26. Additional CSOL and Notification Requirements

We believe it is in the public interest to take the opportunity of this proceeding to implement certain CSOL and customer notification requirements that will provide benefits for residential customers who have SmartMeters and choose to not leave the existing Schedule E-1 tiered rate structure. SmartMeter functionality provides opportunities for such customers, to recognize their usage at different times of the month and with that information make informed decisions regarding their usage. Requirements in this regard are included in the discussion below which would provide features that PG&E may not be considering at this time. PG&E should work with the Energy Division with respect to implementing or, if necessary, modifying the requirements.

With respect to the upgraded CSOL system authorized by this decision, for the "My Account" web presentment, all customers should have access to a screen showing cumulative consumption and their bill to date in the current billing cycle. Additionally, customers on the E-1 tariff or any other tariffs that involve a tiered rate structure should be able to quickly and easily identify what tier they are in at any time during the month. These customers should also be able to review historic data that includes the tier they were at the end of the month. The web presentment should also include an easily accessible and brief description of the rate for each tier and the percentage over baseline that causes a customer to shift to the next tier.

Additionally, all customers should have access to a screen that predicts what their consumption and bill might be at the end of the current billing cycle by utilizing appropriate assumptions regarding their historic usage and applicable rates. This screen should recommend short-term options available to reduce the projected total in the current billing cycle. PG&E should also include tips for conservation, energy efficiency, demand response and distributed generation and links that describe other rates or programs that customers may benefit from on a long-term basis.

Also, while PG&E is planning to provide alerts to customers on time-varying rates, we will also require that all customers should be able to request alerts based on the conditions of their choice such as a target cumulative consumption threshold and imminent cross-over into a higher tier rate. Customers should have the option of receiving these alerts via e-mail, text message, or voicemail.