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PUC receives update on PG&Es green tariff; CPUC decision pending
Summary
Power staff briefed the commission on PG&E's pending green tariff application to the California PUC, describing the standard and enhanced community renewables components, an illustrative 12.2¢/kWh premium estimate and a potential program launch in spring 2015 pending CPUC action.
Michael Hyman, acting manager of regulatory and legislative affairs for power, told commissioners that PG&E's green tariff application (filed in 2012) has two components: a standard offering to let customers buy up to 100% of supply from a portfolio of sub-20 MW solar projects within PG&Es Northern California territory, and an "enhanced community renewables" element intended to support smaller, locally sited projects.
Hyman said Senate Bill 43 required a PUC decision in July, but the California PUC decision was still pending. He estimated, based on PG&Es illustrative numbers, a residential premium for the renewable portion of roughly 12.2¢ per kilowatt-hour (about a 2.5-cent premium over base generation) and suggested a potential program launch in the spring of 2015 if the CPUC proceeds.
During questioning, commissioners explored how PG&E would serve customers immediately (using existing renewable resources) while soliciting new projects and how the program treats renewable certificates and procurement (a portfolio approach with some advanced-procurement requests to the CPUC). Hyman acknowledged the enhanced community renewables piece would likely be deferred for additional vetting in the CPUC proceeding.
No commission action was required; staff said SF PUC had supported program principles that emphasize local development, transparency and equitable program design and that they would continue to engage in the CPUC process.
