Berkeley Lab updates ICE calculator with new survey data from utilities across the US

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is making significant strides in updating its ICE calculator, a tool crucial for assessing the economic impact of power interruptions. During a recent meeting on June 26, 2025, the Commission highlighted the need for modernization, citing that many existing surveys informing the calculator are outdated, some dating back nearly 35 years.

Key discussions revealed that the current data collection methods varied widely among utilities, leading to inconsistencies in the information gathered. The Commission acknowledged that the ICE 1 model lacked statistical representation across the United States, particularly in regions outside the West and Southwest.

To address these shortcomings, the Berkeley Lab, in collaboration with Resource Innovations and various sponsoring utilities, has established two key committees: a Project Executive Committee and a Project Advisory Committee. These groups have been instrumental in developing a consistent set of short-duration customer interruption cost surveys, which will enhance the accuracy of the ICE calculator.

The first phase of this initiative has been completed, involving 11 surveys primarily from the Eastern and Midwestern U.S., with a notable utility from the Pacific Northwest. The initial release of the updated ICE calculator 2 was made in April, featuring new customer damage functions and an upgraded web interface.

Currently, the second phase is underway, with surveys from California and Missouri now analyzed. The Commission anticipates releasing the next version of the ICE calculator by the end of this year or early next year, incorporating data from both phases.

Looking ahead, a third phase is in the works, focusing on filling geographic gaps in the data, particularly in rural areas. The CPUC is actively recruiting participants for this phase, aiming to ensure comprehensive representation across the nation.

This initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing the reliability and relevance of the ICE calculator, ultimately benefiting utilities and consumers alike by providing more accurate assessments of the costs associated with power interruptions.