HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 9458Resolution No. 9458
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting New Utility
Electric Rate Schedule E-NEMA (Net Energy Metering Aggregation
Rate), and Amending Utilities Rule and Regulations 2 and 29
RECITALS
A. On May 5, 2014, and as required by state law, the Council of the City of Palo
Alto adopted a Resolution determining that Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEM
Aggregation) will not result in increased cost-shifting to non-participants.
B. In order to allow for customers to participate in NEM Aggregation, the City must
update its Rules and Regulations and adopt a rate schedule to collect from NEM aggregation
customers the incremental costs of billing and other special charges that may be associated
with NEM aggregation.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule E-NEMA (Net Energy Metering Aggregation Rate) is added as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule E-NEMA shall become effective September 16, 2014.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rule
and Regulation 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations) is hereby amended as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 2, as amended, shall become effective September 16,
2014.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rule
and Regulation 29 (Net Energy Metering Service and Interconnection) is hereby amended as
attached and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 29 as amended, shall become effective
September 16, 2014.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that revenue derived from the authorized adoption
enumerated herein shall be used only for the purpose set forth in Article VII, Section 2, of the
Charter of the City of Palo.
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SECTION 5. The Council finds that the amendment of Utility Rules and Regulations 2 and
29 does not meet the definition of a project pursuant to section 21065 of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and that adoption of a new rate schedule for NEM
Aggregation for the purposes of meeting operating expenses is statutorily exempt from CEQA
review pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sec. 21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations Sec. 15273(a). After reviewing the staff reports presented to
Council, the Council incorporates these documents herein and finds that suffident evidence has
been presented setting forth with specificity the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: September 15, 2014
AYES: BERMAN, BURT, HOLMAN, KLEIN, KNISS, PRICE, SCHARFF, SCHMID, SHEPHERD
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
0180057 jrm 09022014
NET ENERGY METERING AGGREGATION RATE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-NEMA
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to eligible Customers wishing to install an eligible Renewable Electric Generating
Facility that is sized to offset separately metered electric loads on adjacent or contiguous properties that
are solely owned, leased,. or rented by that eligible Customer, and who have signed an Net Energy
Metering (NEM) Interconnection Agreement for NEM Aggregation.
B. TERRITORY:
Applies to locations within the service area of the City of Palo Alto.
C. RATES:
Per Account
One Time Charges:
Setup fee per Customer Account $20
Monthly Meter Charges:
Ongoing maintenance and billing charge $5
D. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. Senate Bil1594 (Wolk 20 12) authorizes an eligible customer-generator with multiple meters to elect
to aggregate the electrical load of the meters located on the property where the generation facility is
located and on all property adjacent or contiguous to the property on which the generation facility is
locat~d, if those properties are solely owned, leased, or rented by the eligible customer-generator, as
provided.
2. An eligible customer-generator electing to aggregate the electrical load of multiple meters pursuant
to this subdivision shall remit service charges for the cost of providing billing services to the electric
utility that provides service to the meters.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
{End}
Effective 9-16-2014
CITYOFPALOALTo Original Sheet No.E-NEMA-1 UTILITIES
A. ABBREVIATIONS
AMR
AER
Btu
ccf
CEC
CPAU
CPUC
ERU
FERC
kVar
kVarh
kW
kWh
MW
MMBtu
NEC
NEM
NEMA
NEMIA
NRTL
PAMC
PSIG
PST
RWQCP
UUT
B. GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Account
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Automated Meter Reading
Advance Engineering Request
British Thermal Unit
Hundred Cubic Feet
California Energy Commission
City of Palo Alto Utilities
RULE AND REGULATION 2
California Public Utilities Commission.
Equivalent Residential Unit
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Kilovar
Kilovar-hours
Kilowatt
Kilowatt-hour
Megawatt
One million Btus.
National Electric Code, Latest Version
Net Energy Metering
Net Energy Metering Aggregation
Net Energy Metering Interconnection Agreement
Nationally Recogilized Testing Laboratory
Palo Alto Municipal Code
Per square inch gauge
Pacific Standard Time
Regional Water Quality Control Plant
Utilities Users Tax
The identification number in CPAU's billing system for Utility Services.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 1
Agency
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Any local, county, state or federal governmental body or quasi-governmental body, including, without
limitation, the CPUC, the FERC and any joint powers agency, but excluding the City and any board,
commission or council of the City.
Aggregation Customer
A Customer with a Renewable Electric Generating Facility wishing to install an eligible Renewable
Electric Generating Facility that is sized to offset separately metered electric loads on adjacent or
contiguous properties that are solely owned, leased, or rented by them, and who have signed the Net
Energy Metering Interconnection Agreement for NEM Aggregation.
Applicant
An individual, corporation, partnership, Agency, or other legal entity or authorized agent of same,
requesting CPAU to supply any or all of the following:
1. Electric Service
2. Water Service
3; Gas Service
4. Wastewater Collection
5. Refuse and Recycling Collection
6. Storm and Surface Water Drainage Service
7. Fiber Optics Service
Or, an entity submitting an Application for Interconnection pursuant to Rule 27.
Application (for Interconnection of Generating Facilities)
An approved standard form (Load Sheet) submitted to CPAU for Interconnection of a Generating
Facility.
Beneficiary Account
The Electric Service Meter(s) serviced by an Aggregation Customer's Generating Facility, as listed on
the Aggregation Customer's NEMA-IA form.
Bidweek Price Index
The price reported in Natural Gas Intelligence "NGI's Bidweek Survey", California "PG&E Citygate"
under the column "avg." for the calendar month.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
SheetNo2
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Billing Period
Also "service period" or "billing cycle". The normal Billing Period for CPAU Customers is
approximately 30 days, with variations occurring due to staff availability, holiday scheduling, field
verification of Meter readings, or any other billing-related issues requiring additional investigation prior
to issuance of the bill ..
British Thermal Unit
Also "Btu". The standard sub-unit of measurement comprising a Therm of natural Gas. One (1) Therm
equals 100,000 Btu.
Business Day
Any day, except a Saturday, Sunday, or any day observed as a legal holiday by the City.
Certification Test
A test pursuant to Rule 27 that verities conformance of certain equipment with approved performance
standards in order to be classified as Certified Equipment. Certification Tests are performed by NR TLs.
Certification; Certified; Certificate
The documented results of a successful Certification Test.
Certified Equipment
Equipment that has passed all required Certification Tests.
Charge
Any assessment, cost, fee, surcharge or levy for Utility Service other than a Tax, including metered and
unmetered Utility Service, capacity, connections, construction, penalties, and mandated or required
Customer financial obligations for Service.
Charter
The Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
City Attorney
The individual designated as the City Attorney of the City under Section 2.08.120 of Chapter 2.08 of
Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and any Person who is designated the representative of the City
Attorney.
City's Collector
The Person(s) authorized under Section 5.20.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to provide collection,
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
removal and disposal of solid waste and Recyclable Materials pursuant to one or more written contracts
with the City.
City Manager
The individual designated as the City Manager of the City under Section 2.08.140 of Chapter 2.08 of
Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and any Person who is designated the representative of the City
· Manager.
City of Palo Alto, or City
The government of the City of Palo Alto, a chartered City and a municipal corporation duly organized
and validly existing under the Laws of the State of California, with a principal place of business located
at 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, County of Santa Clara. For the purposes of these Rules and
Regulations, the term "City" may include services provided by both the City of Palo Alto Utilities
Department and the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department.
City of Palo Alto Public Works Department (Public Works)
The City Department responsible for providing Refuse and Recycling, Wastewater Treatment and Storm
and Surface Water Drainage Utility Services. Other Utility Services such as Water, Gas, Electric,
Wastewater Collection, and Fiber Optics are provided by the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department.
City of Palo Alto Utilities Department (CPAU) ·
The City Department responsible for providing Water, Gas, Electric, Wastewater Collection and Fiber
Optic Utility Services. Other Utility Services such as Refuse and Recycling, Wastewater Treatment and
Storm and Surface Water Drainage are provided by the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department.
Code
The words "the Code" or "this Code" shall mean the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Commercial Service
Commercial Utility Service is provided to businesses, non-profit organizations, public institutions, and
industrial Customers. The term also applies to Utility Services through Master Meters serving multi-
family Residential dwellings and common areas of multi-family facilities.
Compostable Materials
Organic materials designated by the City as acceptable for collection and processing.
Cubic Foot of Gas ( ct)
The quantity of Gas that, at a temperature of"sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of 14.73
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 4
pounds per square inch absolute, occupies one cubic foot.
Curtailment
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
The act of reducing or interrupting the delivery of natural Gas.
Customer
The Person, corporation, Agency, or entity that receives or is entitled to receive Utility Service(s) from
the City of Palo Alto, or in whose name Service is rendered for a particular Account as evidenced by the
signature on the Application, contract, or agreement for Service. In the absence of a signed instrument,
a Customer shall be identified by the receipt of any payment of bills regularly issued in the name of the
Person, corporation, or Agency regardless of the identity of the actual user of the Utility Service(s).
Customer-Generator:
An "eligible customer-generator," as that term is defined by the California Public Utilities Code section
2827, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Dark Fiber
A Fiber Optic cable provided to end-users or resellers by CPAU without any of the light transmitters,.
receivers, or electronics required for telecommunications over the Fiber. Infrastructure for Fiber Optic
activation is provided by the reseller or end-user.
Dark Fiber Infrastructure
Components of the CP AU Fiber Optic Distribution System required to provide Service to Customers
(licensees}, that are attached, owned, controlled or used by the City, located overhead or underground
within the Public Right-of-Way, the Public Utility Easements and Leased Service Properties.
Dedicated Distribution Transformer
A Distribution Transformer that is dedicated to serving a single premise.
Demand
The highest rate of delivery of Electric energy, measured in Kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt amperes (kVA)
occurring instantaneously or registered over a fixed time period (normally fifteen minutes unless
otherwise specified within a monthly billing cycle).
Demand Charge
An electrical Charge or rate that is applied to a metered Demand reading expressed in Kilowatts to
compute a Demand Charge component of a Customer's Electric bill.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 5
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Demarcation Point
The Demarcation Point for a project shall be the Customer side of the panel onto which the CPAU Fiber
terminates within the Customer Premises, unless otherwise specified in the Proposal for Dark Fiber
Services.
Distribution Senrices
Includes, but is not limited to, Utility Service provided by the Distribution System and other Services
such as billing, meter reading, administration, marketing, and Customer Services. Does not include
Services directly related to the Interconnection of a Generating Facility as per Rule 27.
Distribution System
The infrastructure owned and operated by CPAU which is capable of transmitting electrical power, other
than Interconnection Facilities, or transporting Water, Wastewater, or Gas within the City of Palo Alto.
The Electric Distribution System transmits power from the City's Interconnection with PG&E to
CPAU's Meter located on the Customer's Premises. The Gas Distribution System transports Gas from
PG&E receiving stations to CPAU's Meter located on the Customer Premises. The Water Distribution
System transports Water from the San Francisco Water Department receiving stations and CPAU wells
to the meter located on the Customer Premises. The Wastewater Collection System transports sewage
from the Customer's Premises to the Water Quality Control Plant.
Effluent
Treated or untreated Wastewater flowing out of a Wastewater treatment facility, sewer, or industrial
outfall.
Electric, Electric Senrice
Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto consisting of
generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power for retail use. Electric Service is provided
by the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department.
Emergency
An actual or imminent condition or situation, which jeopardizes CPAU's Distribution System Integrity.
Emergency Senrice
Electric Service supplied to, or made available to, Load devices which are operated only in Emergency
situations or in testing for same.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 6
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Energy Services
Energy commodity and any applicable ancillary Services used to generate and transport such commodity
from its origin to the City's Point of Receipt. May also mean the sale of value added Services associated
or related to the Provision and/or usage of energy commodity.
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)
This is the basic unit for computing storm and surface water drainage fees. All single-family Residential
properties are billed the number ofERU's specified in the table contained in Utility Rate Schedule D-1,
according to parcel size. All other properties have ERU's computed to the nearest 1110 ERU using this
formula: No. OfERU =Impervious Area (sq. ft.) I 2,500 sq. ft.
Fiber Optic, Fiber Optic Service
A solid core of optical transmission material. Fiber Optic Service that is provided by the City of Palo
Alto Utilities Department is referred to as Dark Fiber. ·
Fiber Optic Backbone
The high-density portion of the Dark Fiber Infrastructure installed and owned by the City.
Force Majeure
The occurrence of any event that has, had or may have an adverse effect on the design, construction,
installation, management, operation, testing, use or enjoyment of the City's Utility Services, which is
·beyond the reasonable control of the parties and which event includes, but is not limited to, an· Act of
God, an irresistible superhuman cause, an act of a superior governmental authority,. an act of a public
enemy, a labor dispute or strike or a boycott "Yhich could not be reasonably contemplated by the City or
Customer affected thereby, a defect in manufactured equipment (including, but not limited to, the Dark
Fibers), fire, floods, earthquakes, or any other similar cause.
Function
Some combination of hardware and software designed to provide specific features or capabilities. Its
use, as in Protective Function, is intended to encompass a range of implementations from a single-
purpose device to a section of software and specific pieces of hardware within a larger piece of
equipment to a collection of devices and software.
Gas
Any combustible gas or vapor, or combustible mixture of gaseous constituents used to produce heat by
burning. It shall include, but not be limited to, natural gas, gas manufactured from coal or oil, gas
obtained from biomass or from landfill, or a mixture of any or all of the above.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Effective 9-16-2014
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Gas, Gas Service
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVI ATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Utility Service provided to residents .
procurement, transmission d d' . ~d busmess owners in the Cit f
Palo Alto Utilities Dep~eannt IstributJOn of Gas for retail use. Gas Se~ic~ i:p~o ~dltdo bconsisti~g of
. .ovi e y the City of
Generating Facility
All Generators, electrical wires, equipment and other fl T . ·
purpose of producing Electric power. rhls includes ~~ Itlfs owned. or prov~ded by Producer for the
Generating Facility that is the subject of a Net Energy Ms~ ~ or wmd Ind turbme ~enewable Electric
Rule and Regulation 29. e enng an terconnection Agreement and
Generator
A devi~e converting mechan_ical, chemical or solar energy into electrical energy, including all of its protectt~e and .c~ntrol FunctiOns and structural appurtenances. One or more Generators c · Generating Facthty. ompnse a
Gross Nameplate Rating; Gross Nameplate Capacity .
The total gross generating capacity of a Generator or Generating Facility as designated by the
manufacturer(s) of the Generator(s).
Initial Review
The review by CPAU, following receipt of an Application, to detennine the following: (a) whether the
Generating Facility qualifies for Simplified Interconnection; or (b) if the Generating Facility can be
made to qualify for Interconnection with a Supplemental Review determining any additional
requirements.
Inspector
The authorized Inspector, agent, or representative of CPAU.
Interconnection; Interconnected
The physical connection of a Generating Facility in accordance with the requirements of the City's
Utilities Rules and Regulations so that Parallel Operation with CPAU's Distribution System can occur
(has occurred).
In:terconneetion Agreement
An agreement between CP AU and the Producer providing for the Interconnection of a Generating
Facility that gives certain rights and obligations to effect or end Interconnection. For the purposes of the
City's Utilities Rules and Regulations, the Net Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement (for
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 8
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
NEM and NEM Aggregation Customers), and the Power Purchase Agreements authorized by the City
Council may be considered as Interconnection Agreements for purposes of defining such term.
Interconnection Facilities
The electrical wires, switches and related equipment that are required in addition to the facilities
required to provide Electric Distribution Service to a Customer to allow Interconnection.
Interconnection Facilities may be located on either side of the Point of Common Coupling as appropriate
to their purpose and design. Interconnection Facilities may be integral to a Generating Facility or
provided separately.
Interconnection Study
A study to establish ·the requirements for Interconnection of a Generating Facility with CPAU's
Distribution System.
Internet Exchange
Any Internet data center for telecommunications equipment and computer equipment for the purposes of
enabling traffic exchange arid providing commercial-grade data center services.
Island; Islanding
A condition on CPAU's Electric Distribution System in which one or more Generating Facilities deliver
power to Customers using a portion of CPAU's Distribution System that is electrically isolated from the
remainder ofCPAU's Distribution System.
Junction
A location on the Dark Fiber Infrastructure where equipment is installed for the purpose of connecting
communication cables.
Junction Site
The area within the Transmission Pathway at which a Junction is located.
Kilovar (kVar)
A unit of reactive power equal to 1 ,000 reactive volt-amperes.
Kilovar-hours (kVarh)
The amount of reactive flow in one hour, at a constant rate ofK.ilovar.
Kilowatt (kW)
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Effective 9-16-2014
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A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
The amount of energy delivered in one hour, when delivery is at a constant rate of one Kilowatt; a
standard unit of billing for electrical energy.
Law
Any administrative or judicial act, decision, bill, Certificate, Charter, Code, constitution, opinion, order,
ordinance, policy, procedure, Rate, Regulation, resolution, Rule, Schedule, specification, statute, tariff,
or other requirement of any district, local, municipal, county, joint powers, state, or federal Agency, or
any other Agency having joint or several jurisdiction over the City of Palo Alto or City of Palo Alto
Utilities or Public Works Customers, including, without limitation, any regulation or order of an official
or quasi-official entity or body.
Licensed Fibers
One or more fibers comprising a part of the Dark Fiber Infrastructure that are dedicated to the exclusive
use of the Customer under the Provisions of the Dark Fiber License Agreement, Proposal to Dark Fiber
Services Agreement and the Utilities Rules and Regulations.
Licensed Fibers Route
A defined path of Licensed Fibers that is identified by specific End Points.
Load(s)
The Electric power Demand (kW) of the Customer at its Service Address within a measured period of
time, normally 15 minutes; or the quantity of Gas required by a Customer at its Service Address,
measured in MMBtu per Day.
Main Wastewater Line
Any Wastewater line not including a building connection (Service) sewer.
Master-metering
Where CP AU installs one Service and Meter to supply more than one residence, apartment dwelling
unit, mobile home space, store, or office.
Maximum Generation
For a customer with a non-utility generator located on the customer's side of the Point of Common
Coupling, the Maximum Generation for that non-utility generator during any billing period is the
maximum average generation in kilowatts taken during any 15-minute interval in that billing period
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 10
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
provided that in case the generator output is intermittent or subject to violent fluctuations, the City may
use a 5-minute interval.
Meter .
The instrument owned and maintained by CPAU that is used for measuring either the Electricity, Gas or
Water delivered to the Customer.
Metering
The measurement of electrical power flow in kW and/or energy in kWh, and, if necessary, reactive
power in kVar at a point, and its display to CPAU as required by Rule 27.
Metering Equipment
All equipment, hardware, software including Meter cabinets, conduit, etc., that are necessary for
Metering.
Meter Read
The recording of usage data from Metering Equipment.
Minimum Charge
The least amount for which Service will be rendered in accordance with the Rate Schedule.
Momentary Parallel Operation
The Interconnection of a Generating Facility to the Distribution System for one second (60 cycles) or
less.
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
A laboratory accredited to perform the Certification Testing requirements under Rule 27.
Net Electricity Consumer
A Customer-Generator whose Generating Facility produces less electricity than is supplied by CP AU
d~ng a particular period, as such definition may otherwise be modified or supplemented by any
definition in California Public Utilities Code section 2827(h)(2), as the same may be amended from time
to time.
Net Energy Metering
Net Energy Metering means measuring the difference between the electricity supplied through CPAU's
Electric utility Distribution System and the electricity generated by the customer-generator's facility and
delivered to CPAU's Electric utility Distribution System over a specified twelve-month period.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet Noli
Net Generation Metering
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Metering of the net electrical power of energy output in kW or energy in kWh, from a given Generating
Facility. This may also be the measurement of the difference between the total electrical energy
produced by a Generator and the electrical energy consumed by the auxiliary equipment necessary to
operate the Generator.
Net Nameplate Rating
The Gross Nameplate Rating minus the consumption of electrical power of a Generator or Generating
Facility as designated by the manufacturer(s) of the Generator(s).
Net Surplus Customer-Generator
A Customer-Generator who's Generating Facility produces more electricity than is supplied by CPAU,
during a particular period, as such definition may otherwise be modified or supplemented by any
definition in California Public Utilities Code section 2827(h)(3), as the same may be amended from time
to time.
Net Surplus Electricity Compensation
A per kilowatthour rate offered by CP AU to the Net Surplus Customer-Generators (excluding
Aggregation Customers) for net surplus electricity, as such definition may otherwise be modified or
supplemented by any definition in California Public Utilities Code section 2827(b)(8), as the same may
be amended from time to time.
Non-Islanding
Designed to detect and disconnect from an Unintended Island with matched Load and generation.
Reliance solely on under/over voltage and frequency trip is not considered sufficient to qualify as Non-
Islanding.
Occupied Domestic Dwelling
Any house, cottage, flat, or apartment unit having a kitchen, bath, and sleeping facilities, which is
occupied by a Person or Persons.
Parallel Operation
The simultaneous operation of a Generator with power delivered or received by CPAU while
Interconnected. For the purpose of this Rule, Parallel Operation includes Qnly those Generating
Facilities that are Interconnected with CPAU's Distribution System for more than 60 cycles (one
second).
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 12
Performance Test, Performance Tested
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
After the completion of any Fiber Interconnection work, the City will conduct a Perfprmance Test of
each Fiber constituting a part of the proposed leased fibers to determine its compliance with the
Performance Specifications.
Performance Specifications
These specifications will include, but not be limited to, criteria relating to end-to-end optical time
domain reflectometer data plots that identify the light optical transmission losses in each direction along
the leased fibers whenever the testing is possible, measured in decibels at a wavelength of 1310 or 1550
nanometers for singlemode Fiber, as a Function of distance, measured in kilometers.
Person
Any individual, for profit corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
limited liability partnership, joint venture, business, family or testamentary trust, sole proprietorship, or
other form of business association.
PG&E Citygate
The PG&E Citygate is the point at which PG&E's backbone transmission system connects to PG&E's
local transmission system.
Point of Common Coupling (PCC)
The transfer point for electricity ·between the electrical conductors of CP AU and the electrical
conductors of the Producer.
Point of Common Coupling Metering
Metering located at the Point of Common Coupling. This is the same Metering as Net Generation
Metering for Generating Facilities with no host load.
Point of Delivery (POD)
Unless otherwise specified, the following definitions apply: For Electric, that location where the Service
lateral conductors connect to the Customer's Service entrance equipment; for. overhead Services, the
POD is at the weather-bead connection; for under-ground Services, the POD is located at the terminals
ahead of or at the Meter; for multiple Meter arrangements with connections in a gutter, the POD is at
the Meter terminals (supply-side); for multiple Meter arrangements in a switchboard, the POD is
typically at the connectors in the utility entrance section; for Natural Gas, the POD is the point(s) on the
Distribution System where the City delivers natural Gas that it has transported to the Customer.
Point of Interconnection
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Effective 9-16-2014
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
The electrical transfer point between a Generating Facility and the Distribution System. This may or
may not be coincident with the Point of Common Coupling.
Point of Service (POS)
Where CPAU connects the Electric Service lateral to its Distribution System. For Fiber Optics Service,
this is where CPAU connects the Fiber Service to the backbone. This point is usually a box located in or
near the street or sidewalk and can be in the Public Right-of-Way. This point is at a mutually agreed
upon location established at the time of installation.
Pole Line
Overhead wires and overhead structures, including poles, towers, support wires, conductors, guys, studs,
platforms, cross anns braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, communication circuits,
appliances attachments, and appurtenances, located above ground and used or useful in supplying
Electric, communication, or similar or associated Service.
Power Factor
The percent of total power delivery (kVA) which does useful work. For billing purposes, average Power
Factor is calculated from a trigonometric function of the ratio of reactive kilovolt-ampere-hours to the
Kilowatt-hours consumed during the billing month. Power Factor is a ratio that reflects the reactive
power used by a Customer.. CPAU maintains an overall system Power Factor above 95% to reduce
distribution system losses caused by low Power Factor.
Power Factor Adjustment
CPAU must install additional equipment to correct for Customers that maintain a low Power Factor, and
may make a Power Factor Adjustment to a Customer's bill to account for those costs and the additional
energy costs and losses incurred by CPAU due to the Customer's low Power Factor.
Premises
All structures, apparatus, or portion thereof occupied or operated by an individual(s), a family, or a
business enterprise, and situated on an integral parcel of land undivided by a public street, highway, or
railway.
Primary Service
CPAU Electric distribution Service provided to a Customer's Premises at a voltage level equal to or
greater than 1000 volts.
Producer
The entity that executes an Interconnection Agreement with CPAU. The Producer may or may not own
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 14
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
or operate the Generating Facility, but is responsible for the rights and obligations related to the
Interconnection Agreement.
Proposal for Dark Fiber Services
A project-specific Service agreement that acts as a supplemental document for the Dark Fiber License
· Agreement. This Service agreement shall include the proposed Interconnection fees, applicable Fiber
licensing fees, term of the Service, and summary of licensed Fiber elements.
Protective Function(s)
The equipment, hardware and/or software in a Generating Facility (whether discrete or integrated with
other Functions) whose purpose is to protect against Unsafe Operating Conditions.
Provision
Any agreement, circumstance, clause, condition, covenant, fact, objective, qualification, restriction,
recital, reservation, representation, term, warranty, or other stipulation in a contract or in Law that
defines or otherwise controls, establishes, or limits the performance required or permitted by any party.
Prudent Utility Practices
The methods, protocols, and procedures that are currently used or employed by utilities to design,
engineer, select, construct, operate and maintain facilities in a dependable, reliable, safe, efficient and
economic manner.
Public Right-of-Way .
The areas owned, occupied or used by the City for the purposes of furnishing retail and/or wholesale
Electricity, Gas, Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water Drainage, Refuse and recycling or
communications commodity and/or distribution Service, and the means of public transportation, to the
general public, including but not limited to, the public alleys, avenues, boulevards, courts, curbs, gutters,
lanes, places, roads, sidewalks, sidewalk planter areas, streets, and ways.
Public Utility Easements
The areas occupied or used by the City for the purpose of providing Utility Service to the general public,
and all related Services offered by the City's Utilities Department and/or Public Works Department, the
rights of which were acquired by easements appurtenant or in gross, or are other interests or estates in
real property, or are the highest use permitted to be granted by the nature of the City's interest in and to
the affected real property. This term incorporates all public Service easements for Utility Services that
have been recorded by the City with the Recorder of the County of Santa Clara, California.
Public Works Department
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 15
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
See City of Palo Alto Public Works Department.
Rate Schedule
One or more Council-adopted documents setting forth the Charges and conditions for a particular class
or type of Utility Service. A Rate Schedule includes wording such as Schedule number, title, class of
Service, applicability, territory, rates, conditions, and references to Rules.
Recyclable Materials
Materials designated by the City as acceptable for recycling collection and processing.
Renewable Electric Generating Facility
A Generating Facility eligible for NEM under California Public Utilities Code section 2827 et seq. as
the same may be amended from time to time.
Reserved Capacity
For a customer with one or more non-utility generators located on the customer's side of the Point of
Common Coupling, the Reserved Capacity for each billing period is the lesser of 1) the sum of the
Maximum Generation for that period for all non-utility generation sources; or 2) the maximum average
customer demand in kilowatts taken during any 15-minute interval in the billing period provided that in
case the load is intermittent or subject to violent fluctuations, the City may use a 5-minute interval.
Residential Service
Utility Service provided to separately metered single family or multi-family, domestic dwelling.
Rules and Regulations
See Utilities Rules and Regulations
Scheduling Coordinator
An entity providing the coordination of power schedules and nominations to effect transportation and
distribution of Gas, Electric power and energy.
Secondary Service
CPAU Electric distribution Service provided to a Customer's Premises at a voltage level less than 1000
volts.
Service(s)
UtilitY Services offered by the City of Palo Alto include Electric, Fiber Optics, Gas, Water, Wastewater
Collection services provided by the Utilities Department (CPAU); and Refuse and Recycling,
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Wastewater Treatment, and Storm and Surface Water Drainage Services provided by the Public Works
Department.
Service Address
The official physical address of the building or facility assigned by CPAU,s Planning Department, at
which Customer receives Utility Services.
Service Charge
A fixed monthly Charge applicable on certain Rate Schedules that does not vary with consumption. The
Charge is intended to recover a portion of certain fixed costs.
Service Drop
The overhead Electric Service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and including the
splices, if any, connecting to the service entrance conductors at the building or other structure. Or, in the
case of Fiber Optic Drops, the overhead Fiber Optics cable from the last pole or other aerial support to
the building or other structure to and including the te~ination box.
Services or Service Lines
Facilities ofCPAU, excluding transformers and Meters, between CPAU's infrastructure and the Point of
Delivery to the Customer.
Service Territory
The geographic boundaries within the City of Palo Alto limits served by the physical Distribution
System of the CPAU.
Short Circuit (Current) Contribution Ratio (SCCR)
The ratio of the Generating Facility's short circuit contribution to the short circuit contribution provided
through CPAU's Distribution System for a three-phase fault at the high voltage side of the distribution
transformer connecting the Generating Facility to CPAU's system.
Simplified Interconnection
An Interconnection conforming to the minimum requirements as determined under Rule 27, Section I.
Single Line Diagram; Single Line Drawing
A schematic drawing, showing the major Electric switchgear, Protective Function devices, wires,
Generators, transformers and other devices, providing sufficient detail to communicate to a qualified
engineer the essential design and safety of the system being considered.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 17
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Special Facilities
See CPAU's Rule and Regulation 20 governing Special Facilities.
Splice
A point where two separate sections of Fiber are physically connected.
Standard Refuse Container
A Standard Refuse Container shall have the meariing described in the Palo Alto Municipal Code. A
Standard Container shall also include a wheeled container with a capacity of not to exceed 32 gallons.
Standby Service
Back~up Energy Services provided by CP AU.
Storm and Surface Water Drainage
Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto.
Storm and Surface Water Drainage Service is provided by the City of Palo Alto Public Works
Department.
Supplemental Review
A process wherein CPAU further reviews an Application that fails one or more of the Initial Review
Process screens. The Supplemental Review may result in one of the following: (a) approval of
Interconnection; (b) approval of Interconnection with additional requirements; ·or (c) cost and schedule
for an Interconnection Study.
System Integrity
The condition under which a Distribution System is deemed safe and can reliably perform its intended
Functions in accordance with the safety and reliability rules ofCPAU.
Tax
Any assessment, Charge, imposition, license, or levy (including any Utility Users Tax) and imposed by
any Agency, including the City.
Telemetering
The electrical or electronic transmittal of Metering data in real-time to CPAU.
Temporary Service
Service requested for limited period of time or of indeterminate duration such as, but not limited to,
Service to provide power for construction, seasonal sales lots (Christmas trees), carnivals, rock crushers
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9~16~2014
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
or paving plants. Temporary Service does not include Emergency, breakdown, or Standby Service.
Tberm
A Therm is a unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British Thermal Units (Btu). It is approximately the
energy equivalent of burning 100 cubic feet (often referred to as 1 ccf) of natural Gas. Since Meters
measure volume and not energy content, a Therm factor is used to convert the volume of Gas used to its
heat equivalent, and thus calculate the actual energy use. The Therm factor is usually in the units
therms/ccf. It will vary with the mix of hydrocarbons in the natural Gas. Natural Gas with a higher than
average concentration of ethane, propane or butane will have a higher Therm factor. Impurities, such as
carbon dioxide or nitrogen lower the Therm factor.
Transfer Trip
A Protective Function that trips a Generating Facility remotely by means of an automated
communications link controlled by CPAU.
Transmission Pathway
Those areas of the Public Right-of-Way, the Public Utility Easements and the Leased Service Properties
in which the Dark Fiber Infrastructure is located.
Trap
Any approved equipment or appliance for sealing an outlet from a house-connection sewer to
prevent the escape of sewer Gas from a main line through a building connection (service) sewer.
Underground Utility District
An area in the City within which poles, overhead electric or telecommunication wires, and associated
overhead structures are prohibited or as otherwise defmed in Section 12.04.050 of the PAMC.
Unintended Island
The creation of an Island, usually following a loss of a portion of CPAU's Distribution System, without
the approval ofCPAU.
Unsafe Operating Conditions
Conditions that, if left uncorrected, could result in harm to personnel, damage to equipment, loss of
System Integrity or operation outside pre-established parameters required by the Interconnection
Agreement.
Utilities Department
See City of Palo Alto Utilities Department.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issu~d by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 19
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Utilities Director
The individual designated as the Director of Utilities Department under Section 2.08.200 of Chapter
2.08 of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and any Person who is designated the representative of
the director of utilities ..
Utility(ies) Rules and Regulations, Rules and Regulations
The compendium of Utilities Rules and Regulations prepared by the City's Utilities and Public Works
Departments and adopted by ordinance or resolution of the Council pursuant to Chapter 12.20 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code, as amended from time to time.
Utility(ies) Service(s), Service(s)
Electric, Fiber optics, Water, Gas, Wastewater collection services provided by the City of Palo Alto
Utilities Department (CPAU) and Refuse and Recycling, Wastewater Treatment and Storm and Surface
Water Drainage services provided by the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department.
Utilities User Tax (UUT)
City of Palo Alto Tax imposed on Utility Charges to a Water, Gas, and/or Electric Service user. This
may include Charges made for Electricity, Gas, and Water and Charges for Service including Customer
Charges, Service Charges, Standby Charges, Charges for Temporary Services, Demand Charges, and
annual and monthly Charges, as described in Chapter 2.35 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Wastewater
Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto. Wastewater Utility
Services include collection and treatment of Wastewater. Wastewater Collection Service is provided by
the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department, and Wastewater Treatment Service is provided by the City of
Palo Alto Public Works Department.
Water
Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto for retail use. Water
Service is provided by the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department.
Water Column (WC)
Pressure unit based on the difference in inches between the heights of water columns as measured in a
manometer. 6" we = 0.217 psi; 7" we = 025 psi.
Yard Trimmings
Yard Trimmings means those materials defmed in Section 5.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet NolO
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
(END)
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No 21
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
A. APPLICABILITY
B.
c.
This Rule and Regulation is applicable to any City ofPalo Alto Utilities ("CP AU") Customer that is
an eligible Customer-Generator under the California Public Utilities Code that desires to participate
in Net Energy Metering ("NEM") or Net Energy Metering Aggregation (''NEM Aggregation") with a
Renewable Electric Generation Facility, not to exceed 1 MW on premises within CPAU service
territory to operate in parallel with the CP AU distribution system.
SCOPE
Notwithstanding the requirements and charges set forth in this Rule 29, CPAU reserves the right
to impose any requirements set forth in Rule 27 that are additional to or more stringent than those
set forth in this Rule 29, including those related to billing and charges, on NEM and NEM
Aggregation Customers to the maximum extent permitted by state law (Cal. Pub. Util. Code§
2827 et seq., as the same may be amended from time to time).
CUSTOMER ELIGmiLITY
1. General Requirements. In order to be eligible to participate in NEM or NEM Aggregation, a
Customer must:
a. Be a Customer-Generator, pursuant to the definition set forth in Rule and Regulation
2.
b. Construct, design, install, interconnect, operate and maintain a Renewable Electric
Generation Facility (or combination of such facilities) that is:
i. On the Customer-Generator's owned, leased or rented Premises,
ii. Of a total capacity of not more than one (1) MW (or 1,000 kW),
iii. Intended primarily to offset part or all of the Customer-Generator's own
Electric Seriice requirements, and
iv. Is not used to sell to any third person, or otherwise provide Electric
Service to any real estate parcel, premise, or location other than those that
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
SheetNo. 1
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
are the subject of the Customer-Generator's Interconnection Agreement
(lA)
l. Additional Requirements for NEM Aggregation. In addition to those eligibility
requirements set forth in Section 1(a) of this Rule and Regulation 29, a CPAU Customer
is only eligible to participate in NEM Aggregation where:
a. The Customer-Generator elects to aggregate Electric Service of the meters located
on the property where the Renewable Electric Generation Facility is located across
properties that are adjacent or contiguous with that property; and
b. All properties across which the Customer-Generator elects to aggregate are solely
owned, leased, or rented by the eligible Customer.
D. BILLING FOR NEM
1. General Rules
a. Twelve Month True Up Period
i. At the end of each twelve-month period following:
aa. The date of Interconnection of the Renewable Electric Generating
Facility, or
bb. For a Customer with a date of Interconnection of the Generating
Facility commencing prior to February 1, 2010, the day after CPAU's
receipt of the Customer's net surplus electricity election form
ii. CPAU will determine whether the Customer-Generator is a Net Electricity
Consumer or a Net Surplus Customer-Generator during that period.
b. CPAU will bill the Customer-Generator for the electricity used during that twelve-
month period, whether the Customer-Generator is considered a Net Electricity
Consumer or a Net Surplus Customer-Generator.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.2
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
c. CPAU shall provide the Customer-Generator with net electricity consumption
information with each monthly bill; that information shall include either the current
monetary balance owed to CPAU or the current amount of excess electricity
produced since the last twelve-month peri~d.
d. If the Customer-Generator terminates the contractual relationship with CPAU, then
CPAU shall reconcile the Customer-Generator's consumption and production of
electricity during any part of the twelve-month period following the last annual
settlement and reconciliation, using the procedures as outlined in this Rule.
2. Monthly Billing
a. For Net Electricity Consumers
i. Medium and large commercial Customer-Generators will be required to pay
any balances due to CPAU on a monthly basis.
ii. Except as annual billing is provided for in this Rule 29, residential and small
commercial Customer-Generators will default to owing balances due on a
monthly basis, but may request annual billing as allowed for in California
Public Utilities Code sections 2827 (g) and (h)(2)( c).
iii. Standby service charges for backup or maintenance electric service will be
waived, provided that the Customer-Generator qualifies for participation in
net energy metering at the Service Address
b. For Net Sw:plus Customer-Generators
i. For a Customer-Generator who has submitted an affirmative election, CP AU
will provide either Net Surplus Electricity Compensation in accordance with
Electric Utility Rate Schedule E-NSE-1, for any net surplus electricity
generated during the prior twelve-month period, or bill credits resulting from
net surplus electricity generation to be applied against electricity-related
charges subsequently incurred by the Customer-Generator.
ii. If the Customer-Generator fails to make an affirmative election to receive
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.3
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
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Service pursuant to Net Surplus Electricity Compensation, then CPAU shall
retain any excess electricity (expressed in Kilowatt-hours) generated during
the prior twelve-month period, and it shall not be obligated to pay Net
Surplus Electricity Compensation, nor shall it be obligated to allow the
application of net surplus electricity credits to be used against Energy charges
subsequently incurred by the Customer-Generator.
iii. CP AU will allow a Customer to change the election option once each
settlement period provided that the Customer provides notice to CP AU one
month prior to the beginning of new settlement period.
3. Annual Billing
a. Customers may request annual billing as allowed for in California Public Utilities
Code sections 2827 (g) and (h)(2)( c) ..
b. Bill payment will not be considered delinquent, unless the Customer-Generator does
not pay a final billing statement within twenty (20) days of the date of issuance of
that final billing statement.
c. For annually billed residential or small commercial Customer-Generators, the net
balance of money owed to CPAU will be carried forward until the end of the twelve-
month period.
d. To accommodate annual billing, a Customers Electricity Service may be transferred
to a separate Utility Account so as not to interrupt monthly billing for other recurring,
non-electric Utility Services.
4. Additional Billing Rules Applicable to NEM Aggregation Customers
a. For each monthly billing period, the amount of electricity generated from the
Aggregation Customer's Generating Facility during that billing period will be
accounted for on a per kWh basis.
b. The Aggregation Customer's energy consumption will be totaled for each
Beneficiary Account that is listed to receive kwh energy credits from the
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.4
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
Generating Facility per the Customer's Interconnection Agreement.
c. Each Beneficiary Account will be allotted a portion of the Generating Facilities
· energy equal to that Beneficiary Accounts relative share of Aggregation
Customer's total usage for the billing period.
d. The total amount of energy produced by a Generating Facility will be allotted in
each billing period.
e. The billing for Beneficiary Accounts will be the same as NEM customers, as
outlined in Section 2(a) above, with the restriction that no Beneficiary Account is
eligible for Net Surplus Electricity Compensation in accordance with Electric
Utility Rate Schedule E-NSE-1, but may only carry forward energy credits.
D. APPLICATION AND INTERCONNECTION PROCESS
1. APPlication Process
CPAU shall process a request for the establishment ofNEM and Interconnection from the
Customer-Generator within the time period not exceeding that for Customers requesting new
Electric Service; provided, however, that such time period will not exceed thirty (30) days
from the date of (1) receipt of a completed Application form for Net Energy Metering
Service and Interconnection from the Customer-Generator, (2) Electric inspection clearance
from CP AU in accordance with California Public Utilities Code 2827( c )(2), and (3) building
inspection clearance from the City of Palo Alto Building Inspection Division. IfCPAU is
unable to process the request within the thirty-day period or other applicable period, then
CPAU shall notify the Customer-Generator of the reason for its inability to process the
request and the expected completion date.
2. Interconnection Process
The Customer-Generator will be required to sign either an Interconnection Agreement, as
applicable, or an agreement containing substantially the terms and conditions of the above
referenced agreements and agree to be subject to applicable Utility Rates and Charges and
Utility Rules and Regulations in order to be eligible for NEM Service provided by CP AU.
CP AU will make available all necessary forms and contracts for NEM Service for download
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.5
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
from the Internet.
D. GENERATING FACDTY DESIGN AND OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
1. Safety Standards
The facility will meet all applicable federal, state and local safety and performance standards,
including those established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), the Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) and, as applicable, the rules of the California Public Utilities Commission
. regarding safety and reliability. The Customer-Generator whose facility meets those
standards and rules will not be required to install additional controls, perform or pay for
additional tests, or purchase additional liability insurance.
2. Design Standards
In addition to the requirements more generally set forth in section D.1, Customer-Generator
will:
a. Conform to the applicable National Electric Code (NEC) Standards [NEC 690]
and applicable building codes.
b. Have a dedicated circuit from the inverter to the Service panel with a circuit breaker
or fuse [NEC 690-64(b)(l)].
c. Have an overcurrent device at the Service panel will be marked to indicate solar
power source [NEC 690-64(b)(4)].
d. Establish the following minimum specifications for Parallel Operation with CPAU's
Electric utility Distribution System.
e. Install a visible break, lockable AC disconnect switch in the dedicated circuit to the
inverter. This switch will be located where it is easily accessible by CPAU personnel
and will be equipped with a CPAU padlock [CPAU Rule and Regulation 27].
f. Use an inverter that is UL 1741-appoved and have the following specifications for
Parallel Operation with CPAU's Electric utility Distribution System:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.6
E. METERING
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
i. Inverter output will automatically disconnect from CPAU's utility source
upon the loss ofCPAU's utility voltage and will not be reconnected until at
least five (5) minutes after normal utility voltage and frequency have been
restored [UL 1741].
ii. Inverter will automatically disconnect from CPAU's utility source within 120
cycles (2 seconds) ifCPAU's utility voltage isles than 106 volts or greater
than 132 volts on a 120~volt base [UL 1741].
iii. Inverter will automatically disconnect from CPAU's utility source within 10
cycles (0.17 seconds) if CP AU's utility frequency fluctuations is less than
59.3 hertz or greater than 60.5 hertz [UL 1741] cycle.
iv. Inverter output will comply with IEEE 519 standards for harmonic
distortion [CPAU Rule and Regulation 27].
Wit. NEM may be accomplished by using a single Meter capable of registering the flow of
electricity in two different directions. If the Customer~Generator's existing Meter is not
capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two directions, then the Customer~Generator
shall be responsible for all expenses involved in purchasing and installing a Meter that is able
to measure electricity flow in two directions.
2. In lieu of one Meter, an additional Meter to monitor the flow of electricity in each,direction
may be installed with the consent of the Customer~Generator, at the expense of CP AU. The
additional Meter shall be used only to provide the information necessary to accurately bill or
credit the Customer-Generator and/or to collect solar or wind Electric generating system
performance information for research purposes.
3. Customer-Generator grants to CP AU, its officers, employees, agents and representatives the
non-exclusive right of ingress and egress on, over and across the Premises upon reasonable
prior notice for the purpose of inspecting and approving the installation and operation of the
Facility and authenticating the accuracy of the meter(s ), or in the event of an emergency or in
regard to a disconnection of the Facility, without notice, if in CP AU's Director of Utilities'
sole judgment, a condition hazardous to life or property exists, and immediate action is
necessary to protect life or property from damage or interference directly caused by the
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16~2014
SheetNo. 7
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
Equipment or as a result of the lack of properly operating protective devices.
F. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Customer-Generator will obtain and maintain the required governmental authorizations,
permits, and any policy or policies of insurance, including, without limitation,
commercial general liability, property, and professional liability insurance, as may be
required by applicable laws, subject only to subsection c below.
2. CP AU will not be obligated to accept or pay for, and it may require Customer-Generator
to interrupt or reduce, the delivery of available energy generated by the Facility under the
following: (a) whenever CPAU in its sole judgment determines that the interruption or
reduction is necessary in order for CPAU to construct, install, maintain, repair, replace,
remove, investigate, or inspect any part ofCPAU's electric utility distribution system; or
(b) if CPAU determines that the interruption or reduction is necessary on account of an
emergency, voluntary or involuntary outage, event of force majeure, or compliance with
prudent electrical practices.
3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if CPAU determines that either
(a) the operation of the Facility may threaten or endanger the health, safety or welfare of
CPAU's personnel or CPAU's or its personnel's property, or (b) the continued operation
of the Facility may endanger the operational integrity ofCPAU's electric utility
distribution system, CPAU will have the right to temporarily or permanently disconnect
the Facility from CPAU's electric utility distribution system upon the delivery of
reasonable notice to Customer-Generator; provided, however, CP AU may act without
giving prior notice to Customer-Generator, if CP AU determines that it is impracticable to
provide the notice. The Facility will remain disconnected until such time as CPAU's
Director of Utilities is reasonably satisfied that the conditions referred to in this
subsection have been corrected or sufficiently addressed.
4. Customer-Generator will (a) maintain the Facility, which interconnects with CPAU's
electric utility distribution system, in a safe and prudent manner and in conformance with
all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the requirements
of this Section 3, and (b) obtain any governmental approvals, authorizations and permits
required for the construction and operation of the Facility.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.8
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
5. Customer-Generator will reimburse CP AU for any and all losses, damages, claims,
penalties, or liability that CPAU may incur or sustain as a result of Customer-Generator's
failure to obtain and maintain any and all governmental approvals, authorizations and
permits that may be required for the construction, installation, operation, repair and
maintenance of the Facility.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 9-16-2014
Sheet No.9