4. Appropriate Uses of the Adopted Protocols

As discussed in the February 27, 2008, ALJ Ruling, the adopted protocols 1 through 26 should be used in calculating the load impact estimates used in the 2009-2011 DR Program and Budget Applications due to be filed on June 1, 2008. Due to time constraints, Protocol 27 (the Process Protocol) need not be followed in the preparation of the June 1, 2008 Applications, but should be followed for all other required activities.

In addition, IOUs should follow the adopted protocols (including Protocol 27) each year for each DR activity adopted by the Commission, and file an evaluation report on the results in this Rulemaking or a successor proceeding identified by the Commission. The information provided in these evaluations may also be of use in other Commission proceedings, for example those focusing on Resource Adequacy and Procurement. Similarly, the protocols should be used in estimating DR for long-term procurement planning and resource adequacy purposes unless otherwise directed in the relevant proceeding. This decision does not change the IOUs' existing DR monthly reporting requirements. This means that the results of formal evaluations conducted using these protocols may not match the estimates provided in the monthly reports. IOUs should work with staff on ways to improve the accuracy of the monthly reports, keeping in mind that the protocols adopted here are not necessarily appropriate for use in preparing reports that are provided frequently and in close proximity to DR events.

The first full annual evaluation using these protocols will begin within
90 days of this decision, as specified in the protocol itself.³¹ That evaluation will focus on ex post evaluation of the 2008 programs and on producing ex ante estimates for at least the next five years, with a final report following the Reporting Protocols in Protocol 26 due on April 1, 2009. Reports on the previous year's programs and utilizing the most recent data to estimate future load impacts will be due annually on April 1, unless otherwise directed by the Commission.

³¹ Appendix A, p. 147.