7. Conclusion

The goal of the process that triggered the consolidated applications that we address in this decision is to put the utilities and the Commission in the best position to incorporate appropriate water conservation measures in energy efficiency programs after the completion of the pilot process. As we see it, the ingredients for producing this result include the development of constructive working relationships between energy utilities and water agencies, the identification of innovative, creative, and cost-effective means to promote water conservation, and the development of information needed to understand and quantify the energy savings resulting from reduction in water demand.

We want to ensure that this pilot process produces useful information for future use. Toward that end, we direct the energy utilities and the Energy Division to undertake an 18-month process. The pilot programs shall be offered for one year beginning July 1, 2008. During the six months preceding that date, the utilities and Energy Division shall retain necessary consultants, work together to refine programs, and begin collecting baseline data to allow for accurate "before and after" measurements. Our intention is to have the programs begin as soon as possible. In the event that the Energy Division is able to secure evaluation contracts and is able to collect sufficient pre-data prior to the July 1, 2008 starting date, the Energy Division will notify the utilities to begin the programs at an earlier date.

In this decision, we approve utility-proposed pilot programs and studies that appear likely to contribute to the ends discussed above, reject those that do not, and add others that appear necessary to produce useful results. The Energy Division will consider revisions to the calculator based on the outcome of the studies and work with the Commissioner assigned to the energy efficiency rulemaking proceeding to establish a procedure for public review of and comment on the study results and calculator revisions.