CPUC Kicks Off Self General Incentive Program (SGIP) Review

Following on the California Legislature’s 2018 extension of the successful Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) to January 1, 2016, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a ruling last week seeking comment on how to allocate funds and prioritize SGIP projects in coming years. The SGIP Program provides subsidies for renewable energy projects and energy storage devices at residential and non-residential locations.

The Assigned Commissioner’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Implementation of Senate Bill 700 and Other Program Modification solicits input on specific questions on key aspects of the SGIP program design, including:

• Overall funding collection levels for years 2020-2024;
• Funding allocations among technology and customer sectors (including generation, fuel cell and energy storage technologies);
• Incentive levels;
• Incentive step-down structure;
• Administrative budget;
• Resiliency;
• Proposals for specific budget set-aside and subsidies proposed in Rulemaking 15-03-010 for projects in disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin Valley;
• Grid support;
• Thermal energy storage and coordination with the new building decarbonization proceeding.

Opening comments are due May 30, and reply comments are due June 14. Page limits apply. Parties are encouraged to work together to file joint comments by technology sector, if possible.

Ellison Schneider Harris & Donlan attorneys can answer questions about the SGIP program, this program preview process, or related building decarbonization proceedings. Contact Lynn Haug or Jed Gibson.