PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
ITEM# 33 I.D.#6266
ENERGY DIVISION RESOLUTION E-4053
January 25, 2007
Resolution E-4053. Southern California Edison Company requests permission to implement a redesigned bill format consistent with Decision 05-11-009, and offer customers an optional simplified bill format.
By SCE Advice Letter 2058-E filed on November 15, 2006.
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SUMMARY
This Resolution approves with modifications the request by Southern California Edison Company (SCE) to implement a redesigned bill format for its various Energy Statements and Notices, as well as authority to offer customers an optional simplified bill format only upon the customer's request. These redesigned bill formats are consistent with Decision (D.) 05-11-009.
SCE requests permission to implement a redesigned bill format with the goal to make bills less confusing and easier to understand for its residential and business customers. SCE developed a redesigned new bill format to address its concerns that the existing bill is too complex and does not easily promote good energy decisions by customers.
SCE also seeks authority to offer its customers an optional simplified format, which omits certain billing component details. This simplified billing format would be issued only upon the customer's request.
SCE's bill redesign project, including procurement of necessary equipment and development of software to implement the new bill format will begin following the effective date of this resolution. The redesigned bill formats are expected to be ready for customer use by the end of 2007. SCE will file a subsequent advice letter, subject to Energy Division staff disposition or Commission approval, prior to switching to the redesigned bill formats and implementation of the simplified bill format.
Implementation of a new bill format will not affect SCE's customer rates at this time. SCE will request recovery of costs associated with revising its bill format in its 2009 General Rate Case (GRC).
SCE's proposed redesigned bill format is consistent with discussion noted in D.05-11-009 that more customer-friendly billing formats could assist in meeting demand response, energy efficiency, and other CPUC policy goals.
SCE Advice Letter (AL) 2058-E was timely protested by the Division of Ratepayer Advocates.
This Resolution approves SCE's AL 2058-E with the following modifications:
· Cost recovery associated with SCE's revised bill format is subject to a future Commission order. This Resolution does not prejudge or determine what costs the Commission will allow SCE to recover in rates associated with revising its bill format;
· Prior to switching to the redesigned bill formats and implementation of the simplified bill formats, SCE shall file a separate advice letter containing all finalized new bill formats and revised forms addressed by this Resolution, and all forms to be withdrawn by SCE. The advice letter shall become effective after review and disposition by the Energy Division or by Commission order.
