CA PUC: Customer-side Distributed Generation Policies & Programs

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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.

The CPUC Distributed Generation Programs
  1. California Solar Initiative (CSI) – 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.  California’s electric and gas customers receive incentives when they install solar thermal, also known as solar hot water, systems under the California Solar Initiative’s CSI-Thermal Program.

  2. Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) – 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.

California Energy Commission’s Distributed Generation Programs
  1. New Solar Homes Programs – 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.

  2. Emerging Renewables Program – Incentives for small (<30 MW) wind and fuel cell systems are offered under the Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables Program.

The CPUC regulates distributed generation policies and programs 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 Meteringand Interconnection policies. 

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