Board of Directors
Chair: Alice Dowdin Calvillo
Vice Chair: Tom Ivy
City of Auburn
Alice Dowdin Calvillo
Sandra Amara, Alternate
City of Colfax
Sean Lomen
Kim Douglass, Alternate
County of El Dorado
John Hidahl
Lori Parlin, Alternate
City of Grass Valley
Tom Ivy
Jan Arbuckle, Alternate
City of Lincoln
Dan Karleskint
Holly Andreatta, Alternate
Town of Loomis
David Ring
Danny Cartwright, Alternate
Nevada City
Gary Petersen
Lou Ceci, Alternate
County of Placer
Jim Holmes
Suzanne Jones
Bonnie Gore, Alternate
City of Placerville
David Yarbrough
John Clerici, Alternate
City of Rocklin
Greg Janda
David Bass, Alternate
Pioneer Community Energy
Board of Directors
September 19, 2024
3:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
Pioneer Community Energy Board Room
2510 Warren Drive, Suite B, Rocklin, CA 95677
This regular meeting will convene in person at the address printed above, be accessible on the Zoom platform at the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89020017279;
and live streamed for viewing on the Pioneer website:
https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/.
Members of the public may participate in person or by remote audio/visual access.
Those who participated remotely and wish to comment should be prepared to use the Zoom platform via computer or telephone. Public comment will be opened for each agenda item in sequence.
How to Participate Using Zoom
You can join the meeting using the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89020017279.
When you join the meeting, you will be muted by default. To inform the Clerk that you would like to make a public comment, you will use the “Raise Hand” feature.
Public Comment via Computer or Smartphone
If you would like to make a comment, you will use the “Raise Your Hand” feature.
Please note that you should only raise your hand during the item to which you will comment. Instructions for using the “Raise Hand” feature when using a computer or mobile device can be found at the link:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/205566129-Raising-your-hand-in-a-webinar Public Comment via telephone (Audio Only Option)
1. Dial 1 (699) 900-6833
2. When asked for the meeting ID, enter 890 2001 7279#
3. When asked for your participant ID, press # to continue.
You will be muted by default. To inform the Clerk that you would like to make a comment, during each agenda item, dial *9 to “Raise your hand.” When it is your turn to speak, the Clerk will identify you by the last three digits of your phone number; at that time, dial *6 to unmute yourself and state your name and comment for the record. Please note that you should only raise your hand during the item to which you will comment.
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COMMUNITY ENERGY
I. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION – PART 1
A. CALL TO ORDER
1. Roll Call
B. AGENDA REVIEW
C. PRESENTATIONS BY THE PUBLIC ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA WITHIN THE
JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD
Persons may address the Board on items not this agenda. Please limit comments to 3 minutes per person.
According to State Law (the Brown Act), items must first be noticed on the agenda before any discussion or action. The Board is prohibited from discussing issues not on the agenda brought to them at this time.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
1) APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
All items on the Consent Agenda have been recommended for approval by the Chief Executive Officer. All Consent items will be approved by a single vote. Anyone may ask to address Consent items prior to the Board acting, and the item may be moved for discussion. a) ADMINISTRATION
Approve the minutes of the July 18, 2024, regular meeting. (ECKERT) b) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Adopt Resolution approving the policy on Legislative Body’s Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act. (ECKERT) c) ADMINISTRATION
Receive an update on Pacific Gas & Electric winter rates. (ECKERT) 2) REGULAR AGENDA
2) ADMINISTRATION
Update on Expansion (ACTION-ECKERT)
Receive report on results of the Impact Assessment Study. 3) ADMINISTRATION
Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan (ACTION-ECKERT) Approve Pioneer Community Energy’s Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. 4) PROGRAMS
Progress Report on Programs (DISCUSSION – STASSI-VANACORE) Receive a progress report on program efforts.
5) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Receive Draft Fiscal Year 2023-24 Year-End Financial Reports (DISCUSSION-KOEHN) Receive draft Fiscal Year 2023-24 year-end Financial Reports through June 30, 2024.
IV. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTION – PART 2
A. BOARD MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
B. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS
C. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
1. Glossary of Terms
D. ADJOURNMENT
Upcoming Meeting of the Board:
October 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Accommodations
Pioneer Community Energy is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are provided with the resources to participate fully in its public meetings. If you are hearing impaired, we have listening devices available. If you require additional disability-related modifications or accommodations, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Clerk of the Board. If requested, the agenda shall be provided in appropriate alternative formats for persons with disabilities. All requests must be in writing and must be received by the Clerk five business days prior to the scheduled meeting for which you are requesting accommodation. Requests received after such time will be accommodated only if time permits.
Affidavit of Posting
I, Teresa Willock, Board Secretary, declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing agenda for the September 19, 2024 regular meeting of the Pioneer Community Energy Governing Board was posted and available for public review on September 16, 2024 at the offices of Pioneer Community Energy, 2510 Warren Drive, Suite B, Rocklin, CA 95677; was accessible for viewer participation on the Zoom platform at the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89020017279; and, was live streamed for viewing on the Pioneer website at:
https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/.
All public materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Governing Board after distribution of the agenda packet are also made available for public inspection on Pioneer’s website at:
https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/. Any document provided at the meeting by staff or by the public will be provided by the Board Clerk upon request by phone at (916) 758-8946, or by email at: [email protected].
DRAFT
PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY
GOVERNING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING and PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES
July 18, 2024
Entry No. 1
Heard General Administration Functions, Part I.
Call to Order
Pioneer Community Energy Governing Board met in regular session at 3:00 PM on July 18, 2024. The Members convened in person and the meeting was accessible to the public at Pioneer Community Energy, 2510 Warren Drive, Suite B, Rocklin, California 95677; remote location Nevada City – City Hall, Wetherall Conference Room, 317 Broad Street, Nevada City, California 95959; was accessible for viewer participation on the Zoom platform at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89020017279; and, was live streamed for viewing on the Pioneer website at: https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/.
Roll Call
Present: City of Auburn (Dowdin Calvillo), City of Colfax (Lomen), County of El Dorado (Hidahl), City of Grass Valley (Ivy), City of Lincoln (Karleskint), Town of Loomis (Ring), County of Placer (Holmes), and City of Rocklin (Janda).
Absent: County of Placer (Jones), Nevada City (Petersen), and City of Placerville (Yarbrough), Chair Dowdin Calvillo presided over the meeting.
Agenda Review
Reviewed and revised the meeting agenda for July 18, 2024, with no objection to move item 4, Adopt Resolution Authorizing a Rate Adjustment Effective July 1, 2024, to the first item considered on Regular Calendar.
Public Comment
There were no comments from members of the public on items not listed on this agenda.
Director Petersen joined the meeting prior to the Consent Agenda (3:02 PM).
Entry No. 2
Acted on the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Approved the minutes of the June 20, 2024, regular meeting. b) Received Fiscal Year 2023-24 Draft Financial Reports through May 2024. c) Adopted Resolution 2024-23 to Approve an Adjusted Salary Schedule, Approve a Cost-of-Living Adjustment, Authorize Health, Dental, Vision premium enhancements, Approve a 1% increase to the Employer Contribution to Employee Retirement accounts, and Authorize a Sick leave conversion to Vacation Administrative Policy.
ITEM 1a
DRAFT – July 18, 2024 – page 2
Approved the Consent Agenda as presented.
MOTION: Holmes / Hidahl. Vote: 9:0:2.
ROLL CALL: Dowdin Calvillo, Hidahl, Holmes, Ivy, Janda, Karleskint, Lomen, Petersen, Ring.
No/Abstain: None.
Absent: Jones, Yarbrough.
Director Yarbrough joined the meeting prior to the Regular Agenda (3:05 PM).
Entry No. 3
Public Hearing and Consideration of Adopting Resolution Authorizing a Rate Adjustment Effective July 1, 2024.
Conducted a public hearing.
No written comments were received prior to this meeting; and there were no comments from the public regarding this item.
Summarized the options for discount to PG&E generation rates to a Seasonal Option adjusting rates to achieve a minimum of a five percent discount for the summer and a minimum of a one percent discount for the winter; or a Flat Option adjusting rates to achieve a minimum of a three percent discount for the remainder of 2024.
Staff recommended approval of the resolution supporting the Seasonal Option with a minimum discount of five percent. This would provide the highest discount for the time of the year when the power is needed most; reinforce our commitment to competitive rates; results in a seven percent decrease in rates; and maintain financial stability for Pioneer.
Adopted Resolution 2024-25 authorizing a Rate Adjustment effective July 1, 2024, approving the Flat Option, adjusting rates to a minimum of a three percent discount and requesting staff to return to this item in September and provide a status on PG&E activity.
MOTION: Hidahl / Holmes. Vote: 9:1:1.
ROLL CALL: Dowdin Calvillo, Hidahl, Holmes, Ivy, Karleskint, Lomen, Petersen, Ring, Yarbrough.
No/Abstain: Janda.
Absent: Jones.
Entry No. 4
Update on Legislative Activity and Strategy
Received an update on legislative activity and Pioneer Community Energy strategy.
Entry No. 5
Adopt Resolution authorizing the Chief Executive Officer to sign an Agreement with cQuant.IO Inc. for Energy Portfolio Optimization Services
Adopted Resolution 2024-24 authorizing the Chief Executive Officer to sign an agreement with cQuant for portfolio optimization and slice-of-day compliance requirements support in an amount not-to-exceed $197,500.
MOTION: Holmes / Hidahl. Vote: 10:0:1.
ROLL CALL: Dowdin Calvillo, Hidahl, Holmes, Ivy, Janda, Karleskint, Lomen, Petersen, Ring, Yarbrough.
No/Abstain: None.
Absent: Jones.
DRAFT – July 18, 2024 – page 3
Entry No. 6
Update on Power Markets and Energy Procurement
Received an update on power markets and energy procurement.
Entry No. 7
Item 6, Approve the Strategic Plan 2024-2027, was continued to the September 19, 2024 meeting with no objection.
Entry No. 8
Heard General Administration Functions, Part II.
Board Member Communications
None.
Chief Executive Officer Communications
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eckert welcomed and introduced David Ruderman of Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, as the new General Counsel for Pioneer Community Energy.
CEO Eckert also informed the Board that no meeting is scheduled in August, the next meeting of the Board will be in September.
CEO Eckert announced that staff are making arrangements for the Board to tour the El Dorado Irrigation District facilities toward the end of October; and the Board Clerk will be polling the members to get that scheduled.
Informational Items
Received the Glossary of Terms.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:32 PM.
Staff Report – Item 1b
To: The Governing Board
From: Brad Koehn, Director of Finance and Administration Item 1b: Adopt Resolution Approving the Policy on Legislative Body’s Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act Date: 9/19/2024
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Approving the Policy on Legislative Body’s Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act.
BACKGROUND
The California Attorney General has issued an opinion addressing the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) to meetings subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act, which generally requires such meetings be conducted at locations open to the public. The opinion requires remote participation as a reasonable accommodation for a member of the legislative body with a qualifying disability that precludes their in-person attendance at meetings of the Pioneer Board.
According to the Attorney General remote participation must still be conducted in a manner that simulates in-person attendance at meetings held in person at a location open to the public.
Individual members who participate remotely must (1) use two-way video and audio streaming in real time and (2) disclose the identity of any adults present with the member at the remote location.
The opinion also states that not every disability necessitates remote participation, and a fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry is required when considering remote participation as reasonable accommodations.
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
A Board member who desires to attend meetings remotely should make an accommodation request in writing to Pioneer’s ADA Coordinator (Chief Executive Officer). An accommodation request seeking remote participation under this policy should include a statement that the Board member requires accommodation by remote participation and be sent at least three (3) weeks before the meeting for which the Board member first seeks accommodation.
The Board’s ADA coordinator or designee is authorized to make reasonable inquiries about the Board member’s disability that are job-related and consistent with business necessity, to conduct the necessary fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry into the request and to accommodate a qualifying disability.
The ADA coordinator will inform the Board member and Board clerk of the decision on the request for reasonable accommodation in writing.
A fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry of a Board member’s request for ADA accommodation by remote participation requires time to complete. Therefore, a Board member may additionally pursue remote participation under the Brown Act’s provisions for just cause and emergency circumstances if the Board member seeks accommodation for a meeting with less than three weeks’ notice.
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COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: 1b Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
STRATEGIC PLAN
Establishment of a reasonable accommodation that considers the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act Policy is consistent with the Strategic Priority of Operational Optimization.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adopting the Policy does not have a fiscal impact but does allow reasonable accommodation for Board members with a qualifying disability.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Approving the Policy on Legislative Body’s Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act
374469.2
Before the Governing Board of
Pioneer Community Energy
Resolution No.: ____________
The following Resolution was duly passed by the Governing Board of Pioneer Community Energy at a regular meeting held September 19, 2024, by the following vote on roll call:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Signed and approved by me after its passage.
______________________________
Chair of the Governing Board
Attest:
_______________________
Secretary
WHEREAS, the Board of Pioneer Community Energy desires to establish a Policy on the Legislative Body’s Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act; and
WHEREAS, the California Attorney General has issued an opinion addressing the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) to meetings subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act; and
WHEREAS, not every disability necessitates remote participation by a Board member, even where that disability is protected under the ADA, because not every disability precludes in-person attendance; and WHEREAS, the Policy provides a framework and guidelines to ensure that a timely interactive process in compliance with the ADA can be initiated, and a fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry can be conducted when a Board member requests reasonable accommodation to determine if remote participation is a reasonable accommodation under the ADA; and WHEREAS, any such remote participation must still be conducted in a manner that simulates in-person attendance and remote participants must use a two-way video and audio streaming in real time and disclose the identity of any adults present with the member at the remote location.
In the matter of: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
POLICY ON LEGISLATIVE BODY’S REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION
AT MEETINGS SUBJECT TO THE BROWN ACT
Resolution 2024-__
September 19, 2024
2 374469.2
BE IT RESOLVED, the Governing Board of Pioneer Community Energy, State of California, hereby approves the attached Policy on Legislative Body’s Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Attachments:
Exhibit A: Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act Policy
374468.4 proposed: September 19, 2024
Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation for Remote
Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act
BACKGROUND:
The California Attorney General has issued an opinion addressing the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) to meetings subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act, which generally requires such meetings be conducted at locations open to the public. Attorney General Opinion No. 23- 1002 requires public agencies to allow remote participation as a reasonable accommodation for a member of a legislative body with a qualifying disability that precludes their in-person attendance at meetings subject to the Brown Act.
Remote participation must still be conducted in a manner that simulates in-person attendance at meetings held in person at a location open to the public. Individual members who participate remotely must (1) use two-way video and audio streaming in real time and (2) disclose the identity of any adults present with the member at the remote location.
The opinion also states that not every disability necessitates remote participation, because not every disability precludes in-person attendance; therefore, a fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry is required when considering remote participation as a reasonable accommodation.
REQUESTS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Definitions. As used in this policy, “Board member” means any member of a legislative body, the meetings of which are subject to the Brown Act. “ADA Coordinator” means the Chief Executive Officer or designee.
Procedure. A Board member who desires to attend meetings remotely should make an accommodation request in writing to Pioneer’s ADA Coordinator. An accommodation request seeking remote participation under this policy should include a statement that the Board member requires accommodation by remote participation and be sent at least three (3) weeks before the meeting for which the Board member first seeks accommodation.
An accommodation request may also voluntarily disclose:
1. The Board member’s disability under the ADA.
a. A “disability” is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.
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COMMUNITY ENEAGY
374468.4 proposed: September 19, 2024
2. Any available support that the Board member’s disability precludes their ability to attend meetings in person, such as:
a. A doctor’s directive indicating the applicable period of time that the Board member should be excused from travel to a meeting or contact with the public.
b. Reasons that other protective measures (such as masking) are not sufficient to mitigate risk for the Board member, or negatively impact the Board member’s ability to participate; or
c. Documentation of any of the above.
Interactive Process. The Board’s ADA coordinator or designee is authorized to make reasonable inquiries about the Board member’s disability that are job-related and consistent with business necessity, to conduct the necessary fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry into the request and to accommodate a qualifying disability. The ADA coordinator will inform the Board member and Board clerk of the decision on the request for reasonable accommodation in writing.
An approved reasonable accommodation for remote access attendance at public meetings shall be in effect for the period of time that the Board member’s disabling condition continues, and the decision of the ADA Coordinator shall reflect this determination.
Confidentiality. All information regarding a Board member’s claimed disability or medical information must be kept confidential and maintained in a separate medical file by the ADA coordinator. Such information may be disclosed in limited circumstances, such as to the Chair of the Board for purposes of compliance with “just cause” regulations under the Brown Act; or to first aid and safety personnel, when appropriate, or to government officials investigating compliance with the ADA. The ADA coordinator may also request legal advice from Pioneer’s General Counsel regarding the accommodation request in light of the California Attorney General’s opinion and other relevant law.
Interim Accommodation. A fact-intensive, individualized, case-by-case inquiry of a Board member’s request for ADA accommodation by remote participation requires time to complete. Therefore, a Board member may additionally pursue remote participation under the Brown Act’s provisions for just cause and emergency circumstances if the Board member seeks accommodation for a meeting with less than three weeks’ notice.
Staff Report – Item 1c
To: The Governing Board
From: Donald Eckert Jr., Chief Executive Officer
Item 1c: Update on Pacific Gas & Electric’s Generation Rates for Winter 2024 Date: 9/19/2024
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an update on Pacific Gas & Electric’s (“PG&E”) Generation Rate for Winter (i.e., October 1st) and determine if Pioneer Community Energy’s (“Pioneer”) rate remains competitive.
BACKGROUND
In Spring of 2024, all Community Choice Aggregators (“CCA”) were expecting a rate decrease from PG&E in July 2024. The driver for the decrease was the completion of collection of cost for work in prior years and not current market conditions. Due to the rate changes not being based on current market conditions, it is considered temporary.
On July 1st, Pioneer staff were able to review the tariffs from PG&E reflecting the rate changes and it was discovered that for 2017 Vintage Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (“PCIA”) customers (e.g. Placer County), Pioneer’s generation rate was slightly higher while the 2022 Vintage PCIA customers (e.g. El Dorado County) and 2024 Vintage PCIA customers (e.g. Nevada City and Grass Valley) remained at a discount to PG&E’s generation rate but the discount had decreased.
At the July 18, 2024, Governing Board meeting, the Board acted in response to PG&E’s rate change by lowering Pioneer’s rates by 5% on average resulting in a system average discount to PG&E’s generation rate of 7%. The table below shows the rate discount effective July 1st:
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
As part of the discussion at the July 18, 2024, Governing Board meeting, the Board requested an update by staff on PG&E’s rates before the October 1st Winter Rates are in effect. In discussion with PG&E staff and other CCAs, there is no expectation that PG&E will adjust their generation rates for the remainder of 2024. Therefore, Pioneer’s current rates will remain in effect through 2024 and the rates by customer class are attached to this report (see attachment 1).
The next rates discussion with the Governing Board is expected in December 2024 which corresponds to PG&Es year-end filing of its Energy Resource Recovery Account that forecast generation costs in the following year, and the rates required for recovery of those costs. The PCIA for the following year is also part of the filing.
Discount to PG&E
Placer County -3%
El Dorado County -13%
Nevada City/Grass Valley -5%
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COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: 1c Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of a rate adjustment is consistent with and supports two of Pioneer’s adopted Strategic Priorities:
• Quality in Service
• Financial Stability & Strategic Growth
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact with the report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Pioneer Community Energy’s Generation Rates Effective July 1, 2024 a. Residential
b. Commercial
c. Agricultural
d. Street Lighting/Traffic Control
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 0.13414
SUMMER PEAK 0.30131
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.16214
EV-A SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.11715
EV-B WINTER PEAK 0.11268
WINTER PART-PEAK 0.08858
(E Vehicles) WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.08858
SUMMER PEAK 0.19990
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.15654
EV-2 SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.11663
WINTER PEAK 0.14473
WINTER PART-PEAK 0.13262
(E Vehicles) WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.10985
SUMMER PEAK 0.25151
E-TOU-B SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.13214
EL-TOU-B WINTER PEAK 0.14869
WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.11105
SUMMER PEAK 0.20474
SUMMER Off-PEAK 0.12423
WINTER PEAK 0.14649
WINTER Off-PEAK 0.12061
SUMMER PEAK 0.21562
SUMMER Off-PEAK 0.11381
WINTER PEAK 0.17597
WINTER Off-PEAK 0.14195
SUMMER PEAK 0.27229
SUMMER PART-PEAK 0.17616
SUMMER OFF-PEAK 0.13241
WINTER PEAK 0.11504
WINTER PART-PEAK 0.09567
WINTER OFF-PEAK 0.08272
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
E-1 All 0.13973
E-ELEC E-ELEC
EV
EV-2
E-TOU-B
E-TOU-C3 E-TOU-C3
E-TOU-D E-TOU-D
1 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
A-1-A A-1-A SUMMER 0.15155
WINTER 0.11262
A-1-A** A-1-A-P SUMMER 0.14549
WINTER 0.10812
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15431
PART-PEAK 0.15431
A-1-B A-1-B OFF-PEAK 0.13035
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12449
OFF-PEAK 0.12393
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14814
PART-PEAK 0.14814
A-1-B** A-1-B-P OFF-PEAK 0.12514
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11951
OFF-PEAK 0.11897
SUMMER
PEAK 0.19391
PART-PEAK 0.14616
B-1 B-1 OFF-PEAK 0.12598
WINTER
PEAK 0.14032
OFF-PEAK 0.12469
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.10876
SUMMER
PEAK 0.19867
PART-PEAK 0.15748
B-1-ST B-1-ST OFF-PEAK 0.12280
WINTER
PEAK 0.14960
PART-PEAK 0.13764
OFF-PEAK 0.11630
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.10037
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16758
PART-PEAK 0.16758
A-6 A-6 OFF-PEAK 0.13484
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12574
OFF-PEAK 0.12505
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16088
PART-PEAK 0.16088
A-6** A-6-P OFF-PEAK 0.12945
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12071
OFF-PEAK 0.12005
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
PEAK 0.28535
OFF-PEAK 0.12051
B-6 B-6 WINTER
PEAK 0.14914
OFF-PEAK 0.11078
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07578
SUMMER 0.15200
A-10-A-S A-10-A WINTER 0.13089
0.00000
SUMMER 0.13526
A-10-A-P A-10-A-P WINTER 0.11700
0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16513
PART-PEAK 0.16513
OFF-PEAK 0.13915
A-10-B-S A-10-B WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13155
OFF-PEAK 0.13086
0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14901
PART-PEAK 0.14901
OFF-PEAK 0.12445
A-10-B-P A-10-B-P WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11726
OFF-PEAK 0.11925
0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.21971
PART-PEAK 0.15988
B-10-S B-10-S OFF-PEAK 0.12828
WINTER
PEAK 0.16341
OFF-PEAK 0.12899
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.09374
SUMMER
PEAK 0.20168
PART-PEAK 0.14513
B-10-P B-10-P OFF-PEAK 0.11523
WINTER
PEAK 0.14869
OFF-PEAK 0.11607
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08082
SUMMER
PEAK 0.17938
PART-PEAK 0.12435
B-10-T B-10-T OFF-PEAK 0.09518
WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
3 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
PEAK 0.12793
OFF-PEAK 0.09608
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06083
SUMMER
PEAK 0.10108
PART-PEAK 0.10108
OFF-PEAK 0.09508
E-19-S, V E-19-S WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.09249
OFF-PEAK 0.09178
PEAK 13.86000
PART-PEAK 13.86000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.08970
PART-PEAK 0.08970
OFF-PEAK 0.08390
E-19-P, V E-19-P WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.08140
OFF-PEAK 0.08072
PEAK 12.31000
PART-PEAK 12.31000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.07827
PART-PEAK 0.07827
OFF-PEAK 0.07259
E-19-T, V E-19-T WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.07016
OFF-PEAK 0.06949
PEAK 13.48000
PART-PEAK 13.48000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16206
PART-PEAK 0.16206
E-19-R-S, V-R-S E-19-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.12991
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12740
OFF-PEAK 0.12671
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14095
PART-PEAK 0.14095
E-19-R-P, V-R-P E-19-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.11248
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11008
OFF-PEAK 0.10943
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13429
PART-PEAK 0.13429
E-19-R-T, V-R-T E-19-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.10940
DEMAND CHARGE ($/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
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.10704
OFF-PEAK 0.10640
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16852
PART-PEAK 0.12538
OFF-PEAK 0.09486
WINTER
PEAK 0.14112
B-19-S B-19-S OFF-PEAK 0.09475
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.03253
PEAK 21.69000
PART-PEAK 3.15000
PEAK 2.57000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14577
PART-PEAK 0.11302
OFF-PEAK 0.08453
WINTER
PEAK 0.12673
B-19-P B-19-P OFF-PEAK 0.08488
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02535
PEAK 18.22000
PART-PEAK 2.67000
PEAK 1.87000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13207
PART-PEAK 0.11817
OFF-PEAK 0.08859
WINTER
PEAK 0.13113
B-19-T B-19-T OFF-PEAK 0.08924
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02762
PEAK 16.35000
PART-PEAK 4.09000
PEAK 1.57000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.28403
PART-PEAK 0.15253
B-19-R-S B-19-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.11517
WINTER
PEAK 0.15616
OFF-PEAK 0.11511
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08036
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25392
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
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
PART-PEAK 0.13409
B-19-R-P B-19-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.09976
WINTER
PEAK 0.13639
OFF-PEAK 0.09987
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06512
SUMMER
PEAK 0.22183
PART-PEAK 0.14277
B-19-R-T B-19-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.10188
WINTER
PEAK 0.13476
OFF-PEAK 0.10209
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06734
SUMMER
PEAK 0.28403
PART-PEAK 0.15253
B-19-S-S B-19-S-S OFF-PEAK 0.11517
WINTER
PEAK 0.15616
OFF-PEAK 0.11511
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.08036
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25392
PART-PEAK 0.13409
B-19-S-P B-19-S-P OFF-PEAK 0.09976
WINTER
PEAK 0.13639
OFF-PEAK 0.09987
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06512
SUMMER
PEAK 0.22183
PART-PEAK 0.14277
B-19-S-T B-19-S-T OFF-PEAK 0.10188
WINTER
PEAK 0.13476
OFF-PEAK 0.10209
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06734
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09512
PART-PEAK 0.09512
OFF-PEAK 0.08926
E-20-S E-20-S WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.08670
OFF-PEAK 0.08599
PEAK 13.12000
PART-PEAK 13.12000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09374
PART-PEAK 0.09374
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
6 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
OFF-PEAK 0.08795
E-20-P E-20-P WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.08545
OFF-PEAK 0.08478
PEAK 14.32000
PART-PEAK 14.32000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.08342
PART-PEAK 0.08342
OFF-PEAK 0.07756
E-20-T E-20-T WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.07505
OFF-PEAK 0.07437
PEAK 17.85000
PART-PEAK 17.85000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15252
PART-PEAK 0.15252
E-20-R-S E-20-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.12306
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.12055
OFF-PEAK 0.11986
SUMMER
PEAK 0.14703
PART-PEAK 0.14703
E-20-R-P E-20-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.11642
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.11403
OFF-PEAK 0.11338
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13857
PART-PEAK 0.13857
E-20-R-T E-20-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.10830
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.10594
OFF-PEAK 0.10530
SUMMER
PEAK 0.16067
PART-PEAK 0.12202
OFF-PEAK 0.09150
WINTER
PEAK 0.13765
B-20-S B-20-S OFF-PEAK 0.09126
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02910
PEAK 20.30000
PART-PEAK 2.95000
PEAK 2.58000
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
7 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15746
PART-PEAK 0.11588
OFF-PEAK 0.08688
WINTER
PEAK 0.13099
B-20-P B-20-P OFF-PEAK 0.08695
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02447
PEAK 22.72000
PART-PEAK 3.12000
PEAK 2.62000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13652
PART-PEAK 0.11012
OFF-PEAK 0.08066
WINTER
PEAK 0.12943
B-20-T B-20-T OFF-PEAK 0.07616
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.02297
PEAK 23.94000
PART-PEAK 5.70000
PEAK 3.19000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.27510
PART-PEAK 0.14633
B-20-R-S B-20-R-S OFF-PEAK 0.11000
WINTER
PEAK 0.15229
OFF-PEAK 0.10987
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07519
SUMMER
PEAK 0.26229
PART-PEAK 0.13726
B-20-R-P B-20-R-P OFF-PEAK 0.10360
WINTER
PEAK 0.14252
OFF-PEAK 0.10365
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06897
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25799
PART-PEAK 0.14293
B-20-R-T B-20-R-T OFF-PEAK 0.09419
WINTER
PEAK 0.14277
OFF-PEAK 0.09135
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.05954
SUMMER
PEAK 0.27510
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)WINTER
8 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate
Time of Use
Period
Pioneer Rates
(Gen Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND GENERAL SERVICE CUSTOMERS
PART-PEAK 0.14633
B-20-S-S B-20-S-S OFF-PEAK 0.11000
WINTER
PEAK 0.15229
OFF-PEAK 0.10987
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07519
SUMMER
PEAK 0.26229
PART-PEAK 0.13726
B-20-S-P B-20-S-P OFF-PEAK 0.10360
WINTER
PEAK 0.14252
OFF-PEAK 0.10365
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.06897
SUMMER
PEAK 0.25799
PART-PEAK 0.14293
B-20-S-T B-20-S-T OFF-PEAK 0.09419
WINTER
PEAK 0.14277
OFF-PEAK 0.09135
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.05954
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15456
PART-PEAK 0.12626
STANDBY - S STOUS OFF-PEAK 0.08923
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13077
OFF-PEAK 0.10208
0.69000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.15456
PART-PEAK 0.12626
STANDBY - P STOUP OFF-PEAK 0.08923
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.13077
OFF-PEAK 0.10208
0.69000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12633
PART-PEAK 0.10264
STANDBY - T STOUT OFF-PEAK 0.07130
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.10637
OFF-PEAK 0.08230
0.58000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12378
PART-PEAK 0.11186
OFF-PEAK 0.09860
S-B-S S-B-S WINTER
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
9 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
PEAK 0.11901
OFF-PEAK 0.09972
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.05690
1.06000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12378
PART-PEAK 0.11186
OFF-PEAK 0.09860
S-B-P S-B-P WINTER
PEAK 0.12163
OFF-PEAK 0.09972
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.05690
1.06000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11102
PART-PEAK 0.09941
OFF-PEAK 0.08649
S-B-T S-B-T WINTER
PEAK 0.10646
OFF-PEAK 0.08769
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.04480
0.52000
SUMMER
ON-Peak 0.27822
OFF-PEAK 0.10113
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07650
BEV1 BEV1 WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.27822
OFF-PEAK 0.10113
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07650
SUMMER
ON-Peak 0.29583
OFF-PEAK 0.09857
BEV2S BEV2S SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07393
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.29583
OFF-PEAK 0.09857
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07393
SUMMER
ON-Peak 0.28576
OFF-PEAK 0.09566
BEV2P BEV2P SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07218
WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.28576
OFF-PEAK 0.09566
SUPER OFF-PEAK 0.07218
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
RESERVATION CHARGE ($/KW)
10 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer
Rates (Gen
Only)
SUMMER 0.11674
AG-1-A AG-1-A WINTER 0.10352
3.39000
SUMMER 0.12127
AG-1-B AG-1-B WINTER 0.08867
4.62000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11655
OFF-PEAK 0.11655
AG-RA AG-RA WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.10044
OFF-PEAK 0.09975
2.43000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.10157
OFF-PEAK 0.10157
WINTER
AG-RB AG-RB PART-PEAK 0.09052
OFF-PEAK 0.08983
MAX 3.34000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11243
OFF-PEAK 0.11243
AG-VA AG-VA WINTER
PART-PEAK 0.09766
OFF-PEAK 0.09697
2.55000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09804
OFF-PEAK 0.09804
WINTER
AG-VB AG-VB PART-PEAK 0.08601
OFF-PEAK 0.08532
MAX 3.15000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.11415
OFF-PEAK 0.11415
AG-4-A AG-4-A WINTER
AG-4-D PART-PEAK 0.10031
OFF-PEAK 0.09962
2.49000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12134
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER MAX
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMERS
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER MAX
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
11 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer
Rates (Gen
Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMERS
OFF-PEAK 0.12134
AG-4-B WINTER
AG-4-E AG-4-B PART-PEAK 0.10777
OFF-PEAK 0.10710
MAX 4.23000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.09883
PART-PEAK 0.09883
OFF-PEAK 0.08796
AG-4-C AG-4-C WINTER
AG-4-F PART-PEAK 0.08545
OFF-PEAK 0.08476
PEAK 4.46000
PART-PEAK 4.46000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12178
OFF-PEAK 0.12178
AG-5-A AG-5-A WINTER
AG-5-D PART-PEAK 0.10987
OFF-PEAK 0.10918
6.91000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12369
OFF-PEAK 0.12369
AG-5-B WINTER
AG-5-E AG-5-B PART-PEAK 0.11163
OFF-PEAK 0.11097
MAX 8.20000
PEAK 0.00000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.08821
PART-PEAK 0.08821
OFF-PEAK 0.08232
AG-5-C AG-5-C WINTER
AG-5-F PART-PEAK 0.07981
OFF-PEAK 0.07912
PEAK 9.21000
PART-PEAK 9.21000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.24804
AG-A1 AG-A1 OFF-PEAK 0.13195
WINTER
PEAK 0.12873
OFF-PEAK 0.10308
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
CONNECTED LOAD ($/HP)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
12 PG&E Rate Pioneer Rate Time of Use Period
Pioneer
Rates (Gen
Only)
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMERS
SUMMER
PEAK 0.24804
AG-A2 AG-A2 OFF-PEAK 0.13195
WINTER
PEAK 0.12873
OFF-PEAK 0.10308
SUMMER
PEAK 0.26545
AG-B AG-B OFF-PEAK 0.14607
WINTER
PEAK 0.14089
OFF-PEAK 0.11547
SUMMER
PEAK 0.12237
OFF-PEAK 0.09378
AG-C AG-C WINTER
PEAK 0.10817
OFF-PEAK 0.08342
MAX 18.11000
SUMMER
PEAK 0.21438
AG-FA AG-FA OFF-PEAK 0.13937
WINTER
PEAK 0.12966
OFF-PEAK 0.10400
SUMMER
PEAK 0.23383
AG-FB AG-FB OFF-PEAK 0.15496
WINTER
PEAK 0.14326
OFF-PEAK 0.11761
SUMMER
PEAK 0.13023
OFF-PEAK 0.10112
AG-FC AG-FC WINTER
PEAK 0.11624
OFF-PEAK 0.09058
MAX 18.11000
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
DEMAND CHARGE ($/KW)SUMMER
13 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 0.12225
Pioneer Community Energy
Electric Generation Rate Schedules
STREET AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING
STREET LIGHTING All 0.11388
14
Staff Report – Item 2
To: The Governing Board
From: Donald Eckert Jr., Chief Executive Officer
Item 2: Results of the Impact Assessment Study
Date: 9/19/2024
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the results of the Impact Assessment Study (“IAS”) related to the expansion of Pioneer Community Energy’s (“Pioneer”) service territory.
EXPANSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
At the September 10, 2024, Expansion Committee meeting, the results of the IAS were presented to the Committee.
BACKGROUND
Over the past six (6) months, staff has been engaged with many jurisdictions regarding their interest of joining Pioneer. Subsequently, those engagements resulted in presentations given to Town/City Councils and Board of Supervisors to educate on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), information about Pioneer, and to gauge if the potential new member agrees with our mission and vision.
The following are the potential new members that agreed to fund their share to commission an IAS to determine if joining Pioneer is financially feasible:
• Butte County
o City of Chico
o City of Orvile
o Town of Paradise
• Nevada County
• Sutter County
o City of Live Oak
o Yuba City
• Tuolumne County
o City of Sonora
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
Why Consider Expansion?
The purpose of expansion is to strengthen Pioneer. Primary benefits to Pioneer include:
1. Strengthen the Balance Sheet – Expansion must make Pioneer stronger. There will be no subsidization of new members from existing ratepayers.
2. Purchasing Power – Larger electrical load to serve attracts larger projects and improve costs of power supply which is the largest expense of Pioneer.
3. Risk – Electricity is an extremely volatile commodity. Having more meters to spread the risk across reduces the risk for existing ratepayers.
4. Legislative & Regulatory – Expanding the pool of elected officials while having a greater service territory can produce better results when dealing with legislative and regulatory threats.
5. Economic Development – A stronger balance sheet allows Pioneer to engage in the development of local power projects that creates economic development in our service territory and reduces wildfire risks for the entire region.
Plf)NEER
COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
What is an IAS?
The purpose of an IAS is to determine projected financial outcomes related to expansion. While it is very difficult to predict with certainty future operating results in a historically volatile industry, best available information regarding energy products pricing, customer energy usage, administration cost, and other key considerations are complied. The results of the IAS are a key decision point in the expansion process.
Staff commissioned Pacific Energy Advisors (“PEA”) to conduct the study. PEA has prepared these studies before for Pioneer and has prepared similar assessments for other CCAs including Pioneer’s expansion into El Dorado County, City of Grass Valley, Nevada City, and City of Placerville. PEA is highly experienced and industry respected in the preparation of such studies.
Key Highlights of the IAS
This expansion is nothing short of massive. If all new applicants move forward, it will double Pioneer’s size in customer accounts, electrical load served, and in number of new members. With such a significant expansion, the primary driver for being able to move forward and the timing of launch will be power supply. There are three (3) significant components of power supply: (1) energy; (2) resource adequacy; and (3) renewable energy.
Energy prices are correlated to the movement of natural gas prices and have experienced a favorable direction in pricing. However, resource adequacy and renewable energy are supply constrained with price pressure that is artificially created through regulatory decisions and an increase in demand for renewables by load serving entities complying with the Renewable Portfolio Standards requiring at least 60% of the portfolio be renewable energy by 2030 and private industry driven by their environmental targets.
Two questions must be answered to be able to move forward in the process:
1. Is it financially feasible for Pioneer to expand? – When comparing current rates to projected power supply costs at time of launch, the study does support expansion in October 2027. The driver for the timing is the Resource Adequacy and Renewable Energy markets are currently very challenging and it is recommended to defer any launch until after Summer 2027 when further projects are expected online and avoid expensive summer pricing.
2. With constraints in resource adequacy and renewable energy, can Pioneer deliver on its obligations? Staff anticipates adequate resources will be available for an October 2027 launch but cannot with certainty predict if the entire electrical load can be served at once or will require a phase-in approach.
Subsequently, staff has issued a Request for Offer (“RFO”) to gather intelligence on the market on resource availability.
Next Steps
While the results of the RFO are expected in early November, in parallel, communications will be ongoing with the new member applicants on the timing of launch and gauge interest in moving forward.
Staff will brief the Expansion Committee in early December and bring a recommendation to the Board at the December meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The report supports the Financial Stability & Strategic Growth goal.
FISCAL IMPACT
As no action is being taken to begin the expansion process, there is no fiscal impact to the report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Impact Assessment Study
9/16/2024
1 EXPANSION OUTLOOK
UNINCORPORATED BUTTE, NEVADA, SUTTER, AND TUOLUMNE COUNTIES
CITIES OF CHICO, LIVE OAK, OROVILLE, PARADISE, SONORA, AND YUBA CITY September 2024
Agenda
• County Aggregated Eligible Customer Data
• Total Eligible Customer Data
• Forecasted Fiscal Impacts
• Incremental Portfolio Requirements
• Conclusions and Next Steps
• Appendices
1 2
9/16/2024
2 Butte County Customer
Information
Expansion to Butte County customers would represent an
approximate 55% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Includes account data within Unincorporated Butte County, City of Chico, City of Oroville, and City of Paradise.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 86,158 502,742 486
Com/Ind 10,896 394,013 3,013
Ag/Pumping 1,877 63,274 2,809
Street Lighting 1,236 3,189 215
Total 100,167 963,218 801
Peak Demand 230
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER TOTAL BUTTE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER TOTAL BUTTE Nevada County Customer Information
Expansion to Nevada County customers would represent an approximate 16% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Includes account data within Unincorporated Nevada
County.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 30,509 237,368 648
Com/Ind 2,089 47,421 1,892
Ag/Pumping 100 2,786 2,322
Street Lighting 220 261 99
Total 32,918 287,836 729
Peak Demand 57
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER TOTAL NEVADA
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER TOTAL NEVADA
3 4
9/16/2024
3 Sutter County Customer
Information
Expansion to Sutter County customers would represent an approximate 24% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Includes account data within Unincorporated Sutter County, City of Live Oak, and City of Yuba City.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 34,599 202,287 487
Com/Ind 4,480 158,073 2,940
Ag/Pumping 1,377 51,493 1,377
Street Lighting 809 1,606 165
Total 41,265 413,460 835
Peak Demand 109
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER TOTAL SUTTER
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER TOTAL SUTTER
Tuolumne County Customer
Information
Expansion to Tuolumne County customers would represent
an approximate 16% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Includes account data within Unincorporated Tuolumne
County and City of Sonora.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 29,745 180,900 507
Com/Ind 3,257 103,951 2,660
Ag/Pumping 89 2,956 2,768
Street Lighting 506 603 99
Total 33,597 288,411 715
Peak Demand 55
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER TOTAL TUOLUMNE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER TOTAL TUOLUMNE
5 6
9/16/2024
4 Aggregate Customer
Information
Expansion to customers in all ten prospective communities would represent an approximate 111% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 181,011 1,123,296 517
Com/Ind 20,722 703,458 2,829
Ag/Pumping 3,443 120,510 2,917
Street Lighting 2,771 5,660 170
Total 207,947 1,952,925 783
Peak Demand 452
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER TOTAL AGGREGATE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000 Accounts PIONEER TOTAL AGGREGATE Key Assumptions • Start Date: An October 2027 service commencement is reflected in the current expansion analysis; earliest possible enrollment date per CPUC rules is January 1, 2026, assuming implementation plan amendment submitted by end of 2024.
• Customers and Sales: forecast is based on historical PG&E data and assumes 90% customer participation (100% for lighting accounts); eligible accounts assumed as of December 2023. 2.07% annual load growth rate aligning with the CEC’s planning forecast.
• Revenues: utilizes current Pioneer rates through the term of the study. • Incremental Costs: include power supply valued at current market prices (per Pioneer portfolio specifications) and customer billing. • Other implementation costs would be incurred, such as utility service fees, marketing and outreach, regulatory and legal representation, internal operations, resource planning and procurement.
7 8
9/16/2024
5 Fiscal Impact Summary
• *Reflects partial year of service for fiscal year ending June 30, 2028. • Prior to Pioneer expansion, other implementation costs would be incurred. Such costs may be related to utility service fees, marketing and outreach, regulatory and legal representation, internal operations, resource planning and procurement.
FYE 2028 FYE 2029 FYE 2030 Total
Revenue ($MM) $ 162.8 $ 254.8 $ 260.1 $ 677.7
Operating Expenses $ 141.9 $ 252.4 $ 252.0 $ 646.3
($MM)
$ 21.0 $ 2.4 $ 8.1 $ 31.4
Net Operating Margin
($MM)
Electricity Sales (MWh) 1,264,837 1,848,607 1,886,873 5,077,642 $ 128.82 $ 135.04 $ 135.04 $ 133.47 Avg. Revenue ($/MWh) Avg. Expense ($/MWh) $ 112.15 $ 133.77 $ 130.86 $ 127.28 Avg. Margin ($/MWh) $ 16.57 $ 1.27 $ 4.18 $ 6.19
Avg. Margin (% of Rev) 13% 1% 3% 5%
Prospective Portfolio Impacts
• RPS Compliance Period 5 (2025-2027) – 227 GWh incremental RPS needs; 148 GWh required from long-term contracts (10-years or longer). • RPS Compliance Period 5 (2028-2030) – 3,283 GWh incremental RPS needs; 2,134 GWh LT • Total incremental RPS needs could be covered by 400+ MW of wind and solar PV generation, or 150 MW of biomass generation.
• Availability of existing resources to meet these needs is limited; will likely necessitate procurement of new-build facilities to support long-term needs at a minimum.
CY 2027
• 437 GWh Retail
Sales
• 227 GWh RE
• 141 GWh LT RE
• 324 MW RA
CY 2028
• 1,870 GWh
Retail Sales
• 1,021 GWh RE
• 664 GWh LT RE
• 507 MW RA
CY 2029
• 1,908 GWh
Retail Sales
• 1,094 GWh RE
• 711 GWh LT RE
• 517 MW RA
CY 2030
• 1,948 GWh
Retail Sales
• 1,169 GWh RE
• 760 GWh LT RE
• 528 MW RA
9 10
9/16/2024
6 Conclusions
• Current constraints on renewable and capacity
availability will limit pace at which Pioneer
service can be expanded; procurement team
currently soliciting market offers to further
analyze prospective resource availability.
• Projected fiscal impacts are positive, however
margins are tight due to the currently high
prices for renewable energy and resource
adequacy.
• Volatility in wholesale markets or future Pioneer
rate adjustments could decrease or eliminate
positive margins.
Next Steps
Sep 2024
Initial Study Results Shared with Expansion Committee Sep-Oct 2024 Results Shared with Prospective Members Oct-Nov 2024 Staff Analyzes Resource Constraints and Creates Enrollment Phasing Schedule Nov 2024 Staff Brings Enrollment Phasing Schedule to Expansion Committee for Board Recommendation Nov-Dec 2024 Board Approves New Memberships and JPA Amendment Jan-Feb 2025 New Member Ordinances Adopted Feb-Mar 2025 Implementation Plan Amendment Submitted to CPUC
11 12
9/16/2024
7 Appendices
• City/County Specific Data
Unincorporated Butte County
Customer Information
Expansion to Unincorporated Butte County customers
would represent an approximate 21% increase to Pioneer
retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 29,731 225,773 633
Com/Ind 3,077 83,425 2,259
Ag/Pumping 1,857 62,581 2,808
Street Lighting 539 404 62
Total 35,204 372,183 881
Peak Demand 85
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER UNINCORPORATED BUTTE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER UNINCORPORATED BUTTE
13 14
9/16/2024
8 Unincorporated Nevada County
Customer Information
Expansion to Unincorporated Nevada County customers
would represent an approximate 16% increase to Pioneer
retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 30,509 237,368 648
Com/Ind 2,089 47,421 1,892
Ag/Pumping 100 2,786 2,322
Street Lighting 220 261 99
Total 32,918 287,836 729
Peak Demand 57
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER UNINCORPORATED NEVADA
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER UNINCORPORATED NEVADA Unincorporated Sutter County Customer Information
Expansion to Unincorporated Sutter County customers
would represent an approximate 8% increase to Pioneer
retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 7,806 54,015 577
Com/Ind 1,304 31,130 1,989
Ag/Pumping 1,357 51,218 3,145
Street Lighting 433 479 92
Total 10,900 136,841 1,046
Peak Demand 37
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER UNINCORPORATED SUTTER
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER UNINCORPORATED SUTTER
15 16
9/16/2024
9 Expansion to Unincorporated Tuolumne County customers would represent an approximate 14% increase to Pioneer
retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 27,269 165,331 505
Com/Ind 2,620 81,089 2,579
Ag/Pumping 89 2,956 2,768
Street Lighting 414 422 85
Total 30,392 249,798 685
Peak Demand 48
(MW)
Unincorporated Tuolumne County
Customer Information
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER UNINCORPORATED TUOLUMNE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER UNINCORPORATED TUOLUMNE City of Chico Customer Information
Expansion to City of Chico customers would represent an approximate 24% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 43,618 209,822 401
Com/Ind 5,668 216,535 3,184
Ag/Pumping 16 684 3,565
Street Lighting 538 2,183 338
Total 49,840 429,225 718
Peak Demand 107
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER CHICO
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER CHICO
17 18
9/16/2024
10 City of Live Oak Customer
Information
Expansion to City of Live Oak customers would represent an approximate 1% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 3,017 15,150 418
Com/Ind 168 6,835 3,390
Ag/Pumping 9 85 783
Street Lighting 43 86 167
Total 3,237 22,156 570
Peak Demand 6
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER LIVE OAK
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER LIVE OAK City of Oroville Customer Information
Expansion to City of Oroville customers would represent an approximate 7% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 7,900 46,123 487
Com/Ind 1,529 80,186 4,370
Ag/Pumping 1 5 421
Street Lighting 130 500 321
Total 9,560 126,813 1,105
Peak Demand 30
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER OROVILLE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER OROVILLE
19 20
9/16/2024
11 City of Paradise Customer
Information
Expansion to City of Paradise customers would represent an approximate 2% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 4,909 21,023 357
Com/Ind 622 13,867 1,858
Ag/Pumping 3 4 114
Street Lighting 29 102 294
Total 5,563 34,997 524
Peak Demand 8
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER PARADISE
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER PARADISE City of Sonora Customer Information
Expansion to City of Sonora customers would represent an approximate 2% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 2,476 15,568 524
Com/Ind 637 22,863 2,991
Street Lighting 92 181 164
Total 3,205 38,612 1,004
Peak Demand 8
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER SONORA
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER SONORA
21 22
9/16/2024
12 City of Yuba City Customer
Information
Expansion to City of Yuba City customers would represent an approximate 15% increase to Pioneer retail sales.
Data above are unadjusted for opt-out assumptions and
excludes standby accounts.
Average
Customer Usage
(kWh/Mo.)
Annual
Energy
(MWh)
Classification Accounts
Residential 23,776 133,122 467
Com/Ind 3,008 120,109 3,327
Ag/Pumping 11 190 1,442
Street Lighting 333 1,041 261
Total 27,128 254,463 782
Peak Demand 66
(MW)
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000 GWh per Year PIONEER YUBA CITY
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000 Accounts PIONEER YUBA CITY
23
Staff Report – Item 3
To: The Governing Board
From: Donald Eckert Jr., Chief Executive Officer
Item 3: Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Date: 9/19/2024
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution Approving Pioneer Community Energy’s (“Pioneer”) Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND
At the September 16, 2021, Board meeting, the Board adopted the FY 2021-2024 Strategic Plan.
At the March 21, 2024, Board meeting, staff reviewed progress on goals of each priority in the FY 2021-2024 Strategic Plan and a preview of schedule and expectations for the development of the FY 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
At the April 29, 2024, Board meeting, the Board discussed and provided direction on the Strategic Priorities and goals supporting those priorities.
At the May 16, 2024, Board meeting, the Board discussed and provided direction on the Goals and Key Performance Indicators for measuring progress to those goals.
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
Pioneer updates the strategic planning framework every three (3) years with a current understanding of foreseeable economic, social, and regulatory conditions. Over the past six (6) months, the Governing Board and Pioneer’s Leadership Team took the opportunity to review and refine when needed Pioneer’s Mission and Vision Statement and refine our goals. We settled on five goal statements to add substance to what we mean by “Your Power – Your Choice.” Pioneer’s long-term strategic goals are therefore to:
Be a community partner.
Be fiscally strong and resilient.
Provide exceptional customer experience.
Achieving operational optimization.
Be a great place to work.
To support the goals, the plan outlines twenty-two (22) objectives to achieve. Each objective is served by several individual tasks that mark our progress. The tasks have been assigned measures to determine the success via defined outcome.
Each of the goals, objectives, and tasks included in the plan is a demonstration of Pioneer’s commitment to the community. The elements of the plan are intended to make the best use of rates paid for electricity services from our 170,000 customer accounts. It is imperative for our customers to understand the value of these services and for us to transparently convey how we put those ratepayer funds to work. Please see attachment one for the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
Plf)NEER
COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: 3 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
STRATEGIC PLAN
The report sets the strategic direction of Pioneer for the next three (3) years.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact with this report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Approving Pioneer Community Energy’s Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Before the Governing Board of
Pioneer Community Energy
Resolution No.: ____________
The following Resolution was duly passed by the Governing Board of Pioneer Community Energy at a regular meeting held September 19, 2024, by the following vote on roll call:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Signed and approved by me after its passage.
______________________________
Chair of the Governing Board
Attest:
_______________________
Secretary
WHEREAS, the Pioneer Community Energy (“Pioneer”) Governing Board believes that the development of a specific mission, vision, core value statements, and both long and short-term goals and objectives is vital to planning for the future; and WHEREAS, on September 16, 2021, the Governing Board adopted Pioneer’s inaugural Fiscal Year 2021-2024 Strategic Plan that established a mission and vision statement, core value statements, and a series of goals and objectives; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Board through strategic planning sessions in 2024 which included input and collaboration from a professional consultant and facilitator, the Chief Executive Officer, and all department heads has provided updates on core value statements, goals, and objectives; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of the mission, vision, values and goals provides the framework for the development of Pioneer and gives the staff both a direction and a sense of purpose to the actions of Pioneer and its impact to the community.
In the matter of: ADOPT RESOLUTION
APPROVING PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY’S
FISCAL YEAR 2025-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN
2 BE IT RESOLVED, the Governing Board of Pioneer Community Energy, State of California, hereby finds, declares, and resolves as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct.
2. The Governing Board does hereby approve the Pioneer Community Energy Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Exhibit A: Pioneer Community Energy’s Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Resolution 2024-xx
September 19, 2024
2025-2027
Strategic Plan
Sean Lomen
City of Colfax
John Hidahl
El Dorado County
Jim Holmes
Placer County
David Yarbrough
City of Placerville
Alice Dowdin Calvillo
Chairperson of the
Board/City of Auburn
David Ring
Town of Loomis
Suzanne Jones
Placer County
Gary Peterson
City of Nevada City
Greg Janda
City of Rocklin
Dan Karleskint
City of Lincoln
Tom Ivy
Vice-Chairperson of the
Board/City of Grass Valley
Governing
Board
The Pioneer Governing Board is comprised of Elected Officials from each member agency.
The board meets monthly to consider issues of substance including power procurement, finance, rate-making, programs, and other policy questions. Members of the board also serve on the Audit & Finance Committee, Energy Procurement Review Committee, and the Expansion Committee. Each member is selected by their own Town Council, City Council, or Board of Supervisors.
1 2017
2018
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
& Beyond
Pioneer Community Energy formed
Pioneer receives Find Energy’s Lowest Residential
Electricity Generation Rate in California award
Pioneer signs 10-year contract with Sierra
Pacific Industries for local biomass
Pioneer launches service in Placer County,
Cities of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, and
Rocklin
Pioneer launches Green100 product
*Photo courtesy of El Dorado Irrigation District
*Photo courtesy of Sierra Pacific Industries
Service launches in Grass Valley and Nevada City
Pioneer signs 10-year hydro contract with El
Dorado Irrigation District
Cites of Grass Valley and Nevada City adopt Green100
Pioneer receives A- issuer credit rating from S&P Global Pioneer receives A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
Pioneer launches several money-saving programs for
customers
Pioneer establishes Community Advisory
Committee
Pioneer successfully leads legislative effort
to pass Assembly Bill 843, allowing CCAs
access to BioMAT program. Other advocacy
efforts include initiatives to minimize PSPS
events and support bioenergy projects
Pioneer’s 5-Year Anniversary celebrates $85
million in customer savings
Pioneer ranks #2 among CCAs by the CPUC
for procurement with Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises certified organizations
Plans underway for expansion into several
Northern California jurisdictions
Pioneer launches service in El Dorado County and
the City of Placerville
City of Auburn adopts Green100
2 Strategic Planning for
Pioneer’s Future
Strategic Goals
Pioneer Community Energy (“Pioneer”) is a not-for-profit Joint Powers Authority with the core priorities of providing a choice in power generation to our ratepayers, allowing our member agencies to take control of their energy future while providing stable and competitive rates. To this end, we practice our mission every day through cost-effective power procurement with emphasis on local biomass energy that maintains low rates while also complying with all regulatory requirements. We practice exceptional customer care and we launch programs that improve our customers’ lives.
Strategic planning is the process that supports our mission through a framework of progressively specific goals, objectives, and tasks. By spelling out our intentions in this manner, we provide focus to all of our efforts. Work is organized and aligned in accordance with a carefully considered strategy to reach our vision. Each task must have a specific objective in mind. Achievement of those objectives will lead us further toward our broader goals.
We conduct strategic planning
every three years with the
most current understanding of
reasonably foreseeable
economic, social, and power
markets, as well as regulatory
conditions. Over the past six
months, the Governing Board
and Leadership Team
reviewed Pioneer’s mission
and vision to help restate our
goals. The team settled on five
goal statements to add
substance to the meaning of
Your Power - Your Choice.
Therefore, Pioneer’s long-term
strategic goals are to:
Be a Community Partner
Be Fiscally Strong and
Resilient
Provide an Exceptional
Customer Experience
Achieve Operational
Optimization
Be a Great Place to Work
3 To support these goals, the 2025-2027
Strategic Plan outlines 22 objectives to
achieve. Each objective is supported by tasks
that mark our progress. The tasks have been
assigned distinct measures to determine
success through a defined outcome.
Each of the goals, objectives, and tasks
included in the plan is a demonstration of
Pioneer’s commitment to the community and
to becoming a valued partner in the
communities we serve.
The elements of the strategic plan are
intended to make the best use of rates paid by
our 170,000 customers for generation of
electricity services. It is imperative for our
customers to understand the value of these
services and for us to transparently convey
how we put those ratepayer funds to work.
As the Chief Executive Officer, I am immensely
proud of the staff of Pioneer Community
Energy and their dedication to service for our
colleagues and customers alike. We at Pioneer
are doing our part to make the communities
we serve a great place to live, work, and play.
ThePlan
Donald Eckert Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
We at Pioneer
are doing our
part to make the
communities
we serve a great
place to live,
work, and play.
4 Task Measure Outcomes
Maintain engagement with
communities in Placer and El
Dorado counties
Achieve 85% overall
participation rate for
Member Agencies from
Placer and El Dorado
counties
Focus on maintaining
customer loyalty and
seek opportunities to
increase participation
rate
Before launch of new
territory, communicate early
and often to build trust
After launch, maintain
engagement with
community to strengthen
participation rate
Target 95% participation rate
for Member Agencies joining
after 2022
Customer loyalty
Task Measure Outcomes
Active recruitment to diversify the
committee
75% of members agencies represented on
the committee
Program proposals that represent the
needs of all the communities we serve
Engage with the Advisory Committee
a minimum of five (5) times per year
Advisory Committee proposes three (3)
new programs for board consideration
annually
Launch programs from the community
that are for the community
Task Measure Outcomes
Develop, launch, and monitor energy
efficiency programs
Programs need to:
Improve our customers lives
Impact grid reliability
Have no impact on rate competitiveness
Enhances the relationship
between Pioneer and our
customers
Objective: Community Engagement
Objective: Community Advisory Committee Representation
Be a Community Partner
Objective: Launch and Monitor Energy Efficiency Programs 5 Legislative and Regulatory Representation
Task Measure Outcomes
Fund a lobbyist to assist with
pushing for issues in the
legislature that are important
to our communities
Bills presented and passed
through the legislature that
support issues important to
our communities
Our service territory is
disproportionately impacted
by wildfires and we want to
mitigate that risk, while
providing grid stability
Utilize our trade association
on issues impacting most
CCA's for the CPUC or
legislature
Represent our ratepayers by
advocating against
legislation or regulatory
decisions that pressure to
raise utility rates
Mitigate the risk of rising
utility rates
Listen to our communities
and elected officials on
issues important to them
Focus on issues specific to
our region
Communities look to Pioneer
as an advocate
Task Measure Outcomes
Representation with our member agencies'
chambers
100% participation in member agency
chambers of commerce
Strengthen our position within the
business community
Strategic partnerships with regional
organizations
Engage with Rural Counties Representatives
of California, League of Cities, and similar
organizations
Alignment with the region
Engage with economic development
organizations in our territory
Utilize Green100, competitive rates, and
programs to help showcase our territories
for new business
Businesses invest in the territory that
keeps rates low and creates jobs
Objective:
Objective: Build Local and Regional Partnerships
Be a Community Partner
6 Task Measure Outcomes
Adopt budgets that
maintains Pioneer's "A-"
credit rating
Exceed minimum of 160
expense coverage days
Exceed S&P Global’s fixed
coverage ratio
Exceed S&P Global’s debt
ratio
Pioneer's credit rating is a
mark of pride but also very
important in negotiations for
power supply. These
measures will not only
maintain but also build the
case for an "A" rating in the
future.
Task Measure Outcomes
Conduct annual financial audit from
independent auditor
Audit is free of material weaknesses
and significant deficiencies
Integrity with our stakeholders,
partners, and customers
Review financial policies annually
Staff reports to the Audit & Finance
Committee annually on results of
review of financial policies
As our environment changes, we
ensure our policies are current
Task Measure Outcomes
Research potential new members to
ensure alignment with Pioneer's mission
and vision
Potential new members are like-minded and will prioritize ratepayer savings, biomass, and local
economic development
Ensure expansion is not introducing
conflict to the board
Conduct an Impact Assessment Study
Projected revenues from new
territory must cover projected costs
to serve
Avoid current ratepayers subsidizing
expansion
Maintain Investment Grade Credit
Rating
Objective:
Objective:
Objective:
Financial Integrity and Transparency
Expansion of Pioneer's Service Territory
Be Fiscally Strong and
Resilient
7 Balanced Approach to Rate-Setting
Task Measure Outcomes
Fund sponsorships in the
budget
Evaluate sponsorship
requests through compliance
with our policy and ranking of
impact
Financial investment is
directed in the most
meaningful way
Focus on regional non-energy
procurement of goods and
services when economical
Target >50% of non-power
supply procurement from
Sacramento and Sierra
Nevada regions
Economic development
through purchasing local
Utilize the BioMAT program to
support the development of
small biomass projects
Evaluate three (3) BioMAT
opportunities by the end of
2026
Supports regional energy
supply, regional job
creation, and mitigation of
wildfire risk
Utilize the Local Feed-In Tariff
program to incentivize the
development of energy
projects in Pioneer's service
territory
Sign one (1) power purchase
agreement through the Local
Feed-In Tariff program by the
end of 2027
Supports reliable energy
supply in our service
territory and creates local
jobs
Place a preference on power
procurement from agencies
and businesses located in the
service territory
Continue to focus on power
purchase agreements from
hydro agencies located in the
service territory as well as
renewable energy from local
sources
Local agencies can use the
revenue stream from
Pioneer to keep rates
competitive
Pioneer receives a local
and reliable energy
product
Task Measure Outcomes
Balanced approach to rate-setting
When feasible, rate-setting should
provide value to the ratepayer through a
discount to PG&E while equally
improving reserves of Pioneer
Long-Term health of Pioneer is
maintained
Ratepayers receive lower utility bills
Objective: Community Reinvestment
Objective:
Be Fiscally Strong and
Resilient
8 Task Measure Outcomes
Rate setting that
covers cost of service
and is competitive
Pioneer's rates are
competitive to PG&E's
generation rate
Supports customer
savings
Rate setting with a
long-term view to limit
rate adjustments
Rates should be
adjusted a maximum
of once per year unless
a change to
competitiveness
occurs
Stability in rates
Task Measure Outcomes
Hold contracted call
center and customer
care staff
accountable to
answering customer
inquiries
80% of all calls
answered within 45
seconds
Satisfied customers
Coordinate on
messaging and
provide talking points
to the contracted call
center in response to
various issues
Customer receives
same information
from Pioneer staff
and the contracted
call center
Consistency in
messaging that
builds trust
Responsiveness to Customers’ Needs
Objective: Stable & Competitive Rates
Objective:
Provide an Exceptional
Customer Experience
9 Utilize Technology to Improve the Customer
Experience
Task Measure Outcomes
Conduct data-driven
updates of the website
Focus on website updates
to most visited pages
Hot topic and pressing
issues are addressed
Expand chatbot
capabilities to provide
analytics on customer
inquiries
Chatbot menu expands
based on data to answer
our customers questions
Customers can save time
getting the answers they
want
Customer field days
Conduct in-person field
days in the community at
least once per month
Build in-person
relationships rather than
online
Research additional
technology tools
Collaborate with other
community choice
aggregators to explore
technological tools and
resources
Increase efficiency for the
customer
Increase Customer Understanding
Task Measure Outcomes
Produce a series of brief educational
videos illustrating various Pioneer
topics of interest
Number of positive social media
engagements increases. Customer
survey results are positive
Increased understanding of various
issues and adoption best practices
for communication
Extend programs into school
scholarship competitions to engage
in projects around renewable
energy
Number of students touched by
outreach
Students gain an appreciation for
electricity and recognize it as a
potential career interest
Objective:
Objective:
Provide an Exceptional
Customer Experience
10 Task Measure Outcomes
Compliance with the
California Public Utilities
Commission, California
Energy Commission,
California Independent
System Operator, and all
other local/state agencies
No penalties or fines from a
regulatory agency
Trust from our regulators
and our customers
Cost savings
Good reputation
Task Measure Outcomes
Pursue revenue-producing
opportunities
Revenue sharing
opportunities by optimizing
assets (solar + battery)
through power purchase
agreements or program
partnerships
Mitigates pressure on rates
Pursue cost reduction
opportunities
Invest in technology to
produce better forecasting,
employ data driven
evaluation of responses to
power supply RFPs, and
generate better decision
making with what-if analysis
Mitigates pressure on rates
Procure power supply that is
least-cost and best-fit
Follow best practices through
the RFP process
Build relationships with
suppliers to leverage
opportunities to maintain
cost competitiveness
Power supply is 92% of the
budget and will drive rates
discussions
Opportunities
Objective: Compliance
Objective:
Achieve Operational
Optimization
*Yellow Pine
11 Protection of Customer Data
Task Measure Outcomes
Conduct annual IT audits and
triennial IT audit as required
by the CPUC
Update policies, firewalls,
asset management, and
other processes as
recommended from the audit
No data breaches
Annual cybersecurity training
for staff
Phishing tests throughout the
year to maintain staff
awareness
Maintain diligence against
cybersecurity threats
Task Measure Outcomes
Conduct quarterly Risk
Oversight Committee
meetings
Review exceptions to the
policy in hedging outward
years
Disciplined approach to
hedging protects ratepayers
from short-term power
market volatility
Biennial review of Energy Risk
Management Policy and
Credit Risk Guidelines
Review changes with Board
and Risk Oversight Committee
Ensure policies are up-to-date with current market
conditions
Annual review of operational
risk such as employee
handbook, business
insurances, and building
security
Safe working environment Agency assets are protected
Conduct weekly employee
meetings to include employee
recommendations on
business processes
Document
business processes
Continuous improvement of
business process
Documentation on processes
minimizes risk and reduces
confusion if an employee
leaves
Risk Management Best Practices
Objective:
Objective:
Achieve Operational
Optimization
12 Task Measure Outcomes
Conduct triennial
compensation study
All positions within Pioneer
are targeted to be at the
75th percentile
Attract and retain high-performing staff
Form an ad hoc committee
of board members to review
salary ranges, COLA
adjustments, and evaluate
benefits enhancements
Reference regional
consumer price index in
COLA recommendation
and employee survey to
benefit enhancements
Maintains health and
welfare competitiveness
Task Measure Outcomes
Conduct an annual
survey of all employees
Achieve an 80%
"neutral" to "satisfied"
score from employees
If score is below 80%,
investigate the reasons
for the misalignment
Provide staff training on
internal and external
customer service
Internal and external
customer service
improvements
Every staff member
becomes a customer
service representative,
both internally and
externally
Align the Culture the Employees
Objective: Employer of Choice
Objective:
Be a Great Place to
Work
13 High Performing Workforce
Task Measure Outcomes
Volunteer in the
community
Achieve an agency-wide
minimum of 100
volunteer hours per year
Support community
engagement
Employee appreciation
events throughout the
year
Host employee
appreciation events that
support at least 75%
participation
Recognition of
employees and team
building
Task Measure Outcomes
Fund resources for employees to
further their professional development
Employees encouraged to engage in
10 hours per year in industry-related
education courses or events
Skilled staff
Supervisors identify classes or external
training opportunities as an element of
annual performant evaluations
Training needs are documented
All employees are offered job-specific training
Continuous improvement in employee
development and diversification of
skills
Objective: Employee Engagement
Objective:
Be a Great Place to
Work
14 We execute our
responsibilities with
courtesy, efficiency,
dedication,
responsiveness, and
accountability.
We have fun and
promote a positive
work environment.
We seek opportunities to
enhance customer
satisfaction, operational
efficiency, and professional
growth.
Integrity
Professionalism
Respect Humor
Teamwork
Continuous Improvement
We honor our
commitments and
strive to maintain
the trust of our
community.
We value the diverse
talents, rights, and
perspectives of our
customers and
colleagues.
We recognize
"Together Everyone
Achieves More” and
promote
collaboration with
employees,
customers, and
business partners.
Core Values
15 Our Mission
Pioneer Energy is a locally owned, not-for-profit provider of electricity, powering the communities we serve with competitive rates, exceptional local service, and a choice in energy options.
Our Vision
As a community partner in reliable energy solutions dedicated to generating a positive local impact, we are powering today and empowering tomorrow.
Current
territories
Prospective
territories
Pioneer Leadership
Pioneer’s Chief Executive Officer and Department Directors ensure our utility meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Independent System Operator (CAISO), and the California Energy Commission (CEC), while acting as a responsible
steward of ratepayer funds.
Don Eckert
Sam Kang
Brad Koehn
Gina Stassi-Vanacore
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating
Officer
Director of Finance &
Administration
Director of
Communications
16 by the Numbers...
1.8 million MWhs served
170k
Customer accounts
serving a population
of nearly one million
$85
million
Customer savings
since launch in 2018
$45
million
Local power supply
purchases
A- Credit rating from S&P
Global
Pioneer
17 pioneercommunityenergy.org
2510 Warren Drive,
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 758-8969
Staff Report – Item 4
To: The Governing Board
From: Paige Garcia, Programs Manager
Item 4: Progress Report on Programs
Date: 9/19/2024
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a progress report on program efforts.
BACKGROUND
The Board provided direction on future programs at the June 15, 2023, meeting. With a focus on the residential sector and with input from the Community Advisory Committee, Pioneer staff began reviewing potential program designs and program partnerships.
At the July 20, 2023, meeting, the Board approved the contract between Electrum and Pioneer to create an online solar and renewable energy marketplace. The contract was finalized November 20, 2023.
At the September 28, 2023, Board meeting, the Board approved the contract with Greenlite to partner with Pioneer to implement a discounted LED light and products program with local retailers, a program that reinforces our money saving message and creates opportunities to create enhanced visibility and partnership with local communities. At the May 16, 2024, Board meeting, the Board approved an amendment to support expansion of the program into Dollar Tree stores.
At the February 15, 2024, Board meeting, the Board approved the contract between Participate.Energy and Pioneer to implement a solar-plus-storage program.
At the March 21, 2024, Board meeting, the Board approved the HVAC rebate program which provides Pioneer customers with a rebate up to $75 if they tune-up their HVAC system.
At the May 16, 2024, Board meeting, the Board approved the contract between Uplight and Pioneer to implement a demand response incentive program.
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
LED Discount Program
The Greenlite program launched at the end of January 2024. There are currently 20 stores enrolled in the program with orders to carry Pioneer-branded discounted LED products and display point-of-sale information.
Greenlite is continuing to recruit additional retailers in Pioneer service territory and working with existing retailers to place orders. Pioneer has a page on the website dedicated to the program which provides customers with a list of participating stores so they know where they can go to take advantage of the discounted products. The program is being promoted through social media posts as well as flyers at community events that Pioneer is attending. The table on the following page is a listing of stores supporting the program:
PIC)NEER
COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: 4 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
Store Name Address City
Ace Hardware 10868 Combie Rd. Auburn
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop 2376 Grass Valley Highway Auburn Colfax Thrift 130 N Main St. Colfax
Garden Valley Feed & Hardware 4702 Marshall Rd. Garden Valley Goodwill 1145 Sutton Way Grass Valley
Goodwill 2460 Grass Valley Highway Auburn
Goodwill 3836 Forni Rd. Placerville
Habitat For Humanity 6168 Pleasant Valley Rd. El Dorado Habitat For Humanity Restore 12359 Loma Rica Dr. Grass Valley Hills Flat Lumber Co. 1000 South Canyon Way Colfax
Hospice Gift & Thrift of Grass Valley 840 E Main St. Grass Valley Mt. Aukum Store 8080 Mt Aukum Rd. Mt Aukum
Mt. St. Mary's Thrift Store 410 S Church St. Grass Valley Snowline Hospice Thrift Store 3300 Coach Ln. Cameron Park Snowline Hospice Thrift Store 3961 El Dorado Rd. Placerville Swasey's Hardware & Hobbies 140 E McKnight Way Grass Valley Sweet Life Thrift 144 Hughes Rd. Ste. E Grass Valley
True Value 4571 Missouri Flat Rd. Placerville
True Value 441 Main St. Placerville
True Value 6416 Pony Express Trail Pollock Pines
Online Marketplace
Pioneer’s online marketplace launched on March 22, 2024. Since launch, there have been 14 leads to utilize the marketplace. Pioneer has been working with Electrum to add additional verified partners to continue to grow the platform. Additionally, we conducted direct outreach to all solar contractors in our service territory to invite them to become verified contractors. To date, the marketplace has five active installers in our service area. Pioneer continues to host the marketplace on its website and promote the offering through social media, paid advertising and at local events.
HVAC Tune-up
Pioneer’s HVAC tune-up rebate program launched April 30, 2024. Since the launch of the program, Pioneer has received more than 700 applications. The inaugural year of this program closes on October 1st, but we will continue to accept applications up to two weeks after the closing date as long as the service was performed by the October 1st deadline. Customer response to this program has been overwhelmingly positive, including appreciative comments about Pioneer providing this type of incentive. The program is being marketed through email campaigns, social media, online advertising, radio ads, and social media.
GridGen
After several unanticipated delays related to Tesla’s changes in operation in California, the GridGen program launched as a pilot to a targeted portion of Pioneer territory (Lincoln, Auburn, and El Dorado Hills) on August 15th. Pioneer will continue a phased launch of the program to ensure that each new territory receives focused outreach, support, and customer service from both Tesla and Pioneer as they walk through the installation process. The program is being promoted through marketing emails, online advertising, social media, and radio ads, and there currently are more than 30 prospective customers.
Agenda Item: 4 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
PowerShift Rewards
The PowerShift Rewards pilot program launched August 20 and currently has more than 300 participants. The first PowerShift Rewards program pilot season ends October 31 and will start again next year in May. Pioneer called its first PowerShift Alert on Thursday, September 5 during a spike in temperatures. The program is being marketed through email campaigns, online advertising, social media, and radio ads.
Future Programs
Staff continues to meet every other month with the Community Advisory Committee to discuss future programs to be considered by the Board.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The recommendation supports Local Engagement and Quality of Service Priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact with this report.
ATTACHMENTS
There are no attachments to this report.
Staff Report – Item 5
To: The Governing Board
From: Brad Koehn, Director of Finance and Administration Item 5: Receive Draft Fiscal Year 2023-24 Year-End Financial Reports Date: 9/19/2024
ACTION REQUESTED
Receive draft Fiscal Year 2023-24 year-end Financial Reports through June 30, 2024.
BACKGROUND
The Year-To-Date (YTD) financial reports are produced by Maher Accountancy for Board member and management review. Although these reports are unaudited, they provide the most up-to-date financial data for Pioneer Community Energy. Pioneer’s independent auditors, Pisenti & Brinker LLP will perform an audit on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 financial activity which is expected to be completed before the end of the calendar year.
Placer County Treasurer’s Office is recording any activity for the mPOWER program in the County financial system and that information will be merged with Pioneer’s CCA program and included in the audited financial statements. For June 2024, the financial reporting package includes the following reports for the CCA Fund only:
• Statement of Net Position (Balance Sheet) – Accounting of Assets, Liabilities and Net Position as of the reporting period end date for the CCA program. • Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position (P&L) – Accounting of all revenues, expenses, and changes in net position on a YTD basis through the reporting period end date for the CCA program.
• Budgetary Comparison Schedule (Budget to Actuals) – Comparison of budget to actuals on a YTD basis through the reporting period end date for the CCA program.
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
The table below shows the year-to-date budget-to-actuals summary through the fourth quarter of FY 2023-24 ending June 2024.
FY 2023-24 FY 2023-24 Variance
$ in Thousands YTD Budget YTD Actuals (Under)/Over
Energy Revenue $227,917 $230,290 $2,373
Power Supply $183,919 $158,801 ($25,118)
Operating Margin $43,998 $71,489 $27,491
Operating Expense $14,772 $11,510 $3,262
Debt Service & Non-Op Rev ($1,560) $282 $1,842
Contribution To/(From) Net
Position $27,666 $60,261 $32,594
Plf)NEER
COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: 5 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
Energy Revenues
The amended budget includes the rate adjustment that was effective January 2024. Revenues met expectations and finished the year at 101% of budget protections or $2.37 million more than the $230 million revenue projection.
Power Supply
Power Supply costs ended the year under budget projections by 14% or $25 million. Since the dramatic impact to the budget and cash on hand realized from the September 2022 extreme heat wave, the budget has contained an extreme weather event contingency of $10 million. Fortunately, an extreme weather event was avoided during the past fiscal year which results in that savings flowing to Pioneers bottom line. Excluding the $10 million savings from the contingency, power supply actuals were an additional $15 million or about 8% below projections. During the course of the year, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) settles the energy activity with a charge or credit to Pioneer. At the close of June 2024, CAISO’s payments were more than expected for the power purchased by Pioneer that was not used by our customers. This activity is recorded as an offset to the Power Supply costs and was a major contributor to the reduced expense.
Operating Expenses
Controllable expenses across all departments show a total of $3.26 million, or 22%, less than expected through the end of the fiscal year. Primary contributors to these savings include lower contract service expenses across all departments, but also deferred programs expenses due to the timing of new programs launching in mid-summer 2024 which will be captured in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Debt Service and Other
Debt service was in line with budget expectations. An increase to the CPUC-mandated financial security requirement (“FSR”) was not required during the current fiscal year, but ongoing discussions at the CPUC are anticipated to result in a Fiscal Year 2024-25 increase in the FSR. Investment gains were also recorded in this category and exceeded budget projections.
Reserves and Net Position
The fiscal year ended with a net position of $135 million, a significant increase of $63 million over the course of the fiscal year. While this is a positive, Pioneer’s reserve policy is based on cash liquidity and does not include non-liquid assets, such as collateral deposits held by others, accounts receivables and accounts payables which are significant components in calculating the net position. Pioneer’s cash position did dramatically improve, increasing by almost $38 million compared to the prior fiscal year. Considering the July amended Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget, Pioneer’s days of liquidity as of June 30th is measured to be 154 days. This is an increase of 47 days when compared to the prior fiscal year and is near the minimum reserve target. As the Board is aware, Pioneer’s Reserve Policy maintains a minimum threshold target of 160 days with a timeline to achieve that goal in 3 to 5 years from the Fall 2021 Reserve Policy adoption. Movement to the minimum reserve target was a key metric that was considered by S&P when awarding an A- credit rating to Pioneer last January. The expectation is that Pioneer will safely move past the minimum reserve target during Fiscal Year 2024-25.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Priority 5: Financial Stability & Strategic Growth
FISCAL IMPACT
The YTD change in net position through the end of the fiscal year is $63.2 million.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Financial Reports through June 30, 2024
MAHER
ACCOUNTANTS' COMPILATION REPORT
Management
Pioneer Community Energy
Management is responsible for the accompanying financial statements of the CCA Program of Pioneer Community Energy (a California Joint Powers Authority) which comprise the statement of net position as of June 30, 2024, and the related statement of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have performed a compilation engagement in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA. We did not audit or review the accompanying statements nor were we required to perform any procedures to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion, conclusion, nor provide any assurance on these financial statements.
Management has elected to omit substantially all of the disclosures and the statement of cash flows required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in these interim financial statements. Pioneer Community Energy's annual audited financial statements include the note disclosures and statement of cash flows omitted from these interim statements. If the omitted disclosures and the statement of cash flows were included in these financial statements, they might influence the user's conclusions about Pioneer Community Energy's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those who are not informed about such matters.
We are not independent with respect to Pioneer Community Energy because we performed certain accounting services that impaired our independence.
H~A~
San Rafael, CA
September 9, 2024
1101 Fifth Avenue , Suite 200 Son Rafael . CA 94901 415 459 1249 mahercpa.com
PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY
CCAFUND
STATEMENT OF NET POSITION
As of June 30, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
Accrued revenue
Other receivables
Interest receivable
Prepaid expenses
Deposits
Total current assets
Noncurrent assets
Capital assets, net of depreciation and amortization
Deposits
Total noncurrent assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accrued cost of electricity
Accounts payable
Other accrued liabilities
Interest payable
Note payable
Lease liability
Total current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Note payable
Lease liability
Supplier security deposits
Total noncurrent liabilities
Total liabilities
NET POSITION
Net investment in capital assets
Unrestricted net position
Total net position
See accountants' compilation report.
CCAFund
$ 18,051,360
79,354,103
23,818,280
16,169,373
3,987,179
754,460
16,465,428
3,425,275
162,025,458
1,266,908
219,033
1,485,941
163,511,399
20,323,999
812,855
667,053
14,370
764,458
116,659
22,699,394
3,710,418
893,868
990,000
5,594,286
28,293,680
256,381
134,961,338
$ 135,217,719
2 PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY
CCAFUND
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES
AND CHANGES IN NET POSITION
Year Ended June 30, 2024
OPERATING REVENUES
Electricity sales, net
Other income
Total operating revenues
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of electricity
Contract services
Staff compensation
Other operating expenses
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
NONOPERATING REVENUES (EXPENSES)
Investment income
Interest and financing expense
Nonoperating revenues (expenses), net
CHANGE IN NET POSITION
Net position at beginning of period
Net position at end of period
See accountants' compilation report.
CCAFund
$ 221,505,196
243,608
221,748,804
150,015,889
6,603,074
3,524,661
1,361,829
161,505,453
60,243,351
3,796,194
(807,233)
2,988,961
63,232,312
71,985,407
$ 13 5 ,21 7, 719
3 Plf)NEER
COMMUNITY ENEAGV
Participation Rates - June 2024
AUBURN INC 85.68% 85.54% 85.42%
COLFAX INC 88.43% 88.08% 88.44%
GRASS VALLEY INC 95.79% 97.71% 96.84%
LINCOLN INC 82.87% 82.84% 82.77%
LOOMIS INC 87.77% 87.56% 87.27%
NEVADA CITY INC 96.26% 98.39% 97.66%
PLACERVILLE INC 85.80% 85.66% 85.40%
ROCKLIN INC 90.48% 90.69% 90.52%
UNINC EL DORADO CO 80.12% 79.99% 79.75%
UNINC PLACER CO 84.92% 84.81% 84.70%
Grand Total 84.51% 84.56% 84.35%
4 MAHER
A< ()JrJTA~J(r
ACCOUNTANTS' COMPILATION REPORT
Board of Directors
Pioneer Community Energy
Management is responsible for the accompanying special purpose budgetary comparison schedule for the CCA Program of Pioneer Community Energy, a California Joint Powers Authority, for the year ended June 30, 2024, and for determining that the budgetary basis of accounting is an acceptable financial reporting framework. We have performed a compilation engagement in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AI CPA. We did not audit or review the accompanying statement nor were we required to perform any procedures to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion, a conclusion, nor provide any assurance on this special purpose budgetary comparison statement.
The special purpose statement is prepared in accordance with the budgetary basis of accounting, which is a basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This report is intended for the information of the Board of Directors of Pioneer Community Energy.
Management has elected to omit substantially all of the note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in these interim financial statements.
Pioneer Community Energy's annual audited financial statements include the note disclosures omitted from these interim statements. If the omitted disclosures were included in these financial statements, they might influence the user's conclusions about Pioneer Community Energy's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those who are not informed about such matters.
We are not independent with respect to Pioneer Community Energy because we performed certain accounting services that impaired our independence.
Hdv,,A~
San Rafael, CA
September 9, 2024
1101 Fiftl1 Av enue, Suite 200 Son Rafael , CA 94901 415 459 1249 mahercpa.com 5 PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY
CCAFUND
BUDGETARY COMPARISON SCHEDULE
Year Ended June 30, 2024
2023/24 2023/24
2023/24 YTD 2023/24 YTD YTD 2023/24 Amended
Amended 2023/24 YTD Variance Actual/ Amended Budget
Budget Actual (Under) Over Budget% Budget Remaining
ENERGY REVENUES
Energy Sales $ 225,938,000 $ 222,748,598 $ (3,189,402) 99% $ 225,938,000 $ 3,189,402 Green I 00 Sales 30,000 36,024 6,024 120% 30,000 (6,024) Congestion Revenue Rights 5,000,000 8,785,005 3,785,005 176% 5,000,000 (3,785,005) Less Uncollectible Accounts (3,050,568) (1,279,426) 1,771,142 42% (3,050,568) (1,771,142) Total Operating Revenues 227,917,432 230,290,202 2,372,770 227,917,432 (2,372,770)
ENERGY EXPENSES
Power Supply 183,919,000 158,800,894 (25,118,106) 86% 183,919,000 25,118,106 OPERA TING MARGIN 43,998,432 71,489,308 27,490,876 43,998,432 (27,490,876)
OPERA TING EXPENSES
Administration
Compensation 780,507 635,117 (145,390) 81% 780,507 145,390 Contract services 341,325 109,430 (231,895) 32% 341,325 231,895 Operating expenses 781,126 648,086 (133,040) 83% 781,126 133,040 Total Administration expenses 1,902,958 1,392,633 (510,325) 73% 1,902,958 510,325 Finance
Compensation 829,866 821,915 (7,951) 99% 829,866 7,951
Contract services 571,618 402,703 (168,915) 70% 571,618 168,9!'5 Operating expenses 256,103 236,869 (19,234) 92% 256,103 19,234 Total Finance expenses 1,657,587 1,461,487 (196,100) 88% 1,657,587 196,100 Power Procurement
Compensation 829,237 640,098 (189,139) 77% 829,237 189,139 Contract services 2,120,341 1,825,195 (295,146) 86% 2,120,341 295,146 Operating expenses 43,000 20,086 (22,914) 47% 43,000 22,914 Total Power Procurement expenses 2,992,578 2,485,380 (507,198) 83% 2,992,578 507,198 Customer Care
Compensation 725,576 482,445 (243,131) 66% 725,576 243,131 Contract services 2,921,370 2,722,723 (198,647) 93% 2,921,370 198,647 Operating expenses 18,250 23,004 4,754 126% 18,250 (4,754) Total Customer Care expenses 3,665,196 3,228,172 (437,024) 88% 3,665,196 437,024 Marketing & Communications
Compensation 283,922 279,735 (4,187) 99% 283,922 4,187
Contract services 1,106,360 1,051,151 (55,209) 95% 1,106,360 55,209 Operating expenses 361,600 316,131 (45,469) 87% 361,600 45,469 Total Marketing expenses 1,751,882 1,647,016 (104,866) 94% 1,751,882 104,866 Legislative & Regulatory
Compensation 577,732 474,096 (103,636) 82% 577,732 103,636 Contract services 217,275 143,975 (73,300) 66% 217,275 73.300 Operating expenses 6,300 8,415 2,115 134% 6,300 (2,115) Total Legislative expenses 801,307 626,486 (174,821) 78% 801,307 174,821 Programs
Compensation 210,283 177,870 (32,413) 85% 210,283 32,413 Contract services 324,400 317,355 (7,045) 98% 324,400 7,045 Operating expenses 1,465,317 173,435 (1,291,882) 12% 1,465,317 1,291,882 Total Programs expenses 2,000,000 668,659 (1,331,341) 33% 2,000,000 1,331,341 Total Operating Expenses 14,771,508 11,509,834 (3,261,674) 78% 14,771,508 3,261,674
NON-OPERA TING REVENUES (EXPENSES)
Investment gains (losses) 2,500,000 3,796,193 1,296,193 2,500,000 (1,296,193) Miscellaneous income 15,000 15,000 (15,000)
Term Loan Debt Service (950,000) (908,571) 41,429 96% (950,000) (41,429) Additional Term Loan Principal (2,100,000) (2,100,000) (2,100,000) Line/Letter of Credit Fees (650,000) (520,690) 129,310 80% (650,000) (129,310) Financial Security Requirement (360,000) 360,000 0% (360,000) (360,000) Nonoperating revenues (expenses), net (1,560,000) 281,932 1,841,932 (1,560,000) (1,841,932) Total Expenses and Non-Operating Activity 200,250,508 170,028,796 (30,221,712) 200,250,508 30,221,712 Contribution to/(from) Reserves $ 27,666,924 $ 60,261,406 $ 32,594,482 $ 27,666,924 $ (32,594,482)
Staff Report – Item IV-B
To: The Governing Board
From: Donald Eckert Jr., Chief Executive Officer
Item IV-B: CEO Report
Date: 9/19/2024
PERSONNEL
We are pleased to welcome Eric Ponce to Pioneer as the Information Technology (“IT”) Analyst. Eric is a recent graduate from the University of California, Merced, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. He has spent the last three years gaining IT experience at Geek Squad, where he would regulatory diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair client devices. In his free time, he often researches new and emerging technologies to stay current with the ever changing IT industry.
There are two (2) active recruitments:
• Project Development Manager
• Power Contracts Manager
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED (NON-POWER SUPPLY) The following agreements have been executed by the Chief Executive Officer, consistent with the authority delegated by the Board:
• Richards, Watson & Gershon, special legal services not to exceed $50,000, effective July 22, 2024 through August 31, 2024.
• Seats and Stations (SAS), purchase of boardroom and workroom furniture in the amount of $6,812.35, effective September 12, 2024.
“LOBBY” DAY
On August 7th, Pioneer organized a Lobby Day to meet with our constituent’s representatives at the State Capitol. The Pioneer team in attendance included our Board Chair, the CEO, COO, and Legislative and Regulatory Analyst and Pioneer’s contracted lobbyist. Pioneer met with five (5) legislators including:
• Senator Alvarado-Gil
• Senator Dahle
• Senator Niello
• Assemblymember Gallaher
• Assemblymember Patterson
In the meetings, Pioneer provided a comprehensive view of our legislative activities, including priority bills we support that promote affordability, local biomass development, and wildfire safety planning. Pioneer received express interest from our constituent legislators in working together in the upcoming 2025 legislative session to continue championing policy initiatives that promote biomass development in our region, which serves to bolster electric grid reliability, forest health, and economic development.
EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT (“EDID”) HYDROELECTRIC TOUR From the polling, it appears that either November 18th or the 20th will be date for the tour of EID’s hydroelectric facilities. As we approach the tour date, more details to follow.
Plf)NEER
COMMUNITY ENERGY
Agenda Item: IV-B Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
REVISED 2ND AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (“JPA”) The primary purpose of the 2nd Amended and Restated JPA is to streamline the approval process for proposed administrative changes to the JPA without member agency approval which could be an issue as Pioneer expands its members.
The Revised 2nd Amended and Restated JPA includes proposed amendments from the Town of Loomis and the City of Rocklin. Upon all members approving, the Board Chair can then execute the 2nd Amended and Restated JPA.
The following is the status check of member’s approval of the JPA changes:
• Six (6) members have approved
• Three (3) members have it on consent calendar for September 24th • One (1) member has in on regular calendar October 9th PIONEER RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AWARD FROM SPECIAL DISTRICT RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (“SDRMA”)
SDRMA Board of Directors and staff extended heartfelt congratulations to Pioneer Community Energy, the Governing Body, management, and staff on achieving an outstanding milestone of maintaining an impeccable record of zero “paid” claims for the Workers’ Compensation Program years 2019-2024.
In acknowledgement of exceptional performance, SDRMA presented Pioneer Community Energy with the President’s Special Acknowledgement Award - Workers’ Compensation Program, representing admiration for Pioneer’s outstanding achievement and SDRMA’s encouragement to continue excellent work.
STRATEGIC PLAN
With the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, a final progress report is provided of the Fiscal Year 2021-2024 Strategic Plan (See Attachment 5).
JOINT RATE MAILER (“JRM”)
The JRM is an annual mailing that is required by the California Public Utilities Commission. The purpose of the JRM is to inform our customers of a rate comparison of Pioneer’s Generation Rate compared to Pacific Gas & Electric’s (“PG&E”) and include the generation content in our power supply portfolio for the previous year.
This is a collaborative exercise with PG&E and is usually completed in June. However, this year, there were reporting delays for all load serving entities with the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System that is needed to complete the power portfolio content portion of the JRM.
Issues were resolved and the JRM was released (see Attachment 4) to our customers before the reporting deadline of September 1st.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER POWER SUPPLY CONTRACTS EXECUTIED The following agreements have been executed by the Chief Executive Officer, consistent with the authority delegated by the Board:
Presentations and Relevant Meetings attended by the Chief Executive Officer
1. Participated in CalCCA Weekly/Monthly Board meetings.
2. Presented at West Sacramento City Council meeting regarding expansion
3. Participated in Lobby Day with the Board Chair and staff at the Capitol
4. Participated in the Annual Rural Counties Representatives of California conference Counterparty Name
Execution
Date Type Product Start Date End Date
Notional
Value
NextEra Energy Marketing, LLC 8/22/2024 Sell Resource Adequacy - Flex 1/1/2025 3/31/2025 $281,250 Agenda Item: IV-B Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
5. Participated in Mountain Counties Water Resource Agency’s quarterly meeting
6. Participated in Volunteer Event at Feeding the Foothills (formerly knows as Placer County Food Bank)
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agenda Planning Document
2. Legislative and Regulatory Report
3. Communications Report
4. Joint Rate Mailer
a. Small Commercial
b. Medium Commercial
c. Large Industrial
d. Residential
5. FY 2021-2024 Strategic Plan Quarterly Progress Report Attachment: 1 Agenda Planning Document – Pioneer Community Energy 9/19/2024
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
3:00 PM
(Post Agenda: September 13)
OCTOBER 24, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
3:00 PM
(Post Agenda: October 18)
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
3:00 PM
(Post Agenda: November 15)
IN THE FUTURE
General Function I EID tour – mid-November
Agenda Review Agenda Review Agenda Review
Consent 1a Minutes for Approval-JULY 18, 2024 Minutes for Approval-SEPT 19, 2024 Minutes for Approval-OCT 24, 2024 1b RES Policy re: Reasonable
Accommodation for Remote
Participation (Eckert)
Receive Draft Financials: JULY 2024
(Koehn)
Receive Draft Financials: AUGUST 2024
(Koehn)
1c Rates Update and Schedules (Eckert) RES Power Content Label (Kang)
(DEC) RES Adopt 2025 Governing Board
Meeting Schedule (Eckert)
Regular 2 Expansion Update (action-Eckert) PEA Legislative Session Update (discussion-Kang) guestAgFIT program (discussion -Stassi-Vanacore)(DEC) RES approving Amendment No. 1 to the Revised 2nd Amended & Restated JPA -
Membership (action-Eckert)
3 RES approving FY 2025-2027 Strategic
Plan (action-Eckert)
RES GridGen / Pioneer Economic
Review (action- Stassi-Vanacore) guest
Feed-in Tariff (FiT) re: solar+storage
Biomat; WPWMA (Kang)
(DEC) RES approving Addendum No. 3 to
the Community Choice Aggregation
Implementation Plan & Statement of
Intent (Action-Eckert)
4 Programs briefing (discussion- Stassi-Vanacore)
RES Revised NEM Policy (action-Koehn) ICE Energy (Kang) 5 Receive Financial Review for FY ending
June 30, 2024 (discussion-Koehn)
RES Marketing Contract
(action - Stassi-Vanacore)
EV Energy programs (Stassi-Vanacore)
6 RES LCFS (action – Stassi-Vanacore) Community Choice Power membership (Eckert)
7 (NOV-DEC) RES Board Member
Recognition (2) (action-Eckert)
General Function II Chief Executive Officer’s Report
REG Reports: Leg/Reg; Community
Engagement; Joint Rate Mailer; Revised 2nd
Amended & Restated JPA briefing;
personnel introductions (Chau/Taylor/Eric)
QTRLY Updates: Strategic Plan Objectives
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
REG Reports: Leg/Reg; Programs;
Community Engagement;
QTRLY Updates: Sponsorship Activity
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
REG Reports: Leg/Reg; Programs;
Community Engagement;
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
-QTRLY Updates requested by the Board
JAN – APR – JULY – OCT
Strategic Plan Objectives
Sponsorship Activity
Informational Items
Glossary of Terms
Informational Items
Glossary of Terms
Informational Items
Glossary of Terms
LJ
-
Attachment: 1 Agenda Planning Document – Pioneer Community Energy
AUDIT/FINANCE COMMITTEE TO BE SCHEDULED - DECEMBER
in-person & remote locations
IN THE FUTURE
Greg Janda, Chair
John Hidahl, Vice Chair
Gary Petersen
David Ring
o Rates
o Financial Audit
ENERGY PROCUREMENT REVIEW
AD HOC COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 9, 2024
1:00 PM
zoom only
IN THE FUTURE
Greg Janda, Chair
Gary Petersen, Vice Chair
Alice Dowdin Calvillo
John Hidahl
o ICE Energy
o Participate.Energy
o EPRC – update RE: approvals
o Biomass projects
EXPANSION
AD HOC COMMITTEE
TO BE SCHEDULED
PRIOR TO DECEMBER 19 BOARD MEETING
zoom only
IN THE FUTURE
Alice Dowdin Calvillo, Chair
David Yarbrough, Vice Chair
Jim Holmes
o Impact Assessment Studies
o Expansion Targets for 2025
COMMUNITY ADISORY COMMITTEE
TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
Rescheduled from August
IN THE FUTURE
Meets on the 4th Wednesday
(even-numbered months)
OCTOBER 23
DECEMBER 11
=
FEBRUARY 26
APRIL 23
JUNE 25
AUGUST 27
Attachment 2: Legislative and Regulatory Update
Date: 9/19/2024
Legislative Affairs
• Pioneer submitted a letter of support for AB 2787 (Patterson) which would ease the solar requirements for property owners that have lost their homes due to a wildfire. The bill has passed through both houses and is on the Governor’s desk to sign.
• Pioneer drafted a support letter for AB 2902 (Wood) which would, among other things, require CalRecycle to exclude residents included in department-issued low population or elevation waivers from the population in determining a local jurisdiction’s organic waste procurement target. The bill has passed through both houses and is on the Governor’s desk to sign. • Pioneer submitted a letter of support for SB 867 (Becker) which would provide funding for clean air and water infrastructure and programs, through a $10 billion Climate Bond. The bond contains $50 million specifically allocated to the Department of Conversation for an existing pilot program to convert forest biomass into carbon-negative biofuels. The bill has passed through the Assembly and Senate and has been approved by the Governor. The Climate Bond will appear on the November ballot as Prop 4.
• Pioneer submitted a letter of support for AB 2750 (Gallagher) which would extend requirements on IOUs and CCAs to procure energy from biomass generating electric facilities to July 1, 2025. The bill would also expand eligibility for contract renewals to include facilities located in an air district that voluntarily reclassifies to “Severe” or “Extreme” air quality nonattainment status despite having actual measured air quality levels below that, allowing Rio Bravo Rocklin, a biomass facility in Placer Country, to be eligible for a contract renewal. The bill has passed through both houses and is on the Governor’s desk to sign.
• Pioneer submitted a letter of support for SB 1062 (Dahle) which would establish the “Biomass Technology Transition Program” to support the conversion of biomass generation facilities using traditional combustion technologies to newer advanced bioenergy technology facilities. The bill was held in Assembly Appropriations.
• Pioneer submitted a letter of support for SB 1014 which would require the Office of the State Fire Marshal to prepare a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework and make the framework available as a planning tool for entities to engage in statewide wildfire risk mitigation planning. The bill was held in Assembly Appropriations.
• Pioneer met with constituent representatives including Senators Niello, Alvarado-Gil, Dahle and Assemblymembers Gallagher and Patterson to discuss our legislative updates and future goals regarding biomass policy initiatives.
• CalCCA successfully worked with the Chief Consultant to the Senate Committee on Utilities and Communications to secure amendments to SB 1221, to protect CCAs against broad CPUC jurisdictional language that posed a risk to CCA rate-setting autonomy.
Plf)NEER
COMMUNITY ENERGY
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
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
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
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
AB 843 OIR:
• October 20, 2022- The OIR was opened to examine the implementation of AB 843. • April 28, 2023- Workshop held.
• 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. • January 29, 2024- 60 days from the Decision- CCAs finalized two provisions with Accion for website work and third-party administrator. In addition, CCAs submitted 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 were submitted by 4 CCAs indicating interest in participating in the BioMAT program (3CE, Pioneer, RCEA, and OCPA).
• February 23, 2024- CalCCA submitted a 15-day extension until March 14 to meet the requirement for the central BioMAT Accion webpage and standard framework for individual CCA webpages within 90 days of the decision due to an issue raised by Accion in the third-party administrator Statement of Work that the CCAs, IOUs, and Accion are attempting to resolve.
• February 25, 2024- RCRC submitted reply comments in support of the Joint CCAs proposal to consider extending the BioMAT program sunset date.
• March 1, 2024- A group of CCAs (Pioneer, RCEA, 3CE, OCPA, MCE, and VCE) submitted comments in the RPS proceeding asking the CPUC to consider expediting consideration of an extension to the BioMAT program beyond 2025.
• March 5, 2024- There is an agreement with Accion as the Third-Party Administrator. The agreement has been reviewed and signed by Pioneer as well as the other 3 CCAs. • On March 13, 2024- CalCCA submitted a second request for extension of time for an additional 15-day extension.
• March 20, 2024- CPUC granted CalCCA’s first request for a 15-day extension of time. • March 21, 2024- There was a meeting with CPUC staff on implementation of AB 843. Brad Hill will be moving over to Natural Resources Agency.
• March 28, 2024- Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry submitted a letter of support to the CPUC for the extension of the BioMAT program. This letter included the support of other legislators: Senator Alvarado-Gil, Senator Dahle, Senator Talamantes Eggman, and Assembly Member Dahle. • March 28, 2024- CalCCA submitted a third request for extension of time for an additional 31-day extension of time (until April 29) for the central BioMAT Accion webpage and standard framework for individual CCA webpages to be completed within 90 day of the effective date of the decision. Work has been delayed pending final agreement from all parties to revisions to the third-party administrator Statement of Work. • April 4, 2024- There was a prehearing conference to address the preliminary scope of issues in the OIR for IRP where the Joint CCAs are asking for an extension of the BioMAT program. During this conference, Scott Blaising represented the Joint CCAs and asked for 1) the CPUC to expedite the extension of the BioMAT program and 2) broadly review the program.
• May 1, 2024- CPUC approved the joint CCAs Tier 2 Advice Letter which approved the BioMAT standard program documentation which included the tariff, the pro-forma power purchase agreement, program participation request forms, BioMAT program website and portal development contracts, independent third-party contracts, initial balancing account statements, and non-bypassable charge rate scheduled. • Pioneer has completed the implementation of the BioMAT program. The website and all necessary documents for BioMAT are live.
• June 20, 2024- CPUC issued a Draft Resolution to approve participating CCAs’ forecast revenue requirements, which is $0 for 2024-2026 for all participating CCAs, since no BioMAT projects are forecasted to COD before then.
• September 1, 2024- CPUC granted the joint CCAs’ extension request for the BioMAT application for prudent contract management, since there are no BioMAT contracts to report on. The new deadline will be 6 months after the first BioMAT contract is executed or September 1, 2025, whichever date comes first.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
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. • January 23, 2024- (Track B) There was a revised PD on the expanded pilots. Pioneer is considering offering the expanded Ag-Fit program to its customers. The pilot will be administered by PG&E so it will involve minimal work on behalf of Pioneer staff, but it will also bolster our Load Management Standards program and keep us competitive with PG&E.
• January 26, 2024- The CPUC approved the expanded pilots revised decision. In D.24-01-032 to Advance Demand Flexibility Through Electric Rates, the CPUC directed PG&E to expand the Valley Clean Energy Ag Real Time Pricing Pilot (VCE AgFIT Pilot). The decision orders PG&E to extend the duration and expand participation of the VCE AgFIT Pilot to agricultural customers throughout PG&E’s service territory. • January 30, 2024- (Track A)- There was a press conference held by a group of 20 Democratic Legislators calling for the repeal of income-graduated fixed charge. AB 1999 would repeal the income-graduated fixed charge approved under AB 205 (2022) and replace it with a $5 fixed charge for CARE customers and a $10 fixed charge for all other residential customers.
• February 13, 2024- Pioneer staff sent PG&E an email indicating interest in possibly participating in the expanded pilot expansion program, particularly the Ag Pilot. • February 13, 2024- at the Senate Utilities, Energy and Communications hearing the IGFC was brought up by CPUC president, Alice Reynolds, who indicated the CPUC was working on an IGFC decision possibly by the end of Q1.
• March 1, 2024- There is an expanded pilot workshop to address dual participation, since some demand flexibility programs are dual enrollment prohibited. Dual Participation is allowed for- Critical Peak Pricing:
(Peak Day Pricing and SmartRate), Electrification Rates: (E-ELEC), TOU Rates (E-TOU, E-TOU-D), Simple NEM and NBT, and ELRP Subgroup A: (A1-A6). Dual Participation is Prohibited- Supply-Side DR Programs (BIP, CBP, ART, DRAM, non-DRAM DR RA Contracts, DSGS Option 2), Flex Market Pilot, DAHRTP, ELRP Subgroup B: B1-B2, and Other Event-Based Load-Modifying Programs (OBMC, SLRP).
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
• March 25, 2024- PG&E submitted their Tier 2 AL for implementation plans for PG&E’s Expanded Ag Pilot. 5 CCAs have expressed an interest in participating in PG&E’s Ag Pilot in 2024 (Ava, SVCE, VCE, 3CE, and Pioneer). PG&E will launch the pilot in June of 2024. Participants will continue to pay their current bill and will receive the shadow bill, which they will not pay. The shadow bill will illustrate a customer’s potential savings under the dynamic pilot rate. There is also a $20 per unbundled kW per year incentive, subject to a $1.8 million cap for all CCA incentives.
• March 27, 2024- The CPUC issued a proposed decision addressing AB 205 (Income Graduated Fixed Charge) requirements for electric utilities. The earliest this proposed decision could be adopted is May 9, 2024. This decision authorizes all IOUs to shift the recovery of a portion of fixed costs from volumetric rates to a separate, fixed amount on bills without changing the total costs that utilities may recover from customers.
As a result, this decision reduces the volumetric price of electricity (in cents per kilowatt hour) for all residential customers of IOUs. The CPUC did not adopt the IOUs’ proposal and instead the proposal would have Tier 1 (customers enrolled in CARE) pay $5 a month, Tier 2 (customers enrolled in FERA or who live in affordable housing restricted to residents with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income) pay $12 a month, and Tier 3 (all other customers) pay $24.15 per month. This new billing structure would apply to all residential rates of the IOUs, except for master-meter rates that are not sub-metered. • May 9, 2024- CPUC approved implementation of the Income Graduated Fixed Charge without any changes to the structure described in the previous bullet.
• June 12, 2024- CalCCA filed reply comments on the Track B Proposal, urging the CPUC to reconsider the process for updating marginal cost values and to clarify a cost recovery structure that ensures CCA customers do not get double-charged for being unbundled.
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.
• 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.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
• Week of April 22, 2024- Pioneer will send a postcard to all customers impacted or potentially impacted by the Solar Billing Plan. Themed as “Top 5 Things to Know About the Sollar Billing Plan,” this mailer clarifies information provided in PG&E’s required mailers and will arrive before customers receive bills that reflect changes due to the Solar Billing Plan. Roughly 175 customers in Pioneer’s service area will be immediately affected. The mailer will go to all 723 customers with interconnection applications pending, as well as those who will see billing changes over the next year (about 1,800).
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.
• March 21, 2024- There was a Preliminary Issue Review with Keyes and Fox. 2021 ERRA proceeding is still open but coming to an end, 2022 is still busy and 2023 is just starting up. Some of the big issues to watch include PG&E’s RA Sales and Accounting; DWR reimbursement to PG&E; and Retained, Sold and Unsold RPS. • June 12, 2024- The Assigned Commissioner issued the Scope Ruling in PG&E’s 2023 ERRA Compliance proceeding. The ruling does not adopt CalCCA’s recommendation to expressly clarify that the reasonableness of PG&E’s record year RA activities and sales is within the scope of this proceeding. It excludes the RA scoping issue out of this proceeding altogether, possibly in hopes the issue will be settled in PG&E’s 2022 ERRA Compliance proceeding. The Scope Ruling also lays out the procedural schedule. NewGen Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
and Keyes & Fox will continue to work on discovery and reconvene with CalCCA before Intervenor testimony is due in September.
• June 17, 2024- CalCCA filed a protest to PG&E’s 2025 ERRA Forecast application. In this proceeding, the 2025 levels for the PCIA will be established. Due to forecasted low brown energy prices and high RA prices, the PCIA is expected to decrease, which will result in increased generation rates for PG&E’s bundled customers. PG&E’s 2025 ERRA Forecast application proposes a new ratemaking method to ensure reasonable rates for bundled ratepayers, by freezing the RA market price benchmark (MPB) at its 2024 forecast level, rather than using the 2025 forecast or the 2024 actual RA MPBs. CalCCA responded, urging the Commission against considering these broad policy questions, which fall outside the scope of the ERRA Forecast proceeding. CalCCA also argues that implementing an RA value cap would inappropriately inflate PCIA rates, shifting costs to unbundled customers, in violation of the PCIA ratemaking framework that has been established.
• July 25, 2024- The CPUC issued an ALJ ruling in PG&E’s 2022 ERRA Compliance proceeding, re-opening discovery to examine potential RA withholding actions taken by PG&E. • August 1, 2024- Assigned Commissioner issued a Scoping Memo and Ruling in PG&E’s 2025 ERRA Forecast application, supporting CalCCA’s protest that this proceeding is not the correct venue to address the RA MPB issue.
• September 3, 2024- CalCCA filed a direct testimony, prepared by Brian Dickman, in PG&E’s 2025 ERRA Forecast proceeding on behalf of CCAs. The testimony urges the CPUC to reject PG&E’s proposed change to its common cost allocation method and its proposal to create a new category of RPS-eligible resources outside of the previously recognized context of the PCIA calculation. The testimony also calls upon PG&E to make corrections to their calculation of “negative retained system RA” and “amount included as the amortization of the gain on the sale of its San Francisco General Office headquarters”.
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.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
• 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 filed. Shell also filed a petition for somewhat different reasons. CPUC is seeking to consolidate since there are two filings. CalCCA did not oppose the motion.
• 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. The RA proposal approved by CalCCA’s Board included a temporary waiver proposal for system and flexible RA from 2025 to 2027. Partial waivers would waive the penalty points and non-fiscal consequences and a full waiver would also be available that would waive financial penalties as well under certain circumstances. A slice of day waiver would also be available. • February 14, 2024- There was Proposal Workshop to discuss the various proposals. Since not everyone was able to make a presentation, there was a second workshop on February 28 where CalCCA presented its proposal.
• February 23, 2024- There was a SOD proposal workshop. CalCCA is asking for a delay in SOD implementation from 2025 until 2026 because the showing and compliance tools are not working properly. • March 22, 2024- CalCCA submitted comments on the RA Program with regards to considering RA reforms and refinements and establishing forward RA procurement obligations. CalCCA believes the focus should be to adopt proposals that protect customers against excessive RA costs and increase RA capacity availability. • March 22, 2024- The CPUC issued a response to CalCCA’s Writ Petition #2 and denied that a writ should be issued. Comments are due May 16.
• June 6, 2024- CalCCA filed comments on the CPUC’s RA Track 1 Proposed Decision (PD), regarding key issues with SOD implementation. CalCCA emphasized how customer affordability will be put at risk due to the hourly transactability issue, and the CPUC’s refusal to delay SOD implementation or offer system RA waivers. The comments also included a host of other issues including the CPUC’s insistence on using a higher than necessary planning reserve margin (PRM), exclusion of existing resources in cure period extensions, restrictions on the amount of RA imports allowed, and concerns about the resource counting methodology.
• June 14, 2024- CalCCA filed comments on the Assigned Commissioner’s Scoping Memo and Ruling on Track 2, proposing an adjustment of the central procurement entity (CPE) timeline. Currently, the Commission authorizes the CPE to procure local RA until 2 months before LSEs must submit their year-ahead RA showings. This leaves LSEs with limited time to fill their shortages in response to CPE allocation. CalCCA’s proposal urges the Commission to require the CPE provide their LSEs with their local RA allocations at least 1 year prior to their year-ahead RA filings.
• June 20, 2024- The CPUC issued a decision to adopt local capacity requirements for 2025-2027, flexible capacity requirements for 2025, and refinements to the RA program as scoped in Track 1. The Commission maintains that the 2025 RA compliance year will be the first year for the new SOD framework, but remains open to considering hourly transactability after implementation, should any issues arise. • August 23, 2024- CalCCA filed reply comments on the ALJ ruling modifying the Track 2 schedule, expressing concerns about the upcoming loss of load (LOLE) study and how it will be used to set the PRM for SOD implementation, and the proposed changes to the CPE framework and timeline. • August 30, 2024- Energy Division (ED) published the revised version of their RA LOLE study, which the CPUC will use to calibrate the PRM for the 2026 SOD implementation. Based on the LOLE study, ED staff recommended the CPUC adopt a 26.5% PRM during the months of January to May and a 23.5% PRM during the months of June through December, to maintain the target reliability level of 1 day in 10 years (0.1 LOLE). This recommended PRM is much higher than the originally set 17% PRM in the 2025 SOD implementation framework.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
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.
• January 16, 2024- The data for December’s Fast Trips and YTD data came out. These are the following circuits in Pioneer’s territory with 8 or more outages in 2023:
o Placerville 2106 (EDH)- 19
o Apple Hill 2102 (EDH)- 18
o Shingle Springs 2109 (EDH)- 11
o Mountain Quarries 2101 (EDH)- 11
o El Dorado PH 2101 (EDH)- 11
o Clarksville 2104 (EDH)- 9
o Apple Hill 2104 (EDH)- 9
o Lincoln 1101 (Placer)- 8
o Penryn 1103 (Placer)- 8
o Penryn 1107 (Placer)- 8
o Brunswick 1105 (Nevada)- 17
o Brunswick 1106 (Nevada)- 15
• January 29, 2024- A data request was made by joint CCAs (including Pioneer) using the circuits listed above to PG&E requesting the number of customers served by each circuit, the number of life support customers, the number of medical baseline customers, and the number of critical facilities served by each circuit. • March 8, 2024- Part of the information we were seeking regarding the data request came back. Pioneer staff will be reviewing this information.
• August 23, 2024- PG&E completed our data request made in January, except for information regarding hardening projects on the circuit including their pole numbers, project location and timeline, and type of hardening work to be completed, on the grounds these questions are out of scope and are unduly burdensome. Pioneer staff will be reviewing the rest of the data request provided.
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. • March 14, 2024- the CPUC came out with a proposed decision. April 18 is the first opportunity the CPUC could adopt the decision. The proposed decision has a mix of favorable and unfavorable decisions. For example, it rejected PG&E’s proposal to require FSR postings to reflect 2 months of POLR service, it maintains the ability to use service bonds, and it keeps confidential the information about LSEs that trigger financial monitoring. However, the proposed decision also approved using PG&E’s Administrative Fee ($4.24) without sufficient evidence of the costs, the CPUC should clarify that November 2024 FSR Calculation would be the earliest possible calculation under the new rules, and the CPUC should clarify the timing of the Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
second tier of reporting requirements so CCAs know when to evaluate their metrics. The biggest issue the proposed decision addressed was updating the FSR requirements. The minimum remains $147,000, but now CCAs must use the IOU’s Administrative and multiply that figure by the number of accounts the CCA has.
The higher of that amount or the $147,000 will be the new FSR. For CCAs that are in PG&E’s territory the administrative fee is $4.24 per customer, while the other IOUs’ administrative fees are significantly less (around $.50 per customer). If the final decision requires CCAs within PG&E’s service territory to use PG&E’s administrative fee, all CCAs within PG&E’s service territory will likely be paying an FSR well over the $147,000 minimum.
• April 23, 2024- CPUC adopted a revised POLR Decision inclusive of several of CalCCA’s requests.
Specifically:
o Reducing RA costs in the FSR by accounting for returning CPE RA allocations, in addition to the CAM and DR RA allocations.
o Nets PCIA in the FSR whether the PCIA is positive or negative. o Affirms current timing for calculating FSRs.
o Provides CCAs with an additional 60 days to file first FSR following IOU tariffs implementing this decision.
o Requires CCAs to file the Tier 1 audited financial report to Energy Division once a year, in January or July, whichever comes earlier relative to the availability of the audited financial statement.
o Allows 90 days for CCAs to submit joint advice letter on new CCA registration process • July 12, 2024- CalCCA, on behalf of Pioneer, filed a Tier 2 AL to formalize the Financial Monitoring and Reporting Guidance document. The CPUC requires financial reporting to be done on a 2-tier system. Tier 1 requires every CCA to submit an annual audited financial report. Tier 2 requires CCAs to submit additional financial reporting, if certain trigger events such as a change in credit rating occur. This document clarifies the process and procedures CCAs must follow to comply with Tier 2 financial reporting conditions. o July 22, 2024- The joint IOUs filed a protest to the joint CCAs’ AL on Financial Monitoring and Reporting Guidance, insisting CCAs’ use “lines of credit” instead of “letters of credit” as the primary financial instrument to demonstrate days of liquidity of hand (DLOH). The IOUs also insisted CCAs report financial triggers 10 days after they occur, instead of the proposed 60 days.
o September 6, 2024- CalCCA met with Energy Division to express that CCAs agree to comply with the joint IOUs’ request to use “lines of credit” to calculate DLOH. On the issue of minimum days required to report financial trigger events, CCAs insist on keeping 60 days, as this is the minimum amount of time required to prepare accurate financial statements due to complex billing and accounting systems.
• July 17, 2024- CalCCA, on behalf of Pioneer, filed a Tier 2 AL to clarify requirements for the new CCA registration process and implementation plan. These requirements include (1) submission of a feasibility study and pro forma financial statement with the Implementation Plan, (2) establishment of annual assumptions to be included in the pro forma financial statement, (3) establishment of milestones for critical implementation action and review progress, and (4) submission of an updated proforma financial statement six months prior to launch. The AL served to provide additional examples for annual assumptions and critical milestones.
o August 6, 2024- PG&E filed a protest to the joint CCAs’ AL on additional implementation plan requirements, citing the proposal would limit the CPUC’s ability to assess whether enhancements to the implementation plan would result in cost shifts to bundled customers. o August 13, 2024- CalCCA filed a reply to PG&E’s protest on the additional implementation plan requirements, citing the additional requirements proposed are correctly slotted under the umbrella of CPUC authority to certify implementation plans and determine a cost-recovery mechanism for CCA customers that prevents cost shifts to bundled customers. • August 6, 2024- An ALJ Ruling was issued to define the scoping issues in Phase 2 of the POLR proceeding, which will be primarily concerned with clarifying requirements for an application for a new entity to become the POLR.
Attachment: 2 Agenda Date: 9/19/2024
• August 23, 2024- The prehearing conference for Phase 2 was held, in which CalCCA filed a statement agreeing with the current set of questions proposed in the Phase 2 scope. In its statement, CalCCA also urged the CPUC to reject PG&E’s request to scope in issues regarding the liquidity needs of the POLR and analysis of seasonal RA pricing.
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.
• January 17, 2024- Workshop on implementation of LMS. Comments on the workshop are due on January
31. • March 21, 2024- Pioneer’s LMS plan presented to the Pioneer’s Board for approval. • March 26, 2024- Pioneer submitted the Board-approved LMS plan. • April 1, 2024- All large CCAs are required to file their plan for compliance with LMS regulations. • April 16, 2024- CEC held a scoping meeting to discuss development of the statewide rate access tool.
Discussion on how the tool will be funded are ongoing.
• May 31, 2024- CPUC granted PG&E’s request to delay commencement of enrollment in its dynamic rates pilots from June 1, 2024 to November 1, 2024.
• July 15, 2024- The CEC requires LSEs to jointly develop and submit a Single Statewide Tool (SST) for their review by October 1, 2024. The joint IOUs, led by SDG&E, released a 50-page draft of a proposed model for the SST, and will host weekly workshops to receive input from CCAs and POUs. • September 4, 2024- Pioneer met with CEC staff to receive feedback on our LMS Compliance Plan and discuss the development of our LMS programs.
Attachment 3:Communications and Outreach Updates
Date: 9/19/2024
Notable Achievements – July/August 2024:
• New programs: July/August 2024 marked the launch of two programs, GridGen and PowerShift Rewards. Both programs are being supported with a variety of tactics including email, paid media, and social media.
• Community outreach and expansion activities have ramped up, with active participation in two dozen events.
• Engagement with Pioneer’s social media continues to grow, reaching more than 8,400 Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts and generating 714 engagements. Our LinkedIn page has nearly 200 new followers.
• The addition of new staff has led to greater in-house capabilities, creating cost savings and greater operational efficiency while we further examine our future needs.
Outreach and Engagement:
Outreach during July and August was geared both toward community-building and expansion efforts, with participation at:
Community Outreach Activities
• Placer Regional Economic Development meeting
• Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Field Day
• Sunrise with Rocklin Chamber of Commerce mtg.
• Field Day at Auburn Senior Center
• Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
• Assn. of Realtors/Gold County/Cameron Park
presentation
• Rocklin Chamber Gov. Relations Cmte. mtg.
• Placer County Regional Economic Development
• Rocklin Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
• Lincoln Chamber Field Day
• Mountain Co. Water Resources Agency event
• Sunrise meeting with Rocklin Chamber
• Lincoln Chamber Gov. Relations meeting
• Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Breakfast mtg.
Expansion Outreach
• City of Sonora presentation
• Town of Paradise presentation to staff
• Town of Paradise presentation to Council
• West Sacramento staff presentation
• Butte County staff presentation
• Butte County Board of Supervisors presentation
• Oroville City staff presentation
• Oroville City Council presentation
• Oroville Community Development Coalition
presentation
• West Sacramento City Council presentation
PAID MEDIA
To maintain a media presence and support the roll-out of new programs, Pioneer is conducting a paid media campaign that includes digital (Google), social media, radio, and hyper-local new publications, including:
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COMMUNITY ENERGY
• Auburn Journal
• Gold Country Media
• Appeal-Democrat
• Mountain Democrat
• The Union
• Georgetown Gazette
• Foresthill Messenger
Social Media Engagement Steadily Rising
A shift in social media strategy now includes focusing on notable engagements, where we focus on influencers and other leaders to engage with and share Pioneer information. Notable engagements and/or new followers during this reporting period include: ABC10; El Dorado, Colfax and Lincoln Chambers of Commerce; program partner Uplight; and our own Board members. During this time, Pioneer:
• Ranked #1 among CCAs in terms of social media growth
• Ranked #7 among CCAs in terms of engagement
Top performing posts were the PowerShift Rewards program announcement (most liked and most impressions); the Better Business Bureau A+ rating announcement; and Pioneer’s team-building post.
Increased Use of Email Communications
A series of emails were sent to customers as a way of educating about important issues, informing them of specific details of interest, and generating interest in Pioneer programs. Specific topics included:
Join Pioneer's PowerShift Rew11rds!
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Pioneer Community Energy is excited to announce the launch of PowerShift Rewards, a program in partnership with Uplight that allows customers to earn money by saving energy.
·our customers can be part of the solution by helping to balance demand by reducing energy usage at peak times while also seeing cost savings. In addition. customers can see the difference they can make and eam incentives for reducing their usage; says Pioneer Board Chair and Auburn City Councilmember Alice Dowdin Calvillo.
Read the full announcement below!
PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY LAUNCHES POWERSHIFT
REWARDS PROGRAM TO INCENTIVIZE ENERGY ...
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Pioneer runs on teamwork. Whether we·re in the office or not, we·re always working hard to become a stronger team.
Team Pioneer had so much fun at our team-building escape room challenge this week! Iii "' q
• Information about Pioneer’s voluntary rate reduction
• Q2 Newsletter
• PowerShift Rewards program introduction
• GridGen introductory email
• Billing notice to SBP customers
• New of A+ Better Business Bureau rating
• HVAC Tune-Up promotion
• Annual Joint Rate Comparison mailer
In addition to a hard copy mailer, email communication was used to distribute the annual Joint Rate Comparison mailer, a collaborative mailer with PG&E that is required by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Website
Pioneer’s website had 35,657 visitors during this reporting period, with the top five pages driving more than 50 percent of the traffic. Traffic originated from search, conversions from paid ads, links embedded in emails from Pioneer to customers, and other sources.
Page # of
Visitors
Home 7,208
Programs: HVAC Tune-Up 6,422
Programs: PowerShift Rewards 2,343
Programs: GridGen 2,199
Residential customers 892
Website traffic patterns changed due to the end of the paid general awareness advertising campaign.
Traffic remains directly related to paid advertising support for programs, with increases in page visits corresponding to paid ad support for the HVAC Tune-Up program, the soft launch of the GridGen program, a customer-wide email to customers about PowerShift Rewards, and the late August launch of an ad campaign.
Chatbot
Pioneer’s chatbot continues to be a valuable tool to provide customers with immediate response to basic questions. During July and August, the chatbot script and workflow were updated to ensure continuity of message, as well as to include information about programs. Chatbot activity increased by 83% during this time, likely due to summer bills.
• Number of interactions: 969
• Total Conversations: 146
• Avg. conversation length: 31 minutes, 48 seconds
• Customer satisfaction rating: 4.6/5
HVAC all Residential Customer Email 7115
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company
P.O. Box 997320
Sacramento, CA 95899-7320
We support your power to choose
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical commercial electric rates, average monthly charges and generation portfolio contents.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
Understanding your energy choice
2024 Commercial Electric Rate Comparison, B-1* Standard Green100 Generation Rate ($/kWh) $0.16097 $0.14110 $0.15198
PG&E Delivery Rate ($/kWh) $0.28983 $0.28983 $0.28983
PG&E PCIA/FF ($/kWh) $0.00882 $0.01172 $0.01172
Total Electricity Cost ($/kWh) $0.45962 $0.44265 $0.45353 Average Monthly Bill ($) $485.90 $467.96 $479.46
*This compares electricity costs for an average small commercial customer in the Pioneer/PG&E service area (Placer County, El Dorado County, Grass Valley and Nevada City) with an average monthly usage of 1,057 kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is based on a representative 12-month billing history for all customers on B-1 rate schedules for PG&E’s and Pioneer’s published rates as of June 1, 2024.
Generation Rate is the cost of creating electricity to power your business. The generation rate varies based on your energy provider and the resources included in your energy provider’s generation supply.
PG&E Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by PG&E to deliver electricity to your business. The PG&E delivery rate depends on your electricity usage, but is charged equally to both Pioneer and PG&E customers.
PG&E PCIA/FF The PCIA is a charge to ensure that both PG&E customers and those who have left PG&E service to purchase electricity from other providers pay the above market costs for generation resources that were procured by PG&E on their behalf. “Above market” refers to expenditures for electric generation resources that cannot be fully recovered through sales of these resources at current market prices. PG&E acts as a collection agent for the FF surcharge, which is levied by the California Public Utilities Commission on behalf of cities and counties in PG&E’s service territory for all customers. PG&E bundled customers pay the PCIA and FF fees associated with the most currently available vintage year. PG&E charges Pioneer customers the PCIA and FF fees based on the year that they transitioned to Pioneer service. Visit pioneercommunityenergy.org for more information.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
©2024 Pioneer Community Energy. All rights reserved.
“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2024 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. 6.24 CCC-062024-4442 Electric Power
Generation Mix* Standard Green100***
Specific Purchases Percent of Total Retail Sales (MWh)
Renewable 32.8% 39.4% 100.0%
•Biomass & Biowaste**** 3.4% 2.7% 0.0%
•Geothermal 0.3% 4.5% 0.0%
•Eligible Hydroelectric 2.5% 7.0% 25.0%
•Solar Electric 20.2% 13.7% 50.0%
•Wind 6.3% 11.5% 25.0%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 13.8% 3.3% 0.0%
Natural Gas 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 53.4% 26.7% 0.0%
Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Sources of Power** 0.0% 30.5% 0.0%
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
*As reported to the California Energy Commission’s Power Source Disclosure Program. Data is subject to an independent audit and verification that will not be completed until later in 2024. The figures above may not sum up to 100 percent due to rounding.
**Unspecified sources of power refers to electricity that is not traceable to a specific generating facility, such as electricity traded through open market transactions. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables. ***Power mix is estimated for 2024, is subject to change, and will be verified with the 2024 PCL.
****5% of retail sales is covered by Unbundle REC’s.
For information, visit:
Para detalles de este programa en español, visite:
參閱本計劃中文版本, 請上網:
pioneercommunityenergy.org
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
P.O. Box 997320
Sacramento, CA 95899-7320
We support your power to choose
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical commercial electric rates, average monthly charges and generation portfolio contents.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
Understanding your energy choice
2024 Commercial Electric Rate Comparison, B-10S* Standard Green100 Generation Rate ($/kWh) $0.16973 $0.14878 $0.15966
PG&E Delivery Rate ($/kWh) $0.22797 $0.22797 $0.22797
PG&E PCIA/FF ($/kWh) $0.00931 $0.01237 $0.01237
Total Electricity Cost ($/kWh) $0.40701 $0.38912 $0.40000 Average Monthly Bill ($) $5,799.90 $5,544.97 $5,700.01
*This compares electricity costs for an average commercial customer in the Pioneer/PG&E service area (Placer County, El Dorado County, Grass Valley and Nevada City) with an average monthly demand of 55 kW and an average monthly usage of 14,250 kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is based on a representative 12-month billing history for all customers on B-10S rate schedules for PG&E’s and Pioneer’s published rates as of June 1, 2024.
Generation Rate is the cost of creating electricity to power your business. The generation rate varies based on your energy provider and the resources included in your energy provider’s generation supply.
PG&E Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by PG&E to deliver electricity to your business. The PG&E delivery rate depends on your electricity usage, but is charged equally to both Pioneer and PG&E customers.
PG&E PCIA/FF The PCIA is a charge to ensure that both PG&E customers and those who have left PG&E service to purchase electricity from other providers pay the above market costs for generation resources that were procured by PG&E on their behalf. “Above market” refers to expenditures for electric generation resources that cannot be fully recovered through sales of these resources at current market prices. PG&E acts as a collection agent for the FF surcharge, which is levied by the California Public Utilities Commission on behalf of cities and counties in PG&E’s service territory for all customers. PG&E bundled customers pay the PCIA and FF fees associated with the most currently available vintage year. PG&E charges Pioneer customers the PCIA and FF fees based on the year that they transitioned to Pioneer service. Visit pioneercommunityenergy.org for more information.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
©2024 Pioneer Community Energy. All rights reserved.
“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2024 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. 6.24 CCC-062024-4443 Electric Power
Generation Mix* Standard Green100***
Specific Purchases Percent of Total Retail Sales (MWh)
Renewable 32.8% 39.4% 100.0%
•Biomass & Biowaste**** 3.4% 2.7% 0.0%
•Geothermal 0.3% 4.5% 0.0%
•Eligible Hydroelectric 2.5% 7.0% 25.0%
•Solar Electric 20.2% 13.7% 50.0%
•Wind 6.3% 11.5% 25.0%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 13.8% 3.3% 0.0%
Natural Gas 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 53.4% 26.7% 0.0%
Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Sources of Power** 0.0% 30.5% 0.0%
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
*As reported to the California Energy Commission’s Power Source Disclosure Program. Data is subject to an independent audit and verification that will not be completed until later in 2024. The figures above may not sum up to 100 percent due to rounding.
**Unspecified sources of power refers to electricity that is not traceable to a specific generating facility, such as electricity traded through open market transactions. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables. ***Power mix is estimated for 2024, is subject to change, and will be verified with the 2024 PCL.
****5% of retail sales is covered by Unbundle REC’s.
For information, visit:
Para detalles de este programa en español, visite:
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pioneercommunityenergy.org
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
P.O. Box 997320
Sacramento, CA 95899-7320
We support your power to choose
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical commercial electric rates, average monthly charges and generation portfolio contents.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
Understanding your energy choice
2024 Commercial Electric Rate Comparison, B-19SV* Standard Green100 Generation Rate ($/kWh) $0.15632 $0.13696 $0.14784
PG&E Delivery Rate ($/kWh) $0.18462 $0.18462 $0.18462
PG&E PCIA/FF ($/kWh) $0.00874 $0.01161 $0.01161
Total Electricity Cost ($/kWh) $0.34968 $0.33319 $0.34407 Average Monthly Bill ($) $5,207.39 $4,961.83 $5,123.85
*This compares electricity costs for an average commercial customer in the Pioneer/PG&E service area (Placer County, El Dorado County, Grass Valley and Nevada City) with an average monthly demand of 38 kW and an average monthly usage of 14,892 kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is based on a representative 12-month billing history for all customers on B-19SV rate schedules for PG&E’s and Pioneer’s published rates as of June 1, 2024.
Generation Rate is the cost of creating electricity to power your business. The generation rate varies based on your energy provider and the resources included in your energy provider’s generation supply.
PG&E Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by PG&E to deliver electricity to your business. The PG&E delivery rate depends on your electricity usage, but is charged equally to both Pioneer and PG&E customers.
PG&E PCIA/FF The PCIA is a charge to ensure that both PG&E customers and those who have left PG&E service to purchase electricity from other providers pay the above market costs for generation resources that were procured by PG&E on their behalf. “Above market” refers to expenditures for electric generation resources that cannot be fully recovered through sales of these resources at current market prices. PG&E acts as a collection agent for the FF surcharge, which is levied by the California Public Utilities Commission on behalf of cities and counties in PG&E’s service territory for all customers. PG&E bundled customers pay the PCIA and FF fees associated with the most currently available vintage year. PG&E charges Pioneer customers the PCIA and FF fees based on the year that they transitioned to Pioneer service. Visit pioneercommunityenergy.org for more information.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
©2024 Pioneer Community Energy. All rights reserved.
“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2024 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. 6.24 CCC-062024-4444 Electric Power
Generation Mix* Standard Green100***
Specific Purchases Percent of Total Retail Sales (MWh)
Renewable 32.8% 39.4% 100.0%
•Biomass & Biowaste**** 3.4% 2.7% 0.0%
•Geothermal 0.3% 4.5% 0.0%
•Eligible Hydroelectric 2.5% 7.0% 25.0%
•Solar Electric 20.2% 13.7% 50.0%
•Wind 6.3% 11.5% 25.0%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 13.8% 3.3% 0.0%
Natural Gas 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 53.4% 26.7% 0.0%
Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Sources of Power** 0.0% 30.5% 0.0%
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
*As reported to the California Energy Commission’s Power Source Disclosure Program. Data is subject to an independent audit and verification that will not be completed until later in 2024. The figures above may not sum up to 100 percent due to rounding.
**Unspecified sources of power refers to electricity that is not traceable to a specific generating facility, such as electricity traded through open market transactions. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables. ***Power mix is estimated for 2024, is subject to change, and will be verified with the 2024 PCL.
****5% of retail sales is covered by Unbundle REC’s.
For information, visit:
Para detalles de este programa en español, visite:
參閱本計劃中文版本, 請上網:
pioneercommunityenergy.org
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
P.O. Box 997320
Sacramento, CA 95899-7320
We support your power to choose
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical residential electric rates, average monthly charges and generation portfolio contents.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
Understanding your energy choice
2024 Residential Electric Rate Comparison, E-TOUC* Standard Green100 Generation Rate ($/kWh) $0.16353 $0.14387 $0.15475
PG&E Delivery Rate ($/kWh) $0.29023 $0.29023 $0.29023
PG&E PCIA/FF ($/kWh) $0.00920 $0.01223 $0.01223
Total Electricity Cost ($/kWh) $0.46296 $0.44633 $0.45721 Average Monthly Bill ($) $296.09 $285.46 $292.41
*This compares electricity costs for an average residential customer in the Pioneer/PG&E service area (Placer County, El Dorado County, Grass Valley and Nevada City) with an average monthly usage of 640 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
This is based on a representative 12-month billing history for all customers on E-TOUC rate schedules for PG&E’s and Pioneer’s published rates as of June 1, 2024.
Generation Rate is the cost of creating electricity to power your home. The generation rate varies based on your energy provider and the resources included in your energy provider’s generation supply.
PG&E Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by PG&E to deliver electricity to your home. The PG&E delivery rate depends on your electricity usage, but is charged equally to both Pioneer and PG&E customers.
PG&E PCIA/FF The PCIA is a charge to ensure that both PG&E customers and those who have left PG&E service to purchase electricity from other providers pay the above market costs for generation resources that were procured by PG&E on their behalf. “Above market” refers to expenditures for electric generation resources that cannot be fully recovered through sales of these resources at current market prices. PG&E acts as a collection agent for the FF surcharge, which is levied by the California Public Utilities Commission on behalf of cities and counties in PG&E’s service territory for all customers. PG&E bundled customers pay the PCIA and FF fees associated with the most currently available vintage year. PG&E charges Pioneer customers the PCIA and FF fees based on the year that they transitioned to Pioneer service. Visit pioneercommunityenergy.org for more information.
If this comparison does not address your specific rate, please visit PG&E online at pge.com/cca or call 1-866-743-0335. For information on Pioneer’s generation rates, please visit pioneercommunityenergy.org or call 1-844-937-7466.
©2024 Pioneer Community Energy. All rights reserved.
“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2024 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. 6.24 CCC-062024-4441 Electric Power
Generation Mix* Standard Green100***
Specific Purchases Percent of Total Retail Sales (MWh)
Renewable 32.8% 39.4% 100.0%
•Biomass & Biowaste**** 3.4% 2.7% 0.0%
•Geothermal 0.3% 4.5% 0.0%
•Eligible Hydroelectric 2.5% 7.0% 25.0%
•Solar Electric 20.2% 13.7% 50.0%
•Wind 6.3% 11.5% 25.0%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 13.8% 3.3% 0.0%
Natural Gas 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 53.4% 26.7% 0.0%
Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Sources of Power** 0.0% 30.5% 0.0%
TOTAL 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
*As reported to the California Energy Commission’s Power Source Disclosure Program. Data is subject to an independent audit and verification that will not be completed until later in 2024. The figures above may not sum up to 100 percent due to rounding.
**Unspecified sources of power refers to electricity that is not traceable to a specific generating facility, such as electricity traded through open market transactions. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables. ***Power mix is estimated for 2024, is subject to change, and will be verified with the 2024 PCL.
****5% of retail sales is covered by Unbundle REC’s.
For information, visit:
Para detalles de este programa en español, visite:
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pioneercommunityenergy.org
Final Progress Report
FY 2021-2024 Strategic Plan
CEO Report
September 19, 2024
Final Report
• Over the past six months, the Board has
collaborated with staff in updating the strategic
plan
• With the expected adoption of the Fiscal Year
2025-2027 plan, this will be the final progress
report to close out the Fiscal Year 2021-2024
Strategic Plan
Summary
100% 0%
Local
Engagement
100% 100
Employer of
Choice
100% 100
Quality in
Service
100% 100
Operational
Excellence
100% 100
Financial
Stability &
Strategic Growth
100% 100
Overall
Areas of Focus
• All objectives that support the strategic goals
either were completed or achieved strong
progress
• Objectives that were not completed:
1. Complete at least one power purchase agreement
with a biomass facility with a preference in the
service territory
2. Improve the participation rate in our member
agencies in Placer and El Dorado counties
3. Represent our ratepayers through the regulatory
process to mitigate the occurrences and duration
of power shut-offs
Thank You
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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 eligible.
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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
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.
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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.
IRP- 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 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.
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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).
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.
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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 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.
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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.