Electricity: demand response: base interruptible program.
The bill seeks to establish minimum incentive levels for program participation, calculated based on the levels applicable in 2018 and adjusted for inflation. This approach is intended to maintain an attractive participation framework for industrial customers, ensuring that they have adequate motivation to engage in energy demand response initiatives. Furthermore, the California Public Utilities Commission is empowered to increase these incentive levels as deemed necessary to promote continued participation, thereby enforcing resource adequacy and delivering expected benefits to ratepayers.
Assembly Bill 2969, introduced by Assembly Member Mayes, aims to enhance the availability of the base interruptible program for qualifying industrial customers in California. This program, which falls under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission, is designed to provide demand response capabilities that help manage electrical usage during peak times. The bill mandates that the interruption program, as it was administered in 2018 by the state's largest electrical corporations, shall be accessible to eligible industrial customers regardless of their chosen electricity supplier, ensuring wider participation in this critical program.
One notable aspect of AB 2969 is its implications on local governance and regulatory responsibilities. By mandating the availability of a statewide program that may include requirements for load-serving entities, the bill imposes a local program, which could potentially elicit concerns from municipal stakeholders about the management of regional electrical regulations. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts under certain conditions, which may also lead to discussions around fiscal responsibilities associated with mandated programs. Critics might argue over the potential strain on local resources, which could arise if local entities are required to implement these stipulations while navigating their budget constraints.