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Energy Programs Overview

A Roadmap for Local Resiliency

Current Programs

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: SCE Charge Ready 2
Summer/Fall 2021

SCE is partnering with CalChoice CCAs to co-market the Charge Ready 2 program in launching in 2021/2022. Through Charge Ready, Southern California Edison, installs, maintains, and covers installation costs for charging infrastructure, while participants own, operate, and maintain the charging stations. The program also provides rebates toward the purchase of charging stations. Not only can CCA customers participate, but CalChoice can leverage SCE program incentives and other available grant funding to expand city-owned EV Stations for public use.

 

  • Generates new revenue as city-owned EV Stations can receive Low Carbon Fuel Standard energy credits through California

  • Air Resources Board for Level 2 and Level 3 (Fast Charger) Installs

  • Supports the State’s goals of 5 million ZEVs on the roads by 2030 and 250,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2025 

  • Offers network of city-owned public charging stations with pricing structure to mitigate energy costs and provide, at minimum, a cost—neutral program

Battery Storage Program: Commercial Customers
Summer/Fall 2021

PRIME is currently developing a program with Terra Verde to offer the installation, operation, and maintenance of energy storage systems for commercial customers at no out-of-pocket cost. Participating customers will see a reduction in cost, as the battery system will discharge energy during highest demand times, thereby avoiding “Time-of- Use” peak charges. Can be installed with solar for even greater savings.

 

  • ​No cost to the CCA for deployment of program

  • Reduces CCA procurement costs and resource adequacy obligations

  • Business attraction and customer retention (only available to CCA customers)

  • Increase to CCA revenue by reducing procurement obligations

OhmConnect Promotion
Winter 2021

PRIME customers can receive a free smart thermostat or two free smart plugs and $25 to encourage voluntary reduction of energy use during an OhmConnect event. Other benefits include receiving energy savings, prizes, and rewards through a simple automated process. The promotion runs through the end of 2021.

 

  • No cost to the CCA for deployment of program

  • Customer can realize energy bill savings.

  • Incentivizes energy conservation and lays foundation for future demand-response programs that can drive operational cost savings for the CCA and its customers.

Disadvantaged Community Green Tariff (DAC-GT)
Spring/Summer 2022

CalChoice continues to work with CPUC on behalf of PRIME to establish and implement the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff Program rate, which provides Care Customers a 20% discount on 100% renewable sourced energy - for CCAs with DAC designation from CalEnviro 4.0. Program.

Developing Programs

Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Credits for City-Owned EV Stations

As the city deploys public electric vehicle charging stations and/or transitions vehicle fleet to be fueled by electricity, the City can receive revenue through the generation and sale of LCFS credits generated from electricity consumed at charging stations owned by the City. The more capacity, the greater potential for revenues (for example, Level 3 Fast Chargers use more energy than a standard Level 2 during a charging session). CalChoice’s procurement team will work with the CCA to set up and manage an LCFS Portfolio with the California Air Resources Board and propose further opportunities to increase credits and maximize total revenue.

Residential Battery Storage Program

CalChoice is developing a program to offer the installation, operation, and maintenance of energy storage systems for residential customers at no out-of-pocket cost. Participating customers will see a reduction in cost, as the battery system will discharge energy during highest demand times, thereby avoiding “Time of Use” peak charges. Can be installed with or without solar.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Installations at Municipal Buildings

City continues to work with Southern California Renewable Energy Networks (SoCalREN), a program administrator of CPUC funds, to obtain a no-cost analysis and evaluation of energy efficiency needs and potential cost savings measures for Municipal Buildings. By leveraging incentive funds available through Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company, the city can obtain energy efficiency upgrades to result in overall energy cost savings for the City.

Smart Device Pilot Program

CalChoice is working with technology partner to offer the Smart Device Pilot Program. Through this program, PRIME will offer a selection ‘smart home' devices to both commercial and residential smart devices including load monitoring devices, smart plugs, and smart EV chargers. Participating CalChoice CCAs will access free and discounted smart devices that provide real time customer data and can enable load shape and shift services.

  • No cost to the CCA for deployment of program

  • Customer can realize energy bill savings

  • Incentivizes energy conservation and lays foundation for future demand-response programs that can drive operational cost savings for the CCA and its customers.

Covid-19 Relief Programs
Winter 2021-2022

CARE and FERA eligible customers that may also live in disadvantaged communities can benefit from programs such as the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Pilot program, the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP), and the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP).

  • PIPP provides monthly billing caps and allow participants to pay a predetermined affordable percentage of their monthly income toward their utility bill.

  • AMP program forgives past due arrearages for participants in return for on-time payment of current monthly bills. Customers must apply.

  • CAPP provides credits automatically to customers’ bills if they are eligible. Customers do not need to apply.

  • Pandemic Debt Accumulation project auto-enrolls customers with debt into a 24-month installment plan.

Future Programs

City/Public EV Charging Stations Master Plan

PRIME has applied for grant funding through SCAG to develop a regional master plan for the expansion of EV Charging Stations in Pico Rivera. Anticipates plan completed by July 2022

“Elect to Administer” Energy Efficiency
Customer Programs (CPUC Funded)

As a CCA, the City may request to “elect to administer” existing energy efficiency programs being offered by SCE at no cost to CCA or its customers. CalChoice is working with a consultant to monitor the availability of local programs funding available from the CPUC. Once funding is identified, CalChoice will work with each City to develop its energy efficiency program plan and apply for programs funds.

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