Program Administration

The CSI should take advantage of existing SGIP administrative infrastructure and utilize technical, and safety-related protocols already in place. We propose to retain this basic framework in the CSI's initial start-up phase to ensure a seamless transition from the existing programs to the CSI. These entities already administer a large-scale customer incentive program, and coordinate with other ratepayer-funded energy efficiency, demand response, and educational outreach programs, and facilitate system interconnection and net metering.

In the short-term, PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas, and SDREO would be responsible for day-to-day administration of the CSI in their respective territories. In the future, the agencies may consider alternative third-party entities in the administrative and/or implementation role. The program administrators will conduct the following activities:

· Coordinate the CSI with energy efficiency program to ensure that the customer maximizes energy efficiency improvements prior to installing a solar system.

· Verify system installation.

· Make payments for installed systems.

· Provide complete information, including application form and directions to apply to the program, on utility and third-party administrator web sites.

· Report on program progress through monthly status reports.

· Conduct annual program evaluations.

· Conduct solar education and outreach, and coordinate CSI marketing with existing statewide and localized efforts, such as Flex Your Power and energy efficiency outreach efforts.

· Make available on their website program status information, including but not limited to current funding levels, system numbers funded and at what levels, and the numbers of systems in the queue.

We also recommend the CPUC retain the statewide Working Group adopted by D.01-03-073, comprised of the Program Administrators and staff from the CEC and the CPUC Energy Division. This group will be responsible for program implementation, developing program forms and procedures, and refining program details. This group should remain an implementation forum only, and is not intended to supplant policymaking authority by the CPUC. The CPUC and the CEC will continue to collaborate on policymaking authority for the joint program. The agencies may also choose to modify the administrative structure in the future.

The CPUC will continue to utilize CEC expertise under the collaborative model established in R.99-10-025 and continued in R.04-03-017, particularly with respect to program planning and design, rate of incentive decline, and recommendations for added incentives for enhanced system configuration.