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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 Establish Energization Timelines.
Last Week's New Comments +3
Overview
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is currently reviewing a request from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to significantly increase cost caps for energization in the years 2025 and 2026. This update provides a sampling of parties' positions on the matter, based on comments filed by various stakeholders.
PG&E's Request for Increased Cost Limits
PG&E has requested to raise the 2025 cap from $618 million to $2.115 billion and the 2026...
cap from $669 million to $2.302 billion. Additionally, PG&E seeks permission to transfer funds between these two years and to eliminate certain revenue limits for the period of 2024-2026.
Cal Advocates recommends that the CPUC deny PG&E's request, citing potential negative impacts on ratepayers and a lack of proper justification for such a large increase. They argue that PG&E's motion was submitted prematurely and lacks sufficient supporting information.
TURN asserts that PG&E has not provided adequate evidence to support these proposed increases, as required by previous Commission decisions. They call for more time for intervenor testimony to properly evaluate PG&E's claims.
Tesla agrees with PG&E that the cost caps require revision, emphasizing the need for more funding to achieve California's electrification goals. They support PG&E's proposal to raise these caps to address the backlog of projects and future electrification demands.
Impact on Ratepayers
Cal Advocates expresses concerns about the potential negative impacts on ratepayers if PG&E's request is approved. They argue that the CPUC must ensure that PG&E's request is legally sound and backed by adequate evidence.
Justification for Cost Increases
Cal Advocates argues that PG&E's current request exceeds previous approvals by nearly $400 million and lacks sufficient supporting information.
TURN highlights that PG&E's documentation does not convincingly demonstrate a need for increased spending or compliance with the Commission's evidence requirements. They point out that PG&E's rate of customer connections has not improved, raising concerns about its capacity to handle increased work.
Tesla points out that delays in upgrading distribution capacity are hindering the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which could slow the transition to EVs. They believe the current cost caps are outdated and do not reflect the rapid increase in EV adoption.
Regulatory Timeline
Cal Advocates suggests a revised timeline to ensure proper consideration of PG&E's request, emphasizing the need for due process.
TURN advocates for an extension of the timeline for intervenor testimony, arguing that the current schedule is too tight for a comprehensive review of PG&E's claims.
Tesla supports PG&E's timeline that aligns with Senate Bill 410 requirements, aiming for responses by December 2, 2024, and a final decision by early March 2025.
Conclusion
Cal Advocates concludes that the CPUC should reject PG&E's motion and ensure that future procedures respect due process rights as outlined in the Public Utilities Code.
TURN stresses the importance of allowing adequate time for the Public Advocates Office to analyze PG&E's request, especially given the high volume of utility rate increase requests.
Tesla is ready to actively participate in the process and encourages the Commission to issue a Scoping Memo to ensure a swift resolution of PG&E's motion.
Order Instituting Rulemaking to Implement Senate Bill 520 and Address Other Matters Related to Provider of Last Resort.
Last Week's New Scoping +1
Overview
The main purpose of this proceeding is to explore the regulatory framework for non-Investor Owned Utilities (non-IOUs) acting as Providers of Last Resort (POLRs) and to develop a joint application process for these entities to take on POLR responsibilities. It aims to address key questions about the interest and capability of non-IOUs to serve in this role, as well as the regulatory requirements they must meet. Ultimately, the findings will help ensure that...
customers receive reliable electrical service while maintaining fair oversight of non-IOU providers.
Background
In March 2021, the Commission began a process to implement new rules for the Provider of Last Resort (POLR) as required by California's SB 520 law. This process involves all electric companies and service providers and is divided into three phases:
- The first phase looks at the current default service framework.
- The second phase focuses on designating POLRs for non-traditional providers.
- The third phase will tackle any remaining issues.
Between late 2021 and mid-2023, the Commission held workshops and proposed updates to the POLR framework. In April 2024, the Commission adopted new rules to improve financial requirements and monitoring related to customer returns to POLR service. A prehearing conference for the second phase was held in August 2024, with various stakeholders submitting statements.