Small Businesses and Environmental & Social Justice Communities – PG&E Study
As part of Small Business Utility Advocates’ (SBUA) negotiations with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the utility recently sponsored and released a report by Evergreen Economics that presents findings from a study on small business engagement in environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities. The report provides an overview of the number of small business customers in ESJ communities, their characteristics, challenges, needs, barriers to utility program participation, and recommendations for how PG&E can better engage small businesses in these areas. Key findings include that 44% of PG&E’s small business customers are in ESJ communities, these businesses face challenges like limited time and expertise, there are low levels of awareness and participation in PG&E’s energy efficiency programs, and recommendations for PG&E focus on tailored outreach, developing program offers that provide clear benefits, and partnering with local organizations.
For a copy of the full report please contact Britt Marra by email at britt@utilityadvocates.org.
Small Business Can Save Money with California’s GoGreen Program
Save Money, Boost Performance
The State of California helps small businesses like yours make money-saving energy efficiency upgrades through the GoGreen Business program.
Attractive Financing
- Below-market interest rates
- Repay on utility bill
Over 200 Upgrades
- Efficient HVAC and lighting
- Appliances, equipment
- Cool roofs, insulation
- And more
Visit gogreenfinancing.com/smallbusiness to learn about financing options for your business.
SBUA Oregon Newsletter—Winter 2023
Greetings SBUA Oregon Members!
This newsletter informs you, SBUA Oregon members and supporters, on how SBUA in Oregon is advocating for Oregon’s small business community to ensure fair and reasonable electricity and natural gas rates and service.
Click to read or download the SBUA Oregon Newsletter for Winter 2023 in English, 4-page PDF file.
Click to read or download the SBUA Oregon Newsletter for Winter 2023 in Spanish, 4-page PDF file.
SBUA Oregon Newsletter—Fall 2022
Newsletter highlights include:
- Oregon Department of Energy Biennial Report and Small Scale Energy, plus Legislative meeting links
- SBUA Oregon Advisory Committee Members
- SBUA Oregon Board
- SBUA Activity in PUC Dockets—Rate Cases, COVID-19, disconnection and late fees rules and protections
- Planning to decarbonize Oregon energy by 2050
- Energy Trust of Oregon update
- SBUA Call for Action, December 2022
Small Businesses Invited to Energy Efficiency Third-Party Solicitations Semi-Annual Stakeholder Forum
The Energy Efficiency Third-Party Solicitations Semi-Annual Stakeholder Forum will be hosted at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center, July 11, 2022, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The session will also be available online, by selecting the link below:
Energy Efficiency Third Party Solicitations Semi-Annual Stakeholder Forum
SoCalGas Energy Resource Center
9240 Firestone Blvd.
Downey, CA 90241
This public hybrid in-person and remote meeting will include presentations from the Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) on the solicitations process for third-party implemented energy efficiency programs, presentations by the Independent Evaluators (IEs) on the June 2022 Semi-Annual Reports, opportunities for stakeholder feedback, and other topics.
The agenda, presentations, and meeting minutes will be available at the CAEECC website: California Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee (caeecc.org)
Small Business Energy Efficiency Outreach Program Launched by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) in Southern California
SDG&E has issued a Solicitation announcement to notify participants and interested stakeholders about the upcoming energy efficiency Small Business Outreach third party program solicitation. Please access the link below for more detailed information on the registration process and pre-qualification requirements. Provided below is the high-level schedule for the Small Business Outreach Request for Abstract (RFA) Event in PowerAdvocate, which is scheduled to be released on July 7, 2022. Interested Bidders must self-register on PowerAdvocate and use PowerAdvocate as the communication protocol.
Key Event Information:
RFA Planned Release Date:July 7, 2022
PowerAdvocate Event Number and Name: #133611 : Small Business Outreach Request for Abstract
For additional questions, please review the Current Third-Party Program Solicitations section on the SDG&E Energy Efficiency Third Party Solicitations Landing Page using the following link: Energy Efficiency Third-Party Solicitations | San Diego Gas & Electric (sdge.com)
Bid Coordinator: Jenny Hindmarsh, jhindmarsh@sdge.com
SBUA Oregon Meeting and Update Spring 2022
SBUA-Oregon-May-2022-Update-
SBUA Intervenes in Washington State on Avista’s General Rate Cases
In February 2022, SBUA intervened as a party before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission on Avista Corporation’s newly filed General Rate Cases. Avista is requesting significant increases to the rates it will charge small businesses for Electric and Gas Services. The Company wants to increase its revenue for electric services by approximately $52.9 million, or 9.6% and for gas services by $10.9 million, or 9.5%, effective December 2022. SBUA is actively examining Avista’s applications and will be advocating to protect and advance the interests of small business ratepayers.
Are you a small business customer of Avista? Here’s a map of Avista’s service territory:
Avista-Territory-copy-1
Register below for this free event 9/24 12-1.
Contact Diane Henkels
Diane@utilityadvocates.org or 541.270.6001 for questions/comments in advance of this Forum—make the most of the opportunity!
As Oregon continues toward zero emissions from energy sources, this includes useful information re the impacts on small business.
Small Business Electric Utility Forum
** Online Event – Register for Zoom Info **
• TO INFORM small businesses about their electric bills and service
• TO SHARE Pacificorp’s (Pacific Power’s) existing outreach techniques to small business customers
• TO LISTEN to small businesses about how the utility could improve its future outreach and education strategies
The SBUA seeks greater alignment between small business customers and the utility. This forum provides opportunity for meaningful movement forward and encourages engagement by all stakeholders. For more information and/or questions, please message diane@utilityadvocates.org.
Small Business Utility Advocates — Oregon Update 9/3/21
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| REMINDER TO REGISTER: Small Business Electric Utility Forum
Time: Sep 10, 2021, 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://sbua_small_business_electric_utility_forum.eventbrite.com
PURPOSE of this Forum:
• TO INFORM small businesses about their electric bills and service
• TO SHARE Pacificorp’s (Pacific Power’s) existing outreach techniques to small business customers
• TO LISTEN to small businesses about how the utility could improve its future outreach and education strategies
Support SBUA by joining, donating, giving us your small business input! UtilityAdvocates.org/get-involved/
Public Utility Commission of Oregon Special Public Meeting Sept. 7, 2021, 1:30 pm
To provide public comment on your industry or business and COVID-19 impacts: puc.publiccomments@state.or.us
For a link to the recent PUC Staff Report, the PUC will consider: https://oregonpuc.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=634&meta_id=30400
SBUA Summary re COVID-19 impact:
Staff reports no recommendations. The Commission has so far declined to direct Staff to hold a workshop specifically re the pandemic impacts on small commercial utility customers.
The PUC still needs to hear that small business supports taking a deeper dive w/Staff and the utilities together in a workshop focusing only on small commercial and COVID-19 impacts including eliminating the current 91+ days arrearages due to the pandemic and reviewing large changes closely and possibly reviewing zip code data w/regard to overlap to hardest-hit residential zip codes. Regarding COVID-19, the PUC is focused on residential ratepayers. This is important, however, there is no connection being made between the small commercial and the residential ratepayers–that small business employs many of the residents who cannot pay their bills because they have lost their jobs and that small business employs the majority of workers in the state.
Regarding the data, Staff reporting shows a 3-month persistence in the total commercial customers in arrears. Staff reports a decrease in overall arrearages, but Staff changed the point of reference from January 2020 (pre-pandemic) to July 2020. The decrease reported of $223,000 is a small fraction of the $2,442,600.00 that is almost 150% of the 91+ days total arrearage in January 2020 (~$1,000,000). 90+ day arrearages in Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power, Northwest Natural, Idaho Power are each well over double the January 2020 level, PGE appears lower than January 2020.
SBUA has questions into the Commission Staff asking for more specificity re ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars the Staff identifies for energy assistance—it appears these sums of money are for residential arrearages only.
A rural Oregon local government has effectively reached out to a utility possibly bearing fruit for using ARPA money to relieve small commercial arrearages from pandemic related utility arrearages for small-business utility customers in that county.
SBUA notes that Portland General Electric has filed to increase the rates of small commercial customers higher than other classes, and we hope to intervene to ensure the small business is treated fairly in this rate case.
Contact Diane Henkels diane@utilityadvocates.org.
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SBUA Oregon Newsletter Spring 2021
Download SBUA Spring 2021 Newsletter
Or you can read it online here here:
SP 2021 SBUA Newsletter
SBUA Oregon Newsletter October 2020
Download the SBUA Fall 2020 Newsletter, 6-page PDF.
Or you can read it online here here:
SBUA in Oregon Newsletter 102820
SBUA Intervenes in Pacificorp’s General Rate Case in Oregon
NAAC Loan Program for California Small Businesses
The National Asian American Coalition (NAAC) is offering an innovative Neighborhood Relief Now Program that provides loans for California small businesses. To find out more, please see: Neighborhood Relief Now Program Loan Application.
Additional background and terms are as follows:
About NAAC CDFI: Since 2005, the NAAC has become a HUD-Approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing organization and a certified CDFI providing comprehensive counseling to over 10,000 minority families in diverse communities throughout California and as a CDFI, preparing clients for mortgages and homeownership and linking qualified small business & non-traditional borrowers to loans and financing options to assist underserved communities.
The Challenge: ADDRESSING THE BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 IN LOW TO MODERATE INCOME COMMUNITIES. Unprecedented and frequent changes to access to capital, its requirements, and its sources.
Existing Current Offerings
NAAC Loan Portfolio:
Loan Amount: $1,000 to $50,000
Loan Term: Maximum 24-36 months with refinancing options
Loan Types: Small Business Loan Guarantee Program and Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program
The Neighborhood Relief NOW Program
PROGRAM SUMMARY: The Neighborhood Relief Now Program is an innovative loan combination of online technical assistance for small businesses.
OUR IMPACT GOALS: NAAC’s goal is to provide 100 loans ranging from $1,000 to $200,000, create jobs and ignite small businesses.
TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC: Our target demographic will be women, and people of color who own and serve with low-to moderate income communities in California.
SBUA Oregon Winter Update 2020
Please read here:
TEs
Upcoming Supplier Diversity Outreach Events — Southern California Edison
Small businesses are invited to attend the upcoming events to learn more about doing businesses with Southern California Edison.
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- AUGUST 21, 2019 | California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Annual Statewide Convention
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- SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 | CPUC – Doing Business With The Utilities
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- SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 | Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West – Annual Procurement Conference
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- SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 | Chinese American Construction Professionals – Small Business Outreach Program
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- OCTOBER 4, 2019 | National Asian American Coalition – Annual Economic Development Conference
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- OCTOBER 13, 2019 | LA Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – Mega Mixer and Matchmaking Event
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- OCTOBER 13, 2019 | National Minority Supplier Development Council – Annual Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange
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- OCTOBER 28, 2019 | Veterans In Business – Annual Conference
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- OCTOBER 31, 2019 | CPUC Citrus Heights Business Expo
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- NOVEMBER 5, 2019 | California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce – DBE Procurement Conference
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- NOVEMBER 7, 2019 | Black Business Association – Veteran’s Procurement & Business Conference
We’re Hiring! Junior- to Mid-level Expert (Public Utilities and Energy Law)
Small Business Utility Advocates is seeking a new expert to help with our regulatory and legal advocacy in San Francisco at the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). We represent the small businesses community in utility matters and our mission includes promoting California’s broader energy and climate change policies. Experience and interest in utility and energy law, helping small businesses, and working with California’s energy policies – including related to energy storage, electrification of vehicles, energy efficiency, decarbonization of buildings, and renewable energy – is essential.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Analyze utility proceedings at the PUC and develop positions on behalf of small businesses;
- Engage in administrative advocacy; research, review, and interpret California’s energy and utility policies;
- Create expert reports and submit written and oral testimony at the PUC; attend hearings as a witness and advocate;
- Analyze and develop positions on behalf of small businesses related to California distributed energy resources (renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, time of use rates, etc.); and
- Actively participate in multi-stakeholder workshops, meetings, and other PUC events. Stakeholders include utilities, environmental groups, industry advocates, cities and counties, state officials, and others.
Job Requirements
- B.A. or B.S. with relevant experience and basic understanding of utilities and energy matters;
- Familiarity with utility, energy, and climate change regulation and policy;
- Experience engaging in utilities regulatory proceedings is a plus;
- Candidates should be self-directed and possess excellent analytical, research, writing and speaking skills;
- Ability to work independently and as a team member with attorneys and other experts;
- Ability to engage and orally advocate on behalf of small businesses at meetings, negotiations, and workgroups with a wide array of different stakeholders; and
- Demonstrated project and case management skills to deal with the tasks above.
Application Process: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, professional references, and legal writing sample(s) to Britt Marra by email to britt@utilityadvocates.org.
Small Businesses Are Invited to Participate in Public Hearings on PG&E’s Revenue Request
The California Public Utilities Commission has set public hearings to discuss Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) request to increase its revenue by $1.058 billion in 2020. This is a 12.4 percent increase over its 2019 adopted revenues of $8.518 billion. The purpose of the hearings are to inform and solicit comments from PG&E customers about the revenue and attendant increases in utility rates to customers. For small businesses that are customers of PG&E and cannot attend the hearings in person, they can listen in with live-streaming or telephone services available. Live-streaming webcast and telephone services will be available for the hearings held on July 9, 2019 (San Francisco, CA) and July 31, 2019 (Santa Rosa, CA).
The schedule for the hearings is set as follows:
- Tuesday, July 9, 2019 – San Francisco, California. California Public Utilities Commission – Auditorium 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, California 94102. Time: 1:00 p.m. Live-streaming: http://www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/ Telephone: 1-877-937-0554 (Enter Participant Code: 7031793).
- Wednesday, July 17, 2019 – Stockton, California State of California Building – Auditorium 31 East Channel Street Stockton, California 95202. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 18, 2019 – Chico, California. Butte County Association of Government Chambers 326 Huss Drive, Suite 100 Chico, California 95928. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – Oakland, California. Elihu Harris State Office Building – Auditorium 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, California 94612. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Telephone: 1-877-937-0554 (Enter Participant Code: 7031793).
- Thursday, July 25, 2019 – San Jose, California. Alfred E. Alquist State Office Building – Auditorium 100 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, California 95113. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 26, 2019 – San Luis Obispo, California County Government Center – County Board of Supervisors’ Chamber, 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93408 Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 31, 2019 – Santa Rosa, California Santa Rosa City Hall Council Chamber, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue Santa Rosa, California 95404. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Live Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofSantaRosa or https://www.facebook.com/cityofsantarosa. Telephone: 1-877-937-0554 (Enter Participant Code: 7031793)
- Tuesday, August 13, 2019 – Bakersfield, California Public Services Building, 1st floor Conference Room 2700 M Street, Bakersfield, California 93301. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 14, 2019 – Fresno, California Fresno City Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, California 93721. Time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
To learn more please read the Commission’s notice of hearings here: PG&E Public Participation Hearings
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Learn About SBUA’s Oregon Activities in our 2019 Winter Update
Oregon is a small business state and SBUA is actively working with our Oregon membership to protect and advance small business utility interests. Read more in our Winter Update: OR - Winter 2019 Update
SBUA Members Invited to Join 2019 Board Meeting
All SBUA members are invited to join our first 2019 Board Meeting to be scheduled in March, 2019. Please email SBUA’s assistant executive director Britt Marra at britt@utilityadvocates.org if you would like to attend.
SBUA News Letter, Vol. 2 by Michael Brown
Newsletter 2019.01.20 (M. Brown) FINAL
PG&E Contract Opportunity Announcement: Third-Party Energy Efficiency Programs – Request for Abstracts
Small businesses interested in contracting opportunities related to energy efficiency (EE) should consider responding to PG&E’s Request for Abstracts (“RFA”) soliciting abstracts from third-party EE program implementers to design, propose and ultimately implement EE programs and/or services. Click here to learn more: PG&E Energy Efficiency Contract Opportunities.
SBUA Intervenes in SDG&E’s 2019 General Rate Case
In January 2018, SBUA filed as a party before the California Public Utilities Commission to intervene on San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) request for revenue and rate increases related to its Electric and Gas Services. SDG&E requests that the Commission authorizes a combined $2.199 billion revenue requirement ($433 million gas and $1.766 billion electric) to be effective January 1, 2019. For small commercial customers, SDG&E is proposing to increase the Revenue Requirement from the current $489.0M to $514.8M in 2019, representing a 5.3% increase , which represents the largest rate increase for any customer class. (See SDG&E Application (A.17-10-007), Appendix E).
Discover How Small Businesses Can Fight Against High Utility Costs
DyNAMC-Issue 4-Final - Powered by aXmag
Small Businesses in Northern California to Pay Less for Electricity
SBUA entered a settlement agreement with PG&E and other parties to decrease the cost of electricity for small commercial customers. This is significant because PG&E initially requested a increase in the cost of bundled electricity for small businesses. This settlement advances SBUA’s mission to protect small businesses from disproportionate rate increases and represent small commercial customers at PUC proceedings.
SBUA News Letter, Vol. 1 by Michael Brown
SBUA Newsletter 2017.10.31 Vol 1
SBUA Intervenes in PG&E’s 2017 General Rate Case
SBUA filed as a party before the California Public Utilities Commission to intervene on Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) request for revenue and rate increases related to its Electric and Gas Services. Prior to intervening, SBUA had been in extensive negotiations with PG&E to advance issues of importance to SBUA’s constituency, such as spending, customer service and outreach, tracking systems, high-bill notifications, economic development incentives, and promoting contracting opportunities for small businesses.
SBUA Intervenes in Portland General Electric Rate Case
SBUA intervened in the Portland General Electric General Rate Case representing small business (e.g.,the Small Nonresidential Customer). This class of small business customers is by far the second most numerous customer class served by PGE, far larger than commercial, irrigators, and other customers. PGE proposed a 6% or so increase in retail electricity rates with small commercial customers bearing the largest rate increase. SBUA submitted testimony, participated in meetings and settlement discussions, and pointed out the disproportionate impact on small business. See this link to SBUA testimony: www.edocs.puc.state.or.us/efdocs/HTB/ue294htb17027.pdf. SBUA declined to enter a settlement that, in our view, fell short of protecting small businesses. PGE has committed to working with SBUA on such matters moving forward. Diane Henkels, Cleantech Law Partners, represented SBUA in these matters. She can be reached by telephone at 541.270.6001 or email at dhenkels@cleantechlaw.com.
Community Renewable Power Remains Concerning in Pacific Northwest
Recall that PURPA (Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act), passed in the 1970’s, is a federal, and also a state law in Oregon that requires utilities to buy power that is produced from independent generators. A main purpose of PURPA is to encourage and promote development of renewable energy generation. PURPA dockets impact small businesses in at least two ways: projects ranging between 500 kW-10 MW in Oregon have a statistically higher economic benefit to local economies than the larger projects because dollars form the projects circulate more in the local community where the project is developed. Also, these projects are often developed by smaller entities. Several dockets in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest are challenging key aspects of PURPA, and SBUA is supporting efforts to inform decision-makers on these challenges, and also to inform small business on these important renewable energy rate-related statutes and policies. Diane Henkels, Cleantech Law Partners, is representing SBUA in these matters. She can be reached by telephone at 541.270.6001 or email at dhenkels@cleantechlaw.com.
SBUA Continues Fight for Small Renewable Energy Companies in Oregon
SBUA is intervening before the Oregon Public Utilities Commission in Phase 2 of a proceeding to ensure small renewable energy generators (referred to as “qualifying facilities”) receive fair treatment to compete in providing electricity. Phase 2 of this proceeding focuses on third-party transmission costs, negotiation of non-standard rates, and issues related to contracts and interconnection. Read More from SBUA’s Attorneys Here
SBUA Intervenes in Rate Case by PG&E
SBUA filed as a party before the California Public Utilities Commission to intervene on Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) request for rate increases related to its Electric Distribution, Gas Distribution, and Electric Generation operations. SBUA is intervening to ensure that (1) rate increases do not disproportionately affect small businesses and (2) the collected revenues are fairly allocated to include benefits for small businesses. SBUA is advocating, for example, that revenues be used in part to improve services (like generation interconnection) for small renewable energy companies.
SBUA Intervenes in Oregon
SBUA has intervened before the Oregon Public Utilities Commission to ensure that electricity rates paid to “qualifying facilities” or smaller independent renewable energy generators coming under the Public Utility Policies Regulatory Act of 1978 remain competitive and equitable. Small businesses are critical to the economy of Oregon; in 2012, businesses with less than 20 employees accounted for 89 percent of all Oregon companies. Small businesses working in the renewable energy sector will be impacted by any chill or further slowdown in development of the small renewable energy projects (10 MW or less) that will be impacted by rate changes. SBUA is particularly concerned that distributed wind – commonly referred to as small and community wind – is competitive and a healthy segment of Oregon’s small business community. See OPUC proceeding.
General Eletricity Rate Increases Proposed by PG&E for Electricity and Natural Gas
Small businesses in Northern California will face increased costs for electricity and gas starting in 2014. PG&E is now seeking authorization from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to charge ratepayers an additional $5.3 billion over the next three-year cycle for gas and electric services as compared to the existing rate structure. (When filing a rate case, PG&E projects future costs for a rate cycle, which includes a “test year” and two or three “post test years.”) If approved, PG&E’s initial estimates are that small businesses would pay increased rates of anywhere from 6.0% to 13.8% for electricity and/or gas. This is significant. Small businesses should provide input to the PUC on whether these rate changes should be authorized.
Electricity Prices for Small Businesses in Northern California to Fluctuate Based on Time of Usage
PG&E is planning to be the first among California’s three largest investor owned electric utilities to implement time-variant rates on small business customers. Other utilities are expected to follow. This presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. The transition is expected to impact 500,000 of PG&E’s small- and medium-sized small business customers. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission, has commented on the proposals. Read More From DRA
Desalination Plant Proposed in Monterey, California
A desalination project on the Monterey Peninsula is being proposed by the California American Water Company (CalAm) and has an application pending before the California Public Utility Commission (PUC). The project’s estimated cost is approximately $400 million. CalAm is seeking a replacement water source to offset a state-ordered cutback in pumping from the Carmel River that takes full effect at the start of 2017. The project will have impacts to both the supply and costs of water to Monterey’s small businesses.
Nine third-party groups are involved as intervening on the desal project before the PUC, including: Coalition of Peninsula Businesses, Water Plus, LandWatch Monterey County, Planning and Conservation League Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, Salinas Valley Water Coalition, Public Trust Alliance, Citizens for Public Water, and Sierra Club. On December 13, 2012, the administrative law judge at the PUC will hold a prehearing conference to determine the parties, positions of the parties, issues, and other procedural matters. Read More At PUC Website
Incentives to Sell Renewable Energy Back to Utilities May Be Impacted in Southern California
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) filed a General Rate Case with the California Public Utility Commission that will impact the production of renewable energy by changing Net Energy Metering (NEM). NEM allows customers that install small-scale renewable energy facilities such as photovoltaic systems to receive financial credit for power generated by their system and fed back to the utility. Today, small businesses that produce energy from solar, wind, and other qualified renewable energy technologies receive full credit for electricity supplied to the grid when an NEM customer generates more power than they are consuming. SDG&E proposes a “Network Usage Charge” that disproportionally increases costs to NEM customers as compared with non NEM customers and will reduce the incentive to produce renewable energy. Read More Here
