The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will soon vote to update a tool that could make integrating grid-level distributed energy resources like solar power simpler for the state’s utilities. Integration capacity analysis (ICA) was devised to grant greater transparency on the electrical grid. It was released in 2019, but has reportedly received updates following integration.
ICA can display how much room is available for additional capacity or new energy loads at a given point on the grid. Substation data is shared regarding how much capacity a system already has, is waiting to connect and can be connected. It can also assist with scheduling when certain energy capacity, like solar or energy storage, should be used based on cost.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) believes California’s ICA hasn’t been properly instituted, and that its frequent updates its undergone have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. IREC alleges that participating utilities haven’t provided updated grid data frequently enough for ICA to be effective.
“Though these issues prevent the tool from being used as intended, over the last few years, the commission has repeatedly declined to require the state’s investor-owned utilities to fix the issues and comply with the commission’s own regulations. The CPUC’s new resolution continues the trend by failing to resolve the known issues,” IREC wrote in a press release.
But if it was functioning properly, the group said, then it could save ratepayers millions in energy costs.
When grid imbalances occur, the CPUC requires that utilities submit related reports within 18 to 30 months of the incident. This means grid changes addressing the issue can — but don’t always — happen at least more than one year following the filing.
Currently, utilities are required to file updated grid capacity with CPUC for the ICA monthly, but there aren’t any written repercussions for missing those deadlines.
CPUC filed a resolution for ICA improvements on Feb. 11 that lays out requirements for the investor-owned utilities enrolled in the program. It would require these utilities to report ICA data more frequently and actually follow ICA mandates.
The resolution specifically requests that SCE “reactivate circuits that are currently inactive on their ICA maps,” and PG&E remedy its “erroneous” system setting and queued generation data, and restrict its redaction of said submissions.
“California already has the highest electricity prices in the continental U.S. At a time when rapidly rising electricity prices are a critical concern for Californians, a resolution that fails to require any fixes or penalize utilities for lack of compliance sends the message that the commission is not committed to holding its regulated utilities accountable for responsible spending of ratepayer funds—which directly contribute to electricity prices,” IREC wrote.
CPUC is accepting public input on proposed ICA modifications through Tuesday, and is expected to vote on the resolution on March 19.
