The California Efficiency + Demand Management Council (the Council) works hard to keep energy efficiency and demand management forefront in decisions at the legislature and energy agencies, such as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Our advocacy relies on an active Board and involved members to help guide our positions. Become a Member of the Council to have your voice heard in critical energy policy arenas.
CPUC Policy
Recent achievements at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) include:
- Raised the alarm bells about the stalled third-party solicitation process.
- Remained active in the Energy Efficiency and Business Plan Proceedings.
- Strengthened the role of custom projects as a critical component to achieve EE goals.
- Engaged in the EE Potential and Goals process.
- Provided comments on the EE Market Transformation proposed decision that added valuable MT criteria, increased the startup budget 2x to $10m, and ensured no stringent cost-effectiveness requirements during the start-up period.
- Played a prominent role in the Demand Response proceeding and DRAM settlement negotiations, and in coordinating with DR members to drive policy and market reforms.
- Successfully advocated for reasonable qualitative criteria for bids in the DRAM auctions.
- Advocated for much-needed changes to DR load impact protocols and requirements for nominating loads for DRAM and RA-related bid auctions.
- Expanded our sphere of influence by participating in a variety of proceedings including the Integrated Distributed Energy Resources, Distributed Resources Plan, Integrated Resource Planning and Resource Adequacy proceedings.
- Authored thought leadership paper on key cost-effectiveness issues and much-needed reform effort.
California Energy Commission (CEC)
- Provided comments on the CEC’s 2019 California Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP).
- Monitored developments on the CEC’s implementation of SB 350, including upcoming progress reports by CEC consultants on SB 350 implementation progress.
CAISO
- Provided comments on the various ESDER proceedings and supported CAISO advocacy efforts at FERC.
- Participated in various CAISO initiatives: 1) reduce barriers for demand response and distributed energy resources through the ESDER3 proceeding; 2) increase opportunities for direct participation in CAISO markets; and 3) preserve opportunities for distributed energy resources.
Legislative and Governor’s Office Activity
- Worked with a coalition of stakeholders to raise concerns that ultimately led to the tabling of SB 524.
- Met with various legislative offices to socialize our key issues and concerns with regard CPUC rules and processes governing ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs and efforts.
Partnering with Utilities
- Met with each IOU to discuss policy priorities moving into 2020.
Member Services and Events
- We continue to help you stay informed about all the changes in the industry with our calls, newsletters, special alert dispatches, and Member Forums.
- We held our three main events in 2019: the EM&V Forum in February, the Spring Symposium in April, and the Fall Conference in October.
- We held an industry training course in April.
- We organized a number of Happy Hours and networking events.
