Rate Design issues are considered in the second phase of a General Rate Case. Generally, a General Rate Case occurs for each Investor-Owned Utility every three years. In the first phase of the General Rate Case, the CPUC determines the amount of revenue that the utility requires to cover all of its costs. The second phase, the Rate Design, involves determining the rate each customer class will pay. Small rate design changes can be implemented between General Rate Cases in proceedings called Rate Design Window. In 2008, the PG&E General Rate Case additionally had a third phase to discuss Dynamic, or Time-variant, Pricing.
Southern California Edison (Edison)
In June 2011, Edison filed an Application requesting CPUC approval to update generation and distribution marginal costs which in turn are used to set revenues for the respective customer classes.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
A discounted energy utility rate for commercial and industrial customers with at least 200 kW of load, designed to attract or retain "at risk" businesses that might otherwise cease to do business in California.
The PTR program provides monetary incentives to encourage customers to reduce their peak period energy usage on hot summer days.
In November 2011, the CPUC approved a decision imposing mandatory time-variant pricing programs on small business customers of PG&E in two stages, beginning in November 2012.
San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E)
In March 2012, SDG&E filed an Application with the CPUC requesting approval to changes its rates for 2013 – 2014 for certain customer classes and to implement a prepay energy program for residential customers.
In December 2012, the CPUC approved a decision imposing mandatory time-variant pricing programs on small business customers of SDG&E starting in November 2014, with an optional program commencing in November 2013.
Other Resources
See DRA's Presentation on Rate Design Basics.