13. Assignment of Proceeding
Dian M. Grueneich is the assigned Commissioner and Kim Malcolm is the assigned ALJ in this proceeding.
1. The Commission has determined that energy efficiency is a primary and essential energy resource because it is reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound.
2. The state's commitment to energy efficiency has so far not extended to a similar extent to LIEE programs, although LIEE programs may be a valuable energy resource.
3. LIEE programs satisfy legislative policies to reduce the burdens of energy costs on low-income customers to the extent low-income customers are able to take advantage of those programs.
4. Current LIEE budgets permit the utilities to provide LIEE measures to about 3% of eligible low-income customers at current budget levels. Less than 30% of eligible low-income customers have received the benefits of LIEE programs.
5. Treating LIEE programs as an energy resource would not necessarily conflict with other program objectives, such as reducing customers' financial burdens and promoting their safety and comfort.
6. Reduced energy use results in lower bills and a more reliable and less costly energy infrastructure.
7. An increased emphasis on LIEE as an energy resource that promotes environmental values may justify larger LIEE budgets, more cost-effective programs, and program offerings that would serve more low-income customers.
8. A programmatic initiative to provide all eligible customers the opportunity to participate in the LIEE program and to offer those who wish to participate, all cost-effective energy efficiency measures in their residences by 2020 would inform LIEE budgets, program elements, strategies, and priorities. The initiative would be useful in signaling the community and markets of the Commission's ongoing commitment to LIEE programs and their deployment
9. As a practical matter, a programmatic initiative to provide all eligible customers the opportunity to participate in the LIEE program and to offer those who wish to participate all cost-effective energy efficiency measures in their residences by 2020 would not be achievable because of changes in eligible customers and technologies.
10. Achieving social objectives with LIEE programs may require that the utilities continue to offer program elements that are not cost-effective.
11. Cost-effectiveness tests for LIEE programs may require revision to recognize the value of LIEE programs and other values.
12. For purposes of the programmatic initiative, defining customers as those who receive a CARE discount would artificially reduce the amount of potential energy savings achievable as part of the goal.
13. Utility efforts to make a residence safer or to conform energy-related aspects of the premises to existing codes and standards serve the interest of the participating customer and the broader community.
14. LIEE programs may be more cost-effective, attractive to participants and far-reaching if they were delivered strategically with other energy resource programs and if the utilities take advantage of a broader array of resources available by working with government, non-profit organizations and businesses.
15. LIEE program elements with long-term energy savings may be more valuable to the program participants and the broader community than those that provide only short-term energy savings.
16. The record in this proceeding does not provide adequate information about programs, costs or strategies to endorse any particular path for meeting the programmatic initiative.
17. The record in this proceeding does not provide adequate information about programs, costs or strategies to determine which program measures should be included as part of the programmatic initiative.
18. ME&O is essential to an effective LIEE program.
19. Coordinated ME&O efforts can improve program cost-effectiveness and customer response.
20. The ten year "go back" rule may unjustifiably limit cost-effective LIEE program installations.
21. The utilities state they have either already implemented the requirements of AB 2140 or have plans to do so in the near future. No party submitted comments arguing to the contrary.
22. Some utilities offering CARE discounts did not provide comments on the issue of compliance with AB 2140 and those who did had not in all cases fully complied with the statute by the date their comments on this issue were filed.
23. Statewide, renters appear to be receiving more than a proportional share of LIEE programs. Customers with the greatest need are more likely to be renters than homeowners.
24. Customers who live in public housing have provided government officials with documentation of their low-income status.
25. SCE's proposal to spend an additional $22 million on CFL distribution as part of its LIEE program is inconsistent with the policy direction we have set for energy efficiency programs generally and for LIEE programs here to the extent it is not part of an integrated, comprehensive effort to improve energy efficiency and CFLs would not provide long term, enduring energy savings.
26. SCE does not justify its proposed CFL distribution program on the basis of cost-effectiveness or with adequate budget detail, and assumes unrealistic installation rates for the CFLs.
1. Public Utilities Code Sections 2790, 382(b), and 327 emphasize the need for LIEE programs to reduce energy bills and financial burdens of energy costs on low-income customers.
2. Utility LIEE programs should emphasize program elements and strategies that serve energy resource objectives while reducing participating customers' bills.
3. The Commission should articulate a programmatic initiative to provide all eligible customers the opportunity to participate in the LIEE program and to offer those who wish to participate all cost-effective energy efficiency measures in their residences by 2020. The initiative should inform LIEE budgets, program elements, strategies, and priorities.
4. The utilities should not be required to serve customers outside their territories at this time because the record does not explore the practicalities of this option.
5. For purposes of the programmatic initiative, "customer" should refer to any eligible customer who would like to participate in the LIEE program.
6. The utilities should be permitted to take the following steps in homes where they are installing LIEE measures:
Modifying the premises or installing equipment that would reduce or eliminate a hazardous condition where the equipment or modification is related to the LIEE measure, and
Modifying the premises or installing equipment that would conform the premises to existing building codes and standards where the equipment or modification is related to the LIEE measure.
7. The utilities' LIEE programs should emphasize long term energy savings that leverage all available resources and are, to the extent cost-effective and practical, integrated with other demand-side programs, such as energy efficiency programs, solar installations, demand response and other programs.
8. The utilities should develop strategic ways of improving ME&O by coordinating efforts with other entities and energy programs.
9. The utilities should eliminate the rule which provides that customers are not eligible for LIEE measures if they have participated in the program within ten years or their residence has been provided LIEE measures.
10. AB 2140 requires each utility providing CARE discounts to (1) develop processes whereby it directly accepts CARE applications from tenants of a mobilehome park, apartment building, or similarly residential complex, (2) develop processes whereby it directly notifies and provides renewal applications to tenants of a mobilehome park, apartment building, or similar residential complex, that are existing CARE customers, and (3) provide each master-meter customer that is subject to Section 739.5 with a list of tenants who are approved to receive discounts pursuant to the CARE program and that specifically identifies those tenants added to or deleted from CARE program eligibility since the previous billing cycle. AB 2140 requires compliance with its provisions by December 31, 2007.
11. The utilities should automatically qualify for CARE discounts those customers who live in public housing because they have already demonstrated to public officials their low-income status.
12. SCE should be authorized to modify its application for authority to spend an additional $22 million on CFL distribution as part of its LIEE budget, as set forth herein.
IT IS ORDERED that:
1. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) shall, no later than February 1, 2008, submit to all parties to this proceeding and Rulemaking 06-04-010 a draft statewide strategic long-term plan, consistent with Decision (D.) 07-10-032, that includes a plan to achieve the Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) programmatic initiative adopted here. The plan shall include policies and program elements discussed herein. The utilities' final proposed statewide strategic plan shall include a discussion of LIEE program strategies and shall be filed consistent with D.07-10-032.
2. In addition to the information and strategies outlined in D.07-10-032, the LIEE portion of the utilities' statewide strategic plan shall include (1) an appendix that lists resources for low-income programs and other tools to better coordinate with other organizations and businesses, (2) a training plan for LIEE programs, consistent with this order, and (3) a discussion of the low-income program elements of the California Solar Initiative.
3. SCE, SDG&E, PG&E and SoCalGas shall file applications for 2009-2011 LIEE and CARE budget authority and program modifications no later than May 15, 2008. All other jurisdictional electric utilities shall file applications for 2009-2011 LIEE and CARE budget authority and program modifications no later than July 1, 2008.
4. Each application of SCE, PG&E, SDG&E and SoCalGas for LIEE and CARE budget authority for the 2009-2011 period shall:
· Propose a portfolio that identifies the benefit-cost ratio for each program and a justification for each program that is not cost-effective, as required in D.02- 08-034 and according to the Commission's cost-effectiveness methodology;
· Be designed to achieve over the three-year budget period approximately 1/4th of the programmatic initiative adopted here;
· Demonstrate that all program elements included toward the achievement of the initiative articulated here are cost-effective using the total resource test adopted in D.02-08-034;
· Propose program elements that may not be cost-effective but that serve other important policy objectives and provide justifications for each consistent with by D.02-08-034;
· Present specific strategies and programs for the budget years 2009-2011 toward accomplishing the LIEE programmatic initiative articulated here that emphasizes long term and enduring energy savings, ways to leverage the resources of other entities, and ways to integrate LIEE programs with other demand-side programs, especially energy efficiency programs, as discussed herein;
· Propose ME&O programs to promote LIEE programs and the LIEE programmatic initiative, including a program element that targets renters;
· Propose a process for automatically qualifying all tenants of public housing and tenants of Section 8 housing improving information to public housing authorities;
· Eliminate or modify the ten year "go back" rule to permit installations of new measures and technologies in all households while avoiding duplicative installations;
· Propose ways to promote program continuity and long term LIEE investments with more flexible budgeting and funding rules, consistent with the practices;
· Propose specific program participation goals in specific population sectors or segments and budgets designed to meet those goals, consistent with D.06-12-038;
· Propose methods of tracking costs for each program element and participation in each that will permit cost-benefit analysis for each program element and that are consistent for all utilities; and
· Analysis of how AB 1109 may affect their programs and the deployment of CFLs in California.
5. The utilities shall, in their Quarterly Meetings on LIEE programs, address technical changes to the Natural Gas Appliance Testing process that would improve the program, including those changes proposed by Southwest Gas Company in this proceeding.
6. Every electric or gas utility offering California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) discounts to the eligible tenants of master-meter customers shall, no later than January 15, 2008, file an affidavit in this proceeding that certifies the utility's compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2140 as set forth herein. The affidavit shall briefly describe the utility's processes for complying with the following elements of AB 2140:
a) Has developed processes whereby it directly accepts CARE applications from tenants of a mobilehome park, apartment building, or similarly residential complex.
b) Has developed processes whereby it directly notifies and provides renewal applications to tenants of a mobilehome park, apartment building, or similar residential complex that are existing CARE customers.
c) Provides each master-meter customer that is subject to Section 739.5 with a list of tenants who are approved to receive discounts pursuant to the CARE program and that specifically identifies those tenants added to or deleted from CARE program eligibility since the previous billing cycle.
7. SCE's application for approval of $22 million in augmented funding for compact fluorescent lamp distribution in its LIEE program shall be the topic of additional discussions with interested parties and may be amended as set forth herein.
8. The assigned Commissioner and assigned Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) are authorized to provide clarification and direction as required with respect to the content and development of the LIEE portion of the statewide strategic plan.
9. The Commission staff shall propose a schedule and list of information requirements relevant to the utilities' application for approval of 2009-2011 LIEE portfolios.
10. The assigned Commissioner is authorized to approve a policy manual and related rules for LIEE programs, consistent with this decision.
11. As soon as practical, the Commission staff shall post to the Commission's website the assigned Commissioner's LIEE policy manual.
12. The assigned ALJ, in consultation with the assigned Commissioner, shall schedule workshops to implement the provisions of this decision, as follows:
(1) Cost-effectiveness tests - How, if at all, should existing methodologies be modified to recognize the costs and benefits of LIEE programs?
(2) Strategic Approaches to Program Development and Delivery. How can the utilities leverage the opportunities presented by other resources and programs, including those of other organizations and their own energy efficiency programs? What resources are available to leverage utility program design and delivery? How can existing information and analysis be useful in guiding program development and delivery strategies and priorities?
(3) ME&O - How can the utilities and other entities provide more and better information to LIEE customers on a statewide basis about reducing energy usage and saving on their energy bills? To what extent should the utilities use a common branding strategy, and a statewide marketing and outreach program? What should a statewide, coordinated program include and how should it be administered?
(4) Portfolio Composition - What types of programs would best meet the policy objectives and programmatic initiative adopted in this decision? What types of programs should be offered that would serve program objectives relating to low-income customers' quality of life?
13. The assigned Commissioner and assigned ALJ are within their authority to establish and modify the schedule, procedures or topics set forth herein for workshops and other matters relating to LIEE programs in order to promote the objectives and goals of this decision.
14. The Executive Director may hire and manage one or more contractors to assist Commission staff for the purpose of advancing the LIEE work described in this order. Such costs, if any, shall be paid from the utilities' portfolio budgets adopted in D.06-12-038 or subsequent orders adopting future LIEE budgets, on a proportional basis in relationship to the energy efficiency funding levels reported each year in the first report each year as specified by the Executive Director to the utilities' low-income energy efficiency funding levels. For the year 2008, such costs shall be covered by the funds allocated to new, unanticipated studies for the four large IOUs in D. 06-12-038. The Executive Director, with the approval of the Commission's General Counsel, (i) may contract directly with outside consultants for these services, or (ii) may arrange for one or more of the utilities to contract with outside consultants for the provision of the required services to Commission staff. Contracting shall be subject to the agreement on terms, conditions and documentation for the contract arrangement that are acceptable to the utility and the Executive Director. The Commission's Energy Division will retain all contract management responsibilities for these contracts, with the utilities funding the contract utilizing their authorized LIEE program funds.
15. Application 07-05-010 is closed.
This order is effective today.
Dated December 20, 2007, at San Francisco, California.
MICHAEL R. PEEVEY
President
DIAN M. GRUENEICH
JOHN A. BOHN
RACHELLE B. CHONG
TIMOTHY ALAN SIMON
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT A
Summary of Utility LIEE Programs in 2006
1. Small Multi-Jurisdictional Utilities
A. Alpine
Alpine conducts its LIEE program through referrals as part of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) LIEE program. This partnership provides education, gas appliance safety testing, weatherization measures, minor home repair, and furnace repair and replacement.
B. PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp provides LIEE customers with insulation, showerheads, energy efficient refrigerators, and compact fluorescent lamps. Since early 2004, PacifiCorp has treated and weatherized approximately 130 homes. PacifiCorp plans to treat and weatherize 90 homes each year for 2007 and 2008. PacifiCorp contracts with community agencies to implement its programs.
C. Sierra
Sierra has provided LIEE services to customers since 1986. Currently, it contracts with private firms to implement LIEE programs, with particular emphasis on identifying hard-to reach customers.
D. Bear Valley
Bear Valley's LIEE program includes replacement of refrigerators, interior lighting, water heater insulation, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, insulation, weather-stripping, and caulking.
E. SWGas
SWGas contracts with third parties to provide LIEE program services, including outreach, program evaluation, installation of efficiency measures, and education and reporting. LIEE outreach efforts are combined with CARE program promotions and include targeted mailings, posters, brochures, community events, and website messages. Information is available in English, Spanish, and large print.
2. Large Investor-Owned Utilities
A. Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Southern California Gas Company provide services such as the installation of ceiling insulation, weather stripping, caulking, low-flow showerheads, water heater blankets, switch and outlet gaskets, faucet aerators, evaporative cooler vent covers, pipe insulation, and building envelope (minor home) repair.
Education services include in-home education which is designed to help customers learn to save energy by modifying their energy-use habits and community workshops. In 2006, SoCalGas spent approximately, 3% ($759,890) of its total LIEE program costs ($27,317,476) for in home Energy Education and workshops.70 In fiscal years 2007 and 2008 SoCalGas has reduced its spending for its energy education component to 1.3% ($447,000), of its total budget. In 2007 and 2008, SoCalGas has not requested a budgeted amount for energy education workshops.71
B. San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E)
SDG&E contracts with Richard Heath and Associates (RHA) to manage its field activities of the LIEE program. Field activities include outreach, eligibility, enrollment, and in-home energy education and assessment. RHA subcontracts weatherization activity, heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) to licensed Community Based Organizations and contractors.
SDG&E's energy education component comprises of two different programs: (1) The Energy Practices Survey, and (2) The Energy Conservation Video and DVD. The Energy Practices survey consists of a survey for the customer to complete and receive immediate feedback on various measures to reduce energy usage. The Energy Conservation DVD and video provides information about how to increase money savings and reduce energy usage. In 2006, SDG&E spent approximately 13% ($1,888,092) of its total Energy Efficient budget ($14,435,838) on Education programs.72 This percentage will slightly increase to 10% for the upcoming budget years of 2007 and 2008.73
C. Southern California Edison Company(SCE)
SCE maintains a contractual relationship between its LIEE program with community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations, public housing authorities, Low Income Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) providers, ethnic and cultural groups and others. Due to the high temperatures in SCE's territory and increasing cooling costs, SCE offers evaporative coolers to use in place of air conditions and the installation of energy efficient room and central air conditioners. SCE also helps low-income customers conserve energy by providing free Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL's) to replace incandescent bulbs.
SCE's customers are provided an "Energy Education Resource Guide" (English and Spanish) that contains information about the various SCE programs, energy savings tips, and other valuable energy saving information. In 2006, SCE spent approximately 2% ($633,293) of its total budget ($31,371,759).74 In the upcoming budgeted years for 2007 and 2008, SCE decreased its budgeted amount for energy education to 1.3% ($429,736) of its total budget.75
D. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
PG&E administers its program with RHA. In 2006, RHA contracted out PG&E's LIEE program implementation work to 17 weatherization contractors and three appliance contractors. The implementation of the LIEE program was done by a combination of community-based organizations and private contractors who were assigned specific geographic work areas within PG&E's service territory. PG&E also administers its own contracts with 18 contractors who provide services ranging from the replacement of furnaces and central air conditioners. Energy education is provided in the customer's home by an energy education specialist. These energy education specialists provide information about PG&E's low income programs. During this visit, the customer is also informed about various other ways to lower their utility bills.
In 2006, Energy Education constituted approximately 7% ($6,431,060) of its total budget ($88,045,621). 76 PG&E's Energy Education will remain at approximately 7 % ($6,062,112), for fiscal years 2007 and 2008.77
(END OF ATTACHMENT A)
ATTACHMENT B
Low Income Energy Efficiency Measures
Measure |
Description |
Appliance Replacement |
|
Refrigerator Replacement |
Replace existing refrigerator and reduce energy usage. |
Weatherization |
|
Caulking (exterior/interior) |
Seal home from air leaks. |
Weather Stripping Doors |
Seal home from air leaks. |
Ceiling Insulation |
Reduces heat flow to home. |
Water Heater Insulation |
Provides Energy Efficient hot water to home. |
Water Heater Pipe Insulation |
Reduces heat loss while raising water temp. |
Water Heater Pipe Wrap |
Reduces heat loss while raising water temp. |
Duct Testing and Sealing |
Reduces air leakage of heating/cooling systems. |
Water Heating Savings |
|
Energy Saver Showerhead (low-flow) |
Reduces usage of hot water. |
Faucet Aerators |
Reduces Energy and Water usage. |
Infiltration & Space Conditioning |
Installed to provide energy efficient method of cooling. |
Evaporative Cooler and Air Conditioner Vent Covers |
See above. |
High Efficiency Window/ Wall Air Conditioners |
See above. |
High Efficiency Central Air Conditioners |
See above. |
Evaporative Cooler Installation |
See above. |
Cover Plates/Gaskets |
Reduces wind draft into home. |
Air Conditioner Replacement- Room |
See above. |
Air Conditioner Replacement- Central |
See above. |
Minor Home Repairs |
Reduces leakage and entrance of air. |
Exterior Door Replacement |
See above. |
Window Replacement |
See above. |
Glass Replacement |
See above |
Furnace Repair/Replacement |
Improve performance of heat system, and reducing energy usage. |
Lighting Measures |
Replaces incandescence lights and reduces energy usage. |
Thread-Based Compact Fluorescent Lamps |
See above. |
Hard-Wired Compact Fluorescent Lamp |
See above. |
Porch Light Fixtures |
See above. |
(END OF ATTACHMENT B)
ATTACHMENT C
Public Utilities Code Statutes Governing
Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs and Policies
327. (a) The electric and gas corporations that participate in the
California Alternative Rates for Energy program, as established
pursuant to Section 739.1, shall administer low-income energy
efficiency and rate assistance programs described in Sections 739.1,
739.2, and 2790, subject to commission oversight. In administering
the programs described in Section 2790, the electric and gas
corporations, to the extent practical, shall do all of the following:
(1) Continue to leverage funds collected to fund the program
described in subdivision (a) with funds available from state and
federal sources.
(2) Work with state and local agencies, community-based
organizations, and other entities to ensure efficient and effective
delivery of programs.
(3) Encourage local employment and job skill development.
(4) Maximize the participation of eligible participants.
(5) Work to reduce consumers electric and gas consumption, and
bills.
(b) If the commission requires low-income energy efficiency
programs to be subject to competitive bidding, the electric and gas
corporation described in subdivision (a), as part of their bid
evaluation criteria, shall consider both cost-of-service criteria and
quality-of-service criteria. The bidding criteria, at a minimum,
shall recognize all of the following factors:
(1) The bidder's experience in delivering programs and services,
including, but not limited to, weatherization, appliance repair and
maintenance, energy education, outreach and enrollment services, and
bill payment assistance programs to targeted communities.
(2) The bidder's knowledge of the targeted communities.
(3) The bidder's ability to reach targeted communities.
(4) The bidder's ability to utilize and employ people from the
local area.
(5) The bidder's general contractor's license and evidence of good
standing with the Contractors' State License Board.
(6) The bidder's performance quality as verified by the funding
source.
(7) The bidder's financial stability.
(8) The bidder's ability to provide local job training.
(9) Other attributes that benefit local communities.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the commission may modify the
bid criteria based upon public input from a variety of sources,
including representatives from low-income communities and the program
administrators identified in subdivision (b), in order to ensure the
effective and efficient delivery of high quality low-income energy
efficiency programs.
382. (a) Programs provided to low-income electricity customers,
including, but not limited to, targeted energy-efficiency services
and the California Alternate Rates for Energy program shall be funded
at not less than 1996 authorized levels based on an assessment of
customer need.
(b) In order to meet legitimate needs of electric and gas
customers who are unable to pay their electric and gas bills and who
satisfy eligibility criteria for assistance, recognizing that
electricity is a basic necessity, and that all residents of the state
should be able to afford essential electricity and gas supplies, the
commission shall ensure that low-income ratepayers are not
jeopardized or overburdened by monthly energy expenditures. Energy
expenditure may be reduced through the establishment of different
rates for low-income ratepayers, different levels of rate assistance,
and energy efficiency programs.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit
electric and gas providers from offering any special rate or program
for low-income ratepayers that is not specifically required in this
section.
(d) The commission shall allocate funds necessary to meet the
low-income objectives in this section.
(e) Beginning in 2002, an assessment of the needs of low-income
electricity and gas ratepayers shall be conducted periodically by the
commission with the assistance of the Low-Income Oversight Board.
The assessment shall evaluate low-income program implementation and
the effectiveness of weatherization services and energy efficiency
measures in low-income households. The assessment shall consider
whether existing programs adequately address low-income electricity
and gas customers' energy expenditures, hardship, language needs, and
economic burdens.
382.1. (a) There is hereby established a Low-Income Oversight Board
that shall advise the commission on low-income electric, gas, and
water customer issues and shall serve as a liaison for the commission
to low-income ratepayers and representatives. The Low-Income
Oversight Board shall replace the Low-Income Advisory Board in
existence on January 1, 2000. The Low-Income Oversight Board shall do
all of the following to advise the commission regarding the
commission's duties:
(1) Monitor and evaluate implementation of all programs provided
to low-income electricity, gas, and water customers.
(2) Assist in the development and analysis of any assessments of
low-income customer need.
(3) Encourage collaboration between state and utility programs for
low-income electricity and gas customers to maximize the leverage of
state and federal energy efficiency funds to both lower the bills
and increase the comfort of low-income customers.
(4) Provide reports to the Legislature, as requested, summarizing
the assessment of need, audits, and analysis of program
implementation.
(5) Assist in streamlining the application and enrollment process
of programs for low-income electricity and gas customers with general
low-income programs, including, but not limited to, the Universal
Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS) program and, including compliance
with Section 739.1.
(6) Encourage the usage of the network of community service
providers in accordance with Section 381.5.
(b) The Low-Income Oversight Board shall be comprised of 11
members to be selected as follows:
(1) Five members selected by the commission who have expertise in
the low-income community and who are not affiliated with any state
agency or utility group. These members shall be selected in a manner
to ensure an equitable geographic distribution.
(2) One member selected by the Governor.
(3) One member selected by the commission who is a commissioner or
commissioner designee.
(4) One member selected by the Department of Community Services
and Development.
(5) One member selected by the commission who is a representative
of private weatherization contractors.
(6) One member selected by the commission who is a representative
of an electrical or gas corporation.
(7) One member selected by the commission who is a representative
of a water corporation.
(c) The Low-Income Oversight Board shall alternate meeting
locations between northern, central, and southern California.
(d) The Low-Income Oversight Board may establish a technical
advisory committee consisting of low-income service providers,
utility representatives, consumer organizations, and commission
staff, to assist the board and may request utility representatives
and commission staff to assist the technical advisory committee.
(e) The commission shall do all of the following in conjunction
with the board:
(1) Work with the board, interested parties, and community-based
organizations to increase participation in programs for low-income
customers.
(2) Provide technical support to the board.
(3) Ensure that the energy burden of low-income electricity and
gas customers is reduced.
(4) Provide formal notice of board meetings in the commission's
daily calendar.
(f) (1) Members of the board and members of the technical advisory
committee shall be eligible for compensation in accordance with
state guidelines for necessary travel.
(2) Members of the board and members of the technical advisory
committee who are not salaried state service employees shall be
eligible for reasonable compensation for attendance at board
meetings.
(3) All reasonable costs incurred by the board in carrying out its
duties pursuant to subdivision (a), including staffing, travel, and
administrative costs, shall be reimbursed through the public
utilities reimbursement account and shall be part of the budget of
the commission and the commission shall consult with the board in the
preparation of that portion of the commission's annual proposed
budget.
2790. (a) The commission shall require an electrical or gas
corporation to perform home weatherization services for low-income
customers, as determined by the commission under Section 739, if the
commission determines that a significant need for those services
exists in the corporation's service territory, taking into
consideration both the cost-effectiveness of the services and the
policy of reducing the hardships facing low-income households.
(b) (1) For purposes of this section, "weatherization" may
include, where feasible, any of the following measures for any
dwelling unit:
(A) Attic insulation.
(B) Caulking.
(C) Weatherstripping.
(D) Low flow showerhead.
(E) Waterheater blanket.
(F) Door and building envelope repairs that reduce air
infiltration.
(2) The commission shall direct any electrical or gas corporation
to provide as many of these measures as are feasible for each
eligible low-income dwelling unit.
(c) "Weatherization" may also include other building conservation
measures, energy-efficient appliances, and energy education programs
determined by the commission to be feasible, taking into
consideration for all measures both the cost-effectiveness of the
measures as a whole and the policy of reducing energy-related
hardships facing low-income households.
(d) Weatherization programs shall use the needs assessment
pursuant to Section 382.1 to maximize efficiency of delivery.
(END OF ATTACHMENT C)
ATTACHMENT E
· How can a sub-metered tenant apply for CARE discounts? If the application is incomplete, what should the utility do to follow-up with the applicant to complete enrollment? What information does the sub-metered tenant need to provide in order to enroll in CARE?
· How does the utility keep track of sub-metered tenants?
· How does the utility renew sub-metered tenants' participation in CARE?
· Does the utility provide master-metered customers with the names of sub-metered tenants who are approved to receive the CARE discount? If so, how often does that occur? What other types of information does the list provide, if any? Who receives this list? How does the utility handle the turnover of mobile home park management or owner? Would a monthly list sent to the master metered customer that request notification of change of ownership assist the utility company in managing ownership turnover?
· How many master-metered tenants does each utility serve?
· How many sub-metered tenants are eligible for the CARE program in California?
· How many sub-metered tenants are enrolled in CARE?
· How do the utilities contact sub-metered customers or tenants to inform and enroll them in the CARE program?
· How do utilities communicate with sub-metered customers/tenants when following up with customer service requests? If utilities do not provide this information, please explain why and possibly methods to address these issues which may improve customer service to CARE recipients.
CARE enrollment status
Enrollment assistance
Verification that the CARE discount is given to the master-metered account
Verification that the CARE discount has been given to the sub-metered tenant if the bill is provided
· How do utilities provide education and outreach to master-metered customers about billing and CARE discounts?
· Do the utilities coordinate the outreach conducted under the LIEE program?
· What remedial actions do the utilities take if it learns that the CARE discount has not been passed to the sub-metered tenant? Does the utility work with County Weights and Measures to assure tenants receive the CARE discount owed to them?
· What can or should the Commission do to promote the CARE program among sub-metered tenants?
· What can or should the Commission do to assure sub-metered tenants receive the CARE discount the utility provides?
· What can or should the Commission do to improve the communication between master-metered account holders and the utility company?
What can or should the Commission do to improve the communication between the submetered account holder and the utility company?
(END OF ATTACHMENT E)
70 Southern California Gas Company 2006 Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs Annual Summary and Technical Appendix, Table 1.
71 Order Adopting Utility Budgets for Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs and California Alternative Rate for Energy, D.06-12-038, Appendix Table 7.
72 SDG&E 2006 Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs Annual Summary and Technical Appendix, Table 1.
73 Order Adopting Utility Budgets for Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs and California Alternative Rate for Energy, D.06-12-038, Appendix Table 5.
74 Southern California Edison Company's (U-338-E) Annual Progress Report for the Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) Program for the Period January - December 2006, filed May 1,2006, Table 1.
75 Order Adopting Utility Budgets for Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs and California Alternative Rate for Energy, D.06-12-038, Appendix Table 1.
76 PG&E Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program Annual Report for 2006, Table 1.
77 Order Adopting Utility Budgets for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs and California Alternative Rate for Energy, D.06-12-038, Appendix Table 3.
