Staff Report – Item IV-B
To: The Governing Board
From: Donald Eckert, Executive Director
Item IV-B: Executive Director Report
Date: 1/18/2024
PERSONNEL
Staff is actively recruiting for the Sr. Manager of Quantitative Analysis & Modeling position. Interviews are scheduled for the week of January 15th.
EXECUITVE DIRECTOR AGREEMENTS EXECUTED (NON-POWER SUPPLY) The following agreements have been executed by the Executive Director, consistent with the authority delegated by the Board:
• NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC – Regulatory consulting services, not-to-exceed amount of $10,000, December 21, 2023, until services are completed. 2024 PIONEER RATES
The Board provided rates direction to staff at the December meeting. Updates to Pioneer’s Generation Rate would become effective contingent on Pacific Gas & Electric (“PG&E”) release of final generation and Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (“PCIA”) rates that support at least a 10% discount. PG&E released their rates near the end of the year and the rates landed close to the assumptions the Board provided rate direction from.
The following discounts compared to PG&E’s generation rates for Pioneer’s customers in 2024 are below:
• 2017 PCIA Vintage (Placer) – 10%
• 2021 PCIA Vintage (El Dorado) – 19%
• 2023 PCIA Vintage (Grass Valley/Nevada City) – 12%
Pioneer’s rates are projected to save its customers approximately $41 million in 2024. The rates can be referenced in attachment five.
STANDARD & POORS (“S&P”)
Staff made a presentation to S&P before the holiday break along with follow-up meetings. Activity will resume the week of the 15th. The expectation is to complete the rating process by the end of January.
QUARTERLY STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
Please reference attachment four for the quarterly progress report of the strategic plan. Staff will be collaborating with the Board in Winter/Spring of this year to update the strategic plan for the next three years.
NEVADA CITY/GRASS VALLEY EXPANSION
The “switch was flipped” on January 1st with service beginning to Nevada City and City of Grass Valley. The expansion has been successful. Both new member agencies continue to exceed 99% customer participation rate.
Agenda Item: IV-B Agenda Date: 1/18/2024
CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (“CAISO”) TOUR
Pioneer Board members will have the opportunity to see how the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which manages the state’s power grid, operates at a behind-the-scenes tour that takes place on Wednesday, January 31. The CAISO address is 250 Outcropping Way, Folsom, CA 95630.
The tour will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Confirmed attendees include Chair Dowdin-Calvillo, Vice-Chair Hidahl, Director Holmes and Director Jones.
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (“CAC”)
At the December Community Advisory Committee meeting, committee members prioritized residential programs using a prioritization matrix. The members prioritized programs based on the ease of implementation of the program and the value the program would bring to the community. Programs that were easy to implement and highly valuable to the community are the first priorities that Pioneer should implement, followed by second and third priorities that either have less value to the community or would be harder to implement.
QUARTERLY SPONSORSHIP ACTIVITY REPORT
The table below shows sponsorship activity fiscal-year-to-date with no activity in the last quarter:
AB 843- BioMAT PROGRAM UPDATE
As a follow up to our biomass efforts through the BioMAT program, in order to participate in the BioMAT program at no upfront cost this year, Pioneer will be filing a Tier 2 Advice letter to the CPUC prior to January 29, 2024, declaring its participation. Further documents required for the BioMAT program will be presented for approval in the February 15, 2024, Board meeting.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POWER SUPPLY CONTRACTS EXECUTIED
The following agreements have been executed by the Executive Director, consistent with the authority delegated by the Board:
Presentations and Relevant Meetings attended by the Executive Director
1. Participated in CalCCA Weekly/Monthly Board meetings.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agenda Planning Document
2. Monthly Legislative and Regulatory Report
3. Monthly Public Outreach Report
4. Quarterly Strategic Plan Progress Report
5. Pioneer 2024 Generation Rates
Expense Date
Member
Community Vendor Special Event Date(s) of Event Amount
7/1/2023 Grass Valley Grass Valley Chamber 2023 Independence Day July 4, 2023 $ 500.00 7/14/2023 Lincoln City of Lincoln
2nd Annual Lincoln Airport Open House &
Family Festival August 26, 2023 $ 750.00
9/14/2023 Auburn Mandarin Orange Education Foundry 2023 Annual Mountain Mandarin Festival November 17-19, 2023 $1,400.00 9/21/2023 Auburn Auburn Chamber of Commerce 2023 State of the Community October 5, 2023 $1,000.00 9/27/2023 Loomis Loomis Basin Chamber Of Commerce Loomis 2023 Eggplant Festival October 7, 2023 $ 750.00 TOTAL EXPENSES: $4,400.00
Fiscal-Year-To-Date Sponsorship Activity
Counterparty Name
Execution
Date Type Product Start Date End Date Notional Value
Pacific Gas & Electric Company 12/15/2023 Buy Large Hydro - PG&E Allocation 1/1/2024 12/31/2024 $ - NextEra Energy Marketing, LLC 12/1/2023 Buy Energy 1/1/2027 12/31/2027 $ 8,197,790 Transalta Energy Marketing (U.S.) 12/22/2023 Buy Energy 7/1/2024 9/30/2024 $ 3,784,842 Transalta Energy Marketing (U.S.) 12/29/2023 Buy Energy 1/1/2025 12/31/2026 $ 35,245,525 Agenda Planning Document – Pioneer Community Energy Updated 1-11-2024
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
FEBRUARY 15, 2024
3:00 PM
(Post Agenda: February 9)
IN THE FUTURE
General Function I Closed Session
Agenda Review
Consent
1a
Minutes for Approval
December 14, 2023 & January 18, 2024
1b Updated Conflict of Interest Code
(Eckert)
1c
1d
1e
1f
Regular
2 RES Participate.Energy contract (Action
– Stassi-Vanacore)
WPWMA Biomass Plant update
(Discussion-Kang)
3 Mid-year Budget Review (Koehn) State of the Utility
4 Strategic Plan (Discussion-Eckert) Update on Prepay Transaction (Discussion-Eckert) – March 2024
5 Committees- Affirm members
(Action-Eckert)
Leg Platform – March 2024
6 RES Approval of BioMAT and associated
documents (Action-Kang)
7 RES Amendment No. 3 to ED
Employment Agreement (Action-Eckert)
General Function II
IV-B
Executive Director’s Report
REG Reports: Leg/Reg; Community
Engagement;
Executive Director Report-QTRLY Updates
JAN – APR – JULY – OCT
Strategic Plan Objectives
Sponsorship Activity
Income Graduated Fixed Charge
IV-C Informational Items
Glossary of Terms
Agenda Planning Document – Pioneer Community Energy Updated 1-11-2024
AUDIT/FINANCE COMMITTEE
DATE
in-person & remote locations DATE
in-person & remote locations IN THE FUTURE
Greg Janda, Chair
John Hidahl
Holly Andreatta
Gary Petersen
ENERGY PROCUREMENT REVIEW
AD HOC COMMITTEE
DATE
zoom only DATE IN THE FUTURE
John Hidahl, Chair
Greg Janda, Vice Chair
Amanda Cortez
Alice Dowdin Calvillo
2024 – Q1
EXPANSION
AD HOC COMMITTEE
DATE
zoom only DATE IN THE FUTURE
Jim Holmes, Chair
Alice Dowdin Calvillo, Vice Chair
David Yarbrough
March 2024 – check-in
2024 – Q1
By-Laws Article V, Section 5.3
Each committee shall on an annual basis choose its officers, comprised of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
Ad Hoc Member Limit fewer members than majority of board (<6) Ad Hoc Member Limit fewer members than majority of board (<6)
Attachment: Legislative and Regulatory Update
Date: 1/18/2024
Legislative Affairs
• The Legislature is back in Session and reconvened on Wednesday, January 3. Legislative bills can be introduced through February 16.
• The Assembly announced committee changes. Assembly Member Petrie-Norris (D) from Orange County will be the new Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. Also added to the committee is Assembly Member Laura Friedman (Burbank- D), Joe Patterson (Rocklin- R), and Jim Wood (Eureka- D). Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia (Coachella- D) was removed as Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, along with Wendy Carrillo (Los Angeles- D), Devin Mathis (Visalia- R), and Al Muratsuchi (Torrance-D).
• CalCCA Lobby Day is currently scheduled for Wednesday, February 21 from 8am-6:30pm. CalCCA will be setting up meetings with Leadership and people from the Administration for Executive Directors of CCAs. Pioneer will be setting up meetings with its representatives to discuss its accomplishments and legislative platform (including key bill positions) after Board approval expected in March/April. • The Governor released his January proposed Budget on Wednesday, January 10. While the Legislative Analyst’s Office estimated the budget deficit at $68 billion deficit, the Governor has placed the deficit at $37.9 billion in hopes that revenues will pick up during the year. Newsom highlighted the state’s reliance on personal income tax (roughly 2/3 of all General Fund revenues) and that one percent of taxpayers are responsible for over 50 percent of personal income tax paid. The Governor proposes using the state’s reserve to the tune of $13.1 billion, withdrawing from the Mandatory BSA Balance and Transfer Suspension ($10.4 billion), reductions from various programs for a total of $8.5 billion, borrowing from special funds, deferring specific obligations, and shifting funds to close the deficit. • The Governor also announced a $180 billion investment over the next ten years to accelerate critical infrastructure projects across California that will help to build a 100 percent clean electric grid. • The Governor proposes delaying $200 million from the General Fund in 2024-25 and 2025-26 for the Residential Solar and Storage Program and instead proposes $100 million in 2026-27 and $100 million in 2027-28.
Regulatory Proceedings
Below is a summary table of the key issues, followed by further detail on activities since our last Board Meeting on a few ongoing priority Pioneer regulatory Proceedings and matters. More updates will follow at future Board meetings as regulatory proceedings and matters evolve.
Proceeding Issue Pioneer Position
R.22-07-005 Order Instituting Rulemaking
(OIR) to advance Demand
Flexibility through electric rates
Limit negative impacts of the
Income Based Graduated Fixed
Charge and educate Pioneer
Board and customers prior to
the rollout
R.22-10-010 Order Instituting Rulemaking to
Implement AB 843 (2022) –
The Bioenergy Adjusting Tariff
Program
Expeditiously implement AB
843 to allow CCA access to the
BioMAT program for future
subsidies for biomass
procurement
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 1/18/2024
A.20-02-009; A.21-03-008;
A.21-06-001; A.22-05-029
PG&E 2019 Energy Resource
Recovery Account (ERRA)
Compliance Application; PG&E
2020 ERRA Compliance
Application; 2021 ERRA
Compliance Application; 2022
ERRA Compliance Application;
2023 ERRA Compliance
Application; 2023 ERRA
Forecast Application; 2024
ERRA Forecast Application
Reduce the ERRA impact on the
PCIA; increase data
transparency from the IOUs
R.20-08-020 Rulemaking to develop a
successor to existing Net
Energy Metering (NEM) tariffs
and to review and refine
existing NEM tariffs
Mitigate impacts to Pioneer NBT
customers and inform
customers of upcoming changes
to the program
R.21-03-011 Provider of Last Resort (POLR)
Order Instituting Rulemaking
Limit the impacts of changes to
the Financial Security
Requirement (FSR)
R.17-09-020; R.19-11-009;
R.21-10-002
Resource Adequacy (RA)
Reform & Implementation
Tracks
Refine the current RA Program
construct; reduce volatility of
RA prices; increase RA
procurement availability and
grid reliability
R.18-12-005 Utility De-energization, Public
Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS),
and Enhanced Powerline Safety
Settings (EPSS)
Reduce impacts of PSPS and
EPSS events; increase
coordination and
communications with IOUs to
ensure public safety during de-energization; limit PSPS and EPSS impacts on CCA load
scheduling
CEC - OIR – 21-OIR-03, 23-
LMS-01
Load Management Standards
(LMS)
Ensure Pioneer Maintains
compliance with CEC mandates
and requirements
AB 843 OIR:
• October 20, 2022- The OIR was opened to examine issues in the implementation of AB 843 which Pioneer and other CCAs championed in 2021.
• April 28, 2023- Workshop held.
• August 28, 2023- Meeting between CalCCA and IOUs.
• October 10, 2023- Proposed Decision. Largely a win for CCAs. This decision is not final until the CPUC hears and votes to approve it.
• November 6, 2023- CalCCA, Joint IOUs, and Public Advocates Office filed reply comment to the PD. • November 9, 2023- CalCCA attended an ex parte meeting with Commissioner John Reynolds’ office concerning the BioMAT PD.
• November 16, 2023- The CPUC delayed the vote on a decision. • November 28, 2023- CPUC issued a revised Proposed Decision. • November 30, 2023- CPUC voted to approve the revised Proposed Decision, which clarified many of the issues raised in the comments of the PD, while retaining the favorable outcome for CCAs. • January 2, 2024- the IOUs submitted their Tier 2 ALs modifying the BioMAT Tariff to incorporate CCAs.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 1/18/2024
• January 29, 2024- 60 days from the Decision- CCAs will be required to finalize two provisions with Accion for website work and third-party administrator in either a single contract or two separate contracts. In addition, CCAs will be required to submit a revised tariff, a program participation request, power purchase agreement, rate schedule, and balancing statement as part of a Tier II AL to the CPUC. • February 1, 2024, Tier III ALs due.
Demand Flexibility:
• June 30, 2022- AB 205 passed giving the CPUC the authority to approve a pricing structure that incorporates an Income Based Graduated Fixed Electricity Charge (IGFC). • July 14, 2022- The Commission issued an OIR to begin this proceeding to establish demand flexibility policies and modify electric rates to advance the following objectives: 1) enhance the reliability of California’s electric system; 2) make electric bills more affordable and equitable; 3) reduce the curtailment of renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with meeting the state’s future system load; 4) enable widespread electrification of buildings and transportation to meet the state’s climate goals; 5) reduce long-term system costs through more efficient pricing of electricity; and 6) to enable participation in demand flexibility by both bundled and unbundled customers. • July 31, 2023- Parties submitted Comments on the IGFC Implementation Pathways considering the ALJ Ruling’s questions.
• August 21, 2023- CalCCA submitted Reply Comments to refute parties’ arguments regarding including the PCIA or Competitive Transition Charge (CTC) as fixed costs eligible for inclusion in the IGFC. • October 27, 2023- 22 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the CPUC asking for an extension of the timeline for the proceeding and require public participation hearings before implementing an IGFC. • November 3, 2023- Track A (IGFC)- CalCCA filed a reply brief continuing to refute party proposals that the PCIA be included in the IGFC and noting that the parties advocating for inclusion of the PCIA have not addressed the arguments put forth by CalCCA.
• December 15, 2023- Track B (demand flexibility)- The CPUC issued a PD which directs PG&E to expand the Valley Clean Energy Ag-Fit pilot program. CCAs that participate in the expanded pilot may receive $20/kW for each year of customer enrollment in the PGE Ag-Fit pilot as an incentive. The incentive is capped at $1.8 million for PG&E’s territory. The budgets are for all the CCAs wanting to participate to share. PG&E will be administering the pilot so there will be no administrative costs, but several of the CCAs want to have a say in how the pilot is administered and the education and outreach of the pilot. December 18, 2023- Track A (IGFC)- CPUC issued a ruling requesting implementation information from the IOUs on the IGFC. The ruling directs the IOUs to file additional information about the proposed budgets for implementing the first income-graduated fixed charges by January 24, 2024.
Net Billing Tariff (NBT):
• December 15, 2022- The CPUC issued a PD that was voted out unanimously. New solar customers that sign up after April 14, 2023, will be placed on NBT. This Proceeding created a successor Program to NEM 2.0 to address some of the identified issues with the existing Program. The objective is to increase equity and eliminate cost shifts onto lower income customers who are subsidizing, to some degree, residential solar owners.
• August 2, 2023- The CPUC issued a Proposed Decision on the remaining issues in the NBT proceeding, including virtual NEM, enhanced consumer protection, and fuel cell participation. • August 8 ,2023- Comments were filed by Joint CCAs: SDCP, PCE, Pioneer, SCP, RCEA, and SJCE. The comments argued that the Proposed Decision, with some adjustments, can improve bill clarity for NEM customers and future NBT customers.
• September 14, 2023- A California appeals court will hear a lawsuit seeking to overturn the CPUC’s rooftop solar decision which would significantly reduce the credits customers receive. • September 16, 2023- There was a letter signed by members of the Legislature on the NEM program for agricultural users.
• October 26, 2023- Joint CCAs have held ex parte meetings with the CPUC, and President Reynolds, who recommended meeting with the Energy Division.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 1/18/2024
• October 30, 2023- Energy Division released a Proposed Resolution approving the IOUs NBTs, with modifications.
• November 2, 2023- CPUC has delayed their decision implementing Virtual Net Energy Metering (VNEM) and other aspects of NBT until November 16, 2023, at the earliest. • November 16, 2023- CPUC adopted revision 2 of the VNEM Decision. • November 20, 2023- PG&E requested an extension of time to comply with the Residential Net Billing Tariff to August 31, 2024. Pioneer led a coalition of CCAs that submitted a letter to the CPUC in support of the extension request to allow for a more enhanced customer service process. • December 14, 2023- CPUC granted an extension for PG&E until April 15, 2024. • December 20, 2023- An appeals court in San Francisco upholds the CPUC decision on the vote to overhaul rooftop solar rules. Protect Our Communities Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, and the Environmental Working Group filed the lawsuit. This decision could be taken to the Supreme Court.
PG&E ERRA Compliance and ERRA Forecast:
• The ERRA Proceedings act as a review of an IOU’s prior year portfolio management and accounting and seeks to identify errors and discrepancies between PG&E’s revenue requirements vis-à-vis collected revenues through the IOUs’ General Rate Case (GRC) which ultimately affects CCA rates through the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA).
• May 14, 2023- PG&E’s 2023 – 2024 ERRA Forecast and Testimony was released. • June 1, 2023- NewGen sent over the new rate forecast spreadsheet. The forecast looks good with the PCIA remaining negative over many vintages, but this will change before the October Update. • June 16, 2023- Keyes and Fox filed a Protest to PG&E's Forecast Application. • August 10, 2023- CalCCA filed a Protest to PG&E’s ERRA Trigger Application proposing a rate increase in November to correct and account for under-collections.
• September 6, 2023- CalCCA provided Testimony on the 2024 PG&E ERRA Forecast case and touched upon the fixed generation cost issue.
• October 16, 2023- PG&E’s October Update to its 2024 ERRA Forecast came out. Energy prices have softened relative to PG&E’s original forecast (which would, all else equal, cause PCIA rates to increase), but RA and RPS benchmarks have increased significantly since PG&E's filing (dampening the impact of energy prices).
All told, forecast rates increased relative to the original forecast across the board, but forecast rates remain negative for vintages 2021 and later.
• November 1, 2023- Keyes and Fox submitted comments on PG&E’s ERRA Trigger proposal and comments on PG&E’s October update.
• November 16, 2023- The CPUC unanimously approved the Alternate Proposed Decision and indicated that “the decision balances a myriad of competing interests- affordability, feasibility, safety, and reliability.” PG&E requested $15.4 billion for 2023 and the decision reduced that amount by $1.8 billion to $13.5 billion.
This is an 11% increase from the authorized 2022 revenue requirement. For the typical residential customer, their combined monthly electric and natural gas bill will increase by $32.62 or 12.8%, compared to PG&E’s request of $38.73 or 17.9% increase.
• November 30, 2023- The PD for the PG&E ERRA Forecast came out. There were a couple of disputed issues including whether to amortize the 2023 trigger balance over 6 months or 12. CalCCA was asking for 12 and PG&E was asking for 6 months. The CPUC adopted PG&E’s recommendation. The second issue was whether PG&E should apply a first-in-first-out methodology to the use of excess prior year RECs or a last-in-first-out methodology. The CPUC ruled with PG&E on a last-in-first-out methodology. • December 12, 2023- A revision to the proposed decision came out and CalCCA won its argument on first-in-first-out, meaning the CPUC is requiring PG&E to use a first-in-first-out methodology for RECs banked in or after 2019.
• December 29, 2023- PG&E submitted their Annual True-Up to change PG&E’s electric rates on January 1, 2024.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 1/18/2024
Resource Adequacy:
• May 25, 2023- The CPUC issued a PD barring non-compliant LSEs from expansion for two calendar years following a system RA deficiency.
• June 14, 2023- CalCCA filed Opening Comments recommending the CPUC fully reject the PD’s restrictions on LSE expansion due to RA deficiencies and modify the RA deficiency penalty. • June 19, 2023- CalCCA filed reply comments on June 19, 2023. • June 27, 2023- a Redlined PD was issued. The revisions included: adopting a one percent minimum threshold for RA deficiencies that would limit CCA expansions; clarifying that if an LSE “cures” its year-ahead RA deficiency in the month-ahead timeframe, the year-ahead deficiency will not be applied to the expansion requirement.
• June 29, 2023- The PD was adopted by the Commission.
• July 26, 2023- CalCCA and CCCE filed two Applications for Rehearing (AfR) of the decision to limit CCA expansion for two years due to uncured RA deficiencies. CalCCA’s PfR cited a lack of CPUC statutory authority to limit CCA expansion, and that it gives itself new unauthorized powers to needlessly discriminate against CCAs to prevent their growth; it also asserted, that without credible evidence, the CPUC determined that addition of new CCA load would be detrimental to grid reliability, and that the decision violates the CPUC’s legal requirement to apply RA enforcement measures in a nondiscriminatory manner, not just to CCAs.
• October 5, 2023- CalCCA filed a Petition for Writ of Review of Resolution E-5258 and D.23-08-052 over the decision with the First Appellate District.
• On September 19, 2023, PG&E and SCE submitted their annual CPE reports. PG&E is short RA for all months - up to 4,400 MW.
• October 12, 2023- The Commission opened the new RA proceeding through its Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR). The OIR proposes the scope, schedule, and administration of this next RA proceeding. • November 9, 2023- CalCCA submitted comments recommending additional scoping items for the RA proceeding, including additional refinements to the RA program for the local RA CPE, compliance and penalty structure, SOD transactability, and RA import rules.
• December 14, 2023- CPUC denied CalCCA’s request for a rehearing of the decision on RA procurement obligations and the prohibition against CCA expansion for failure to comply. • January 17, 2024- Petition for Writ of Review prohibition of CCA expansion due. • January 19, 2024- Proposals due in the RA proceeding for Track 1, addressing time-sensitive issues that must be resolved for the 2025 RA compliance year. CalCCA has identified 3 major problems that the RA proposals should address: RA market scarcity, the potential exercise of market power, and removing the economic incentives not to comply. CalCCA is seeking to remove the prohibition from CCA expansion in the event of noncompliance and add the ability for the CPUC to waive penalties if CCAs can show reasonable efforts to comply were unsuccessful.
Utility Deenergization, PSPS, and EPSS:
• July 12, 2022-Pioneer, along with Joint CCAs, Joint Local Governments, and Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), filed a motion with the CPUC on July 12, 2022, to consider EPSS issues in the Deenergization or its own Proceeding. The arguments in the motion seek to treat EPSS events with the same regulations and oversight as Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. • September 21, 2023- The CPUC approved a PSPS citation program for violations of the established PSPS guidelines.
• August 30-31, 2023- PG&E provided a post PSPS report. A total of 3,928 customers were deenergized. • October 10, 2023- The Joint CCAs, RCRC, and Joint Local Governments had a meeting with the Public Advocates Office to see if there is agreement on the need to further do more with regards to Fast Trips. The Public Advocates Office indicated that the CPUC and Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety are not inclined to act to regulate Fast Trips and that more data is needed. The Public Advocates Office is looking to submit a report in the beginning of 2024.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 1/18/2024
• December 15, 2023- The data for November’s Fast Trips came out. El Dorado and Placer Counties have experienced 207 Fast Trips so far this year. Pioneer has 10 circuits with 8 or more outages this year.
Placerville 2106 has had 19 outages and Apple Hill 2102 has had 18.
Provider of Last Resort (POLR):
• October 2, 2019- SB 520 passed requiring the establishment of a Provider of Last Resort (POLR). As part of the proceeding to implement SB 520, the CPUC is seeking to establish new policies to plan for and prevent catastrophic failures in the event of an unplanned return en masse of CCA customers to IOU service.
Additionally, the CPUC will review and update existing procedures and policies for Financial Security Requirements (FSR), reentry fees, and LSE deregistration process and compliance requirements. • July 31, 2023- CalCCA's Reply Briefs were submitted and address PG&E’s proposal to modify the FSR to reflect two months of forecast energy costs, other parties’ recommendations on elements of the existing FSR calculation, mandatory contract assignments, financial monitoring, and the duration of POLR service. • December 2023- Possible decision to the proceeding. CalCCA is waiting for that expected PD. In anticipation of the PD, CalCCA will be holding ex partes with CPUC Commissioners' Offices to reiterate CalCCA’s position on financial monitoring to limit monitoring to LSEs for only those that are at financial risk of failure and to deny PG&E's proposal that the FSR be based on two months of energy costs. CalCCA has circulated their slide deck of issues to be discussed at the ex parte meetings.
CEC Load Management Standards (LMS):
• October 12, 2022- The CEC adopted the Load Management Standards regulation which requires the development of a statewide standard tool for authorized rate data access by third parties that is compatible with each IOU, large POUs, and large CCAs with the idea that electricity customers or their authorized third-party agents can look at rates that the customer is eligible to switch and allow the customer to change the customer’s current rate to rates they are eligible for. • June 8, 2023- CEC staff provided a schedule of the key LMS adoption and compliance dates. • August 1, 2023- Pioneer, through Calpine, uploaded its rates and will continue to work with Calpine on uploading all time dependent rates to meet deadlines.
• By April 1, 2024, all large CCAs are required to file their plan for compliance with all LMS regulations. • January 17, 2024- Workshop on implementation of LMS.
• YubaNet
Marketing and Outreach Report
January 18, 2024
December marked the first full month of our general
brand awareness campaign running simultaneously
with the expansion campaign. Both campaigns
continue to increase engagement and impressions
have reached more than six million.
Pioneer had successful community outreach events at
the Colfax Winterfest, a service day at the Placer Food Bank, the Nevada City Victorian Christmas, and our
regularly scheduled monthly Field Day with the Auburn
Senior Center.
Web site visits, chatbot activity, and social
engagements are steadily increasing.
Website traffic increased significantly.
• 56% increase in “direct” visits to our website
(visitor types our website address)
• More than 15,000 users visiting our site, with a
more than 80% increase in users and new users.
(By comparison, average visits to the Pioneer
website in December of 2022 were 8,000.)
• Increased utilization of our chatbot
• New paid ads are driving viewers to the website.
Our home page experienced a 3,500% increase in
page visits.
December 2023 Highlights
Significant investments were made to educate and engage future customers, resulting in an extraordinarily strong participation rate heading into our January launch of service. We consistently position Pioneer as the premier choice for stable and competitive electricity rates in Nevada City and Grass Valley and as the only provider with a 100% renewable energy option.
Expansion
Ads are running weekly in
multiple publications of
The Union newspaper.
– ~15,000 circulation
• Newsprint Ads
Google, paid social media, and
banner ads with YubaNet are
running. Google and paid social
ads target our service area by zip
code and demographics of 18+
male and female.
• Paid Digital Advertising
– 205,080 impressions
– 43 clicks
– Ads are running on
hyper-local KVMR radio,
which broadcasts to
50,000+ listeners.
• Radio
– 294,006 impressions
– 2,531 clicks
• Google
– 286,559 impressions
– 1,597 clicks
• Paid Social Media
All efforts drive people to the
Expansion, Understanding Your Bill,
or Contact Us web page. Each page
saw an increase in visits. Notably, the
Understanding Your Bill had a 10%
increase in visits.
General Awareness
Our team successfully launched all elements of the general awareness campaign. This is Pioneer’s largest investment in paid media to date and includes newsprint, radio, television, out-of-home/bus shelters, Google Ads and paid social ads.
Each component deployed at different intervals. Ads include customer testimonials and emphasize Pioneer’s commitment to the communities we serve, competitive rates, and excellent customer service.
Gold Country Media
Auburn Journal, Lincoln News
and Roseville Tribune
127,000 circulation
The Mountain Democrat
55,000 circulation
• Newsprint Ads
Audacy Radio
Over the air
– KKDO 94.7
– KUDL 106.5 The End
– KSEG 96.9 The Eagle
– 792,000 impressions
Streaming
– 151,181 impressions
OTT/CTV
– 308,000 impressions
– 334 clicks/.31 CTR
iHeartRadio
– KFBK 93.1
– Talk 650 KSTE
– 230,000 impressions
Public Radio – Capital Public Radio
– 90.9 KXJZ
– 88.9 KXPR
– Banner Ads/App Ads/
Newsletter Ads
– 261,756 impressions
• Radio
• Out of Home
Bus Shelters
- El Dorado County
– 2.2 M impressions (beginning
December)
• Television
– KCRA 3
– 1.854 M Impressions
Google and paid social ads are
running
• Paid Digital Advertising
– 1,377,144 impressions
– 10,051 clicks
• Google
– 237,714 impressions
– 4,103 clicks
• Paid Social Media
Pioneer continues to see growth in
activity on our website.
• 54% increase in visits to our
home page
• Continued increase in “direct”
visits to our website
• Our paid Google ads increased
visits to our website by 151%
over November
• Our organic social efforts resulted
in a 216% increase in visits to
our site during December.
All ads drive customers to various
pages. We continue to track all
website activity and will report each
month on how our ads impact visits
to the website.
Website Data
VIEWS
27,924
100% of
total
USERS
14,255
100% of
total
Pioneer
Community
Energy |
Residential
4,558 2,731
Pioneer
Community
Energy |
Expansion
4,045 2,218
Pioneer
Community
Energy
3,613 2,906
Posts with the greatest engagement featured staff
actively involved in local events and our year-end
message from Executive Director Don Eckert, featuring
the motion graphic created for our 5-Year Anniversary.
• Colfax Winterfest
• Auburn Senior Center Field Day
• Service Day at Placer Food Bank
• Nevada City Victorian Christmas
Events
Our chatbot continues to consistently reduce the
monthly volume of calls to our call center by
approximately 10%. This month, we saw an increase in
users of 13.3%.
Integrating Digital Channels
November: 7,500 December: 8,800
Social Media
Strategic Plan
Quarterly Progress Report
January 18, 2024
Local Engagement
Objective Description
Current
Quarter
Prior
Quarter Comments
1.1 Reinforce community listening channels by increasing engagement with current, returning, and future customers. Achieve a 92% participation rate by Dec. 31, 2023 Pioneer's overall participation rate is approximately 86% However, the participation rate for Nevada City and City of Grass Valley is above 99%. With another double digit discount in the territory for 2024, staff will continue to push for improvement.
1.2 Residents and businesses are the backbone of our communities. Pioneer will work to strengthen comprehensive relationships, which includes engaging the top 20 commercial and industrial customers in each county we serve by June 30, 2022 Key Accounts (>750,000 kWh annually) and Mid-Accounts (>350,000 kWh and <750,000 kWh annually) are well above the 92% target. Smaller Commercials (<350,000 kWh annually) are at the target.
1.3 Launch a Community Program Advisory Committee ("CPAC") in 2021 The Committee launched in late 2021. The Committee's final report was presented to the Board in December 2022. Efforts in programs development continue with the Community Advisory Committee in 2023.
1.4 Pioneer staff will increase the organization's presence within the communities we serve by participation in local events
With the filing of the Customer Care Coordinator position, our Customer Care Manager and Key Accounts Manager are now spending more time in the community through Chamber events, Senior Centers, local fairs and various other opportunities to have a presence.
1.5 Grow engagement and reach of communications channels and ensure all platforms are providing engagement opportunities for residents and local businesses a. In 2022, increase social media presence and following on Facebook by 400% Pioneer has been very successful in social media messaging including efforts on NextDoor to address misleading information.
b. Conduct an annual customer survey in winter 2022
The survey was released in late 2022 with results of the survey presented to the Board in early 2023.
c. Increase presence in El Dorado County through targeted social media and digital ad buys
The opt-out for unincorporated El Dorado County are higher than expected. Pioneer continues to focus its outreach through all communication channels in El Dorado County.
Quality in Service
Objective Description Status
Prior
Quarter Comments
2.1 Maintain the trust and responsiveness Pioneer customers expect in their service experiences
a. Ensure quick response times to customer service inquiries Customer service response times will be enhanced with the hiring of our Customer Care Coordinator.
b. Monitor and evaluate Calpine call center and billing services performance quarterly Staff monitors our call center with Calpine to ensure customer service is timely and accurate.
2.2 Keep Pioneer's rates competitive through policies and programs that ensure stability and a choice in power
a. Commit to a policy that strengthens Pioneer's response to rate volatility in the energy market by Dec. 31, 2021
The Board adopted policies in late 2021 that provided the foundation for financial stability of Pioneer. Since those policies have been adopted the Board has adopted a balance approach to ratemaking which supports savings for our ratepayers and financial stability for Pioneer.
b. Develop cost-effective, grid-resilient product to increase access for the business community members interested in joining Pioneer
This process has been slow as internal resources are not available to support this.
However, staff is proposing a Sr. Quantitative Manager position in the FY 23-24 budget that would provide a resource to start exploring opportunities. Staff delivered an SB1383 compliance solution that helped six of our member agencies with compliance.
2.3 Prioritize community programs and develop new service programs by Dec. 31, 2022 a. Begin exploring economic development rates to incentivize businesses to move to the territory, using subsidized rates that benefit the community Work towards this will begin as we approach our cash reserves target. However, our current rates position offering between 10%-19% discount compared to PG&E's generation rate is a strong bridge until a more formal economic development program is established.
b. Explore rate programs that incentive local solar and biomass project development Staff will be launching the Feed-In-Tariff that incentives local projects with a focus on biomass and small-hydro. The launch will occur in January 2024.
Employer of Choice
Objective Description Status
Prior
Quarter Comments
3.1 Conduct a biennial compensation and benefits study to ensure competitive wages and enhance employee retention
The triennial compensation study was completed in 2022. The study showed most positions are competitively compensated. Recommendations from the study were implemented through the FY 2023/24 budget process.
3.2 Uphold Pioneer's company culture through internal communication channels and team engagement opportunities
a. Conduct an annual all-staff survey
The annual survey for 2024 will be released in Q1. The results of the survey will help derive improvements to the health and welfare of our employees and be part of the FY24-25 budget process.
b. Quarterly team building events
Staff had a volunteer event at the Placer Food Bank last quarter. Management has placed importance on these events to build relationships and recognize staff. c. Invest in employee professional development pathways Professional development of staff is important to Pioneer's competitiveness. Funding is included in the budget including a Tuition and Professional Development policy presented to staff in early 2023.
Operational Excellence
Objective Description Status
Prior
Quarter Comments
4.1 Continue grid resiliency efforts to mitigate Public Safety Power Shutoff ("PSPS") events in our communities
There were no PSPS events in our territory in 2023. Staff is expecting to roll out a program in Q1 that will provide solar battery + storage leases to customers that provide grid-resiliency and rate stability.
4.2 Position our business portfolio to be capable of diversification through the development of one biomass project
After two years, AB843 has finally made it through the CPUC. Staff will be bringing documents to the Board in February 2024 to allow us to partaking in the BioMAT program for small biomass projects in our territory.
4.3 Diversify Pioneer's energy procurement by issuing requests for proposals to potential partners to procure energy at "least cost, best fit" for the portfolio Pioneer has been focused on diversifying the portfolio with an emphasis on solar + storage but also through various technologies. Our portfolio includes geothermal, aolar, wind, hydro, biomass and conventioanl energy.
4.4 Target diversification of Pioneer's power source portfolio through procurement with regional suppliers
Pioneer prioritizes power supply from regional projects when the power is available and it makes economic sense. Pioneer has a long-term PPA with El Dorado Irrigation District, shorter-term deals with PCWA and Sierra Pacific.
4.5 Maintain zero customer data breach incidents through investment in information technology resources
a. Conduct annual IT cybersecurity audits and improve employee cybersecurity awareness through training and consistent messaging
Protecting our customer data is of upmost importance to Pioneer. Pioneer is required by the CPUC for triennial audits, but we go beyond that requirement and conduct annual audits and test staff through tests to improve diligence to cyber threats. Our last IT audit resulted in a good report of the state of our IT system.
Financial Stability & Strategic
Growth
Objective Description Status
Prior
Quarter Comments
5.1 Pursue expansion opportunities with like-minded communities by initiating conversations with leadership within the jurisdictions
Nevada City and Grass Valley began receiving Pioneer service on January 1st. Staff will continue to explore expansion opportunities with like-minded communiities.
5.2 Build policies and procedures that facilitate the growth of our service area Pioneer has been active with Nevada County on expansion. The Impact Assessment Study did not support the expansion but a strong foundation is in place for next year.
5.3 Implement policies that support the achievement of cash reserve targets The Board approved rate changes for 2024 that balances savings for our ratepayers while building reserves. Pioneer continues to make progress tow ards its reserve targets.
5.4 Achieve an investment grade credit rating
Staff began talks with Standard & Poor. Expectatio is to conlude the process by end of January 2024.
5.5 Maintain participation in legislative and regulatory proceedings that positively impact the Pow er Charge Indifference Adjustment ("PCIA") rate , advocate for cost saving legislation and regulations and work to hold PG&E accountable through legislation The PCIA is a non-factor in 2024 and its significance should continue to decline as more contracts and "stranded" cost for PG&E when load migrated to Pioneer are termed out.
Pioneer is an advocate for our communities with a focus on EPSS or short-term, but frequent, outages that impacts our communitieis disproportionately PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
E-1
EL-1
EM
EML
ES
ESL
ESR
ESRL
ET
ETL
E-1** E-1-P All 0.14109
SUMMER PEAK 0.26239
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.18775
E-6 SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.12459
EL-6 WINTER PART-PEAK 0.14836
WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.11794
SUMMER PEAK 0.29932
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.17020
EV-A SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.12846
EV-B WINTER PEAK 0.12430
WINTER PART-PEAK 0.10194
(E Vehicles) WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.10194
SUMMER PEAK 0.20277
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.16253
EV-2 SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.12551
WINTER PEAK 0.15159
WINTER PART-PEAK 0.14035
(E Vehicles) WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.11922
SUMMER PEAK 0.25065
E-TOU-B SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.13990
EL-TOU-B WINTER PEAK 0.15525
WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.12033
SUMMER PEAK 0.19648
SUMMER Off-PEAK 0.13939
WINTER PEAK 0.15275
WINTER Off-PEAK 0.13022
SUMMER PEAK 0.21736
SUMMER Off-PEAK 0.12290
WINTER PEAK 0.18058
WINTER Off-PEAK 0.14901
SUMMER PEAK 0.26995
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.18075
SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.14016
WINTER PEAK 0.12403
WINTER PART-PEAK 0.10606
WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.09404
E-TOU-D E-TOU-D
E-ELEC E-ELEC
E-6
EV
EV-2
E-TOU-B
E-TOU-C3 E-TOU-C3
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
E-1 All 0.14697
1 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
A-1-A A-1-A SUMMER 0.15732
WINTER 0.12119
A-1-A** A-1-A-P SUMMER 0.15103
WINTER 0.11634
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15987
PART-PEAK 0.15987
A-1-B A-1-B OFF-PEAK 0.13764
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13221
OFF-PEAK 0.13169
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15348
PART-PEAK 0.15348
A-1-B** A-1-B-P OFF-PEAK 0.13213
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12692
OFF-PEAK 0.12642
SUMMER
PEAK 0.19662
PART-PEAK 0.15231
B-1 B-1 OFF-PEAK 0.13358
WINTER
PEAK 0.14690
OFF-PEAK 0.13239
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.11762
SUMMER
PEAK 0.20103
PART-PEAK 0.16282
B-1-ST B-1-ST OFF-PEAK 0.13064
WINTER
PEAK 0.15551
PART-PEAK 0.14440
OFF-PEAK 0.12460
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.10982
SUMMER
PEAK 0.17219
PART-PEAK 0.17219
A-6 A-6 OFF-PEAK 0.14181
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13337
OFF-PEAK 0.13273
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16530
PART-PEAK 0.16530
A-6** A-6-P OFF-PEAK 0.13614
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12804
OFF-PEAK 0.12742
SUMMER
PEAK 0.28145
OFF-PEAK 0.12852
B-6 B-6 WINTER
PEAK 0.15508
OFF-PEAK 0.11948
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08701
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
2 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER 0.15868
A-10-A-S A-10-A WINTER 0.13909
0.00000
SUMMER 0.14119
A-10-A-P A-10-A-P WINTER 0.12424
0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.17086
PART-PEAK 0.17086
OFF-PEAK 0.14676
A-10-B-S A-10-B WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13971
OFF-PEAK 0.13907
0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15394
PART-PEAK 0.15394
OFF-PEAK 0.13116
A-10-B-P A-10-B-P WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12449
OFF-PEAK 0.12388
0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.22151
PART-PEAK 0.16599
B-10-S B-10-S OFF-PEAK 0.13667
WINTER
PEAK 0.16926
OFF-PEAK 0.13733
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.10462
SUMMER
PEAK 0.20282
PART-PEAK 0.15035
B-10-P B-10-P OFF-PEAK 0.12260
WINTER
PEAK 0.15366
OFF-PEAK 0.12338
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.09067
SUMMER
PEAK 0.17952
PART-PEAK 0.12846
B-10-T B-10-T OFF-PEAK 0.10139
WINTER
PEAK 0.13178
OFF-PEAK 0.10223
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06952
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
3 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.10622
PART-PEAK 0.10622
OFF-PEAK 0.09990
E-19-S, V E-19-S WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.09715
OFF-PEAK 0.09641
PEAK 14.62000
PART-PEAK 14.62000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09421
PART-PEAK 0.09421
OFF-PEAK 0.08810
E-19-P, V E-19-P WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.08545
OFF-PEAK 0.08474
PEAK 12.99000
PART-PEAK 12.99000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.08214
PART-PEAK 0.08214
OFF-PEAK 0.07614
E-19-T, V E-19-T WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.07356
OFF-PEAK 0.07287
PEAK 14.22000
PART-PEAK 14.22000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16723
PART-PEAK 0.16723
E-19-R-S, V-R-S E-19-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.13739
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13506
OFF-PEAK 0.13442
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14519
PART-PEAK 0.14519
E-19-R-P, V-R-P E-19-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.11877
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11655
OFF-PEAK 0.11595
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13854
PART-PEAK 0.13854
E-19-R-T, V-R-T E-19-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.11544
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11325
OFF-PEAK 0.11266
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
4 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.17737
PART-PEAK 0.13186
OFF-PEAK 0.09966
WINTER
PEAK 0.14846
B-19-S B-19-S OFF-PEAK 0.09954
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.03390
PEAK 22.88000
PART-PEAK 3.33000
PEAK 2.72000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15336
PART-PEAK 0.11881
OFF-PEAK 0.08876
WINTER
PEAK 0.13328
B-19-P B-19-P OFF-PEAK 0.08913
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02633
PEAK 19.22000
PART-PEAK 2.82000
PEAK 1.97000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13887
PART-PEAK 0.12421
OFF-PEAK 0.09300
WINTER
PEAK 0.13788
B-19-T B-19-T OFF-PEAK 0.09370
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02871
PEAK 17.25000
PART-PEAK 4.31000
PEAK 1.67000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.28038
PART-PEAK 0.15837
B-19-R-S B-19-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.12371
WINTER
PEAK 0.16174
OFF-PEAK 0.12365
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.09141
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25001
PART-PEAK 0.13882
B-19-R-P B-19-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.10697
WINTER
PEAK 0.14096
OFF-PEAK 0.10707
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07483
SUMMER
PEAK 0.21976
PART-PEAK 0.14641
B-19-R-T B-19-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.10848
WINTER
PEAK 0.13898
OFF-PEAK 0.10866
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07643
SUMMER
PEAK 0.28038
PART-PEAK 0.15837
B-19-S-S B-19-S-S OFF-PEAK 0.12371
WINTER
PEAK 0.16174
OFF-PEAK 0.12365
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.09141
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25001
PART-PEAK 0.13882
B-19-S-P B-19-S-P OFF-PEAK 0.10697
WINTER
PEAK 0.14096
OFF-PEAK 0.10707
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07483
SUMMER
PEAK 0.21976
PART-PEAK 0.14641
B-19-S-T B-19-S-T OFF-PEAK 0.10848
WINTER
PEAK 0.13898
OFF-PEAK 0.10866
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07643
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
5 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09996
PART-PEAK 0.09996
OFF-PEAK 0.09377
E-20-S E-20-S WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.09107
OFF-PEAK 0.09034
PEAK 13.85000
PART-PEAK 13.85000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09851
PART-PEAK 0.09851
OFF-PEAK 0.09239
E-20-P E-20-P WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.08977
OFF-PEAK 0.08906
PEAK 15.10000
PART-PEAK 15.10000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.08761
PART-PEAK 0.08761
OFF-PEAK 0.08143
E-20-T E-20-T WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.07878
OFF-PEAK 0.07806
PEAK 18.82000
PART-PEAK 18.82000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15750
PART-PEAK 0.15750
E-20-R-S E-20-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.13017
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12784
OFF-PEAK 0.12720
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15153
PART-PEAK 0.15153
E-20-R-P E-20-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.12313
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12091
OFF-PEAK 0.12031
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14249
PART-PEAK 0.14249
E-20-R-T E-20-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.11440
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11222
OFF-PEAK 0.11162
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
6 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16911
PART-PEAK 0.12834
OFF-PEAK 0.09614
WINTER
PEAK 0.14483
B-20-S B-20-S OFF-PEAK 0.09588
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.03031
PEAK 21.42000
PART-PEAK 3.11000
PEAK 2.73000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16571
PART-PEAK 0.12185
OFF-PEAK 0.09127
WINTER
PEAK 0.13780
B-20-P B-20-P OFF-PEAK 0.09134
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02545
PEAK 23.97000
PART-PEAK 3.29000
PEAK 2.75000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14359
PART-PEAK 0.11576
OFF-PEAK 0.08470
WINTER
PEAK 0.13611
B-20-T B-20-T OFF-PEAK 0.07996
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02387
PEAK 25.24000
PART-PEAK 6.01000
PEAK 3.37000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.27124
PART-PEAK 0.15176
B-20-R-S B-20-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.11805
WINTER
PEAK 0.15729
OFF-PEAK 0.11793
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08575
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25846
PART-PEAK 0.14245
B-20-R-P B-20-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.11122
WINTER
PEAK 0.14733
OFF-PEAK 0.11127
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07909
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25329
PART-PEAK 0.14653
B-20-R-T B-20-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.10131
WINTER
PEAK 0.14639
OFF-PEAK 0.09868
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06916
SUMMER
PEAK 0.27124
PART-PEAK 0.15176
B-20-S-S B-20-S-S OFF-PEAK 0.11805
WINTER
PEAK 0.15729
OFF-PEAK 0.11793
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08575
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25846
PART-PEAK 0.14245
B-20-S-P B-20-S-P OFF-PEAK 0.11122
WINTER
PEAK 0.14733
OFF-PEAK 0.11127
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07909
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25329
PART-PEAK 0.14653
B-20-S-T B-20-S-T OFF-PEAK 0.10131
WINTER
PEAK 0.14639
OFF-PEAK 0.09868
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06916
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
7 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16276
PART-PEAK 0.13290
STANDBY - S STOUS OFF-PEAK 0.09383
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13766
OFF-PEAK 0.10740
0.73000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16276
PART-PEAK 0.13290
STANDBY - P STOUP OFF-PEAK 0.09383
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13766
OFF-PEAK 0.10740
0.73000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13297
PART-PEAK 0.10799
STANDBY - T STOUT OFF-PEAK 0.07492
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11191
OFF-PEAK 0.08653
0.61000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12762
PART-PEAK 0.11656
OFF-PEAK 0.10426
S-B-S S-B-S WINTER
PEAK 0.12319
OFF-PEAK 0.10530
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06556
1.12000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12762
PART-PEAK 0.11656
OFF-PEAK 0.10426
S-B-P S-B-P WINTER
PEAK 0.12319
OFF-PEAK 0.10530
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06556
1.12000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11416
PART-PEAK 0.10338
OFF-PEAK 0.09139
S-B-T S-B-T WINTER
PEAK 0.10993
OFF-PEAK 0.09251
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.05271
0.55000
SUMMER
ON-Peak 0.27410
OFF-PEAK 0.10980
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08695
BEV1 BEV1 WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.27410
OFF-PEAK 0.10980
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08695
SUMMER
ON-Peak 0.29107
OFF-PEAK 0.10805
BEV2S BEV2S SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08519
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.29107
OFF-PEAK 0.10805
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08519
SUMMER
ON-Peak 0.28173
OFF-PEAK 0.10535
BEV2P BEV2P SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08357
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.28173
OFF-PEAK 0.10535
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08357
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
8 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer
Rates (Gen
Only)
SUMMER 0.12235
AG-1-A AG-1-A WINTER 0.11017
3.56000
SUMMER 0.12721
AG-1-B AG-1-B WINTER 0.09402
4.87000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12206
OFF-PEAK 0.12206
AG-RA AG-RA WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.10711
OFF-PEAK 0.10647
2.57000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.10648
OFF-PEAK 0.10648
WINTER
AG-RB AG-RB PART-PEAK 0.09622
OFF-PEAK 0.09558
MAX 3.52000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11768
OFF-PEAK 0.11768
AG-VA AG-VA WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.10398
OFF-PEAK 0.10334
2.69000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.10271
OFF-PEAK 0.10271
WINTER
AG-VB AG-VB PART-PEAK 0.09154
OFF-PEAK 0.09090
MAX 3.33000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11960
OFF-PEAK 0.11960
AG-4-A AG-4-A WINTER
AG-4-D PART-PEAK 0.10676
OFF-PEAK 0.10612
2.63000
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMERS
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER MAX
9 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer
Rates (Gen
Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12739
OFF-PEAK 0.12739
AG-4-B WINTER
AG-4-E AG-4-B PART-PEAK 0.11479
OFF-PEAK 0.11417
MAX 4.46000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.10274
PART-PEAK 0.10274
OFF-PEAK 0.09266
AG-4-C AG-4-C WINTER
AG-4-F PART-PEAK 0.09033
OFF-PEAK 0.08969
PEAK 4.71000
PART-PEAK 4.71000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12761
OFF-PEAK 0.12761
AG-5-A AG-5-A WINTER
AG-5-D PART-PEAK 0.11656
OFF-PEAK 0.11592
7.28000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11387
OFF-PEAK 0.11387
AG-5-B WINTER
AG-5-E AG-5-B PART-PEAK 0.10268
OFF-PEAK 0.10207
MAX 8.65000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09198
PART-PEAK 0.09198
OFF-PEAK 0.08652
AG-5-C AG-5-C WINTER
AG-5-F PART-PEAK 0.08419
OFF-PEAK 0.08355
PEAK 9.71000
PART-PEAK 9.71000
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
10 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer
Rates (Gen
Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.24622
AG-A1 AG-A1 OFF-PEAK 0.13851
WINTER
PEAK 0.13552
OFF-PEAK 0.11172
SUMMER
PEAK 0.24622
AG-A2 AG-A2 OFF-PEAK 0.13851
WINTER
PEAK 0.13552
OFF-PEAK 0.11172
SUMMER
PEAK 0.26466
AG-B AG-B OFF-PEAK 0.15390
WINTER
PEAK 0.14909
OFF-PEAK 0.12551
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12487
OFF-PEAK 0.09834
AG-C AG-C WINTER
PEAK 0.11170
OFF-PEAK 0.08873
MAX 19.10000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.21497
AG-FA AG-FA OFF-PEAK 0.14555
WINTER
PEAK 0.13637
OFF-PEAK 0.11256
SUMMER
PEAK 0.23534
AG-FB AG-FB OFF-PEAK 0.16216
WINTER
PEAK 0.15131
OFF-PEAK 0.12750
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13301
OFF-PEAK 0.10600
AG-FC AG-FC WINTER
PEAK 0.12003
OFF-PEAK 0.09623
MAX 19.10000
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
11 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
LS-1
LS-2
LS-3
OL-1
TC-1 TC-1 All 0.12856
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
STREET AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING
STREET LIGHTING All 0.11981
12 Pioneer Community Energy
Glossary of Terms
CAISO - California Independent System Operator - a non-profit independent system operator that oversees the operation of the California bulk electric power system, transmission lines and electricity market generated and transmitted by its members (~80% of California's electric flow). Its stated mission is to "operate the grid reliably and efficiently, provide fair and open transmission access, promote environmental stewardship and facilitate effective markets and promote infrastructure development. CAISO is regulated by FERC and governed by a five-member governing board appointed by the governor.
CALCCA - California Community Choice Association -Association made up of Community Choice Aggregation {CCA) groups which represents the interests of California's community choice electricity providers.
CARB- California Air Resources Board -The CARB is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change in California.
CEC - California Energy Commission
CPUC- California Public Utility Commission
C&I - Commercial and Industrial - Business customers
CP- Compliance Period-Time period to become RPS compliant, set by the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission)
DA- Direct Access - An option that allows eligible customers to purchase their electricity directly from third party providers known as Electric Service Providers (ESP).
DA Cap - the maximum amount of electric usage that may be allocated to Direct Access customers in California, or more specifically, within an Investor-Owned Utility service territory.
DA Lottery- a random drawing by which DA waitlist customers become eligible to enroll in DA service under the currently-applicable Direct Access Cap.
DA Waitlist- customers that have officially registered their interest in becoming a DA customer but are not yet able to enroll in service because of DA cap limitations.
DAC- Disadvantaged Community
DASR- Direct Access Service Request- Request submitted by C&I to become direct access eiigible.
Demand - The rate at which electric energy is delivered to or by a system or part of a system, generally expressed in kilowatts {kW}, megawatts (MW}, or gigawatts {GW), at a given instant or averaged over any designated interval of time. Demand should not be confused with Load or Energy.
DER- Distributed Energy Resource -A small-scale physical or virtual asset {e.g. EV charger, smart thermostat, behind-the-meter solar/storage, energy efficiency} that operates locally and is connected to a larger power grid at the distribution level.
Distribution -The delivery of electricity to the retail customer's home or business through low voltage distribution lines.
DLAP- Default Load Aggregation Point - In the CAISO's electricity optimization model, DLAP is the node at which all bids for demand should be submitted and settled. Pioneer settles its CAISO load at the PG&E DLAP as Pioneer is in the PG&E transmission access charge area.
DR- Demand Response - An opportunity for consumers to play a significant role in the operation of the electric grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives.
DWR - Department of Water Resources - DWR manages California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure in a responsible, sustainable way.
ELCC- Effective Load Carrying Capacity - The additional load met by an incremental generator while maintaining the same level of system reliability. For solar and wind resources the ELCC is the amount of capacity which can be counted for Resource Adequacy purposes.
EPIC - Electric Program Investment Charge -The EPIC program was created by the CPUC to support investments in clean energy technologies that provide benefits to the electricity ratepayers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric Company {SDG&E}, and Southern California Edison Company {SCE}
ERRA - Energy Resource Recovery Account - ERRA proceedings are used to determine fuel and purchased power costs which can be recovered in rates. The utilities do not earn a rate of return on these costs, and only recover actual costs. The costs are forecast for the year ahead.
If the actual costs are lower than forecast, then the utility gives money back, and vice versa.
ESP- Energy Service Provider - An energy entity that provides service to a retail or end-use customer.
EV- Electric Vehicle
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GHG - Greenhouse gas - water vapor, carbon dioxide, tropospheric ozone, nitrous oxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). A gas that causes the atmosphere to trap heat radiating from the earth. The most common GHG is Carbon Dioxide, though Methane and others have this effect as well.
GRC- General Rate Case - Proceedings used to address the costs of operating and maintaining the utility system and the allocation of those costs among customer classes. For California's three large IOUs, the GRCs are parsed into two phases. Phase I of a GRC determines the total amount the utility is authorized to collect, while Phase II determines the share of the cost each customer class is responsible and the rate schedules for each class. Each large electric utility files a GRC application every three years for review by the Public Advocates Office and interested parties and approval by the CPUC.
GWh - Gigawatt-hour - The unit of energy equal to that expended in one hour at a rate of one billion watts. One GWh equals 1,000 megawatt-hours.
IEP - Independent Energy Producers - California's oldest and leading nonprofit trade association, representing the interest of developers and operators of independent energy facilities and independent power marketers.
IOU - Investor Owned Utility- A private electricity and natural gas provider. !RP- Integrated Resource Plan -A plan which outlines an electric utility's resource needs in order to meet expected electricity demand long-term.
kW- Kilowatt - Measure of power where power (watts)= voltage (volts) x amperage (amps) and 1 kW = 1000 watts
kWh - Kilowatt-hour- This is a measure of consumption. It is the amount of electricity that is used over some period of time, typically a one-month period for billing purposes. Customers are charged a rate per kWh of electricity used.
LCFS- Low Carbon Fuel Standard -A CARB program designed to encourage the use of cleaner low-carbon fuels in California, encourage the production of those fuels, and therefore, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LCR - Local {RA) Capacity Requirements -The amount of Resource Adequacy capacity required to be demonstrated in a specific location or zone.
LMP- Locational Marginal Price - Each generator unit and load pocket is assigned a node in the CAISO optimization model. The model will assign a LMP to the node in both the day- ahead and real time market as it balances the system using the least cost. The LMP is comprised of Page I 3
three components: the marginal cost of energy, congestion and losses. The LMP is used to financially settle transactions in the CAiSO.
Load - An end use device or customer that receives power from an energy delivery system.
Load should not be confused with Demand, which is the measure of power that a load receives or requires. See Demand.
SE - Load-serving Entity - Entities that have been granted authority by state, local law or regulation to serve their own load directly through wholesale energy purchases and have chosen to exercise that authority.
NEM - Net Energy Metering-A program in which solar customers receive credit for excess electricity generated by solar panels.
NRDC- Natural Resources Defense Council
OIR - Order Instituting Rulemaking - A procedural document that is issued by the CPUC to start a formal proceeding. A draft OIR is issued for comment by interested parties and made final by vote of the five Commissioners of the CPUC.
MW - Megawatt - measure of power. A megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts or 1 million watts.
MWH - Megawatt-hour- measure of energy
NP-15 - North Path 15 - NP-15 is a CAISO pricing zone usually used to approximate wholesale electricity prices in northern California in PG&E's service territory.
PCCl - RPS Portfolio Content Category 1- Bundled renewables where the energy and REC are dynamically scheduled into a California Balancing Authority (CBA) such as the CAISO. Also known as "in-state" renewables.
PCC2 - RPS Portfolio Content Category 2 - Bundled renewables where the energy and REC are from out-of-state and not dynamically scheduled to a CBA.
PCC3 - RPS Portfolio Content Category 3 - Unbundled REC PCIA or "exit fee" - Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) is an "exit fee" based on stranded costs of utility generation set by the California Public Utilities Commission. It is calculated annually and assessed to customers of CCAs and paid to the IOU that lost those customers as a result of the formation of a CCA.
PCL- Power Content Label - A user-friendly way of displaying information to California consumers about the energy resources used to generate the electricity they sell, as required by AB 162 (Statue of 2009) and Senate Bill 1305 (Statutes of 1997).
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PD - Proposed Decision - A procedural document in a CPUC Rulemaking process that is formally commented on by Parties to the proceeding. A PD is a precursor to a final Decision voted on by the five Commissioners of the CPUC.
Pnode - Pricing Node - In the CAISO optimization model, it is a point where a physical injection or withdrawal of energy is modeled and for which a LMP is calculated.
PPA - Power Purchase Agreement - A contract used to purchase the energy, capacity and attributes from a renewable resource project.
RA - Resource Adequacy - Under its Resource Adequacy (RA) program, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires load-serving entities-both independently owned utilities and electric service providers-to demonstrate in both monthly and annual filings that they have purchased capacity commitments of no less than 115% of their peak loads.
RE - Renewable Energy - Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
REC - Renewable Energy Certificate - A REC is the property right to the environmental benefits associated with generating renewable electricity. For instance, homeowners who generate solar electricity are credited with 1 solar REC for every MWh of electricity they produce.
Utilities obligated to fulfill an RPS requirement can purchase these RECs on the open market.
RPS - Renewable Portfolio Standard - Law that requires CA utilities and other load serving entities (including CCAs) to provide an escalating percentage of CA qualified renewable power (culminating at 33% by 2020) in their annual energy portfolio.
SCE - Southern California Edison
SDG&E- San Diego Gas & Electric
SGIP- Self-Generation Incentive Program -A program which provides incentives to support existing, new, and emerging distributed energy resources (storage, wind turbines, waste heat to power technologies, etc.)
TCR EPS Protocol -The Climate Registry Electric Power Sector Protocol - Online tools and resources provided by The Climate Registry to assist organizations to measure, report, and reduce carbon emissions.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates - The pricing of delivered electricity based on the estimated cost of electricity during a particular time-block. Time-of-use rates are usually divided into three or four time-blocks per 24-hour period (on-peak, mid-peak, off-peak and sometimes super off-peak) and by seasons of the year (summer and winter). Real time pricing differs from TOU rates Page I 5
in that it is based on actual (as opposed to forecasted) prices that may fluctuate many times a day and are weather sensitive, rather than varying with a fixed schedule.
TURN -The Utility Reform Network - A ratepayer advocacy group charged with ensuring that California IOUs implement just and reasonable rates.
Unbundled RECs - Renewable energy certificates that verify a purchase of a MWH unit of renewable power where the actual power and the certificate are "unbundled" and sold to different buyers.
VPP - Virtual Power Plant - A cloud-based network that leverages an aggregation of distributed energy resources (DERs) to shift energy demand or provide services to the grid.
For example, thousands of EV chargers could charge at a slower speed and hundreds of home batteries could discharge to the grid during a demand peak to significantly reduce the procurement of traditional supply resources.
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