HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 9619160502 jb 6053741 1
Resolution No. 9619
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting the Net
Energy Metering Successor Rate, Utilities Rate Schedule EEEC1
(Export Electricity Compensation); Establishing the Net Energy
Metering Transition Policy; and, Amending Rule and Regulation 2
(Definitions and Abbreviations) and Rule and Regulation 29
(Net Energy Metering and Interconnection)
R E C I T A L S
A. Net Energy Metering (NEM), is a billing arrangement that provides credit to
customers for the full retail value of the electricity their system generates.
B. State law, California Public Utilities Code Section 2827 et. seq., requires all
electric utilities to offer NEM to eligible customers with distributed renewable generation up to
a maximum cap.
C.Cap is 9.5 megawatts (MW) as adopted by Council Resolution
9557. s are currently approximately 79% of the proposed 9.5 MW
NEM Cap and staff estimates that the ap will be reached by the end of 2016. Once
the NEM Cap is reached, NEM will be closed to new customers and the NEM Successor Rate will
become available instead.
D. Utilities refer to the terms and conditions for customersited, distributed
renewable generation installed after the NEM cap has been reached as the NEM successor rate
or program Successor Rate is defined by Utilities Rate Schedule EEEC1
(Export Electricity Compensation). The EEEC1 rate was developed in coordination with the
may be established by the City Council through
its electric utility ratemaking authority and processes.
E. Formally adopting a costbased NEM Successor Rate (Rate Schedule EEEC1) in
Palo Alto will promote greater market certainty and transparency for customers and renewable
energy installers operating within the community, and is consistent with both NEM legislative
and regulatory obligations and the Counciladopted Local Solar Plan to promote distributed
solar projects.
F. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the Council of
the City of Palo Alto may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services,
fees and charges. Updates to Rule and Regulation 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations) and Rule
and Regulation 29 (Net Energy Metering and Interconnection) are needed in order to
implement the NEM Successor Rate and transition policy.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby RESOLVES as follows:
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SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule EEEC1 (Export Electricity Compensation) is hereby adopted as attached and
incorporated.
a) Utility Rate Schedule EEEC1 shall become effective July 1, 2016.
b) The electricity export compensation rate approved by this resolution is based on
a detailed analysis of the value of energy exported to the electric grid, including
the energy, avoided capacity charges, avoided transmission and ancillary service
charges, avoided transmission and distribution system losses, and environmental
attributes and was
service analysis.
SECTION 2. The City Council makes the following findings regarding the
establishment of a Net Energy Metering transition policy:
1) A Net Energy Metering transition policy which establishes a 20 year transition
period and eligible facility expansion rules will promote regulatory certainty and
transparenc and NEM Aggregation customers who
have invested in solar PV systems, and for solar developers operating in Palo
Alto.
2) Setting the transition period at 20 years from the time of eligible facility
interconnection matches the transition period adopted by the California Public
Utility Commission for investorowned utilities, and is reasonably based on
agreements, and thirdparty financing agreements.
3) Allowing eligible facility expansion up to a given threshold will permit existing
NEM and NEM Aggregation customers and those installing eligible facilities
or NEM Aggregation rate
structure in the event that facility panels need replacement or minor expansion,
and is broadly inline with expansion policies in effect in other California utility
service territories.
SECTION 3. The City Council adopts the following NEM Transition Policy: A) Existing
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) NEM and NEM Aggregation customers and CPAU NEM and
NEM Aggregation customers who install eligible renewable electrical generation facilities within
(Resolution 9557) shall remain eligible for Net Energy Metering under the
terms and conditions set forth in California Public Utilities Code Section 2827 (effective as of
for a 20year transition period from the time of initial
facility interconnection, and B) Existing CPAU NEM and NEM Aggregation customers and CPAU
NEM and NEM Aggregation customers who install eligible renewable electrical generation
may expand their eligible renewable electrical generation
facilities by up to 10% of the Initial Interconnection Capacity while still remaining eligible for
Net Energy Metering, even after the NEM cap has been reached.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rule and Regulation 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations) is hereby amended as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 2, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2016.
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SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rule and Regulation 29 (Net Energy Metering and Interconnection) is hereby amended as
attached and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 2, as amended, shall become effective
July 1, 2016.
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SECTION 6. The adoption of Section 1 of resolution changing electric rates to meet
operating expenses, purchase supplies and materials, meet financial reserve needs and obtain
funds for capital improvements necessary to maintain service is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sec.
21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Sec. 15273(a). After reviewing
the staff report and all attachments presented to Council, the Council incorporates these
documents herein and finds that sufficient evidence has been presented setting forth with
specificity the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption. The adoption of Sections 3, 4 and 5 of
this resolution establishing a transition policy and amending Utility Rules and Regulations does
Resources Code Section 21065, thus no environmental review is required.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: August 22, 2016
AYES: BERMAN, BURT, DUBOIS, HOLMAN, KNISS, SCHARFF, SCHMID, WOLBACH
NOES:
ABSENT: FILSETH
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
Senior Deputy City Attorney City Manager
Director of Utilities
Director of Administrative Services
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EXPORT ELECTRICITY COMPENSATION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-EEC-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No.E-EEC-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies in conjunction with the otherwise applicable rate schedules for each customer
class. This schedule may not apply in conjunction with any time-of-use rate schedule. This schedule
applies to Customer-Generators as defined in Rule and Regulation 2 who are either not eligible for
Net Energy Metering or who are eligible for Net Energy metering but elect to take service under this
rate schedule.
B. TERRITORY:
Applies to locations within the service area of the City of Palo Alto.
C. RATE:
The following buyback rate shall apply to all energy exported to the grid.
Per kWh
Export electricity compensation rate $0.07485
D. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. Metering equipment: Electricity delivered by CPAU to the Customer-Generator or received by
CPAU from the Customer-Generator shall be measured using a meter capable of registering the
The electrical power
measurements will be used for billing the Customer-Generator. CPAU shall furnish, install and
own the appropriate meter.
2. Billing:
a. CPAU shall measure during the billing period, in kilowatt-hours, the energy delivered and
received after the Customer-Generator serves its own instantaneous load.
b.CPAU shall bill the Customer-Generator consumption charges for the energy delivered by
CPAU to the Customer-Generator based on the Customer- applicable rate
schedule.
c. In the event the energy generated exceeds the energy consumed and therefore is received
by CPAU, the Customer will receive a credit for all energy received by CPAU at the
buyback rate designated in section C above.
3. Generation facilities shall adhere to Rule and Regulation 27: Generating Facility
Interconnections.
{End}
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
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
Utility Services.
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 1
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
A. ABBREVIATIONS
AMR Automated Meter Reading
AER Advance Engineering Request
Btu British Thermal Unit
ccf Hundred Cubic Feet
CEC California Energy Commission
CPAU Cityof Palo Alto Utilities
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission.
ERU Equivalent Residential Unit
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Kilovar
Kilovar-hours
kW Kilowatt
kWh Kilowatt-hour
MW Megawatt
MMBtu One million Btus.
NEC National Electric Code, Latest Version
Net Energy Metering
Net Energy Metering Aggregation
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.
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
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 Electrical Generation Facility wishing to install an eligible Renewable
Electrical Generation 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.
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
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 Cityof 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,
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 4
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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 Cityof 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-
familyResidential dwellings and common areas of multi-familyfacilities.
Compostable Materials
Organic materials designated by the City as acceptable for collection and processing.
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 5
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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 section
2827, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Dark Fiber
A Fiber Optic cable provided to end-users or resellers by CPAU without any of the light transmitters,
receivers, or electronics required for telecommunications over the Fiber. Infrastructure for Fiber Optic
activation is provided by the reseller or end-user.
Dark Fiber Infrastructure
Components of the 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 UtilityEasements 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)
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 6
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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.
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 7
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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 anyother 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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 8
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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 Electrical
Generation 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 Interconnection Capacity
The maximum rated generating capacity of a Renewable Electrical Generation Facility eligible for Net
EnergyMetering prior to the Total Rated Generating Capacity exceeding the NEM Cap.
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.
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 9
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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).
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 maybe 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 Pathwayat which a Junction is located.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 10
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Kilovar (kVar)
A unit of reactive power equal to 1,000 reactive volt-amperes.
Kilovar-hours (kVarh)
The amount of reactive flow in one hour, at a constant rate 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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 11
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Master-metering
Where CPAU installs one Service and Meter to supply more than one residence, apartment dwelling
unit, mobile home space, store, or office.
Maximum Generation
For a customer with a non-utility generator located on the customer’s side of the Point of Common
Coupling, the Maximum Generation for that non-utility generator during any billing period is the
maximum average generation in kilowatts taken during any 15-minute interval in that billing period
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 displayto 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
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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.
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 Energy Metering Cap (NEM Cap)
Five (5) percent of the historical system peak of 190 MW from 2006, or 9.5 MW, using the CEC’s
Alternating Current (AC) capacity rating. Where the CEC AC rating is not available, CPAU will
multiplythe inverter AC nameplate rating by 0.86.
Net Energy Metering Successor Program; Net Energy Metering Successor Rate
The terms and conditions for Customer-Generators whose Renewable Electrical Generation Facilities
are installed after the NEM cap has been reached, or Customers-Generators who are eligible for Net
Energy Metering but elect to take service under the Net Energy Metering Successor Rate. The terms and
conditions are defined by Utilities Rate Schedule E-EEC-1 (Export Electricity Compensation).
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
Facilityas 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.
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 13
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Net Surplus Electricity Compensation
A per kilowatt hour 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. This rate is applicable only to Customer-Generators who are eligible for
Net Energy Metering and are subject to Rule and Regulation 29.
Non-Islanding
Designed to detect and disconnect from an Unintended Island with matched Load and generation.
Reliance solely on under/over voltage and frequency trip is not considered sufficient to qualify as Non-
Islanding.
Occupied Domestic Dwelling
Any house, cottage, flat, or apartment unit having a kitchen, bath, and sleeping facilities, which is
occupied by a Person or Persons.
Parallel Operation
The simultaneous operation of a Generator with power delivered or received by CPAU while
Interconnected. For the purpose of this Rule, Parallel Operation includes 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.
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 14
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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
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
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
The percent of total power delivery (kVA) which does useful work. For billing purposes, average Power
Factor is calculated from a trigonometric function of the ratio of reactive kilovolt-ampere-hours to the
Kilowatt-hours consumed during the billing month. Power Factor is a ratio that reflects the reactive
power used by a Customer. CPAU maintains an overall system Power Factor above 95% to reduce
distribution system losses caused by low Power Factor.
Power Factor Adjustment
CPAU must install additional equipment to correct for Customers that maintain a low Power Factor, and
may make a Power Factor Adjustment to a Customer’s bill to account for those costs and the additional
energy costs and losses incurred by CPAU due to the Customer’s low Power Factor.
Premises
All structures, apparatus, or portion thereof occupied or operated by an individual(s), a family, or a
business enterprise, and situated on an integral parcel of land undivided by a public street, highway, or
railway.
Primary Service
CPAU Electric distribution Service provided to a Customer’s Premises at a voltage level equal to or
greater than 1000 volts.
Producer
The entity that executes an Interconnection Agreement with CPAU. The Producer may or may not own
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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 16
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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
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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 17
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Renewable Electrical Generation Facility
A Generation 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
UtilityService provided to separately metered single family or multi-family, domestic dwelling.
Rules and Regulations
See Utilities Rules and Regulations
Scheduling Coordinator
An entity providing the coordination of power schedules and nominations to effect transportation and
distribution of Gas, Electric power and energy.
Secondary Service
CPAU Electric distribution Service provided to a Customer’s Premises at a voltage level less than 1000
volts.
Service(s)
Utility Services offered by the City of Palo Alto include Electric, Fiber Optics, Gas, Water, Wastewater
Collection services provided by the Utilities Department (CPAU); and Refuse 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 UtilityServices.
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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
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Sheet No 18
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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
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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 19
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Standby Service
Back-up Energy Services provided by CPAU.
Storm and Surface Water Drainage
UtilityService provided to residents and business owners in the Cityof 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 reliabilityrules of CPAU.
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.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No 20
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
Total Rated Generating Capacity
Total Rated Generating Capacity will be calculated as the sum of the rated generating capacity of all
installed Renewable Electrical Generation Facilities participating in NEM or NEM Aggregation. The
rated generating capacity for each individual Renewable Electrical Generation Facility participating in
NEM or NEM Aggregation will be calculated as follows:
1. For Solar: For each Renewable Electrical Generation Facility that is a solar photovoltaic
generating facility, CPAU will use the CEC’s Alternating Current (AC) rating; or where the
CEC AC rating is not available, CPAU will multiply the inverter AC nameplate rating by
0.86; and
2. For Non-Solar: For all other Renewable Electrical Generation Facilities, CPAU will use the
AC nameplate rating of the generating facility.
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
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
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UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Sheet No 21
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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
Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto for retail use. Water
Service is provided by the Cityof Palo Alto Utilities Department.
Water Column (WC)
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Sheet No 22
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 2
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)
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 1
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
A. APPLICABILITY
This Rule and Regulation is applicable to any City of Palo Alto Utilities (“CPAU”) Customer-
Generator eligible to participate in Net Energy Metering (“NEM”) or Net Energy Metering
Aggregation (“NEM Aggregation”) via the use of a Renewable Electrical Generation Facility, not
to exceed 1 MW, located on the Customer’s owned, leased, or rented premises within CPAU
service territorythat will operate in parallel with the CPAU distribution system, so long as there is
availabilityremaining within the NEM Cap, as defined in Rule 2.
B. SCOPE
Notwithstanding the requirements and charges set forth in this Rule 29, CPAU reserves the right
to impose anyrequirements set forth in Rule 27 that are additional to or more stringent than those
set forth in this Rule 29, including those related to billing and charges, on NEM and NEM
Aggregation Customers to the maximum extent permitted bystate law (Cal. Pub. Util. Code §
2827 et seq., as the same maybe amended from time to time).
C. CUSTOMER ELIGIBILITY
1.GeneralRequirements. Inorderto beeligibleto participateinNEMorNEMAggregation,a
Customer must:
a.BeaCustomer-Generator,
b.Construct, design, install, interconnect, operate and maintain a Renewable
Electrical Generation Facility(or combination of such facilities) that is:
i.On the Customer-Generator’s owned, leased or rented Premises,
ii.Of a total capacityof not more than one (1) MW (or 1,000 kW),
iii.Intended primarilyto offset part or all of the Customer-Generator’s own
Electric Service requirements, and
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 2
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
iv.Is not used to sell to any third person, or otherwise provide Electric
Service to anyreal estate parcel, premise, or location other than those that
are the subject of the Customer-Generator’s Interconnection Agreement
(IA).
c.Complete and provide CPAU with all required agreements, supporting
documents, and anypayments related to interconnection.
2.NEM Cap. Customers remain eligible for NEM and NEM Aggregation until such time as
the Total Rated Generating Capacityused byNEM and NEM Aggregation Customers
combined reaches CPAU’s NEM Cap. NEM is available on a first-come, first-served
basis. Once the NEM Cap has been reached, NEM Service and Interconnection will be
closed to new customers.
a.After the NEM Cap has been reached, Customer-Generators may increase the
system capacity by a maximum of 10% of the Initial Interconnection Capacity.
Customer-Generators that expand their system beyond this limit are no longer
eligible for NEM and will be transitioned to the Net EnergyMetering Successor
Rate.
3.Additional Requirements for NEM Aggregation. In addition to those eligibility
requirements set forth in Section 1(a) of this Rule and Regulation 29, a CPAU Customer
is only eligible to participate in NEM Aggregation where:
a.The Customer-Generator elects to aggregate Electric Service of the meters located
on the propertywhere the Renewable Electrical Generation Facilityis located
across properties that are adjacent or contiguous with that property; and
b.All properties across which the Customer-Generator elects to aggregate are solely
owned, leased, or rented bythe eligible Customer.
4.NEM Transition Period. Customer-Generators within the NEM Cap remain subject to the
requirements and charges set forth in this Rule 29 through a period of twenty (20) years
from the original date of Interconnection of the eligible Renewable Energy Generating
Facility.
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 3
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
D. BILLING FOR NEM
1.General Rules
a.Twelve Month True Up Period
i.At the end of each twelve-month period following:
aa.The date of Interconnection of the Renewable Electrical Generation
Facility, or
bb. For a Customer with a date of Interconnection of the Generating
Facilitycommencingprior to February1, 2010, thedayafterCPAU’s
receipt of the Customer’s net surplus electricityelection form,
ii.CPAU will determine whether the Customer-Generator is a Net Electricity
Consumer or a Net Surplus Customer-Generator during that period.
b.CPAU will bill the Customer-Generator for the electricity used during that twelve-
month period, whether the Customer-Generator is considered a Net Electricity
Consumer or a Net Surplus Customer-Generator.
c.CPAU shall provide the Customer-Generator with net electricity consumption
information with each monthlybill; that information shall include either the current
monetary balance owed to CPAU or the current amount of excess electricity
produced since the last twelve-month period.
d.If the Customer-Generator terminates the contractual relationship with CPAU, then
CPAU shall reconcile the Customer-Generator’s consumption and production of
electricity during any part of the twelve-month period following the last annual
settlement and reconciliation, using the procedures as outlined in this Rule.
e. For a Customer-Generator who has submitted an affirmative election, CPAU will
provide either Net Surplus Electricity Compensation in accordance with Electric
UtilityRate Schedule E-NSE-1, for anynet surplus electricitygenerated during the
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 4
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
prior twelve-month settlement period, or bill credits resulting from net surplus
electricity generation to be applied against electricity-related charges subsequently
incurred bythe Customer-Generator.
f. If the Customer-Generator fails to make an affirmative election to receive Service
pursuant to Net Surplus ElectricityCompensation,thenCPAUshall retainanyexcess
electricity (expressed in Kilowatt-hours) generated during the prior twelve-month
settlement period, and it shall not be obligated to pay Net Surplus Electricity
Compensation, nor shall it be obligated to allow the application of net surplus
electricity credits to be used against Energy charges subsequently incurred by the
Customer-Generator.
g. CPAU will allow a Customer to change the election option once each twelve-month
settlement period provided that the Customer provides notice to CPAU one month
prior to the beginning of new settlement period.
2.Monthly Billing
a.Medium and large commercial Customer-Generators will be required to pay any
balances due to CPAU on a monthlybasis.
b. Except as annual billing is provided for in this Rule 29, residential and small
commercial Customer-Generators will default to owing balances due on a monthly
basis, but may request annual billing.
c. Standby service charges for backup or maintenance electric service will be waived,
provided that the Customer-Generator qualifies for participation in net energy
metering at the Service Address.
d. For a Net Surplus Customer-Generator in a given month, anycredits created will be
carried forward to future months, to be used for future electric charges, until the end
of the Customer-Generators Twelve Month True-Up Period.
3.Annual Billing
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 5
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
a.Customers may request annual billing.
b.Bill payment will not be considered delinquent, unless the Customer-Generatordoes
not pay a final billing statement within twenty (20) days of the date of issuance of
that final billing statement.
c.For annually billed residential or small commercial Customer-Generators, the net
balanceofmoneyowed to CPAUwillbecarriedforwarduntil theendofthetwelve-
month period.
d.To accommodate annual billing, a Customer’s ElectricityService maybetransferred
to aseparateUtilityAccountso asnot to interruptmonthlybillingforotherrecurring,
non-electric UtilityServices.
4.Additional Billing Rules Applicable to NEM Aggregation Customers
a.For each monthlybilling period, the amount of electricitygenerated from the
Aggregation Customer’s Generating Facilityduring that billing period will be
accounted for on a per kWh basis.
b.The Aggregation Customer’s electricity consumption will be totaled for each
Beneficiary Account that is listed to receive kwh energy credits from the
Generating Facilityper the Customer’s Interconnection Agreement.
c.Each BeneficiaryAccount will be allotted a portion of the Generating Facilities
energyequal to that BeneficiaryAccount’s relative share of Aggregation
Customer’s total usage for the billing period.
d.The total amount of energyproduced bya Generating Facilitywill be allotted in
each billing period.
e.The billing for BeneficiaryAccounts will be the same as NEM customers, as
outlined in Section D.2(a), with the restriction that no BeneficiaryAccount is
eligible for Net Surplus ElectricityCompensation in accordance with Electric
UtilityRate Schedule E-NSE-1, but mayonly carry forward energycredits.
(SGY7MKR)RZIPSTI-('''(&%%*'*%
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 6
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
E. APPLICATION AND INTERCONNECTION PROCESS
1.Application Process
CPAU shall process a request for the establishment of NEM Service and Interconnection
from the Customer-Generator within the time period not exceeding that for Customers
requesting new Electric Service; provided, however, that such time period will not exceed
thirty(30) days from the date of (1) receipt of a completed Application form for Net Energy
MeteringService and Interconnection from the Customer-Generator, (2) Electricinspection
clearance from CPAU, and (3) building inspection clearance from the City of Palo Alto
BuildingInspection Division.If CPAUis unableto process therequest withinthethirty-day
period or other applicable period, then CPAU shall notify the Customer-Generator of the
reason foritsinabilityto process the request and the expected completion date.
2.Interconnection Process
The Customer-Generator will be required to sign either an Interconnection Agreement, as
applicable, or an agreement containing substantially the terms and conditions of the above
referenced agreements and agree to be subject to applicable Utility Rates and Charges and
Utility Rules and Regulations in order to be eligible for NEM Service provided byCPAU.
CPAUwill makeavailableall necessaryforms andcontracts forNEM Servicefordownload
from the Internet.
F. GENERATING FACILITY DESIGN AND OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
1.SafetyStandards
The facilitywill meet all applicable federal, stateandlocalsafetyandperformancestandards,
includingthoseestablished bythe National Electrical Code(NEC), the InstituteofElectrical
and Electronic Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters
Laboratories (UL)and, asapplicable, the rules of the California PublicUtilitiesCommission
regarding safety and reliability. The Customer-Generator whose facility meets those
standards and rules will not be required to install additional controls, perform or pay for
additional tests, or purchase additional liabilityinsurance.
(SGY7MKR)RZIPSTI-('''(&%%*'*%
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 7
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
2.Design Standards
Inaddition to therequirements moregenerally setforth in section D.1, Customer-Generator
will:
a.Conform to the applicable National Electric Code (NEC) Standards [NEC 690]
and applicable building codes.
b.Have a dedicated circuit from the inverter to the Service panel with a circuit breaker
or fuse [NEC 690-64(b)(1)].
c.Have an overcurrent device at the Service panel will be marked to indicate solar
power source [NEC 690-64(b)(4)].
d.Establish the followingminimum specifications for Parallel OperationwithCPAU’s
Electric utilityDistribution System.
e.Install a visible break, lockable AC disconnect switch in the dedicated circuit to the
inverter. This switch will be located where it is easilyaccessiblebyCPAUpersonnel
and will be equipped with a CPAU padlock [CPAU Rule and Regulation 27].
f.Use an inverter that is UL 1741-appoved and have the following specifications for
Parallel Operation with CPAU’s Electric utilityDistribution System:
i.Inverter output will automatically disconnect from CPAU’s utility source
upon the loss of CPAU’s utilityvoltage and will not be reconnected until at
least five (5) minutes after normal utility voltage and frequency have been
restored [UL 1741].
ii.Inverter will automaticallydisconnectfromCPAU’sutilitysourcewithin120
cycles (2 seconds) if CPAU’s utility voltage isles than 106 volts or greater
than 132 volts on a 120-volt base [UL1741].
iii.Inverter will automaticallydisconnect from CPAU’s utilitysource within 10
cycles (0.17 seconds) if CPAU’s utility frequency fluctuations is less than
59.3 hertz or greater than 60.5 hertz [UL 1741] cycle.
iv.Inverter output will complywith IEEE 519 standards for harmonic
(SGY7MKR)RZIPSTI-('''(&%%*'*%
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 8
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
distortion [CPAU Rule and Regulation 27].
G. METERING
1.NEM may be accomplished by using a single Meter capable of registering the flow of
electricity in two different directions. If the Customer-Generator’s existing Meter is not
capable of measuring the flow of electricityin two directions, then the Customer-Generator
shall beresponsibleforall expensesinvolved in purchasingandinstallingaMeterthatisable
to measure electricity flow in two directions.
2.In lieu of one Meter, an additional Meter to monitor the flow of electricityin each direction
maybe installed with theconsent of the Customer-Generator, at the expense ofCPAU. The
additional Metershall beused onlyto providetheinformation necessaryto accuratelybillor
credit the Customer-Generator and/or to collect solar or wind Electric generating system
performance information for research purposes.
3.Customer-Generator grants to CPAU, its officers, employees, agents and representativesthe
non-exclusive right of ingress and egress on, over and across the Premises upon reasonable
prior notice for the purpose of inspecting and approvingthe installation and operation ofthe
Facilityand authenticating the accuracy of the Meter(s), or in the event of an emergencyor
in regard to a disconnection ofthe Facility, withoutnotice,ifinCPAU’sDirectorofUtilities’
sole judgment, a condition hazardous to life or property exists, and immediate action is
necessary to protect life or property from damage or interference directly caused by the
Equipment or as a result of the lack of properly operating protective devices.
H. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.Customer-Generator will obtain and maintain the required governmental authorizations,
permits, and anypolicyor policies of insurance, including, without limitation,
commercial general liability, property, and professional liabilityinsurance, as may be
required by applicable laws.
2.CPAU will not be obligated to accept or payfor, and it mayrequire Customer-Generator
to interrupt or reduce, the deliveryof available energygenerated bythe Facilityunder the
following: (a) whenever CPAU in its sole judgment determines that the interruption or
reduction is necessaryin order for CPAU to construct, install, maintain, repair, replace,
(SGY7MKR)RZIPSTI-('''(&%%*'*%
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued bythe City Council
Effective 7-1-2016
Sheet No. 9
NET ENERGY METERING SERVICE AND INTERCONNECTION
RULE AND REGULATION 29
remove, investigate, or inspect anypart of CPAU’s electric utilitydistribution system; or
(b) if CPAU determines that the interruption or reduction is necessary on account of an
emergency, voluntary or involuntary outage, event of Force Majeure, or compliance
with prudent electrical practices.
3.Notwithstanding anyother provision of this Agreement, if CPAU determines that either
(a) the operation of the Facilitymay threaten or endanger the health, safety or welfare of
CPAU’s personnel or CPAU’s or its personnel’s property, or (b) the continued operation
of the Facilitymay endanger the operational integrityof CPAU’s electric utility
distribution system, CPAU will have the right to temporarilyor permanently disconnect
the Facilityfrom CPAU’s Electric UtilityDistribution System upon the deliveryof
reasonable notice to Customer-Generator; provided, however, CPAU mayact without
giving prior notice to Customer-Generator, if CPAU determines that it is impracticable to
provide the notice. The Facilitywill remain disconnected until such time as CPAU’s
Director of Utilities is reasonablysatisfied that the conditions referred to in this
subsection have been corrected or sufficientlyaddressed.
4.Customer-Generator will (a) maintain the Facility, which interconnects with CPAU’s
electric utilitydistribution system, in a safe and prudent manner and in conformance with
all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the requirements
of this Section H.
5.Customer-Generator will reimburse CPAU for anyand all losses, damages, claims,
penalties, or liabilitythat CPAU mayincur or sustain as a result of Customer-Generator’s
failure to obtain and maintain anyand all governmental approvals, authorizations and
permits that maybe required for the construction, installation, operation, repair and
maintenance of the Facility.
(SGY7MKR)RZIPSTI-('''(&%%*'*%
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