LGSEC provides a voice for its members on crucial energy policy. Staff closely monitors proceedings of the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board, and submits formal comments on issues that matter to the Coalition’s members. Our work ensures local governments have a regular presence with key regulatory agencies. When state laws and policies are converted into specific regulations and programs, LGSEC is there to provide a local government perspective and identify emerging challenges.
Regulatory Proceedings
Active Proceedings
View the proceedings LGSEC is actively engaged in and currently monitoring. Find descriptions, schedules, and engagement, including submitted comments, for each proceeding. Click on the proceeding name to expand details.
R. 20-08-022: Clean Energy Financing Options for Electricity and Natural Gas Customers
This proceeding focuses on identifying improvements and possible additions to existing means of financing energy management, efficiency, and electrification, DER, and microgrid investments. The proceeding could result in expanded access to energy financing measures by local governments and their residents.
Proceeding Schedule
| Event |
Date |
| Amended Scoping Memo and revised schedule for new financing proposals, metrics, and evaluation strategies | November 2021 |
| Workshop(s) to receive public feedback to utilities’ initial high-level proposals addressing template | Q1 2022 |
| Proposals for clean energy financing programs filed and served by IOUs and other parties | April 15, 2022 |
| IOU-hosted community meetings on proposed clean energy financing options | May 2022 |
| Revisions to IOU proposals and IOU reports on community meeting feedback due | June 15, 2022 |
| Workshop(s) discussing metrics, reporting, and evaluation requirements | Q2 2022 |
| Workshop(s) for discussion of outstanding issues related to clean energy financing program proposals, if needed | Q3 2022 |
| Opening comments on IOU and party clean energy financing proposals due | June 29, 2022 |
| Deadline for parties to request evidentiary hearing | June 29, 2022 |
| Reply comments on IOU and party clean energy financing proposals due | July 11, 2022 |
| Proposed decision | September 2022 |
| Commission decision | 30 days after issuance of PD |
Engagement Completed
- 2020 Working Group
- 2021 Working Group
- 2022 Working Group
- Workshop Proposal Presentation 3/25/2022
- Proposal to Pilot a Decarbonization Rate 4/15/2022
- Final Proposal for Pilot Decarbonization Rate 6/15/2022
- Reply Comments 7/22/2022
R. 21-06-017: Modernize the Electric Grid for a High Distributed Energy Resources Future
Proposed scope includes:
- Should the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) investigate how to redefine electric distribution investor-owned utility (IOU) roles to accommodate a high DER future, limit market power, and ensure open access for DER providers and aggregators offering retail and wholesale grid services? If so, how?
- How frequent should distribution planning consultations be and at what level of local government (e.g., city or county level)? What should be the scope of outreach, including to tribal governments?
- Should Distribution Planning Process (DPP) outreach be coordinated and/or combined with associated community engagement activities (e.g., those required by the wildfire mitigation, de-energization, microgrids and resiliency, climate adaptation, and/or other proceedings)?
- Should DPP outreach play a role in supporting development of community-scale DERs (i.e., DERs smaller than utility scale but significantly larger than typical single-customer residential DERs).
Proceeding Schedule
| Activity |
Date |
| Track 1: Distribution Planning Process and Data Improvements (Phase 1: Near-Term Actions) | |
| Electrification Impacts Study Scope and Objectives Workshop | 12/7/2021 |
| Integration Capacity Analysis and Grid Needs Assessment Alignment and Utility Workplan Reports | February 2022 |
| Data Portals Improvement (Workshop, Focus Group) | Q1 2022 |
| Additional Guiding Questions and California Energy Commission Report Comments | Q1 2022 |
| Distribution Investment Deferral Framework Guidelines | Q2 2022 |
| Distribution Forecasting Working Group Workshop | Q2 2022 |
| Electrification Impacts Study and Workshop | Q2 2022 |
| Community Engagement Needs Assessment Scope and Objectives Workshop | Q3 2022 |
| Electrification Impacts Staff Proposal | Q4 2022 |
| Utility Integration Capacity Analysis Refinements 1st Annual Reports and Workshop | Q4 2022 |
| Deadline to Request Evidentiary Hearing for Track 1, Phase 1 issues | November 30, 2022 |
| Proposed Decision (Phase 1) | Q1 2023 |
| Track 1 (Phase 2: Distribution Planning Process Improvement) | |
| Community Engagement Needs Assessment Report and Workshop | Q1 2024 |
| Data Portals Improvement Technical Report | Q2 2024 |
| Distribution Planning Process Improvement Workshop | Q2 2024 |
| Deadline to request Evidentiary Hearing for Track 1, Phase 2 Issues | July 31, 2024 |
| DPP Guidelines Staff Proposal and Workshop | Q3 2024 |
| Proposed Decision (Phase 2) | Q1 2025 |
| Track 2: Distribution System Operator Roles and Responsibilities | |
| White Paper and Workshop | Q1 2022 |
| Future Grid/Distribution System Operator Workshop Series | Q2 and Q3 2022 |
| Deadline to request Evidentiary Hearing for Track 2 issues | April 30, 2023 |
| Future Grid/Distribution System Operator Roles and Responsibilities Technical Report and En Banc | Q3 2023 |
| Proposed Decision | Q4 2023 |
| Track 3: Smarter Inverter Operationalization and Grid Modernization Planning (Phase 1: Smart Inverter Operationalization) | |
| Smart Inverter Operationalization Working Group Workshop | 1/25/2022 |
| Smart Inverter Operationalization Working Group | Q1 2022-Q1 2023 |
| Deadline to request Evidentiary Heading for Track 3, Phase 1 issues | January 31, 2023 |
| Smart Inverter Operationalization Working Group Report | Q1 2023 |
| Smart Inverter Operationalization Staff Proposal and Workshop | Q2 2023 |
| Proposed Decision (Phase 1) | Q3 2023 |
| Track 3 (Phase 2: Grid Modernization Planning and Cost Recovery) | |
| Deadline to request Evidentiary Hearing in Track 3, Phase 2 issues | October 31, 2023 |
| Grid Modernization Plan Improvement and General Rate Case Alignment Staff Proposal and Workshop | Q1 2024 |
| Proposed Decision (Phase 2) | Q2 2024 |
Engagement Completed
- 2021 Working Group
- Comments Filed 8/17/2021
R. 22-11-013: Order Instituting Rulemaking to Consider Distributed Energy Resource Program Cost-Effectiveness Issues, Data Access and Use, and Equipment Performance Standards
Proposed scope includes:
- On November 23, 2022, the Commission issued an Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) to achieve consistency of cost effectiveness assessments, improve data access and use, and consider equipment performance standards for distributed energy resource (DER) customer programs. As a successor proceeding to Rulemaking (R.) 14-10-003, this rulemaking is the procedural framework for advancing the vision articulated in the customer programs track of the Commission’s DER Action Plan 2.0, which states:
- “The DER Action Plan’s Customer Programs Track focuses on improving coordination, planning and developing consistent metrics across DER proceedings related to customer programs to maximize their contributions to [greenhouse gas (GHG)] reductions and other state energy goals. The goal is to enable all customers to effectively manage their energy usage in a manner that ensures equitable participation and distribution of benefits, alignment with evolving rate design and load flexibility, alignment with distribution planning objectives, and alignment with integrated resource planning objectives.”
- A pre-hearing conference (PHC) was held on March 29, 2023, to address the issues of law and fact, determine the need for hearing, set the schedule for resolving the matter, and address other matters as necessary.
Proceeding Schedule
| Activity |
Date |
| Track 1 | |
| Party Comments on Societal Cost Test and Air Quality Research Results | April 28, 2023 |
| Issuance of Staff Proposal on the 2024 ACC | July 2023 |
| Workshops on the Staff ACC Proposal | August 2023 |
| Proposed Decision for the Societal Cost Test, or Air Quality Research Results | TBD |
| Discovery completed on the ACC Proposal | 8 weeks after issuance of Staff Proposal |
| Opening Testimony served | 12 weeks after issuance of Staff Proposal |
| Rebuttal Testimony served | 15 weeks after issuance of Staff Proposal |
| List of Disputed and Stipulated Issues; Report of Meet and Confer | January 9, 2024 |
| Evidentiary hearing | January 23-25 2024 |
| Opening briefs | February 21, 2024 |
| Reply briefs [Track One submitted] | March 13, 2024 |
| Proposed Decision | June 2024 |
| Track 2 | |
| Ruling requesting party comments on formation, membership, and coordinator for Data Working Groups | June 2023 |
| Party comments in response to Ruling on the Formation of Data Working Groups, filed | 2-3 weeks after the issuance of the Ruling |
| Ruling creating Data Working Groups and establishing roles and responsibilities of a facilitator for the Data Working Groups | Q3 2023 |
| Workshops for the Data Working Groups | TBD |
| Recommendations from Data Working Groups, served | Approximately 12 months after the first workshop is held |
| Ruling requesting Party Comments on the Recommendations from the Data Working Groups | Within two weeks after Recommendations from the Data Working Groups are served |
| Workshops, if necessary, to discuss Recommendations from the Data Working Groups | TBD |
| Party Comments on the Recommendations from the Data Working Group, filed (Track Two submitted) | Three weeks after the conclusion of workshops |
| Proposed Decision(s) addressing recommendations from the Data Working Groups | No later than 90 days after Party Comments on Data Working Group Recommendations are filed |
Engagement Completed
- Working Group 2023
- Comments Filed 8/23/2023
R. 19-09-009: Microgrids Pursuant to Senate Bill 1339
Through this Application, the CPUC aims to decide whether SCE’s proposed Building Electrification program is reasonable, including but not limited to funding sources, budget, and design and implementation; whether the cost recovery proposal and customer impacts of SCE’s proposed Building Electrification programs are reasonable; and whether SCE’s proposed Building Electrification programs help reach Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) Communities, as defined in the Commission’s ESJ Action Plan, and safety goals.
Proceeding Schedule
| Event | Date |
| Application filed | December 20, 2021 |
| Protests / Responses Due | January 20, 2022 |
| Reply to Protests | January 31, 2022 |
| SCE-Scheduled Meet & Confer | March 8, 2022 |
| Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC) | March 24, 2022 |
| SCE hosts virtual meeting with parties to walkthrough SCE workpapers | March 29, 2022 |
| Scoping Memo Issued* | April 5, 2022 |
| Intervenor Testimony due: (6 weeks after scoping memo) | May 17, 2022 |
| SCE Rebuttal Testimony due (8 weeks after intervenor testimony) | July 12, 2022 |
| Deadline for Stipulations / Requests to limit hearings (2 weeks after previous deadline) | July 26, 2022 |
| Hearings held (if needed) (2 weeks after previous deadline) | August 9, 2022 |
| Concurrent Opening Briefs (4 weeks after end of hearings deadline) | September 6, 2022 |
| Concurrent Reply Briefs (3 weeks after opening briefs) | September 27, 2022 |
| Proposed Decision | October 2022 |
| Comments on Proposed Decision (20 days from the date of issuance) | November 2022 |
| Replies to Comments (5 days later) | November 2022 |
| Final Commission Decision |
December 2022
|
Engagement Completed
R. 19-09-009: Microgrids Pursuant to Senate Bill 1339
Senate Bill 1389 requires the CEC to: “Conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The Energy Commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety.” (Pub. Res. Code § 25301(a)). The CEC adopts an Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) every two years and an update every other year. This proceeding covers the 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update.
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Engagement Completed
- Energy Efficiency Working Group 2013
- Energy Efficiency Working Group 2014
- Energy Efficiency Working Group 2015
- Energy Efficiency Working Group 2016
- Prehearing Statement Filed 12/6/13
- Comments Filed 4/4/14
- Comments Filed 9/8/15
- Response Letter 7/14/16
- Motion of leave 7/14/16
- Comments Filed 6/17/16
- Comments Filed 8/8/16
- Comments Filed 2/26/16
- Comments Filed 11/12/19
- Comments Filed 10/16/20
- Comments Filed 10/30/20
- Comments Filed 5/6/21
- Join Comments Filed 6/20/22
- Comments Filed 8/9/22
- Comments Filed 9/23/22
- Comments Filed 1/13/23
R. 19-09-009: Microgrids Pursuant to Senate Bill 1339
Two related processes are extant, as follows: (1) Through a series of formal comments, workshops, advice letters, and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reports this docket focuses on how to encourage microgrid deployment while maintaining grid integrity. (2) Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison (“utilities”) are soliciting input through a series of workshops on the elements necessary to develop a new $200 million Microgrid Incentive Program intended to support energy resilience for vulnerable populations impacted by grid outages.
Proceeding Schedule
| Proceeding Milestone |
Date |
| Amended Scoping Memo and Ruling, filing and served | February 9, 2021 |
| Comments on Ruling, filed and served | March 3, 2021 |
| Reply comments on Ruling, filed and served | March 10, 2021 |
| Proposed Decision, filed and served | June 9, 2021 |
| Comments on Proposed Decision, filed and served | June 29, 2021 |
Engagement Completed
- 2020 Working Group
- 2021 Working Group
- Protest Letter 2/16/2021
- SCE Response 2/23/2021
- CPUC Response 4/13/2021
- Informal Comment Letter to CPUC Staff 6/16/21
R. 20-08-020: Net Energy Metering (NEM)
Customers who install small solar, wind, biogas, and fuel cell generation facilities to serve all or a portion of onsite electricity needs are eligible for the state’s net metering program. NEM allows customers who generate their own energy (“customer-generators”) to serve their energy needs directly onsite and to receive a financial credit on their electric bills for any surplus energy fed back to their utility. Participation in the NEM does not limit a customer-generator’s eligibility for any other rebate, incentive, or credit provided by an electric utility. More than 90% of all megawatts (MW) of customer-sited solar capacity interconnected to the grid in the three large investor-owned (IOU) territories (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) in California are on NEM tariffs. R. 20-08-020 focuses on reforming the payment system through which photovoltaics developed by non-utilities are compensated.
Proceeding Schedule
| Event | Date |
| Comments on Guiding Principles Received | December 4, 2020 |
| Reply Comments on Guiding Principles Received | December 11, 2020 |
| Proposed Decision on Guiding Principles Issued | January 5, 2020 |
| Issuance of NEM2 Lookback Study | January 21, 2021 |
| Workshop on E3 White Paper and Program Elements | February 8, 2021 |
| Decision on Guiding Principles Issued | February 17, 2021 |
| Party Proposals Served | March 15, 2021 |
| Workshop Presenting Party Proposals | March 23-24 |
| Second Workshop on Proposals | April 22, 2021 |
| Cost Effectiveness Analysis Results Provided to Parties | May 28, 2021 |
| Opening Testimony on Issues 2 -6 | June 18, 2021 |
| Rebuttal Testimony | July 16, 2021 |
| Evidentiary Hearing on Issues 3 – 6 | July 26 – August 6, 2021 |
| Completion of Settlement Talks | August 27, 2021 |
| Opening Briefs on Issues 2-6 | August 31, 2021 |
| Reply brief [matter submitted] | September 14, 2021 |
| Proposed Decision (PD) on successor to current main NEM tariff and NEM tariff for fuel cells |
[no later than December 13, 2021 (90 days after
reply briefs submission)]
|
| Commission Decision | [at least 30 days after PD] |
Engagement Completed
- 2021 Working Group
- Public Comments 9/21/2021
- Public Comments 1/14/2022
Docket 21-IEPR-01: CEC Integrated Energy Policy Report
The CEC adopts an Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) every two years and an update every other year. This proceeding covers the 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update. The IEPR provides a cohesive approach to identifying and solving the state’s pressing energy needs and issues. The report, which is crafted in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, develops and implements energy plans and policies.
Engagement Completed
- 2021 Working Group
R. 18-12-006: Development of Rates and Infrastructure for Vehicle Electrification
This rulemaking continues the implementation and administration of transportation electrification programs, tariffs and policies at the Commission. As a successor docket to Rulemaking (R.) 13 11 007, this proceeding seeks to develop a comprehensive framework to guide the Commission’s role in the electrification of California’s transportation sector. This rulemaking identifies the most prominent outstanding issues that need to be addressed to ensure the investments and programs the Commission is authorizing to accelerate transportation electrification are aligned with other state efforts. It directs the investor owned utilities under the Commission’s jurisdiction to propose new rates that support the electrification of transportation. Finally, this rulemaking authorizes the Commission’s Energy Division to develop a report outlining transportation electrification program investments moving forward, in addition to continuing the Commission’s focus on advancing vehicle grid integration.
Engagement Completed
- 2020 Working Group
- Comments Filed 8/12/20
- Comments Filed 6/21/21
- Comments Filed 6/28/21
Inactive Proceedings
View the proceedings LGSEC has engaged with in the past. The comments submitted for each are included. Click on the proceeding name to expand details.
R.18-07-006 Assessing The Affordability of Utility Service
Phase Three scope includes:
- What actions, if any, should the Commission take to mitigate future increases in energy costs, rates and bills?
- What actions, if any, should the Commission recommend other entities take to mitigate future increases in energy costs, rates and bills?
Proceeding Schedule
| Event | Date |
| Amended Scoping Memo, Issued | January 2022 |
| Electric and Gas Rates En Banc, HoldFebruary/March 2022 | February/March 2022 |
| Ruling Soliciting Recommendations and Considerations on Proposed Strategies to Mitigate Energy Rate Increases, Issue | March/April 2022 |
| Party Recommendations, File and Serve | May 2022 |
| Workshop based on Party Recommendations and Considerations, Hold | July 2022 |
| Party Opening and Reply Comments on Recommendations, File and Serve | August/September 2022 |
| Staff Proposal on Recommended Strategies to Mitigate Energy Rate Increases, Issue | Q1 2023 |
| Workshop on Staff Proposal, Hold | Q1 2023 |
| Reply Comments on Staff Proposal, File and Serve | Q2 2023 |
| Phase 3 Proposed Decision, Issue | Q2-Q3 2023 |
Sunnova Community Microgrids California, LLC (“SCMC”) submits application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CPCN”) authorizing the construction and operation of public utility microgrids by SCMC in the State of California and to establish rates for service. SCMC requests approval from the Commission to own and operate microgrids to be constructed as part of new master-planned residential communities consisting of between approximately 500 to 2,000 new homes and select non-residential facilities that are colocated in or an essential part of the community plan (e.g., streetlights, community buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, schools, libraries, and parks).2
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Engagement Completed
AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan
In 2006, the Legislature passed the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 [Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32)], which created a comprehensive, multi-year program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California. The Draft 2022 Scoping Plan assesses progress toward the statutory 2030 target, while laying out a path to achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2045.
Engagement Completed
R. 18-12-005: Electric Utility De-Energization of Power Lines in Dangerous Conditions
The Commission opens this Order to examine its rules allowing electric utilities under the Commission’s jurisdiction to de-energize power lines in case of dangerous conditions that threaten life or property in California.
Engagement Completed
- Comments Filed 2/8/19
- 2020 Working Group
- Comments Filed 2/19/20
- Comments Filed 2/26/20
- Comments Filed 4/17/20
A. 17-01-013(-017): Application of SCE for Approval of Energy Efficiency Rolling Portfolio Business Plan
A. 16-08-006: Application of PG&E for Approval of the Retirement of Diablo Canyon Power Plant
Engagement Completed
R. 14-07-002: Develop a Successor to Existing Net Metering Tariffs
This rulemaking was initiated for two main purposes: 1) to develop a successor to existing net energy metering (NEM) tariffs as required in Assembly Bill 327 (Perea, 2013); and 2) to review and refine existing NEM tariffs, as necessary.
Engagement Completed
A. 15-06-001: Power Charge Indifference Adjustment
Engagement Completed
Docket 14-EUDP-01: Nonresidential Building Energy Use Disclosure Program
Engagement Completed
R. 14-10-013: Policies, Procedures and Rules Development of Distribution Resources Plans
Engagement Completed
Docket 15-BTSD-01: 2016 Buildings Energy Efficiency Standard
The 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards apply to new construction of, and additions and alterations to, residential and nonresidential buildings. The 2016 Standards took effect January 1, 2017. The California Energy Commission updates the Building Energy Efficiency Standards every three years.
Engagement Completed
Docket 15-CALG-01: Energy Provisions of CALGreen
Engagement Completed
Docket 15-IEPR-05: CEC Integrated Energy Policy Report
Engagement Completed
- Comments on Draft Plan 4/21/15
- Comments Filed 5/21/15
- Comments Filed 7/20/15
- 2021 Working Group
Docket 15-OIR-05: Building Energy Use Disclosure and Public Benchmarking Program
Engagement Completed
Docket 2014-BSTD-01: 2016 Buildings Energy Efficiency Standard
Engagement Completed
Docket 14-EUDP-01: Nonresidential Building Energy Use Disclosure Program
Engagement Completed
R. 08-12-009: Consider Smart Grid Technologies
R. 12-11-005: California Solar Initiative, the Self-Generation Incentive Program and Other Distributed Generation Issues
Engagement Completed
R. 13-12-011: Partnership Framework between Energy Investor Owned Utilities and the Water Sector
Engagement Completed
R.14-10-003: Regulatory Framework for the Guidance, Planning, and Evaluation of Integrated Demand-Side Resource Programs
Engagement Completed
A. 12-07-(001-004): Energy Efficiency Programs and Budgets Applications from IOUs
Engagement Completed
Docket 12-EBP-1: Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program for Existing Buildings
Engagement Completed
R. 09-11-014: Exampine the Commission's Post-2008 Energy Efficiency Policies, Programs, Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification, and Related Issues
Engagement Completed
PL 111-5: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Engagement Completed
A. 08-05-022: PG&E Application - 2009-11 Low Income Energy Efficiency Program Plans
Engagement Completed
A. 08-07-021: SCE Application - 2009-2011 Energy Efficiency Program Plans and Associated PGC Procurement Funding Requests
R. 08-07-011: Develop the Commission's Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan
Engagement Completed
A. 22-09-002: Application for Sunnova Community Microgrid