The CPUC regulates distributed generation on both the customer and utility wholesale side of the electric meter. Customer-side of the meter distributed generation incentive programs include the California Solar Initiative and the Self-Generation Incentive Program. These programs are supported by the CPUC's oversight of Net Energy Metering and Interconnection policies. Wholesale side of the meter distributed generation includes energy generated for sale to utilities and includes feed-in tariffs for both small renewables and combined heat and power (CHP) generators.
Customer-Side Distributed Generation
The CPUC oversees two incentive programs for customer-side of the meter distributed generation, also called "onsite generation" or "self generation", for customers in the territories of Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison. The California Energy Commission oversees related incentive programs.
California Solar Initiative
- California’s electric utility customers receive upfront incentives when they install solar electric systems on homes, businesses and public sites under the California Solar Initiative. This portal connects users to all California Solar Initiative-related programs, including the affordable housing program, the research and development program, and the solar hot water pilot program.
Self-Generation Incentive Program
- California's electric utility customers receive incentives when they install wind turbines, fuel cell cells, or storage system in conjunction with wind turbines or fuel cells under the Self Generation Incentive Program.
New Solar Homes Program
- Solar incentives for new residential construction are offered through the Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Program, a sister program to the CPUC's California Solar Initiative.
Emerging Renewables Program
- Incentives for small (<30 MW) wind and fuel cell systems are offered under the Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables Program.
Wholesale-Side Distributed Generation
The CPUC oversees two feed-in tariff programs for wholesale-side of the meter distributed generation, also called "system-die generation" becuase it is intended to net export onto the electrical system side of the customer's electrical meter. These programs are available for customer generators in the territories of Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison, as well as the smaller and multijurisdictional utilities.
Feed-in Tariffs
Policies in Support of Distributed Generation
Utility-Owned Distributed Solar PV Programs
Southern California Edison
- On March 27, 2008, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed A.08-03-015, requesting CPUC approval of a plan to install 250 MWs (dc) of distributed rooftop solar PV at the distribution level in its service territory. To execute the project, SCE seeks authority to recover from ratepayers capital expenditures of up to $962 million.
San Diego Gas and Electric
- On July 11, 2008, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) filed A.08-07-017, seeking CPUC approval of its proposal to install 52 MWs (dc) of distributed solar PV systems with single-axis tracking at the distribution level. SDG&E proposes to spend $250 million on the project, which it would later recover in rates.