3.1.2. Energy Efficiency Requirements
In D.06-01-024, we established the requirement that CSI applicants obtain an energy efficiency audit for existing buildings as a condition of receiving CSI incentives. SB 1 added Section 25782(b)(3) to the Public Resources Code, directing the CEC to require "appropriate energy efficiency improvements in the new or existing home or commercial structure where the solar energy is installed." SB 1 also added Section 2851(a)(3) to the Public Utilities Code,1 directing the CPUC to require "reasonable and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings as a condition of providing incentives...." In D.06-12-033, we clarified that the audit requirement will remain in place until the energy efficiency requirements of SB 1 are addressed.
On December 19, 2007, the CEC published its "Guidelines for California's Solar Electric Incentive Programs Pursuant to SB 1" (CEC Guidelines), establishing, among other things, minimum energy efficiency requirements for 2008 and additional energy efficiency requirements to take effect January 1, 2009. By an Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) ruling in January 2008,2 we established a process for implementing the requirements of the CEC Guidelines into our program. We will continue that work in this rulemaking. We also will consider whether to require additional energy efficiency improvements, as described in Section 2851(a)(3).
1 All statutory references are to the Public Utilities Code unless otherwise noted.
2 See "ALJ's Ruling Noticing Issuance of CEC Solar Incentive Guidelines and Directing Program Administrators to Implement Program Changes," January 15, 2008.
