PUC stakeholder meeting advances debate over wheeling definitions, credits and implementation

The Public Utilities Commission convened a second stakeholder meeting on its investigatory docket about electricity wheeling to solicit feedback on proposed definitions, implementation options and a work plan the Commission posted to its case and docket management system.

Abby Raub, an economist with the Commission, opened the session and told participants the Commission posted a proposed work plan on Jan. 31 and is accepting written comments through March 21. "The purpose of today's meeting is to invite feedback on the proposed work plan," Raub said.

Chair Leo Asuncion reported a related bill, Senate Bill 133, was amended in committee to extend the working group's report deadline to the end of 2026 and to expand the bill to include retail wheeling. "If we come up with a better definition here, that's what we go to the ledge with," Asuncion said, urging the group to align its work with the legislature's drafting.

Why it matters: the definition and design choices will shape whether government-owned or -supported renewable projects can use incumbent utilities' wires to deliver value to other public agencies, how those projects are credited or paid, and…