BACKGROUND
Tariff schedules D-APS and GS-APS authorize SCE to interrupt service to central air conditioning units via automatic control devices for up to 15 times per year during the summer season. Customers agree to participate in Schedules D-APS and GS-APS in exchange for discounts on the cost of electricity used for air conditioning. In addition, participating customers agree to remain on the tariff schedules for at least one year.
The 15 interruptions can be initiated when the Independent System Operator (ISO) directs SCE to curtail load or when SCE determines that conditions exist that may jeopardize the integrity of its distribution facilities. As of August 16, 2000, SCE has interrupted service to central air conditioning units served under these tariffs 10 times.
By Advice Letter 1479-E, SCE requests modification to the 15 interruption limit, in Schedules D-APS and GS-APS, to permit activation of the program during emergencies without the activation counting toward the 15 interruption limit. SCE requests authority to initiate emergency air conditioner cycling if:
1) Activation of the program is expected to avoid the need for rotating outages (Stage III emergency conditions),
2) Activation of the program is expected to mitigate the extent of rotating outages (Stage III emergency conditions),
3) A condition exists that creates disruptions on the company's electrical distribution system which, if left unresolved, could damage the electrical system,
4) A condition exists that creates disruptions on the company's electrical distribution system which, if left unresolved, could cause a more widespread interruption in the power supply.
SCE believes it would be in the public interest for SCE to interrupt air conditioning service to Schedule D-APS and GS-APS customers whenever to do so would either avoid a Stage III condition or would mitigate the extent of rotating outages that would otherwise result during Stage III conditions.
Similarly, SCE believes it would be in the public interest to interrupt service to selected D-APS and GS-APS customers whenever to do so would avoid complete interruption of service to a large number of customers in particular circuits or districts.
SCE requests that Advice Letter 1479-E be approved at the August 21, 2000 or at the September 7, 2000 Commission meeting. SCE requests that the Commission reduce or waive the 30-day comment period due to public necessity. In addition, SCE requests that the Executive Director order an appropriate reduction in the protest period.
On August 21, 2000, Wesley M. Franklin, Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission, shortened the protest period to require protests be filed by August 31, 2000 and response to protests be filed by September 5, 2000.
By letter dated September 13, 2000, the Energy Division Director suspended the tariff sheets attached to Advice Letter 1479-E for up to 120 days to allow for review.
