10. Other Issues

10.1. Applicability of this Decision to SCE and SDG&E

The assigned Commissioner invited SCE, SDG&E, and their customers to participate in this proceeding. Although this is a PG&E proceeding, the policies adopted for PG&E could be applied to SCE and SDG&E in their future rate design proceedings. This is similar to how the resolution of a policy issue in one utility's general rate case may set the stage for implementation of that policy in other utility general rate cases following notice and due process.

We make clear that we are not ordering SCE and SDG&E to adhere to the timetable or rate design guidance adopted herein. However, we recommend that SCE and SDG&E take this decision into consideration. The Commission may require SCE and SDG&E to follow this guidance in those utilities' rate design proceedings.

10.2. Customer Access to Data

Parties' Comments

CMTA/EPUC emphasizes the importance of having timely access to hourly usage information so that customers can take action based on timely pricing signals.¹³²

PG&E agrees and indicates that, if and when its upgraded AMI system is implemented, customers will have access to practically real-time usage information through the Home Area Network (HAN). In the meantime, customers have access to their usage information the following day. PG&E also notes that D.06-07-027 already required the utility to set up an automated data exchange through which customers and third parties authorized by a customer can access energy usage data. PG&E's automated data exchange must be filed no later than July 20, 2009 pursuant to D.07-09-037.¹³³

SDG&E notes that currently its customers with interval meters can view usage data on the following day without additional technology. Accessing the data in real time would require customers to install additional devices to access the pulse data. However, once the new AMI project has been implemented, customers will be able to access their real-time usage information via the HAN if the customer installs a HAN-compatible energy management system or information display.¹³⁴

Discussion

We believe it is essential for customers to have timely access to hourly usage information. Customer access to data has been addressed by the Commission in D.06-07-027 and D.07-09-037 and will be addressed in the context of PG&E's AMI upgrade application, A.07-12-009. We believe other forums are more appropriate than this one for parties to raise issues related to customer access to energy usage information. Specifically, parties can raise any concerns with PG&E's current plans in A.07-12-009 or in the application that PG&E will file pursuant to D.07-09-037.

10.3. Permanent Load Shifting (PLS)

Ice Energy stresses that the utilities' strategic plans need to consider the impact of specific rate proposals on permanent load shifting.¹³⁵

Discussion

In Resolution E-4098, the Commission ordered that "PG&E, SCE and SDG&E shall analyze in their next rate design proceeding, the impact of their rate proposals on PLS technology, with the goal of establishing general purpose dynamic/TOU/time-variant rates that provide a customer incentive to invest in PLS technologies."¹³⁶ We do not believe PG&E needs to be provided any additional guidance in this proceeding.