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Electric utilities

Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Energy Savings Assistance and California Alternate Rates for Energy Programs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Public Utilities Commission of the State of California has issued a document regarding Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) application for approval of its Energy Savings Assistance and California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) programs for the 2021-2026 program years. The application, filed on November 4, 2019, seeks approval for the programs' budgets and rates. Multiple parties have filed responses to the application, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), and Southern California Gas Company.

Key Takeaways:

  • The application covers the Energy Savings Assistance program, which provides energy-efficient upgrades to low-income households, and the CARE program, which offers discounted electricity rates to low-income households.
  • PG&E is seeking approval for the programs' budgets and rates for the 2021-2026 program years, a total of six years.
  • The NRDC and NCLC have expressed support for the programs but have raised concerns about the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the programs.
  • Southern California Gas Company has also submitted a response, supporting the continuation of the programs but suggesting modifications to the funding structure.
  • The Hearing Examinee, Energy Efficiency Branch, has identified several key issues, including the programs' eligibility requirements, the allocation of funds, and the potential impact on low-income households.
  • The California Emerging Technology Fund, Marin Clean Energy, and the Center for Accessible Technology have also submitted responses, highlighting the importance of the programs in promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
  • The Public Utilities Commission has taken note of the responses and will review the application and supporting documents to determine the fate of the programs.

Statistics:

  • The Energy Savings Assistance program is expected to serve 72,000 households, with a total budget of $455 million for the 2021-2026 program years.
  • The CARE program is expected to serve 1.4 million households, with a total budget of $2.1 billion for the 2021-2026 program years.
  • The programs have a combined expected savings of 63 million kWh for the 2021-2026 program years.
  • The Public Utilities Commission will review the application and supporting documents to determine the final outcome of the programs.

Sources:

  • California Public Utilities Commission, "Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company for Approval of Energy Savings Assistance and California Alternate Rates for Energy Programs and Budgets for 2021-2026 Program Years" (U39M)
  • Natural Resources Defense Council, "Opening Brief"
  • National Consumer Law Center, "Opening Brief"
  • Southern California Gas Company, "Response to Application"
  • Energy Efficiency Branch, "Hearing Examinee's Report"
  • California Emerging Technology Fund, "Response to Application"
  • Marin Clean Energy, "Response to Application"
  • Center for Accessible Technology, "Response to Application"

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