CONTACT: |
Carol E. Robinson |
May 3, 2001 |
CPUC: 042 | |
415-703-1072 |
Res. E-3733 | |||
CPUC AND ELECTRIC UTILITIES PREPARE
TO LAUNCH 20/20 REBATE PROGRAM
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today ordered Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison Company and San Diego Gas &Electric to file rate schedules, rules and conditions that put into action Governor Gray Davis' executive order for the "California 20/20 Rebate Program."
The 20/20 program, which the Governor created March 13, rewards the utilities' residential, agricultural, and business customers for their conservation efforts. In order to promote conservation before the high-demand summer months, the program must be in effect before June 1.
Under the 20/20 program, the utilities will provide a rebate of 20 percent to customers who reduce their usage by at least 20% compared to last summer.. The program will be in place from June through September. SDG&E customers have a reduced conservation threshold of 15% because of their efforts at reducing electric usage last summer. For example, a customer's average daily electricity usage during the June 2001 billing period would be compared with the customer's average daily usage in June 2000. Ratepayers would receive a credit for each month they reduced their electricity usage by 20 percent. A reduction in the utilities' payments to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in subsequent months will pay for the program.
Executive Order D-30-01, which set up the program, noted that:
· There is a high probability that the electricity shortage will continue to cause rolling blackouts throughout the state.
· Consumers will reduce their energy consumption if provided financial incentives and additional tools to promote energy efficiency in their homes.
· It is estimated that an effective rate reward program can help reduce energy consumption by up to 3,500 gigawatt-hours and up to 2,200 megawatts during critical summer peak consumption periods.
Because the program must be in effect before June 1, the usual 30-day comment period required by the Public Utilities Code was reduced to eight days. As part of the promotion of the program, the utilities will mail letters or bill inserts describing the "California 20/20 Rebate Program."
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