HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 9517DocuSign Envelope ID: 27787D25-5E06-4782-817E-740CB09036AB
Resolution No. 9517
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Utilities Rules and Regulations 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations),
3 (Description of Utility Services), 11 (Billing, Adjustments, and Payments of
Bills), and 24 (Special Refuse Service Regulations) Governing the Provision of
Utilities and Public Works Services
A. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the City Council
may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services and the fees and
charges therefor.
B. The amendments to Rules and Regulations 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations), 3
(Description of Utility Services), 11 (Billing, Adjustments, and Payments of Bills), and 24 (Special
Refuse Service Regulations) include new definitions, updates to the refuse service billing
adjustments and new service guidelines and requirements to reflect new zero waste services.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES, as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations), as amended, attached hereto and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved and adopted. The foregoing Utilities Rule and
Regulation, as amended, shall become effective on July 1, 2015.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 3 (Description of Utility Services), as amended, attached hereto and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved and adopted. The foregoing Utilities Rule and
Regulation, as amended, shall become effective on July 1, 2015.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 11 (Billing, Adjustments, and Payments of Bills), as amended, attached
hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved and adopted. The foregoing Utilities Rule
and Regulation, as amended, shall become effective on July 1, 2015.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 24 (Special Refuse Service Regulations), as amended, attached hereto and
incorporated herein, is hereby approved and adopted. The foregoing Utilities Rule and
Regulation, as amended, shall become effective on July 1, 2015.
SECTION 5. Except as specifically amended by this resolution, all existing Utilities
Rules and Regulations shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not meet the
California Environmental Quality Act's definition of a project, pursuant to California Public
150501 jb 00710614
DocuSign Envelope ID: 27787D25-5E06-47B2-817E-740CB09036AB
Resources Code section 21065, therefore, no environmental assessment is required.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: June 15, 2015
AYES: BERMAN, BURT, DUBOIS, FILSETH, HOLMAN, KNISS, SCHARFF, SCHMID,
WOLBACH
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATIEST: APPROVED
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: GD.· ocuSign·ed·. by:.· tt·Kttf-lf
3QEZ2QAffrxvwDB
City Manager
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8007E5BC39BMA1 ...
Senior Assistant City Attorney Director of Public Works
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Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Number: 27787D255E0647B2817E740CB09036AB Status: Completed
Subject: Please DocuSign this document: RESO 9517 Amending Utility Rules and Regulations July 1 2015.pdf
Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 2
Certificate Pages: 5
AutoNav: Enabled
Envelopeld Stamping: Enabled
Record Tracking
Status: Original
6/22/2015 9:52:30 AM PT
Signer Events
Grant Kolling
Grant.Kolling@CityofPaloAito.org
Senior Asst. City Attorney
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted: 6/22/2015 2:49:47 PM PT
ID: 27c75272-eb74-4d47-ae9d-5afd86e8080f
J M Sartor
Mike.Sartor@CityofPaloAito.org
Public Works Director
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted: 6/23/20151:20:12 PM PT
ID: 6bb8f022-1859-49d7 -8d35-0ff333c90573
James Keene
james.keene@cityofpaloalto.org
City Manager
City of Palo Alto
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Accepted: 4/14/2015 5:40:07 PM PT
ID: 44fe333a-6a81-4cb 7 -b 7d4-9254 73ac82e3
In Person Signer Events
Editor Delivery Events
Agent Delivery Events
Intermediary Delivery Events
Signatures: 3
Initials: 0
Holder: Kim Lunt
kimberly .lunt@cityofpaloalto.org
Signature
~DocuSigned by:
~::~~
Using IP Address: 199.33.32.254
Using IP Address: 199.33.32.254
Using IP Address: 199.33.32.254
Signature
Status
S.tatus
Status
Envelope Originator:
Kim Lunt
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
kimberly .lunt@cityofpaloalto.org
IP Address: 199.33.32.254
Location: DocuSign
Timestamp
Sent: 6/22/2015 10:03:01 AM PT
Viewed: 6/22/2015 2:49:47 PM PT
Signed: 6/22/2015 2:50:25 PM PT
Sent: 6/22/2015 2:50:26 PM PT
Viewed: 6/23/20151:20:12 PM PT
Signed: 6/23/2015 1:20:38 PM PT
Sent: 6/23/2015 1 :20:39 PM PT
Viewed: 6/29/2015 8:02:48 PM PT
Signed: 6/29/2015 8:03:00 PM PT
Timestamp
Timestamp
Timestamp
Timestamp
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 1
A. ABBREVIATIONS
AMR - Automated Meter Reading
AER - Advance Engineering Request
Btu - British Thermal Unit
ccf - Hundred Cubic Feet
CEC - California Energy Commission
CPAU - City of Palo Alto Utilities
CPUC - California Public Utilities Commission.
ERU - Equivalent Residential Unit
FERC - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
kVar - Kilovar
kVarh - Kilovar-hours
kW - Kilowatt
kWh - Kilowatt-hour
MW - Megawatt
MMBtu - One million Btus.
NEC - National Electric Code, Latest Version
NEM - Net Energy Metering
NEMA - Net Energy Metering Aggregation
NEMIA - Net Energy Metering Interconnection Agreement
NRTL - Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
PAMC - Palo Alto Municipal Code
PSIG - Per square inch gauge
PST - Pacific Standard Time
RWQCP - Regional Water Quality Control Plant
UUT - Utilities Users Tax
B. GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Account
The identification number in CPAU’s billing system for Utility Services.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 2
Agency
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 Service
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.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 3
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 verifies conformance of certain equipment with approved performance
standards in order to be classified as Certified Equipment. Certification Tests are performed by NRTLs.
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,
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 4
processing and disposal of solid waste, Compostable Materials 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 Service, 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 Service, 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.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 5
Container
Any receptacle used for storage of solid waste, Recyclable Materials, Compostable Materials or other
materials designated by the City to be collected by the City’s Collector. Examples of containers include
carts, bins, compactors and drop boxes.
Cubic Foot of Gas (cf)
The quantity of Gas that, at a temperature of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of 14.73
pounds per square inch absolute, occupies one cubic foot.
Curtailment
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
section2827, 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 CPAU 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)
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 6
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.
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 Services
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 Service
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.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 7
Emergency Service
Electric Service supplied to, or made available to, Load devices which are operated only in Emergency
situations or in testing for same.
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 of ERU’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 1/10 ERU using this
formula: No. Of ERU = Impervious Area (sq. ft.) / 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 which 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.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 8
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.
Gas, Gas Service
Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto consisting of
procurement, transmission, and distribution of Gas for retail use. Gas Service is provided by the City of
Palo Alto Utilities Department.
Generating Facility
All Generators, electrical wires, equipment, and other facilities owned or provided by Producer for the
purpose of producing Electric power. This includes a solar or wind turbine Renewable Electric
Generating Facility that is the subject of a Net Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement and
Rule and Regulation 29.
Generator
A device converting mechanical, chemical or solar energy into electrical energy, including all of its
protective and control Functions and structural appurtenances. One or more Generators comprise a
Generating Facility.
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 determine 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).
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 9
Interconnection Agreement
An agreement between CPAU 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
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 and 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 of CPAU’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.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 10
Kilovar-hours (kVarh)
The amount of reactive flow in one hour, at a constant rate of Kilovar.
Kilowatt (kW)
A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
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 CPAU installs one Service and Meter to supply more than one residence, apartment dwelling
unit, mobile home space, store, or office.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 11
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
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 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)(2), as the same may be amended from time
to time.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 12
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.
Net Generation Metering
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 CPAU 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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 13
Interconnected. For the purpose of this Rule, Parallel Operation includes only those Generating
Facilities that are Interconnected with CPAU’s Distribution System for more than 60 cycles (one
second).
Performance Test, Performance Tested
After the completion of any Fiber Interconnection work, the City will conduct a Performance 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 CPAU 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-head 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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 14
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
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 arms 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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 15
greater than 1000 volts.
Producer
The entity that executes an Interconnection Agreement with CPAU. The Producer may or may not own
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 Service 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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 16
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
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.
Refuse Service
Refuse Service includes weekly collection, processing and disposal of materials properly deposited in
the City Collector’s provided Containers for solid waste, as well as weekly collection and processing of
Recyclable Materials, weekly collection and processing of Compostable Materials, ongoing maintenance
of the closed Palo Alto Landfill, zero waste programs, street sweeping service, the household hazardous
waste program, and the annual Clean Up Day.
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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 17
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 Service, 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 termination box.
Services or Service Lines
Facilities of CPAU, 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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 18
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.
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 meaning 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 CPAU.
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 of CPAU.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 19
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
or paving plants. Temporary Service does not include Emergency, breakdown, or Standby Service.
Therm
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 defined in Section 12.04.050 of the PAMC.
Unintended Island
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 20
The creation of an Island, usually following a loss of a portion of CPAU’s Distribution System, without
the approval of CPAU.
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.
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 Service, 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
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 21
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” WC = 0.217 psi; 7” WC = 0.25 psi.
(END)
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 1
A. GENERAL
Rule and Regulation 3 describes Services that are offered within the jurisdictional boundaries of
the City of Palo Alto. For Rules specific to each type of Service, please refer to the following
Rules and Regulations:
Rule and Regulation 20 – Special Electric Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 21 – Special Water Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 22 – Special Gas Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 23 – Special Wastewater Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 24 – Special Refuse Service Regulations
Rule and Regulation 25 – Special Storm and Surface Water Drainage Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 26 – Special Fiber Optics Utility Regulations
B. ELECTRIC SERVICE
1. BASIS OF SERVICE a. Unless otherwise provided in a Rate Schedule or contract, CPAU’s Electric rates
are based upon the furnishing of Electric Service to Customer Premises at a single
Point of Delivery at a single voltage and phase classification. Unless specified
otherwise, each Point of Delivery shall be metered and billed separately under the
appropriate Rate Schedule. Any additional Service supplied to the same
Customer at other Points of Delivery or at a different voltage or phase
classification shall be separately metered and billed.
b. The type of distribution Service (voltage, Secondary, Primary) available at any
particular location may be determined by inquiry to a CPAU Engineering
representative.
c. If the Customer, for his or her convenience, requests Secondary or Primary
Services at an alternate Point of Delivery other than the normal Point of Delivery
as determined by CPAU, the Customer is responsible for all cost of providing
Secondary or Primary Services at such alternate location.
d. CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe
operating condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment
downstream of the Utility Meter.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 2
e. See Rule and Regulation 20. "Special Electric Utility Regulations" regarding
special Service requirements.
2. LOCATION OF POINT OF SERVICE
a. SECONDARY SERVICE
1. OVERHEAD SERVICE AT SECONDARY VOLTAGES
The Point of Service for Overhead Service at secondary voltages will normally be
located at a power pole on the perimeter of the parcel to be served, which is, in
CPAU’s judgment, most conveniently located and in compliance with CPAU
standards and specifications and applicable building and electrical codes.
2. UNDERGROUND SERVICE AT SECONDARY VOLTAGE
The Point of Service for Underground Service at secondary voltages will
normally be located at the Secondary connectors of the transformer serving the
Customer’s Load, or in the Secondary hand hole, if available.
b. PRIMARY SERVICE
The Point of Service for Primary Service will normally be at the point near the
property line of the premises to be served which is, in CPAU’s judgment, most
conveniently located with respect to CPAU’s transmission or distribution
facilities.
c. EXCEPTIONS
If several buildings are occupied and used by one Customer in a single business or
other activity, CPAU may, at its discretion, furnish Service for the entire group of
buildings through one Service connection at one Point of Service.
3. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
All new equipment in underground areas required to provide electric service to a
Customer shall be pad-mounted. In addition, any three-Phase electric service connection
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 3
and any electric service connection rated at 400 Amps or greater which is located either
in an underground or overhead area must be served from a pad-mounted transformer.
The Utilities Director, or his/her designee, may authorize: 1) an exception to the above
provisions when, in his/her opinion, a pad-mounted equipment installation in any
particular instance would not be feasible or practical or 2) installation of electric service
equipment in locations with limited access by utility equipment. Such installations will
be considered “Special Facilities” as defined in Rule and Regulation 20, and the
Applicant will be responsible for the costs described in that rule and outlined in the
Service Contract as described in Rule and Regulation 5.
If the Applicant wants a Point of Delivery other than at the location determined by
CPAU, CPAU will work with the Applicant to assist in the selection of the alternate Point
of Delivery location for the electric service equipment within the boundaries of the
Applicant’s property. When the Applicant chooses a Point of Delivery location other
than the location which has been determined by CPAU, the Applicant must acknowledge
that such an alternate Point of Delivery location will cause CPAU personnel to incur
delays when performing repairs or service restoration during emergencies. In addition to
being responsible to pay for the initial cost of installation of such electric service
equipment in an alternate location, the Applicant shall also be responsible to pay for any
future additional labor, equipment, and material costs incurred by CPAU necessary to
facilitate replacement, removal, or relocation of any electric service equipment which has
been installed in an alternate Point of Delivery location at the Applicant’s request.
Any installation intended to assist in “screening” of electric service equipment by
landscaping or structures must be constructed in a manner which meets all of CPAU’s
clearance standards. The plans for such screening must be approved by the City of Palo
Alto and CPAU prior to beginning work on the screening installation.
The Applicant shall provide a Public Utility Easement in recordable form for installation
of such facilities within the boundaries of the property. All pad-mounted equipment will
be subject to CPAU’s aesthetic guidelines.
4. EMERGENCY AND STANDBY SERVICES
CPAU may provide back up Emergency, and other Standby Service to Customers as
Special Facilities. See Rule and Regulation 20 "Special Electric Utility Regulations"
regarding special Service requirements.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 4
5. SERVICE DELIVERY VOLTAGE The following are the standard Service voltages normally available. Not all standard
Service voltages are available at each Point of Delivery. These Service voltages are
available in locations that already have this Service voltage and have sufficient capacity,
as determined by CPAU, to serve the new Load. Any equipment installed on 120/240, 3
wire or 240/120, 4-wire Services shall have the capability of converting to a 120/208, 3
wire or 208 Y/120, 4-Wire Service.
a. DISTRIBUTION OF VOLTAGE
Alternating-current Service will be regularly supplied at a nominal frequency of
approximately 60-Hertz (cycles per second).
Single-Phase Three-Phase Three-Phase
Secondary Secondary Primary
120/240, 3 -wire 240/120, 4-wire* 12,470, 3-wire
120/208, 3-wire 240, 3-wire*
208 Y/120, 4-wire
480 Y/277, 4-wire
*Only available in special conditions as determined by the Electric Engineering
Manager.
b. All voltages referred to in this Rule and appearing in some Rate Schedules are
nominal Service voltages at the Point of Delivery. CPAU’s facilities are designed
and operated to provide sustained Service voltage at the Point of Delivery, but the
voltage at a particular Point of Delivery will vary within satisfactory operating
range limits.
c. In areas where a certain standard Secondary voltage is being delivered to one or
more Customers, CPAU may require an Applicant for new Service in such areas
to receive the same standard voltage supplied to existing Customers.
d. CPAU may change the voltage at which Service is delivered, including converting
existing 4160 volt Primary Service to 12,470 volt Service. If CPAU notifies the
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 5
Customer that a Service voltage change is necessary, the Customer will be
required to provide Service equipment capable of accepting the new voltage and
meeting other CPAU requirements. Costs to provide suitable Customer’s Service
entrance equipment and any other associated equipment to receive Service at the
new voltage shall be borne by the Customer.
6. VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY CONTROL a. Under normal Load conditions, CPAU’s distribution circuits will be operated so
as to maintain Service voltage levels to Customers within plus or minus 5 percent
of the nominal Service voltage at the Point of Delivery. Subject to the limitations
above, CPAU will maintain the voltage balance between phases as close as
practicable to 2.5% maximum deviation from the average voltage between the
three phases.
b. Voltages may be outside the limits specified above when the variations:
1. arise from Service interruptions;
2. arise from temporary separation of parts of the system from the main
system;
3. are minor momentary fluctuations and transient voltage excursions of
short duration which may occur in the normal operation of CPAU system;
4. are beyond CPAU’s control.
c. Due to conditions beyond the control of CPAU, the Customer, or both, there will
be infrequent and limited periods when voltages will occur outside of the nominal
Service voltage ranges. Utilization equipment may not operate satisfactorily
under these conditions, and protective devices in the equipment may operate to
protect the equipment.
d. Where the operation of the Customer’s equipment requires stable voltage
regulation or other stringent voltage control beyond that supplied by CPAU in the
normal operation of its system, the Customer, at its own expense, is responsible
for installing, owning, operating, and maintaining any special or auxiliary
equipment on the Load side of the Service delivery point as deemed necessary by
the Customer.
e. The Customer shall be responsible for designing and operating its Service
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 6
facilities between the Point of Delivery and the utilization equipment to maintain
proper utilization voltage at the line terminals of the utilization equipment.
f. The Customer shall not impose a Load on CPAU’s system that will cause the
voltage limits in this section to be exceeded for an adjacent Service delivery point.
g. When there is reasonable indication of a problem, CPAU shall test for excessive
fluctuations at its own expense. Voltage checks requested by the Customer more
than once in any twelve month period shall be paid by the Customer, unless
CPAU determines that excessive voltage fluctuation exists.
h. CPAU may institute measures to prevent the continuous operation of equipment
detrimental to Service to other Customers or may discontinue Electric Service to
the offending Customer. (See Rule and Regulation 20, Special Electric Utility
Regulations).
i. Customers are responsible for protecting their connected Loads, audio, video, and
electronic equipment, including computers, from sudden voltage or frequency
fluctuations outside nominal Service and frequency ranges. Such protection may
include, but is not limited to, surge protectors.
7. GENERAL LOAD LIMITATIONS
a. SINGLE-PHASE SERVICE
1. Single-phase Service normally will be 3-wire, 120/240 volts (or 3-wire,
120/208 volts at certain locations as now or hereafter established by
CPAU) where the size of any single motor does not exceed 7-1/2
horsepower (10 horsepower at the option of CPAU). For any single-phase
Service, the maximum Service size shall be 400 ampere. If the Load
exceeds the capability of a 400 ampere single phase Service the Service
shall be three-phase.
2. In locations where CPAU maintains a 120/208 volt secondary system, 3-
wire single-phase Service normally shall be limited to that which can be
supplied by a main switch or Service entrance rating of 200 amperes.
Single-phase Loads in these locations in excess of that which can be
supplied by a 200 ampere main switch or Service entrance rating normally
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 7
will be supplied with a 208Y/120 volt, three-phase, 4-wire Service. b. THREE-PHASE SERVICE (480 VOLTS OR LESS) Minimum Load Maximum Demand Normal Voltage Requirements Load Permitted
240/120 5 hp, 3-phase connected 400 Amperes
240 5 hp, 3-phase connected 400 Amperes
208Y/120 Demand Load 75 kVA 500 kVA 480Y/277 Demand Load 112 kVA 2,500 kVA (See Note 1)
Note 1. Applicants or existing Customers with a planned or existing single or
multiple building development having a maximum Demand in excess of 2500
kVA, as determined by CPAU, will be required to take delivery at the available
primary voltage and are required to provide their own primary switchgear and
transformer(s). Determination of maximum Demand and Service voltage will be
made by CPAU and the decision of the Electric Engineering Manager will be
final.
1. Where three-phase Service is supplied, CPAU reserves the right to use
single-phase transformers, connected open-delta or closed-delta, or three-
phase transformers.
2. Three-phase Service will be supplied on request for installations
aggregating less than the minimum listed above, but not less than 3
horsepower (hp), three-phase Service, where existing transformer capacity
is available. If three-phase Service is not readily available, or for Service
to Loads less than 3 hp, Service shall be provided in accordance with
CPAU’s applicable Rule 20 on Special Power Service requirements.
3. Residential customers requesting three-phase service shall be responsible
for all labor and material costs required to provide service, including the
cost of the transformer. These installations are not considered “Special
Facilities” as described in Rule and Regulation 20.
4. An Applicant or existing Customer requiring Service with a maximum
Demand in excess of 1000 kVA, as determined by CPAU, shall be served
by a padmount transformer. No submersible or vault-installed
transformers in excess of 1000 kVA will be installed by CPAU. Where an
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 8
existing underground Service must be upgraded beyond 1000 kVA, the
Customer shall be required to provide adequate space for installation of
the padmount transformer. In the event the Customer is unable to provide
adequate space for the padmount transformer, then the Customer shall
make arrangements at his or her expense to receive Service at primary
voltage.
c. THREE-PHASE SERVICE (OVER 2,000 VOLTS)
The following three-phase primary voltage may be available as an isolated
Service for a single Applicant; and where that Applicant’s Demand Load justifies
such voltage. The determination will be made by CPAU.
Minimum Demand Maximum Demand
Normal Voltage Bank Installed Load Permitted
4,160 500 kVA 3,600 kVA
12,470 1,000 kVA 11,000 kVA
Note: 4,160 volt Services will not be furnished for new Services.
8. TEMPORARY SERVICE Temporary Service is Electric Service which, in CPAU’s opinion, is of an indefinite
duration at the same location, or for operations of a speculative character or of
questionable permanency, or any other Service which is estimated to last less than one
year. CPAU will furnish Temporary Service if the furnishing of such Service will not
create undue hardship for CPAU, or its Customers, and the following conditions are met: a. The Applicant for such Temporary Service shall apply for Service on an
Application form provided by CPAU Engineering and shall pay to CPAU in
advance the cost of installing and removing any facilities necessary in connection
with the furnishing of such Service by CPAU.
b. Each Applicant for Temporary Service shall prepay a Temporary Service Fee in
accordance with Electric Service Connection Fees Rate Schedule E-15.
c. Nothing in this Rule and Regulation shall be construed as limiting or in any way
affecting the right of CPAU to collect from the Customer an additional sum of
money by reason of the Temporary Service furnished or to be furnished or
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 9
removed hereunder.
d. If the Temporary Service connection time exceeds one-year, the Applicant shall
apply for an extension of the Temporary Service. The Director of Utilities or
his/her designee will determine if the Service should be reclassified as a
permanent Service.
9. SERVICE DOWNSTREAM OF METER
CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe
operating condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream of
the Utility Meter.
C. FIBER OPTIC SERVICE
Fiber Optic Service includes the custom construction and licensing of single mode Fiber routes
between points within the City of Palo Alto. It is the Customer’s responsibility to establish all
electronic devices and networks required to pass data over their licensed CPAU Dark Fiber
routes.
1. LICENSING SERVICES
All Dark Fiber routes are licensed in accordance with the currently approved Dark Fiber
Rate Schedules, and in compliance with the Utilities Rules and Regulations. See Rule and
Regulation 26, “Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation,” regarding special Service
requirements. All CPAU fibers terminate within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City
of Palo Alto.
2. OTHER SERVICES
CPAU offers custom Dark Fiber construction and ancillary Services such as Fiber Optic
cable splicing, engineering feasibility studies, and when specifically requested by the
Customer, multimode Fiber cable installations.
3. QUALITY
Dark Fiber routes in the City of Palo Alto comprised of single mode Fiber comply with
generally accepted industrial standards and specifications. All construction is done using
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 10
industry accepted techniques and procedures. All constructed routes are Performance
Tested to assure the industry quality standards are met.
D. WATER SERVICE
1. SOURCE OF SUPPLY
CPAU’s primary source of Water is the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct system, managed by the
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). CPAU wells also provide
Emergency supply. See Rule and Regulation 21, “Special Water Utility Regulation”
regarding special Service requirements.
2. QUALITY
Hardness generally varies between 1 and 4 grains per gallon depending on the source.
An analysis of the mineral content of the Water is available upon request from CPAU
Engineering.
3. PRESSURE
Water pressure varies from 30 to 125 pounds per square inch. CPAU maintains an
average of 50 pounds per square inch, with the maximum and minimum pressures being
experienced at the lower and higher elevations of the Distribution System. CPAU
assumes no responsibility for loss or damage due to lack of Water pressure but agrees to
furnish such pressures as are available in its general Distribution System. If low Water
pressure occurs due to additional on-site development, it shall be the responsibility of the
property owner to replace the existing Water Service with a new Water Service designed
for the current site. All costs of the required new Service upgrade shall be borne by the
property owner.
4. TREATMENT
CPAU currently does not treat Water supplied by the SFPUC. The pH of the Water
supplied is adjusted by the SFPUC to reduce its corrosive action.
5. SERVICE DOWNSTREAM OF METER
CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe
operating condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream of
the Utility Meter.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 11
E. GAS
1. TYPES OF SERVICES
CPAU provides Gas supply, transportation, and Distribution Services.
2. KIND AND HEATING VALUE
CPAU purchases Gas from several/various Gas suppliers. The heating value of Gas
supplied varies. The average monthly heating value in British Thermal Units (Btu)-dry
basis per cubic foot of the Gas served may vary within the limits of 750 to 1150 Btu.
This average heating value is converted to a Therm factor for use as one of the factors
used in calculating a composite multiplier for billing purposes. The Therm factor will be
based upon the heat factor used by CPAU’s supplier of Gas for the preceding month.
Gas is supplied by CPAU either at standard “low pressure” or at “medium pressure”.
Low pressure Service is available at all points where Gas is supplied. Where available
from existing high pressure mains, at the option of CPAU, high pressure Service may be
supplied. However, CPAU reserves the right to lower the pressure or to discontinue the
delivery of Gas at high pressure.
The standard pressure for low pressure is seven inches of Water Column (WC), which is
approximately 1/4 pound per square inch (psi) above atmospheric pressure. In limited
circumstances, increased pressure may be provided for domestic use at 14” Water
Column. This increased pressure will only be provided for domestic use if the houseline
size required is greater than 2” diameter, or CPAU determines, based upon satisfactory
information from the manufacturer, provided by the Customer, that an appliance to be
located in the residence requires increased pressure at the inlet that cannot be obtained by
resizing or relocating the houseline. Increased pressure may be provided for commercial
uses only if the use of the houseline size required is greater than 4” diameter, or evidence
as described above establishes that equipment on the site requires increased pressure at
the inlet that cannot be obtained by resizing or relocating the houseline. For commercial
uses, the available pressures are 7” WC, 14” WC (approximately 1/2 psi), 1 psi, 2 psi and
5 psi.
All increased pressure above 7”WC requires review and approval of the Engineering
Manager, a plumbing permit and testing of the existing Gas piping with a building
Inspector present in accordance with the latest adopted version of the California
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 12
Plumbing Code
See Rule and Regulation 22, “Special Gas Utility Regulations” regarding special Service
requirements.
3. DETERMINATION OF THERMS TO BE BILLED
The unit of measure for billing is the Therm. Gas Meters measure volume of Gas in ccf
at ambient temperature and pressure conditions. Therms are derived from the metered
data by subtracting the Meter reading for the previous reading cycle from the current
reading. The difference (uncorrected ccf) is multiplied by the pressure factor required to
convert the measured consumption volume to a standard volume (at standard temperature
and pressure conditions). This standard volume, in pressure-corrected ccf, is then
multiplied by the Therm factor (a variable determined by periodic analysis of CPAU’s
Gas supply) to produce the final number of Therms billed. The composite correction
factor (the product of the Therm factor and the pressure correction factor) is shown on
bills under the heading “multiplier.”
4. SERVICE DOWNSTREAM OF METER
CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe
operating condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream of
the Utility Meter.
F. WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT
1. COLLECTION
CPAU operates and maintains a Wastewater Collection System separate from the storm
and surface Water Collection System. A connection to the Wastewater Collection
System is required for all water users where wastewater service is available.
For the disposal of Wastewater from basements and floors below ground level, it will be
necessary for the Customer to provide pumps or ejectors for satisfactory drainage, as
approved by the Water-Gas-Wastewater Engineering Manager. If the elevation of the
basement floor is above the rim elevation of the next upstream manhole, Applicant shall
provide a survey by a licensed Civil Engineer indicating the elevations of the basement
floor and the rim elevation of the next upstream manhole. Submission of this survey and
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 13
approval by the Engineering Manager is required for exemption from the pump/ejector
requirement.
2. REGULATION
Chapter 16.09 of the Municipal Code regulates the discharge into the Wastewater
Collection System of substances other than domestic Wastewater. See Rule and
Regulation 23, “Special Wastewater Utility Regulations” regarding special Service
requirements.
3. TREATMENT
The collection system transports the Wastewater to the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality
Control Plant for treatment. At this tertiary treatment plant, the City of Palo Alto
processes the Wastewater from Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Alto Hills, Stanford
University, and East Palo Alto Sanitary District, as well as its own. The treatment is
performed in accordance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Permit issued
by the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board before the treated
water is discharged into the San Francisco Bay Estuary.
4. LIMITATION OF SERVICE
CPAU reserves the right to limit the size of connection and the quantity of wastes
disposed and to prohibit the use of the sewer for disposal of toxic or hazardous wastes
detrimental to the Wastewater system or treatment plant.
G. REFUSE SERVICE
1. REGULATION All solid waste, Compostable Materials and Recyclable Materials are governed by
Chapter 5.20 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, regulations promulgated by the City
Manager pursuant to Chapter 5.20, these Rules and Regulations and the contract between
the City and the City’s Collector. See Rule and Regulation 24, “Special Refuse Services
Regulations” regarding special service requirements.
2. REFUSE COLLECTION
The City’s Collector provides collection of solid waste, Compostable Materials and
Recyclable Materials. A minimum of one collection per week of solid waste is required
of all Occupied Premises. Each Customer shall receive collection Services on a City
specified day of each week.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 14
Customers must use the City Collector’s provided Containers for service to ensure
compatibility with the collection vehicles. The automatic solid waste Service level is one
Standard Container for Residential Customers and two Standard Containers for
Commercial Customers. The minimum Service for Residential Premises is one twenty
gallon wheeled cart provided by the City’s Collector.
Solid waste in excess of the Service level subscribed by the Customer will be removed by
the City’s Collector for an additional Charge, upon Customer request or notification.
Customers exceeding their subscribed Service level repeatedly are required to subscribe
to additional collection Service at the City-established rates.
H. STORM AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE
1. RESPONSIBILITY AND PURPOSE
The City of Palo Alto Public Works Department is responsible for all Drainage Facilities
in the street and public right of way that collect storm and surface Water and convey it to
the major channels and creeks within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Palo
Alto. Examples include curbs and gutters, catch basins, pipelines, culverts, street,
channels and pumping stations. The purpose of the Storm and Surface Water control
facilities is to improve the quality of control, or protect life or property from any storm,
flood or surplus waters. See Rule and Regulation 25, “Special Storm and Surface Water
Drainage Regulations,” regarding special Service requirements.
2. STORM DRAINAGE FEE
A Storm Drainage fee shall be payable to the City monthly by the owner or occupier of
each and every developed parcel in accordance with Rule and Regulation 25.
(END)
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 1
A. BILLING UNITS
All metered billing units used for billing purposes shall be determined to the nearest whole unit.
Such units may include, kW, kWh, kVA, kVar, hp, Therms, and/or ccf.
B. PAYMENT OF BILLS
CPAU issues bills to its Customers on a regular interval. Bills shall be deemed received upon
physical or electronic delivery to Customer, or three calendar days following the deposit of the bill in
the United States Mail to the Customer’s billing address. Bills for CPAU Services are due and
payable 20 calendar days following issuance of the bill statement. Bills unpaid after the 20 day
period are considered delinquent (“past due”). If a Customer’s payment is not received by CPAU
after 25 days of bill issuance, the outstanding balance will be assessed a late payment Charge.
For the convenience of Customers there are a number of ways to pay CPAU bills:
1. By enclosing the bill stub and check and mailing to: CPAU, P.O. Box 10097, Palo Alto, CA
94303-0897.
2. By enrolling in the Utilities Bank Draft Program. Payments will be drafted from a
Customer’s designated checking or saving account and automatically applied to the
Customer’s Utility Account for each current Billing Period.
3. By paying in Person at the Civic Center, Revenue Collections, 1st Floor, 250 Hamilton
Avenue, Palo Alto between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The City offices are closed
on alternate Fridays. Customers should call 650-329-2317 to ensure the office is open.
Credit card payments are accepted at Revenue Collections. Customers should call to see
which credit cards are accepted. Customers can pay delinquent bills with a credit card by
phone by calling the Utility Customer Service Center during business hours.
4. By depositing the payment in the walk-up Night Depository Box in the front of the City Hall
building on the Civic Center Plaza, or at the drive-up Night Depository Box in the Civic
Center Garage, on “A” Level.
5. By paying online through the “My Utilities Account” application, accessible from the
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 2
Utilities’ website. Payment through the “My Utilities Account” may be made by credit card
or by bank draft.
6. By enrolling at a financial institution or service company that can provide electronic
payments to CPAU on behalf of the Customer.
7. By Property Managers completing a “Revert to Owner (RTO) Agreement” in order to
maintain utility service to units during the interim period between tenants.
C. BUDGET BILLING PAYMENT PROGRAM
The Budget Billing Payment Program establishes equalized monthly payments and is available to all
Residential Customers who qualify as set forth below:
1. Customers may join the Budget Billing Payment Program at any time providing the
Customer Account balance is zero and the Customer has not been previously removed from
the Budget Billing Program for non-payment.
2. A Customer electing to utilize the program shall agree to make monthly payments based on
CPAU’s forward estimate of the Customers’ Charges for the subsequent twelve-month
period.
3. CPAU does not guarantee that the total actual Charges will not exceed, or be less than, its
original estimate. Customers should review their Account on an ongoing basis and request
changes to the budget billing amount in response to changes in their household usage. CPAU
may require that Customers pay a revised monthly amount as a condition to continuing
participation in the plan, if CPAU determines that substantial changes in Customer usage
patterns or consumption has occurred.
4. CPAU will perform an annual true-up on Customer Budget Billing Accounts every twelve
months. This will result in either a Customer credit for CPAU over-collection or an
outstanding balance due from the Customer for under-collection by CPAU during the prior
twelve months.
D. DISCONTINUANCE OF BUDGET BILLING
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 3
The Customer’s Budget Billing Payment Program shall remain in effect, subject to review of the
monthly payment amount, and shall terminate when:
1. The Customer notifies CPAU to terminate participation in the Budget Billing Program;
2. CPAU notifies the Customer of the termination of its Budget Billing Payment Program:
3. The Customer no longer takes Service at the Premises; or
4. The Customer owes an amount of two or more monthly payments. However, if the Customer
eliminates the delinquency, removal from the program will not occur.
Upon termination of either Utility Service or participation in the Budget Billing Payment Program,
any amount owed by the Customer for actual Charges shall immediately become due and payable or
any amount due to the Customer shall be refunded or credited.
E. INSUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR PAYMENT
1. A Service Charge will be made and collected by the City of Palo Alto for each check
returned by a bank to CPAU for the reason of insufficient funds in accordance with Rate
Schedule C-1.
2. Unsuccessful Bank Drafts due to insufficient funds will be subject to late payment fees in
accordance with Rate Schedule C-1.
F. PRORATION OF BILLS
1. Bills for Utility Services will be prepared for each Billing Period in accordance with the
applicable Rate Schedules or CPAU contract applicable to the Premises served.
2. Proration is intended to produce a uniform average unit cost for the commodity regardless of
the number of days in the Service period. Services will be prorated if the number of actual
Service days differs from the number of days in the applicable Billing Period. Electric
Demand (kW) and Electric Power Factor Charges will not be prorated. Proration will not
occur for those Rate Schedules that contain Meter fees, connection fees, deposits, and other
miscellaneous fees.
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 4
3. If Rate Schedules change during the Billing Period, Charges will be prorated on the basis of
the number of days covered by the previous Rate Schedule and the number of days covered
by the new Rate Schedule.
G. DELINQUENT BILLS AND LATE PAYMENT CHARGES
1. Utilities Charges incurred in the applicable Billing Period are due and payable by the “Due
Date” indicated on the front of the bill statement. Bills unpaid by the due date are delinquent
and a late payment Charge will be added to the outstanding balance as specified in Rate
Schedule C-1.
2. Residential and commercial Accounts having unpaid balances older than 180 days shall be
subject to collection action by the City. Collection action may result in notifications to credit
reporting agencies.
3. Late payment Charges may be suspended by CPAU if the Customer is withholding full or
partial payment pending final resolution of disputed bill. The late payment Charge may be
waived by CPAU based upon the ultimate resolution of a disputed Charge.
4. Full or partial payments towards outstanding balances will be applied to the oldest
outstanding Charges. Failure to pay outstanding balances will result in late fees and
termination of Service for non-payment.
5. In the event that a Customer donating to the ProjectPLEDGE Program has a delinquent bill,
the late Charge percentage will not be applied to the amount of the Customer’s pledge.
However, the Customer’s participation in ProjectPLEDGE will be discontinued after three
consecutive Billing Periods in which the Customer has not included their pledge amount in
the bill.
6. Customers whose Utility bills include payments of principal and/or interest on loans from
CPAU which are secured by deeds of trust on real property shall be charged a late payment
Charge when any current Utility bill includes an unpaid installment on such loan from a prior
bill. Nothing in this Rule and Regulation shall be construed to alter in any way the duty of the
Customer to pay any installment on a loan from CPAU when due, or to alter the rights of
CPAU to enforce the payment of such installments.
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 5
H. DISPUTED BILLS
If bill accuracy is questioned or disputed by the Customer, Customers shall request an explanation
from CPAU within the current Billing Period or as soon as reasonably possible. After reviewing the
disputed bill, CPAU will:
1. Issue a corrected bill to the Customer or reflect the correction on the bill in a subsequent
Billing Period.
2. Determine if an amortization period (“payment arrangement”) for the Charge-in-question
shall be provided by CPAU. If a payment arrangement is offered by CPAU and agreed to by
the Customer, Utility Services will not be discontinued for nonpayment while the Customer
complies with the payment arrangement for the “past due” balance , and subsequent Utilities
bills are paid on time during the payment arrangement period.
3. Advise the Customer that the bill is correct as presented. The Customer may choose, at the
Customer’s option, to have the Meter removed for testing under the Provisions of Rule 15
“Metering” and payment of the applicable fee found in Rate Schedule C-1 “Exchange Meter
for Accuracy Test”.
I. METERED SERVICE BILLING ERRORS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Where a Customer has been undercharged or overcharged for metered Service, the date and cause of
which can be reliably established where a customer has been undercharged or overcharged, the
retroactive billing adjustment (back bill or refund) shall not exceed three years.
1. When, as a result of either a CPAU or a Customer-initiated accuracy test, a Meter is found to
register more than two percent (2%) fast, CPAU will refund the Customer the overcharge
based upon the corrected Meter readings for the period the Meter was in use, or three years,
whichever is less. Any applicable late payment will be waived.
2. When, as a result of a test, a Customer Meter is found not to register, or to register more than
two percent (2%) slow, CPAU may bill the Customer for the undercharge base on an average
bill. The bill will be computed based on an estimate of the Customer’s consumption during a
prior month in the same season or on the consumption in the same period of the prior three
years.
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 6
J. UNMETERED SERVICE BILLING ERRORS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Where a Customer has been undercharged or overcharged for unmetered Service, the date and cause
of which can be reliably established where a customer has been undercharged or overcharged, the
retroactive billing adjustment (back bill or refund) shall not exceed three years.
K. THEFT OF SERVICE
Where there is evidence that theft of Utility Service has occurred, CPAU will retroactively bill, and
collect any underpayment or nonpayment of Charges. The applicable period to assess Charges shall
commence from the date it can be reasonably established the theft began to the date in which the
underpayment was discovered and initially established. All underpayments or non-payments shall
become immediately due and payable. Customers committing theft of Utility Service may be subject
to legal action.
L. WATER OR GAS LEAK CREDITS
It is the Customer’s responsibility to maintain their lines and equipment in a reasonable condition
such that leaks do not occur. CPAU shall not make billing adjustments for Water, Gas or Wastewater
Charges resulting from leakage in a line on the Customer Premises beyond the CPAU Meter, unless
CPAU determines that City staff were solely responsible for such leakage.
M. REFUSE BILLING ERRORS, DISPUTES AND ADJUSTMENTS
1. Adjustments to the Refuse Service bill shall be requested to the City’s Collector. Customers
with adjustments unresolved by the City’s Collector, may dispute their claim with the City’s
Public Works Department, Environmental Services – Zero Waste section. Billing
adjustments will be resolved by following the City’s Rules and Regulations, Chapter 5.20 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code and specific regulations promulgated by the City Manager
pursuant to the authority established in Chapter 5.20.
2. When an error in billing has occurred, the date and cause of which can be reliably established
where a Customer has been undercharged or overcharged, the retroactive billing adjustment
shall not exceed three years. When an account discrepancy is identified, the City’s Collector
and/or the Public Works Department staff reviews the account history for a period not to
exceed 3 years and either generates a credit or a charge to the Customer. Residential, small
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No 7
Commercial Customers, or non-profit Customers that have been undercharged may be back
billed for a shorter time period as appropriate, or not back billed if the Customer is not at
fault.
3. Customers requesting Refuse Services to be suspended shall obtain from the City’s Public
Works Department a form requesting Refuse Service suspension. See Rule and Regulation
24, “Special Refuse Services Regulations” regarding requirements for Refuse Service
suspension.
(END)
SPECIAL REFUSE SERVICE REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 24
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No. 1
A. SPECIAL REFUSE
Refuse Service includes weekly collection, processing and disposal of materials properly deposited
in the City Collector’s provided containers for solid waste, as well as weekly collection and
processing of Recyclable Materials, weekly collection and processing of Compostable Materials
(yard trimmings, food scraps, and food soiled paper), ongoing maintenance of the closed Palo Alto
Landfill, zero waste programs, street sweeping service, the household hazardous waste program, and
the annual Clean Up Day.
1. GENERAL
a. The City shall authorize, permit, regulate and control the collection and disposal of
all solid waste within the City limits.
b. Minimum collection service for solid waste is once a week. Each Customer shall
receive Refuse Service collection on a City specified day of each week.
c. The automatic solid waste service level is one Standard Container for Residential
Customers and two Standard Containers for Commercial Customers unless an
alternate level is requested.
d. Containers to be serviced by the City’s Collector must not be packed so tightly that
contents do not empty freely. Contents of wheeled containers shall not exceed a
weight of 200 pounds.
e. Customers must supply a safe and accessible pathway for all collection. The City’s
Collector does not enter buildings or garages to empty solid waste, compostable or
recycling containers.
f. Customers must have all Containers ready and on the street for collection by 6:00
a.m. on collection day.
g. Any occupied domestic dwelling which is receiving any two active utility services
such Gas and Electric Service shall be charged at least a Minimum Charge for Refuse
Services. If unusual circumstances exist such that no solid waste, Compostable
Materials or Recyclable Materials are generated at the Premises, the Customer may
SPECIAL REFUSE SERVICE REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 24
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No. 2
apply for an exemption from this Rule. Customers with non-occupied Premises for a
minimum of three months needing to have Refuse Services temporarily suspended
shall obtain from the City’s Public Works Department a Refuse Service suspension
form. Upon approval of the Refuse Service suspension, the City’s Collector will
remove all Containers from the Customer’s Premises. Upon reoccupation of the
Premises, it is the obligation of the Customer to reestablish Refuse Service to the
address by contacting the City’s Utilities and City’s Collector. The Refuse Service
bill shall be adjusted accordingly upon approval from the City.
Residential Customers on extended absences from their Premises for a minimum of
one month or more (i.e., long vacation), but less than three months may have their
Refuse Services temporarily reduced by the City’s Collector to the lowest service
levels available.
h. The City’s Collector shall provide wheeled Containers for solid waste, Recyclable
Materials, and Compostable Materials collection. Standard service for solid waste
collection is one 32-gallon black cart, for Recyclable Materials it is one 64-gallon
blue cart, and for Compostable Materials it is one 96-gallon green cart. Such
Containers remain the property of the City and shall not be removed by Customers
vacating Premises. If Containers are removed, the outgoing Customer may be
Charged a fee to replace the Container based on either a published fee or actual
replacement cost.
i. Containers shall remain on private property and not in the Public Right-of-Way
except as is necessary to accommodate the scheduled collection. Containers are
permitted in the Public Right-of-Way only during the day preceding the day of
scheduled collection and terminating the day following such collection.
j. Bulky goods scheduled for collection by the City’s Collector are permitted in the
Public Right-of-Way only during the day preceding the day of scheduled collection
and terminating the day following such collection. Bulky goods means discarded
furniture, mattresses, and household appliances.
k. All Containers should have lids closed, and be placed with the front of the Containers
facing the street with a minimum of 2 feet between Containers.
SPECIAL REFUSE SERVICE REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 24
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No. 3
2. RESIDENTIAL
a. The standard collection location for all Containers is on the street at curbside.
Back/side yard solid waste collection is available only to Customers with existing
subscription service and existing associated monthly service fee at City established
rates.
b. Residential Customers may exchange City Collector provided Containers for a
different size at no cost once per calendar year. Additional Container exchanges will
be subject to a Charge per exchange.
3. COMMERCIAL
a. Service location of Containers shall be determined by the Public Works Director or
his/her designee. Commercial Service Customers may choose from a variety of
service levels and frequency of collection. Containers in multiple sizes and collection
frequencies are also available and provided by the City’s Collector.
b. Commercial Service Customers may receive up to five (5) wheeled containers for the
collection of solid waste instead of a bin if space constrains exist. All Containers for
solid waste and Compostable Materials are subject to a rental fee at City established
rates. Commercial Service Customers may also receive up to five (5) wheeled
containers for the collection of Recyclable Materials at no charge. The sixth wheeled
container for Recyclable Materials will be subject to a rental fee at City established
rates.
c. Commercial Service Customers with space constraints that are willing to share
collection Containers with other adjacent Commercial Service Customers may do so
and pay for a percentage of the service provided.
SPECIAL REFUSE SERVICE REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 24
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No. 4
B. COLLECTION AND OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS
1. RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
a. Recyclable Materials from Residential Customers placed for collection in Containers
provided by City’s Collector shall become the property of the City’s Collector at the
time of container placement on the street or other designated location for collection.
The City’s Collector shall be an authorized City contractor under PAMC Section
5.20.040 pursuant to written contract with the City, and shall have exclusive right to
collect such Recyclable Materials.
b. Commercial Service Customers shall place Recyclable Materials in bins, boxes, or
containers provided by the City’s Collector. Such materials become the property of
the City’s Collector. The City’s Collector shall have the exclusive right to collect
Recyclable Materials from such bins, boxes, or containers.
c. Commercial Service Customers can donate, sell, or pay to have Recyclable Materials
collected by any recycler provided such materials are separated by material type.
Glass, paper, plastics, and metal cans may be commingled for collection. Additional
requirements related to exclusions to the City or its Collector having the exclusive
right to Recyclable Materials are provided in PAMC Chapter 5.20.
2. COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS
a. Residents may receive up to three (3) wheeled containers for Compostable Materials
at no cost. Additional wheeled containers may be rented or purchased at City
established rates.
b. Temporary Containers for the rare occurrence of excess Compostable Materials may
be used by the residents and may include 30 gallon Kraft paper bags, cardboard
boxes, or yard/plant trimming bundles (no larger than 2’ x 4’). The containers and
bundles used for the extra collection may not exceed 40 pounds will not be returned
to the Customer.
SPECIAL REFUSE SERVICE REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 24
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2015
Sheet No. 5
C. SCAVENGING OF SOLID WASTE AND/OR RECYCLABLE MATERIALS IS
PROHIBITED
1. No Person shall scavenge in any City-operated location or facility nor disturb nor remove
any material therein, without permission from the Director of Public Works.
2. No Person shall scavenge from or deposit solid waste, Recyclable Materials, or Compostable
Materials in any Container on the Premises of a Residential or Commercial Customer
without the permission of the owner of the Premise.
D. SPECIAL PROGRAMS
1. PHYSICAL LIMITATION PROGRAM COLLECTION
On-premise (back/side yard) collection for solid waste, recyclable Materials, Compostable
Materials and household hazardous waste collection is available at no additional Charge for
residents who are physically limited. Program requires completion and approval of the City’s
Collector form.
(END)