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Community Power urges CPUC to preserve regional efficiency funding as SDG&E seeks to withdraw
Summary
Community Power staff told the CAC that it is not opposing SDG&E—s application to withdraw from regional energy-efficiency programs but urges the CPUC to safeguard funding and continuity of services; staff said SDG&E—s claimed $300 million savings were overstated in testimony and rebuttal was filed in February.
Ayesha Cissna, who leads regulatory work on energy efficiency at San Diego Community Power, told the CAC on Feb. 26 that Community Power—s opening testimony contends SDG&E overstated the affordability benefits of withdrawing from regional energy-efficiency programs. Cissna said Community Power—s priority is to ensure continuity of services for San Diegans and to preserve funding if the CPUC allows SDG&E to withdraw.
"We're not opposing SDG&E's withdrawal," Cissna said, but staff argued the withdrawal application downplays hundreds of millions in broader system benefits and overlooks projected long-term bill savings from SDG&E—s efficiency portfolio. Community Power filed opening testimony on Jan. 15 and rebuttal testimony on Feb. 18, she said; the matter remains in the testimony phase and a decision is expected by summer.
Staff outlined six themes in its testimony: that affordability claims in SDG&E's application are overstated; that portfolio performance evaluations are structurally flawed; that significant efficiency potential remains in the region; that withdrawal risks underperformance and compliance gaps if no plan exists to fund replacement services; that alleged program duplication does not justify elimination because regional programs complement investor-owned utility efforts; and that energy-efficiency programs should evolve to integrate load management and distributed energy resources.
A public commenter praised Community Power—s briefs and urged continued advocacy. Community Power staff said they are advocating that the CPUC maintain funding and allow a different portfolio administrator to expand services if SDG&E leaves.
The CPUC proceeding was repeatedly referenced throughout the meeting; staff characterized their role as producing evidentiary testimony and preparing for potential hearings and briefs.
