We asked parties to contribute their ideas and thoughts on possible evaluation and study areas, and we discuss those contributions in the next section. Specific Metrics from the Next Steps ACR The Next Steps ACR asked parties to comment on four specific metrics: (i) Load shift from peak to off-peak usage associated with the pilot tariff; (ii) Change in the amount of energy used by the customer during peak and off-peak periods; (iii) change in the amount of water used by electric generation during peak and off-peak periods for power plant cooling; and (iv) utility load conditions and any curtailments associated with over-generation of renewables. The IOUs generally believe that it is possible that the two proposed metrics (load shift from peak to off-peak and change in customer’s peak and off-peak energy use) could be evaluated on a quantitative level if conditions were right, but that the information obtained might not be sufficient for robust statistical analysis. Indeed, PG&E recommended focusing on a qualitative approach to measurement of the pilot’s impacts. These could be gathered from surveys, focus groups, or a combination of those. Pilot participants could be asked about their satisfaction with the pilot rate and their understanding of the rate structure. In contrast, the last two proposed metrics used in electric generation and system impacts) require information that is not readily available to the IOUs. PG&E claims that the impact of retail pricing on the water used by generation in PG&E’s service territory is very limited. It points out that it would be possible to estimate these savings only if quantitative estimates of the shift in load as a result
qualitative than quantitative. The IOUs should work with Energy Division and interested parties to develop the format of the report. This process may include a workshop or working group. We direct the Spring 2017 Pilot Report for PG&E to be due earlier in light of its pending Phase II GRC application; we also direct PG&E to serve its 2017 Matinee Pricing Pilot Report to the service list of A.1606013. In the event that SB 919 is signed into law, the Matinee Pricing Pilot Reports should include data on pilot participation by customers targeted by SB 919 (facilities that create or augment local water supplies). In any we find that the measurement and evaluation of these pilots will be qualitative in nature and primarily use surveys and focus groups to develop findings. The IOUs should explore if ex post statistical matching can be used to develop quantitative estimates of the increase in energy usage during off-peak periods caused by the rate design. However, if this matching cannot be achieved, then qualitative measurement is acceptable. Final interval data for the pilot customers (for the time they are on the pilot as well as the 12 months prior) should be provided to the Energy Division at the conclusion of the measurement and evaluation process. While enrollee specific information should be provided to the Commission under §583, summary information should be included in the annual reports described above and served to the service list to this Rulemaking. Steps for Pilot Approval Of the three IOUs, PG&E provided the most detail regarding the procedure for approval of the matinee pricing tariffs. Although all three IOUs are concerned about the lead time required to finish design and implementation of the matinee pricing tariffs, PG&E recommended specific ways to expedite the