California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Recent achievements at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) include:
- The Council filed 63 sets of formal comments in 2020 across proceedings including energy efficiency, low-income energy efficiency (ESA/CARE), building decarbonization, demand response, resource adequacy, emergency reliability, microgrids, integrated resource planning, and click-through authorization.
- Ensured AB 841 funds were appropriately transferred to the CEC and implementation maximized for the benefit of both the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program (SEESP) and program administrator energy efficiency portfolio program.
- Provided detailed feedback to improve the energy efficiency custom project review process, particularly in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
- Recommended key strategies to ensure building decarbonization is implemented effectively, particularly regarding incentive layering across multiple programs.
- Sent a letter to CPUC President Batjer and Commission Randoph requesting direct relief related to the COVID-19 crisis and received a response from the CPUC that committed to addressing a number of our asks.
- Raised the alarm bells about the stalled third-party solicitation process by sending a formal letter to CPUC Commissioners, as well as forming a working group of Council members and staff that meets on a regular basis.
- Remained active in the Energy Efficiency and Business Plan Proceedings.
- Engaged with the California Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee (CAEECC) filing process working group as an official member to develop a revised, improved filing process that enables better business outcomes.
- Strengthened the role of Custom Projects as a critical component to achieve EE goals, including forming a working group of Council members and staff that meets on a regular basis.
- Engaged in the EE Potential and Goals process, submitted comments on the CPUC’s workplan, and formed a working group comprised of Council members and staff that meets on a regular basis.
- Submitted 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. Also create a working group comprised of Council staff and members that meets on a regular basis.
- Launched a Normalized Meter Energy Consumption (NMEC) working group of Council members and staff to address key deployment hurdles.
- Provided comments on the decarbonization pilot proposals urging rapid deployment of these important programs and removal of the administrative budget cap to allow greater flexibility.
- Requested reform of the Efficiency Savings and Performance Incentive Mechanism (ESPI) via comments, including advocating for disbursement of incentives for achievement and overachievement of EE goals, as well as allowing third-party implementers to receive a portion of incentive funds.
- Submitted comments on the Integrated Resource Planning proceeding to enable increased use of DSM resources in meeting the state’s climate goals.
- 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.
- Advocated for much-needed changes to a proposed decision regarding the formation of a Central Procurement Entity as part of the RA proceeding which if left unchanged could lead to significant harm for third-party DR providers.
- Expanded our sphere of influence by participating in a variety of proceedings including the Integrated Distributed Energy Resources, Distributed Resources Plan, and Resource Adequacy proceedings.
- Authored thought leadership paper on key cost-effectiveness issues and much-needed reform effort, as well as forming a working group of Council members and staff that meets on a regular basis.
- Continued to beat the drum of cost-effectiveness reform by providing comments on the Avoided Cost Calculator.
- Engaged in CPUC EM&V efforts by attending quarterly stakeholder meetings and socializing strategic evaluations among members.
California Energy Commission (CEC)
- Began monitoring the CEC’s Load Management proceeding which could have significant positive implications for Council members.
- 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 Gubernatorial Activity
- Worked with various legislative offices and stakeholders to request immediate COVID-19 relief to allow our industry to lower bills, add jobs, and stimulate the economy during the health and economic crisis.
- 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 elevated our efforts to help you stay informed about all the changes in the industry in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, with our calls, newsletters, special alert dispatches, and Member Forums, as well as the inauguration of 7 working groups.
- We held the EM&V Forum in February 2020, and postponed the Spring Symposium in light of the COVID-19 crisis. We are revamping our events process to hold a compelling online event for our members.
