PG&E’s “Final Decision” Rates, Part 2: Commercial Rates
It’s not news to anyone that Pacific Gas & Electric is, and has been, in the process of finalizing new residential, commercial and agriculture rates for nearly three years. Finally, in October of 2019, these “final decision” rates will be implemented and be available on a voluntary basis. While the …
PG&E’s “Final Decision” Rates, Part 1: Residential Rates
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has started implementing their new Time-of-use (TOU) rates as part of their 2017 General Rate Case (GRC). In part 1 of this blog we’re going to focus on the key changes PG&E is making to their residential rates, and the implication it has on solar and storage project economics. Given that PG&E is the largest utility territory in the United States, with over 5.5 million electric customers served, their rate design changes set an important precedent nationwide.
WEBINAR: Utility Rates State of the Union
Summary: There are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to the economics of solar and storage projects. From incentives to equipment and your location, all of these things play a role. But one thing that tops that list is utility rate schedules. They are time-consuming to comprehend and always changing […]
Keeping up with Energy Toolbase’s extensive utility rates database
There are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes the economics of a solar plus storage project. From incentives, to equipment to your location, all of these things play a role in estimating the cost and viability of a project. But one thing that might be at the top of that list is utility rate schedules. They are time consuming to comprehend and always changing. Installers/developers probably know pretty well that you won’t be going through them with a fine-tooth comb. Accurate and transparent rates play a big part in estimating the avoided cost of a project.
TOU Rates & the Effect They Have on The Value of Solar
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around on how time-of-use (TOU) rates affect the value of solar. Some solar salespeople insist that TOU rates are great for solar, and that potential customers should always be opting onto them. While others have concluded that TOU rates are bad for the solar value proposition and should be avoided. So who’s right?
Our Utility Rates Team
Meet Energy Toolbase’s utility rates team who track and update rates in over 300 utility territories and all 50 states.
Rate Design is a Hot Topic (And Not Just for Policy Wonks)
Utility rate design is a hot topic. Energy industry trade publications have published a countless number of articles, Op-Ed’s and whitepapers on the issue this year. And it’s pretty much a given that any energy conference these days will have a panel on the topic. Whatever the forum, the subject of rate design always seems to stir up debate.
Is California’s Net Metering V2.0 Really “Full Retail Credit”?
The California Public Utilities Commission handed down the proposed decision, hailing it a victory for the solar industry. What issues come with “full retail credit” Net Metering and what effects will it have on solar project economics?
Are California Solar Installers Accurately Representing Project Economics in Light of Impending Rate Reform Changes?
California residential solar installers may be using a flawed approach to calculating and presenting the economics of solar projects and not even know it. Earlier this year the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) finalized and approved the biggest rate reforms to residential electric rates in a decade. These structural changes to rate design change the value proposition of a solar project, but are not likely being accounted for in the modeling.
Our Utility Rates Database
We constantly receive questions about how we track, update and manage our utility rates database, so I figured it was time for a blog post on the topic. Here’s some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked: