and ensures participation from low-income households.
Order Instituting Rulemaking to Continue Oversight of Electric Integrated Resource Planning and Procurement Processes.
Last Week's New Rulings +2
Overview of Recent Updates in CPUC Rulemaking on Electric Resource Planning and Procurement
Recent rulings in the California Public Utilities Commission’s ongoing proceeding address electricity resource portfolios, reliability procurement needs, stakeholder engagement, and administrative record updates for the 2026-2027 Transmission Planning Process (TPP). These documents seek stakeholder input and clarify requirements for load serving entities (LSEs) and other...
parties involved in California’s integrated resource planning.
Electricity Resource Portfolios and Transmission Planning
The Commission is soliciting stakeholder comments on proposed electricity resource portfolios for the California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) 2026-2027 TPP. The recommended Base Case portfolio includes approximately half of the upper bound of long lead-time resources for central procurement, as determined under Assembly Bill 1373. Offshore wind resources are retained, with adjusted online dates for Morro Bay and Humboldt projects. Both the Base Case and Least-Cost Comparison portfolios reflect increased capacity needs due to a higher load forecast in the 2024 Integrated Energy Policy Report, primarily through solar, storage, and geothermal resources.
- A Limited Wind Sensitivity portfolio is proposed to evaluate transmission impacts if in-state wind is capped and offshore wind is excluded, showing modest near-term but significant long-term cost increases.
- Updates to the Busbar Mapping Methodology incorporate feedback from transmission owners, wildfire risk data, and expanded land-use criteria. Generators in disadvantaged communities are no longer exempt from non-retention decisions based solely on reliability.
Reliability Procurement and Resource Needs
Staff analysis addresses reliability procurement needs beyond those set in previous decisions, which require LSEs to procure 11,500 MW of net qualifying capacity by 2026 and an additional 4,000 MW by 2028. The analysis highlights collaboration among the California Energy Commission, CAISO, and the Commission to develop annual resource portfolios for transmission planning.
- The Procurement Need Analysis focuses on reliability needs from 2028 to 2032, driven by increased load forecasts from data centers and electrification. Significant load growth is anticipated, requiring additional capacity procurement orders.
- A revised procurement requirement is proposed, totaling 6,000 MW for 2029-2032, to support regular annual procurement and leverage federal incentives. Compliance will be assessed annually, with new resources required to be operational by June 1 each year starting in 2026. Penalties for non-compliance will be based on the net cost of new entry for any shortfall.
- The Reliable and Clean Power Procurement Program and interim procurement orders are emphasized as important for maintaining reliability. The ruling addresses concerns about federal tax credit sunsetting, market distortions, and updates to modeling assumptions, including the effects of recent federal actions on solar and battery storage costs.
Greenhouse Gas Targets and Clean Energy Standards
California’s greenhouse gas targets and clean energy standards for 2035-2045 are outlined, with the GHG target slightly exceeding Senate Bill 100 requirements. The analysis underscores the importance of resource selection for meeting 2045 climate goals and recommends against scenarios without a post-2035 GHG target.
Stakeholder Engagement and Administrative Record
Stakeholders are invited to review the full analysis and supplemental materials, with opportunities to provide comments and replies on proposed portfolios and procurement requirements. The Commission will continue to update stakeholders and incorporate feedback from recent webinars into future planning cycles.
Enhance Surplus Interconnection Service Integration and Transparency in Long-Term Transmission Planning for Electrical Utilities
- Vetoed by the Governor.
Enhance Public Utility Rate Transparency and Public Participation in Rate Increases for Electrical Corporations and Renewable Energy Compliance.
- Vetoed by the Governor.
Establish Load Modification Protocols for Electrical Demand Forecasts by Load-Serving Entities and Resource Aggregators.
- Vetoed by the Governor.
Enhance Load Shifting Analysis and Reporting for Cost-Effective Energy Management by the Energy Commission.
- Vetoed by the Governor.
- In the Senate, consideration of the Governor's veto is pending.
Mandate Virtual Power Plant Deployment and Annual Load Shift Reporting by Electrical Corporations to the Energy Commission
- Vetoed by the Governor.
Enhance Transparency and Accountability in Utility Rate Cases by Requiring Detailed Financial Reporting from Electrical and Gas Corporations
- Approved by the Governor.
- Chaptered by the Secretary of State - Chapter 177, Statutes of 2025.
Extend Sales Tax Exclusions for Alternative Energy Projects and Include Nuclear Fusion Facilities Until January 1, 2028.
- Approved by the Governor.
- Chaptered by the Secretary of State. Chapter 211, Statutes of 2025.
Extend Active Solar Energy System Tax Exclusion and Modify Repeal Date in California Property Tax Law.
- Approved by the Governor.
- Chaptered by the Secretary of State. Chapter 328, Statutes of 2025.
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