HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 14794
City of Palo Alto (ID # 14794)
Utilities Advisory Commission Staff Report
Meeting Date: 11/2/2022 Report Type: VII. NEW BUSINESS
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Changes to the Utilities Rules and Regulations and Rate Schedules for
AMI implementation
From: Director of Utilities
Lead Department: Utilities
Recommended Motion
Staff recommends that the UAC recommend Council adopt the attached Resolution
(Attachment A) amending Utilities Rules and Regulations 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 18, 20, and Utilities
Rate Schedules C-1 and C-4, as attached.
Executive Summary
Utilities Rules and Regulations (Rules) are updated as needed to ensure current procedures are
in place to continue City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) operations. The recommended changes to
the various Rules and Regulations add new provisions, remove outdated sections, update
language for clarity, and reflect changes to applicable regulations, business practices and
procedures, as the department implements the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
program. Revisions to two rate schedules are required to reflect new fees for customers
seeking to opt out from the AMI program.
Background
The changes below include new Opt-Out and Electric Meter Remote Disconnect policies that
were discussed at the June UAC, Staff Report 14288 (Linked Document) meeting and are
proposed to be incorporated into Utilities Rules and Regulations 9 (“Discontinuance,
Termination and Restoration of Service”) and 10 (“Meter Reading”). Most of the changes do not
impact long range planning, policies, or programs. The changes mainly reflect daily operational
changes and procedures that are currently in place.
Discussion
Twenty-nine Utilities Rules and Regulations (Rules) set forth the conditions under which the
City provides utility services to customers from both the Utilities Department (electric, natural
gas, water, wastewater, fiber optic) and the Public Works Department (refuse, storm drain).
The Rules are updated on as-needed basis to reflect current standards and business practices,
and to streamline language to make the rules more user-friendly and provide for ease of
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administration. Each of the Rules below includes changes reflecting this approach; additional
specific edits are noted below, and redlined copies of each rule are available online with links
provided on the last page of this report. Rate schedules are updated as needed to reflect the
costs of providing utility service and meeting utility operating expenses, in this case, the cost of
manual meter reading and bill processing for customers who opt out of the AMI program
functionality.
Opt-Out Policy (Electric and Gas)
According to national statistics, CPAU anticipates approximately 0.5% of customers may want
to opt out of the AMI program (150 of 30,000 customers). Customers who opt out will not be
able to realize the benefits of an advanced meter. If a residential customer wishes to opt-out of
the AMI electric and/or gas program, they will be given the opportunity to opt out either before
or after their advanced meter upgrade. CPAU will not be providing a water meter opt-out
option since water meters are typically located in the public right of way and distant from the
home.
Electric Meter Remote Disconnect/Reconnect Policy
One major operational benefit of AMI is reducing the cost and number of utility service vehicles
being dispatched (truck roll) for customer disconnection and reconnection. By decreasing the
number of truck rolls, the City’s carbon footprint is also reduced, and utility resources can be
reassigned to other services. Remote disconnect meters have a breaker inside of them that can
be controlled remotely. This will be an effective solution for customers who are turned on and
off frequently as well as residences that have a high turnover such as rental properties or
apartment complexes.
Utilities Rules and Regulations (2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 18, 20)
Utilities Rule and Regulation 02 (Definitions and Abbreviations)
Rule and Regulation 2 describes commonly used industry acronyms and the definitions of
various terms used throughout Rules. The proposed changes include a minor update to the
Point of Service terminology to be consistent with the change in Utilities Rule and Regulation
20, “Special Electric Utility Regulations”, and clarifications around the definition of charges and
taxes.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 08 (Access to Premises)
The recommended amendments to Rule 8 clarify the customer’s responsibilities in keeping the
meter and meter facilities clear of obstruction, debris, and vegetation.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 09 (Discontinuance Restoration)
The recommended amendments to Rule 9 include adding a new section for remote disconnect
and reconnect services from the meter. CPAU will use the remote disconnect/reconnect feature
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enabled on the new AMI electric meters. The use of this feature allows for the disconnection
and/or reconnection of an electrical service to a service address without CPAU staff being
physically present at the meter location.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 10 (Meter Reading)
The recommended amendments to Rule 10 add a new section for customers who may choose
to opt out and temporarily keep their existing (legacy) meter by notifying CPAU before a new
AMI-enabled meter is installed. Opt-out customers will be assessed opt-out fees to recover
costs for Customer Service, Meter Reading and Billing for manual monthly billing, as reflected in
the updated rate schedules described below.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 15 (Metering)
The recommended amendments to Rule 15 extend provisions relating to meter installation to
also cover installing or updating related metering equipment as needed to maintain standards
and update outdated equipment that maintains or improves on the functionality of CPAU’s
utility services.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 18 (Utility Service Connections and Facilities on Customers'
Premises)
The recommended amendments to Rule 18 stipulate CPAU must have the flexibility and ability
to relocate or modify Utility Service Lines or Points of Service for the purpose of meeting quality
control standards, updating outdated equipment, or otherwise improving the functionality of
Utility Services.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 20 (Special Electric Utility Regulations)
The recommended amendments to Rule 20 are to be consistent with Utilities Rule and
Regulation 15, “Metering”, to reflect CPAU’s ability to install not only meters but any related
equipment needed to maintain standards and update outdated equipment in order to maintain
or improve on the functionality of CPAU’s utility services.
Utility Rate Schedules (C-1 and C-4)
The set-up charge is to recover costs of establishing a new meter reading route for opt-out
customers and verifying customer’s eligibility to participate in the program. The ongoing
monthly charge covers collecting the self reads, reviewing the historical reads for anomalies,
the annual meter audit of self reads, and a visual inspection of the meter.
Utility Rate Schedule C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges)
The recommended amendments to Rate Schedule C-1 includes the Opt-Out fees for AMI. A
one-time non-refundable set up charge in the amount of $100 will be billed on the customer
residential account. In addition, a recurring monthly fee of $25 will be billed to the residential
account to cover the costs of utility billing and manual meter read verification.
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Utility Rate Schedule C-4 (Residential Rate Assistance Program)
The recommended amendments to Rate Schedule C-4 includes the Opt-Out fees for AMI. For
low-income customers enrolled in the RAP program, a one-time set-up charge is $50 with a
recurring monthly fee of $10. Customers can opt into the AMI program at any time to
discontinue the opt-out fees for no charge
Timeline
Staff plans to bring the UAC recommended rules changes the rules to Policy and Services
Committee in December and to Council in January.
Resource Impact
Approval of changes to Utilities Rules and Regulation 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 18, 20, Rate Schedules C-1
and C-4 will not result in a significant change in net operating revenues or expenses.
Policy Implications
These recommendations do not represent a change in current City policies.
Environmental Review
The UAC’s recommendation to Council that Council adopt the resolution amending specified
Utility Rules and Regulations and Rate Schedules does not meet the definition of a “project”
under Public Resources Code 21065 or CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), since the
recommendation will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, thus
no CEQA review of this action is required.
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Resolution
• Rule 02 Definitions and Abbreviations - redlined
• Rule 08 Access to Premises - redlined
• Rule 09 Discontinuance Restoration - redlined
• Rule 15 Metering - redlined
• Rule 18 Utility Service Connections and Facilities on Customers' Premises - redlined
• Rule 20 Special Electric Utility Regulations - redlined
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*NOT YET APPROVED*
1
Resolution No. ______
RESOLUTION AMENDING UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-1 (UTILITY MISCELLANEOUS
CHARGES), UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-4 (RESIDENTIAL RATE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM), UTILITIES RULE AND REGULATION 2 (DEFINITIONS AND
ABBREVIATIONS), UTILITIES RULE AND REGULATION 8 (ACCESS TO PREMISES),
UTILITIES RULE AND REGULATION 9 (DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND
RESTORATION OF SERVICE), UTILITIES RULE AND REGULATION 10 (METER
READING), UTILITIES RULE AND REGULATION 15 (METERING), UTILITIES RULE
AND REGULATION 18 (UTILITY SERVICE AND FACILITIES ON CUSTOMER
PREMISES), UTILITIES RULE AND REGULATION 20 (SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY
REGULATIONS)
RECITALS
A. In October 2021, Council approved the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project
to install equipment, software, and services capable of delivering billing and interval
reads from customer meters, including networking infrastructure components and the
installation thereof, AMI-integrated electric meters, water and gas endpoints/modules,
and other ancillary equipment (batteries, water meter pit lids, etc.) necessary to attain
functionality; additionally, integration services to tie the AMI headend to other
business-critical systems.
B. Revisions to the Utilities Rules and Regulations are required to incorporate concepts
specific to the AMI equipment and services, as well as to two rate schedules to reflect
new fees for customers seeking to opt out from the AMI program.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does Hereby RESOLVE, as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges) of the Palo Alto Utilities Rates and Charges is
hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as
amended, shall become effective Month, day 2023.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule C-4 (Residential Rate Assistance Program) of the Palo Alto Utilities Rates and
Charges is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated. The foregoing Utility Rate
Schedule, as amended, shall become effective Month, day 2023.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 2 (Definitions and Abbreviations) is hereby amended as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 2, as amended, shall become effective Month, day
2023.
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SECTION 4. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 8 (Meter Reading) is hereby amended as attached and incorporated. Utility
Rule and Regulation 8, as amended, shall become effective Month, Day 2023.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 9 (Disconnection, Termination and Restoration of Service) is hereby
amended as attached and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 9, as amended, shall
become effective Month, Day 2023.
SECTION 6. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 10 (Meter Reading) is hereby amended as attached and incorporated.
Utility Rule and Regulation 10, as amended, shall become effective Month, Day 2023.
SECTION 7. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 15 (Metering) is hereby amended as attached and incorporated. Utility
Rule and Regulation 15, as amended, shall become effective Month, Day 2023.
SECTION 8. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 18 (Utility Service and Facilities on Customer Premises) is hereby amended
as attached and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 18, as amended, shall become
effective Month, Day 2023.
SECTION 9. Pursuant to section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 20 (Special Electric Utility Regulations) is hereby amended as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 20, as amended, shall become effective Month, Day
2023.
SECTION 10. The Council finds that the fees and charges adopted by this resolution are
charges imposed for a specific government service or product provided directly to the payor
that are not provided to those not charged, and do not exceed the reasonable costs to the City
of providing the service or product.
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SECTION 11. Council finds that the adoption of revised rate schedules in this Resolution
is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15273(a), because the fees and charges proposed are necessary to recover
the cost of providing utility service and meet operating expenses. After reviewing the reports
presented, 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.
Council finds that the adoption of revised Utility Rules and Regulations does not meet the
definition of a “project” under Public Resources Code Section 21065 or CEQA Guidelines Section
15378(b)(2).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
________________________________ ________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
________________________________ ________________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
________________________________
Director of Utilities
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 1
A. ABBREVIATIONS
AMI - Advanced Metering Infrastructure
AMR - Automated Meter Reading AER - Advance Engineering Request APGA - American Public Gas Association ARB - Air Resources Board (California)
AWWA - American Water Works Association
Btu - British Thermal Unit ccf - Hundred Cubic Feet (water) CEC - California Energy Commission CNG - Compressed Natural Gas
CPAU - City of Palo Alto Utilities
CPI - Consumer Price Index CPUC - California Public Utilities Commission DOE - Department of Energy (Federal) DOT - Department of Transportation (Federal)
DSM - Demand-side Management
EVSE - Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment ERT - “Encode, Receive, Transmit” ERU - Equivalent Residential Unit FERC - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GPM - Gallons Per Minute
kVar - Kilovar kVarh - Kilovar-hours kW - Kilowatt kWh - Kilowatt-hour
LCFS - Low Carbon Fuel Standard
MW - Megawatt MMBtu - One million Btu. NCPA - Northern California Power Agency NEC - National Electric Code, Latest Version
NEM - Net Energy Metering
NEM 1 - Net Energy Metering Program NEM 2 - Net Energy Metering Successor Program NEMA - Net Energy Metering Aggregation NEMIA - Net Energy Metering Interconnection Agreement
NRTL - Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
PAMC - Palo Alto Municipal Code
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 2
PSIG - Per square inch gauge RAP - Rate Assistance Program
PPA - Power Purchase Agreement
PST - Pacific Standard Time RTP - Real-time Pricing RWQCP - Regional Water Quality Control Plant TOU - Time of Use
WAPA - Western Area Power Administration
UUT - Utilities Users Tax B. GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Account The identification number in CPAU’s billing system for Utility Services. Advance Engineering Fee
A non-refundable fee paid at the start of an engineering review process. The Advance Engineering Fees
will be credited against the estimated job cost prior to collection of construction fees. Advanced Metering Infrastructure A technology system using radio and cell signal telecommunication channels to detect and transmit data
from “smart” utility Meters, enabling Customers to view near-real time consumption data through the
Customer web portal. 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 that Customer, and who has signed the Net Energy Metering Interconnection Agreement for NEM Aggregation. Affected System
An Electric system, other than CPAU’s Distribution or Transmission System, that may be affected by a
Customer’s proposed Interconnection of a Generating Facility.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 3
Affected System Operator
The entity that operates an Affected System.
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 Utilities Rule and Regulation 27.
Application (for Interconnection of Generating Facilities) An approved standard form (Load Sheet) submitted to CPAU for Interconnection of a Generating Facility. Backflow Prevention Assembly
Approved device to prevent water from Customer plumbing from flowing into the City’s Water
Distribution System. Beneficiary Account The Electric Service Meter(s) serviced by an Aggregation Customer’s Generating Facility, as listed on the
Aggregation Customer’s NEM Aggregation Interconnection Agreement.
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.
Billing Period Also “service period” or “billing cycle”. The normal Billing Period for CPAU Customers is 27 to 33 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.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 4
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.
Business Partner
A Utilities customer having multiple service locations in the City of Palo Alto. ccf (lower case) One hundred cubic feet of water (748 gallons).
Certification Test A test pursuant to Utilities Rule and Regulation 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 the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and any Person who is designated the representative of the City Attorney.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 5
City’s Collector The Person(s) authorized under Section 5.20.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to provide collection,
processing and disposal of Refuse including Solid Waste, Compostable Materials and Recyclable
Materials pursuant to one or more written contracts with the City. City Lateral A City Lateral (also known as a Lower Sewer Lateral) is the portion of the Sewer Lateral that is owned
and maintained by the City. A City Lateral typically is the lower portion of a Sewer Lateral downstream
from the City Sewer Cleanout. City Manager The individual designated as the City Manager of the City under Section 2.08.140 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 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. City Sewer Cleanout
A sewer cleanout is a point of access where the Sewer Lateral can be serviced. The City Sewer Cleanout
typically marks the transition point between the City Lateral (Lower Sewer Lateral) and the Customer’s Upper Lateral, as further described in Utilities Rule and Regulation 23. . CNG Vehicle
A vehicle powered by compressed natural gas.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 6
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, including, without limitation, yard trimmings, food scraps, soiled paper and compostable plastics, but excluding animal manure, sewage sludge, and human biological infectious wastes.
Container
Any bin, box, cart, compactor, drop box, roll-off box, or 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.
Cooling Degree Days
The number of the degrees per day that the daily average temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The daily average temperature is the mean of the maximum and minimum temperatures for a 24-hour period. Cross Bore
A Cross Bore is the unintended conflict between one utility line and a portion of another utility line. This
situation can happen during construction using “horizontal directional drilling” or underground pneumatic boring. Cross Bore Inspection Program
The Cross Bore Inspection Program inspects City Laterals and Private Laterals to find and repair Gas
pipes that pass through existing Sewer Laterals. Cross Connection Cross Connections are any actual or potential unapproved unprotected connections between a potable
water system and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance which may not be
safe. Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program This program protects the quality of drinking Water by preventing contaminants in private Service pipes
from entering the Water Distribution system.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 7
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 A Customer who is 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 (Optic) 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. Transmission equipment for Fiber Optic activation service is provided by the reseller or end-user.
Dark Fiber (Optic) Infrastructure The 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.
Dark Fiber (Optic) Licensing Agreement The mandatory contractual agreement between the City and the Customer specifying the terms, conditions and pricing to access the City of Palo Alto’s Dark Fiber (Optic) Ring.
Dedicated Distribution Transformer
A distribution transformer that is dedicated to serving a single premise.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 8
Demand The highest rate of metered delivery of Electric energy, measured in Kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt amperes
(kVA) occurring instantaneously or registered within a specified time interval (normally fifteen minutes
within a monthly billing cycle, unless otherwise specified). Demand Charge An electrical Charge or rate that is applied to a metered Demand reading, within a specified interval,
expressed in Kilowatts (kW) to compute the Demand Charge component of a Customer’s Electric bill. Demand-side Management The planning, implementation, and monitoring of Utility activities designed to encourage commercial, residential, agricultural, and institutional Customers to modify patterns of electricity, natural gas, and
water usage, including the timing and level of demand. Demand-side management also covers the
complete range of electric load-shape objectives, including strategic conservation, load management, and strategic load growth. 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. Deposit
A fixed amount (for residential customers), or an estimated amount based upon usage (for commercial
customers, except Fiber Optic), to be paid to the Utilities Department upon submission of an Application for Service. See Utilities Rule and Regulation 7, “Deposits.” Detailed Study
An engineering study consisting of an Interconnection System Impact Study and an Interconnection
Facilities Study for the purpose of identifying Interconnection Facilities, Distribution Upgrades, and Reliability Network Upgrades. Disconnection Notice
A final written notice from CPAU to the Customer indicating the date that all Utilities Services will be
disconnected for non-payment unless payment is tendered to mitigate an outstanding balance, or until a Payment Arrangement is completed with CPAU for repayment over time. See Utilities Rule and Regulation 9, “Disconnection, Termination, and Restoration of Service.”
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 9
Distribution Services This includes, but is not limited to, Utility Service provided by the City’s Distribution System and other
Services such as billing, Meter reading, administration, marketing, and Customer Services. Distribution
Services do not include Services directly related to the Interconnection of a Generating Facility, as per Utilities Rule and Regulation 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. Duct
A single, enclosed thoroughfare for conductors, cables, or wires.
Easement See Public Utility Easement.
Efficiency
The ratio of water or energy input to useful output, measured at either a single point in time, or measured change in ratio over time. Effluent
Treated or untreated Wastewater flowing out of a Wastewater treatment facility, sewer, or industrial
outfall. Elasticity of Demand The ratio of the percentage change in consumer demand to the percentage change in price. If the ratio is
more than one, demand is elastic (sensitive to price).
Electric Distribution The process of delivering electric energy to customers on a utility’s distribution system. Transmission lines carry electricity at high voltage to substations which reduce the voltage and distribute the electricity
over primary distribution lines that extend throughout the service territory.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 10
Electric, Electric Service A Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto consisting of the
generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power for retail use. Electric Service is provided
by the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department. Electric Vehicle A vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells,
photovoltaic arrays, residential or commercial charging kiosks, or other sources of electric current. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) The conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors and the electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus
installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the electric
vehicle. EVSE is as defined in the California Electrical Code, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 3, Chapter 6, Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Charging System), as amended. Enterprise Funds, Enterprise Services
A budgetary identification for individual Utilities services. Each individual Utility (electric, natural gas,
water, wastewater, storm drain, fiber optic, refuse) has its own operating and capital budgets, staffing, contracts, financial obligations, cash reserves, etc. combined into specific Enterprise Funds. Emergency
An actual or imminent condition or situation, which jeopardizes CPAU’s Distribution System Integrity.
Emergency Service The Electric Service supplied to, or made available to, Load devices which are operated only in Emergency situations or in testing for same.
Energy Services
The 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 with or related to the Provision and/or usage of the energy commodity.
Energy Storage Facility, Energy Storage System
A facility or storage system that is an “energy storage system,” as that term is defined by the California Public Utilities Code section 2835, as the same may be amended from time to time. End Points
The respective start and termination of a Fiber Optic cable.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 11
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)
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.
ERT (“Encode, Receive, Transmit”)
A battery-powered module attached to an Electric, natural Gas, or Water Meter that permits the remote reading by CPAU of secure, or encrypted, meter data from a centralized location for the purposes of billing, outage management, or data analysis.
Final Bill
The last bill that is issued upon permanent termination of Service. This bill will combine ending financial debits and credits, close the Account, and terminate all further Customer and Utility financial obligations, unless additional Services are requested by the Customer prior to the receipt of the final bill.
Fiber Optic (Optical Fiber), 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 City or Customer 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.
Gas, Gas Service Gas refers to the Utility Service provided to residents and business owners in the City of Palo Alto. Gas Service consists of procurement, transmission, and distribution of any combustible gas or vapor, or combustible mixture of gaseous constituents used to produce heat by burning for retail use. It includes,
but is not limited to, natural gas, gas manufactured from coal or oil, gas obtained from biomass or from
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 12
landfill, or a mixture of any or all of the above. 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 the Producer for the purpose of producing Electric power, including energy storage facilities and solar or wind turbine-powered Renewable Electrical Generation
Generator A device converting mechanical, chemical or solar energy into electrical energy, including any required protection and control functions, features and structural appurtenances. One or more Generators may 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).
Heating Degree Days (HDD)
The number of the degrees per day that the daily average temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The daily average temperature is the mean of the maximum and minimum temperatures for a 24-hour period. Initial Interconnection Capacity
The maximum rated generating capacity of a Renewable Electrical Generation Facility eligible for Net
Energy Metering prior to the Total Rated Generating Capacity exceeding the NEM Cap. Initial Review The review by CPAU, following receipt of an Application for Interconnection, 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 allowing Parallel Operation with CPAU’s Distribution System to occur.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 13
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 Agreements , and the Power Purchase Agreements authorized by the City Council may be considered Interconnection Agreements. 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 Facilities Study
A study conducted by CPAU for an Interconnection Customer under the Detailed Study process to determine a list of facilities (including CPAU’s Interconnection Facilities, Distribution Upgrades, and Reliability Network Upgrades as identified in the Interconnection System Impact Study), the cost of those facilities, and the time required to interconnect the Generating Facility with CPAU’s Distribution or
Transmission System.
Interconnection Request An Applicant’s request for the Interconnect of a new Generating Facility, or to increase the capacity of, or make a material modification to the operating characteristics of, an existing Generating Facility that is
Interconnected with CPAU’s Distribution or Transmission System.
Interconnection Study A study to establish the requirements for Interconnection of a Generating Facility with CPAU’s Distribution System.
Interconnection System Impact Study An engineering study conducted by CPAU for an Interconnection Customer under the Independent Study Process that evaluates the impact of the proposed interconnection on the safety and reliability of CPAU’s Distribution and/or Transmission system and, if applicable, an Affected 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.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 14
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, Junction Site A location on the Dark Fiber Infrastructure where equipment is installed for the purpose of connecting
communication cables. The Junction Site refers to the area within the Transmission Pathway at which a
Junction is located. Kilovar (kVar) A unit of reactive power equal to 1,000 reactive volt-amperes.
Kilovar-hours (kVarh)
The amount of reactive flow in one hour, at a constant rate 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.
Leased Service Properties
Any equipment or utility infrastructure which is not owned by CPAU, but leased from another provider in order to deliver service. 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 Fiber(s) One or more fibers comprising a part of the Dark Fiber Infrastructure that is dedicated to the exclusive use of the Customer under the Provisions of the Dark Fiber License Agreement, a Proposal to the Dark Fiber
Services Agreement, and the Utilities Rules and Regulations.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 15
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.
Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) A program developed and administered by the California Air Resources Board to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuel under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). Through the LCFS program, the City, through its Electric Utility, receives credits for providing electricity to charge
electric vehicles. These credits are sold and the funds are utilized to benefit current or future electric
vehicle customers, educate the public on the benefits of electric vehicle transportation, and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Lower Sewer Lateral
See City Lateral.
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 the quantity of the Electric,
Gas or Water Service 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.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 16
Metering Equipment All equipment, hardware, software including Meter cabinets, conduit, etc., that are necessary for Metering.
Meter Read The recording of Customer usage data from Metering Equipment. Minimum Charge
The least amount to be billed to a Customer for rendering Service, in accordance with the applicable 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 Utilities Rule and Regulation 27.
Natural Gas Distribution
The process of delivering natural gas to customers on a utility’s distribution system. Transmission lines carry natural gas at high pressures to receiving stations in Palo Alto, which reduce the pressure and distribute the natural gas over the City’s Gas Distribution System.
Net Electricity Consumer
A Customer-Generator or Producer whose Generating Facility produces less electricity than is supplied by CPAU during a particular period; may also be referred to as a Net Electricity Importer. Net Electricity Exporter
A Customer-Generator whose Generating Facility produces more electricity than is supplied by CPAU
during a particular period; may also be referred to as a Net Surplus Customer-Generator. Net Energy Metering (NEM) A means of measuring Customer-generated renewable electricity exported to the CPAU grid.
Net Energy Metering 1 (NEM 1)
CPAU’s original Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program and Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEMA) Program, either individually or collectively, which were developed in accordance with Senate Bill 656 (1995).
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 17
Net Energy Metering Cap (NEM Cap) The MW value reached when the Total Rated Generating Capacity used by eligible NEM 1 Customer-
Generators exceeded 5 percent of CPAU’s aggregate Customer peak Demand, at which point NEM 1
became closed to new Customer-Generators. CPAU reached its NEM Cap on December 31, 2017. Net Energy Metering 2 (NEM 2); Net Energy Metering Successor Program CPAU’s NEM Program offering compensation for Customer-Generators whose Generating Facilities are
Interconnected after the NEM Cap was reached, including Customers-Generators who are eligible for
NEM 1 but elect to take Service under the Net Energy Metering Successor Program. NEM 2 Customers take Service under Utilities Rate Schedule E-EEC-1 (Export Electricity Compensation), in conjunction with their otherwise applicable Rate Schedule.
Net Energy Metering Aggregation
The process by which an eligible Customer-Generator with multiple Meters participating in CPAU’s NEM 1 Program may elect to combine the electrical Load of the Meters located on the property where the Renewable Electrical Generation Facility is located and on property adjacent or contiguous, if those properties are solely owned, leased, or rented by the eligible Customer-Generator.
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 See Net Electricity Exporter. Net Surplus Electricity Compensation
A per kilowatt-hour rate offered to NEM 1 Net Surplus Customer-Generators (excluding NEM
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.
5.b
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 18
Non-Islanding A method 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 Utilities Rules and Regulations, 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
licensed Fibers whenever the testing is possible, measured in decibels at a wavelength of 1310 or 1550 nanometers for single-mode 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 natural Gas transmission system connects to
the CPAU local natural Gas Distribution 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
5.b
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 19
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 underground 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 Customer’s Electric Service lateral to its Distribution System. For Fiber Optics
Service, this is where CPAU connects the Customer’s 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 An adjustment to Customer’s bill that CPAU may make when necessary due to Customer maintaining low
Power Factor. . CPAU may make a Power Factor Adjustment to a Customer’s bill to account for those
5.b
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 20
costs to install additional equipment to correct for Customers that maintain a low Power Factor and the additional energy costs and losses incurred by CPAU due to the Customer’s low Power Factor.
Premise(s) 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 The Electric Distribution Service CPAU provides to a Customer’s Premises at a voltage level equal to or greater than 1000 volts.
Private Lateral
A Private Lateral (also known as the Upper Sewer Lateral) is the portion of the Sewer Lateral that is owned and maintained by the Customer. A Private Lateral typically is the upper portion of a Sewer Lateral upstream from the City Sewer Cleanout. A Private Lateral may include the entire Sewer Lateral if a City Sewer Cleanout is not present or if the Sewer Main is in a Public Utility Easement.
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
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 21
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; Easement
The areas occupied or used by the City for the purpose of providing Utility Service and all related Services
offered by the City to the general public, the rights of which were acquired by easements appurtenant or in gross, or other interests or estates in real property, or 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 suitable for collection and transport to a material recovery facility for processing into a recycled content product, including, but not limited to newspaper, paper, cans, corrugated cardboard, glass and certain types of plastic, and metals.
Refuse Service
Refuse Service includes weekly collection, processing and disposal of Solid Waste, weekly collection and processing of Recyclable Materials, weekly collection and processing of Compostable Materials and construction and demolition waste, street sweeping service, the household hazardous waste program, and the annual Clean Up Day.
5.b
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 22
Reliability Network Upgrades The transmission facilities at or beyond the point where CPAU’s Distribution System interconnects to the
CAISO controlled grid that are necessary for the Interconnection of one or more Generating Facility(ies)
safely and reliably to the CAISO-controlled grid, . Renewable Electrical Generation Facility A Generation Facility eligible for NEM 1 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. Restoration of Service The reactivation of a Utilities Account after: a) payment is received after Disconnection for non-payment, or b) the operating condition of a Customer’s facility is brought into compliance with CPAU requirements.
See Utilities Rule and Regulation 9, “Disconnection, Termination, and Restoration of Service.”
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.
5.b
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 23
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 The Facilities of CPAU, excluding transformers and Meters, between CPAU’s infrastructure and the Point
of Delivery to the Customer.
Service Territory The geographic area within the boundaries establishing the city limits of Palo Alto and served by CPAU’s physical Distribution System.
Sewer Lateral The Sewer Lateral is a pipe that takes an individual building’s Wastewater to the Wastewater Main in the Public Right-of-Way or in a Public Utility Easement.
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 Distribution System.
Simplified Interconnection
An Interconnection conforming to the minimum requirements as determined under Utilities Rule and Regulation 27. Single Line Diagram; Single Line Drawing
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 24
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.
Smart Inverter A Generating Facility’s inverter that performs functions that, when activated, can autonomously contribute to grid support during excursions from normal operating voltage and frequency system
conditions by providing: dynamic reactive/real power support, voltage and frequency ride-through, ramp
rate controls, communication systems with ability to accept external commands and other functions. Solid Waste Solid Waste means solid and semisolid wastes, generated in or upon, related to the occupancy of,
remaining in or emanating from residential premises or commercial premises, including garbage, trash,
rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, manure, animal carcasses, solid or semisolid wastes, and other solid and semisolid wastes. Solid Waste shall not include liquid wastes or sewage, abandoned vehicles, hazardous waste, recyclable materials or compostable materials.
Special Facilities
Special Facilities are facilities requested by an Applicant in addition to or in substitution for standard facilities which CPAU would normally provide. Splice
A point where two separate sections of Fiber are physically connected.
Standby Service The back-up Energy Services provided by CPAU.
State Energy Surcharge
The California State Board of Equalization administers the Energy Resources Surcharge Law, as authorized under the Revenue and Taxation Code (section 40016). The surcharge is imposed upon the consumption in California of electrical energy purchased from an electric utility on and after January 1, 1975. Every electric utility in California making energy sales to consumers must collect and remit to the
state the amount of surcharge applicable to its consumers. Information on the surcharge and current
surcharge rate can be found at the California Board of Equalization’s web site. Storm and Surface Water Drainage A 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.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 25
Submetering Utility submetering is the implementation of a system that allows a landlord, property management firm,
condominium association, homeowners association, or other multi-tenant property to bill Master-Metered
tenants for Utility usage. See Utilities Rule and Regulation 11, “Billing, Adjustment, and Payment of Bills.” 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. Tax
Any assessment, Charge, imposition, license, or levy (including any Utility Users Tax) and imposed on
Charges by any Agency, including the City. Telemetering The electrical or electronic transmittal of Metering data in real-time to CPAU.
Temporary Service When Service is 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.
Termination of Service When one or more Utilities services are interrupted until a Customer’s operating condition is brought into compliance with CPAU regulations and requirements. This is assumed to be a temporary situation unless service is permanently terminated and the Account is closed. See Utilities Rule and Regulation 9,
“Disconnection, Termination, and Restoration of 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
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 26
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. 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 1 or NEM 2. The rated
generating capacity for each individual Renewable Electrical Generation Facility participating in NEM 1
or NEM 2 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. Transmission System
Transmission facilities owned by CPAU that have been placed under the CAISO’s operation control and
are part of the CAISO-controlled grid. 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.
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 27
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 Agreement.
Upper Sewer Lateral See Private Lateral. 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 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 CityPublic Works Department.
Utility Service Application (Application) A general CPAU Application form documenting an Applicant’s request for Electric, Water, Gas and Wastewater Service. The Application documents the Applicant’s contact information, billing information and basic electric, water, gas and wastewater loading data necessary to approve, design and install
sufficient facilities based on Load and usage information provided by the Applicant. Utility Users Tax (UUT) A City of Palo Alto Tax imposed on Utility Charges to a Water, Gas, and/or Electric Service Customer. This Such Charges subject to Tax may include Charges made for Electricity, Gas, and Water and Charges
for Service including Customer Charges, Service Charges, Standby Charges, Charges for Temporary
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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 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No 28
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. Wastewater Main The collector pipes for numerous Sewer Laterals from an area or neighborhood. Wastewater Mains convey the wastewater to larger trunk sewer lines or to a water quality treatment plant.
Water A 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 Distribution
The process of delivering potable water to customers on a utility’s distribution system. Transmission lines carry potable water from the San Francisco Public Utility Commission’s Hetch Hetchy System to receiving stations in Palo Alto, which then distribute the water over distribution lines that extend throughout the Service Territory. In cases of reduced water supply from Hetch Hetchy, local wells in Palo
Alto can also withdraw potable water from local aquifers and inject it into the Water Distribution System. Water Column (WC) A 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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ACCESS TO PREMISES
RULE AND REGULATION 8
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 1
A. RIGHT OF ACCESS 1. Customers must provide CPAU with immediate and unhindered access to and from
Customer Premises for any purpose connected with providing Utility Service,
including, but not limited to, inspection, Meter reading, testing, maintenance, removal, and replacement of facilities and equipment. This access includes keeping Customer ensuring all facilities located on Customer Premises that are associated with CPAU’s provision of Utility Service are clear of vegetation, debris, shields, construction or any
other obstruction. Such access is a condition of taking Service from CPAU, and applies
to all facilities and equipment associated with CPAU’s provision of Utility Service that are located on Customer Premises, including facilities within locked or enclosed areas. If the Customer is not the owner of the Premises, the Customer must obtain all required permissions for CPAU access from the Premises owner. 2.1.
1. The Customer is responsible for keeping the Meter, vault or box, and any gas valve or anode test boxes, if those are located on Customer Premises, clear of vegetation, debris, shields, construction or any other obstruction, so that the facilities are accessible for reading and maintenance
3.2.When access to Customer’s Premises is not immediate and unhindered, CPAU may take any enforcement actions permitted by Law, including, but not limited to, requiring Customer to provide a new and approved location for facilities or equipment at the Customer’s expense, or discontinuing or terminating Service.
B. SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR METERS 1. The requirements of this Section B apply in addition to those outlined in Rule and Regulation 15 (Metering Equipment).
1.2.Meters must be installed on the exterior of the building at ground level, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Utilities Director or his/her designee. 2.3.If CPAU is unable to read the Customer’s Water, Electric, and/or Gas Meter due to physical
or security conditions imposed by the Customer or created on the Premises, CPAU may, at its option, estimate the Customer’s Meter Read for up to three months. 3.4.If Meter access has not been possible for the three consecutive months CPAU will notify the Customer by registered mail. If the Customer does not acknowledge receipt of the
registered mail within two weeks of receipt of such notice, indicating how and when Meter
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ACCESS TO PREMISES
RULE AND REGULATION 8
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 2
access will be provided, CPAU will initiate discontinuance or termination of Service. Such acknowledgment by the Customer must be made in writing or by calling the CPAU telephone number provided to the Customer in the registered notice.
4.5.If CPAU, its agents, and employees are denied access to its Meter(s) for greater than three consecutive months within a twelve-month period, CPAU may require the Customer to move the Meter(s) to a location on the Premises that shall be accessible to CPAU personnel for purposes of furnishing or maintaining Utility Service. The cost to relocate the Meter(s)
shall be borne by the Customer.
5.6.Failure to relocate such Meters within 90 days of receipt of notice from CPAU of the requirement to relocate the Meter(s) will result in termination of Service. Service terminated under this provision will not be restored until the Meter relocation has been completed and has successfully passed such inspections as may be required by both CPAU
and City’s Planning and Community Environment Department.
(END)
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 1
A. CUSTOMER-INITIATED TERMINATION OF UTILITY SERVICE
1. A Customer requesting termination of Utility Service(s) must notify the CPAU Customer
Service Office at least three business days before the Service termination effective date.
Upon receipt of such notice, CPAU has no obligation to render Service after the effective
date of such change, and CPAU will discontinue the Customer’s responsibility for bills
for Service supplied to the Premises after that date.
2. A Customer vacating a Premise to move to another Premise served by CPAU, but
wishing Service to continue beyond the date vacated, must provide an effective date of
termination to the CPAU Office or Call Center at the time of the request for
establishment of Service for the new Premise. The Customer is financially responsible for
all Service supplied prior to the Service end date, and Customer must provide a
forwarding address for final billing purposes.
B. CPAU-INITIATED TERMINATION OR DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE CPAU may terminate or disconnect Utility Service when an existing Customer, through action or
inaction, has not complied with Utility Service requirements as stated in these Rules and
Regulations, or other applicable laws. CPAU will terminate or disconnect Utility Service as a last
resort. Actions that warrant termination or disconnection of Service include, but are not limited
to, the following:
1. Use of Utility Services without having first complied with the requirements for Service.
Customers will be responsible for all associated Charges from the date of initial Service
as determined by CPAU, up to the maximum period allowed by law.
2. Vacating Premises without notification to CPAU.
3. Tampering, damaging, interfering with or destroying CPAU equipment, facilities or
property. Customers will be liable for all damage to CPAU arising from negligence, lack
of proper care, or wrongful act of the Customer or Customer’s tenants, agents, employees
or contractors.
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 2
4. Nonpayment of bills or any proper Charges from special fees, licensing agreements, loans
or returned check(s) due to insufficient funds in Customer’s bank account; failure to
establish credit, failure to provide adequate credit information, or failure to provide
required deposits.
C. PROCEDURES FOR CPAU-INITIATED DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE
1. Prior to disconnection for non-payment, CPAU will provide two written notices to the
Customer, and/or the third party the Customer has designated to receive such notices, as
applicable:
a. 10-Day Late Notice: The first “Late Notice” is issued 5 days after the bill due date
and informs Customer that a late fee has been charged, and Customer must pay
the overdue amount by the date specified to avoid disconnection of Service.
b. 48-Hour Disconnect Notice: If payment is not received by the date specified in
the 10-day notice, a Disconnect Notice will be delivered to the Customer’s
Premises, notifying the Customer that payment must be received within 48 hours
or Utilities Services will be disconnected for non-payment. If payment is not
received within the 48-hour period, Utilities Services may be disconnected
without further notice.
The 48-hour Disconnect Notice will include:
(1) The name and address of the Customer whose Account is delinquent.
(2) The amount of the delinquency and late fee.
(3) The date by which payment or arrangements for payment is required to avoid
disconnection of Service.
(4) The procedure by which the Customer may initiate a complaint or request an
investigation concerning Service or Charges; except that, if the bill for Service
contains a description of that procedure, the notice is not required to contain
that information.
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 3
(5) The procedure by which the Customer may request amortization of the unpaid
Charges.
(6) The procedure for the Customer to obtain information on the availability of
financial assistance, including private, local, state, or federal sources, if
applicable.
(7) The telephone number of a representative of CPAU who can provide
additional information or institute arrangements for payment.
2. Customers may contact CPAU Customer Service Center to discuss options for averting
disconnection of Service for non-payment: IN PERSON City of Palo Alto Utilities
Customer Service Center, Ground Floor
250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 PHONE: 650-329-2161
BY MAIL
City of Palo Alto Utilities Customer Service Center PO Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94303
BY E-MAIL UtilitiesCustomerService@cityofpaloalto.org
3. Deferred or Reduced Payments Policy: Customers may contact CPAU Customer Service
Center to request deferred or reduced payments based on Customer’s demonstrated
financial need. CPAU will notify the Customer in writing of the terms of deferred or
reduced payment.
4. Alternative Payment Schedule Policy: Customers may contact CPAU Customer Service
Center to request an alternative payment schedule based on Customer’s demonstrated
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 4
financial need. An example of a possible alternative payment schedule is the Budget
Billing Payment Plan (BBPP) found in Rule and Regulation 11, “Billing, Adjustment and
Payment of Bills.” CPAU will notify the Customer in writing of the terms of the
alternative payment schedule.
5. To avoid disconnection of Utility Service, a Customer’s outstanding Account balance
may be transferred to another Account in the same class of Service in that Customer’s
name at another location served by CPAU.
6. To avoid disconnection of Utility Service, CPAU may extend payment arrangements for
the unpaid Account balance to accommodate a Customer’s financial situation. If the
Customer fails to meet the terms of the payment arrangement, the outstanding balance
will become immediately due and payable, and the Account Service(s) will be subject to
disconnection after expiration of a 48-hour Disconnect Notice.
7. Customers whose Utility Service has been disconnected for non-payment will have their
Accounts referred to a collection agency when past-due balances exceed 180 calendar
days.
8. Residential metered Utility Services will not be disconnected for non-payment of a bill
on any Friday, Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or at any time during which the Utilities
Customer Service Office or Call Center is closed. Online payments may take up to 24
hours to be received by CPAU.
9. Utility Service will not be disconnected for non-payment of an incorrect bill until the
corrected bill becomes past due.
10. CPAU’s Disputed Bills Policy can be found in Rule and Regulation 11, “Billing,
Adjustment, and Payment of Bills.”
11. Utility Service will not be disconnected for non-payment of a disputed bill during
investigation or review by CPAU. The non-disputed portion of the Utility bill will remain
due and payable. CPAU findings and resolution of a disputed bill will be communicated
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 5
to the Customer within thirty calendar days of the Customer’s notification to CPAU of
the bill dispute.
12. Customers in need of assistance with bill payment for their Utility Service, due to a
reduction in household income resulting from a member of the household being called to
active duty status in the military, may apply for shut-off and payment protections for a
period of 180 days, pursuant to the California Military and Veterans Code, Section 827,
as amended. CPAU, at its option, may extend these protections for an additional 180
days.
D. PRIOR NOTICE EXCUSED IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS
CPAU may immediately terminate Utility Services, without notice, for an unauthorized action of
a Customer, including, but not limited to:
1. Theft of Utility Service.
2. Willful waste of Water.
3. Unsafe wiring or equipment on Customer Premises or wiring or equipment that fails to
meet CPAU standards or applicable law. CPAU reserves the right to inspect if CPAU
staff reasonably believes that unsafe conditions exist. If the Customer discovers any
defect in their Utility Service, the Customer must notify CPAU immediately.
4. Use of Customer equipment that imposes an electrical Load adversely affecting CPAU’s
Distribution System operation, Service capacity, or Service to its other Customers. Any
Customer that operates Electric equipment including, but not limited to, pumps, welders,
furnaces, compressors or other equipment where the use of Electricity is intermittent, and
causes significant voltage fluctuations or electromagnetic interference to other
Customers, must reasonably limit such impacts or interference upon request by CPAU.
The Customer may be required to permanently mitigate any ongoing disruption to the
Electric Distribution System to an acceptable level established by CPAU, or avoid the use
of such equipment. Failure to comply with such mitigation and/or limitation requests may
result in immediate termination of Utility Service.
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 6
5. Placement, construction, or maintenance of any structure, vegetation, debris, or other
object upon the Customer’s Premises that, in CPAU’s judgment, endangers the safe and
reliable operation or maintenance of CPAU overhead or underground Electrical, Fiber
Optic, Water, Gas and Wastewater facilities.
E. REMOTE DISCONNECT/RECONNECT
CPAU will use the remote disconnect reconnect enabled electric meter function for Customer
Electric Meters on Customer Electric Services. The use of remote disconnect reconnect Electric
Meters allows for the disconnection and/or reconnection of an Electrical Service to a Service
address without CPAU staff being physically present where the electric Meter is located.
I. INSTALLATION:
Remote disconnect reconnect enabled Electric Meters may be installed at any location
identified by CPAU using the following guidelines:
• A service address that has a high rate of move-in and move-out events where multiple
Accounts are opened and closed within a 36-month span.
• Any service address that has been physically disconnected for non-payment more
than one time in the previous 12 months.
• A Meter site location is deemed inaccessible or hazardous for CPAU personnel to
access.
II. DISCONNECT:
CPAU reserves the right to remotely disconnect the Electric Meter if an Account has
been closed for move out, if there is an outstanding bill that has no agreed upon
resolution, or if a hazardous condition has been identified. Customer is fully responsible
for any impacts resulting from the disconnection at the Service address.
III. RECONNECTION:
Upon Customer resolving a customer service department-related issue such as
establishing a new Account or making an overdue payment, CPAU will remotely
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DISCONNECTION, TERMINATION AND RESTORATION OF SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 9
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019 TBD
Sheet No 7
reconnect the Electric Services by initializing the reconnection switch in the Meter for the
service address within one full business day. CPAU reserves the right to remotely
reconnect the Electric Meter and it is the Customer’s full responsibility to ensure that all
equipment and appliances at the service address pose no potential hazard if and when the
Electric Meter is reconnected and the Electric Service is restored.
E.F. RESTORATION OF SERVICE
1. CPAU will restore Service to a disconnected Account when the financial cause for
disconnection has been rectified and Customer has paid all proper Charges due, including
any additional deposits or reconnection Charges.
2. CPAU will restore Service to a terminated Account when it determines that the physical
cause for termination has been rectified, safe operating conditions have been restored,
and the engineering and operations requirements for Service have been met, including
compliance with CPAU Rules and Regulations.
(END)
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METERINGMETERING EQUIPMENT
RULE AND REGULATION 15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 1
A. OWNERSHIP OF AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR METERING EQUIPMENT CPAU will furnish, own and maintain all Gas Regulators and all Meters for measuring Electric, Water, and Gas usage by the Customer. In addition, CPAU will furnish, own and maintain all
Meter-related equipment including: instrument transformers, phase shifting transformers, test
switches, and connecting circuitry necessary for measuring Electricity used by the Customer. B. METER INSTALLATIONS
1. LOCATION a. All Meters will be installed by CPAU upon the Customer’s Premises, and located to be at all times accessible by CPAU or its authorized representatives for maintenance, inspection, reading, and testing. Meter location must be approved by CPAU; placement of Meters above the ground-floor level is not permitted. b. When required in order to comply with current CPAU Rules and Regulations and Utility Standards, the Customer must, at the Customer’s own expense, relocate the Meter or Meters to a CPAU-approved location. 2. MULTIPLE-OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS In buildings in which separate Meters are required for each unit to measure separately the Electric Service, Gas or Water supplied to individual Customers, Meters for each Service will be located at one central point, per the CPAU standards or as otherwise specified by
CPAU. The building owner must clearly mark each Meter position to indicate the particular location supplied by the Meter. Each Water and Gas houseline must be tagged with a brass identification plate showing the final and legal address served by each Meter. If more than one Gas or Water Meter is required to serve a multiple-occupancy building,
such as a condominium or townhome, a Public Utility Easement will be required for the Water and Gas Service Lines and Meters. 3. SEALING OF METERS
All CPAU Meters will be sealed by CPAU and no such seal may be tampered with or broken except by an authorized representative of CPAU. If a Meter is tampered with, bypassed or otherwise compromised by the Customer, CPAU
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METERINGMETERING EQUIPMENT
RULE AND REGULATION 15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 2
may discontinue and remove the Service in addition to charging for the estimated amount of Utilities used, and pursue all available civil and criminal remedies. If Service is removed, Customer will be responsible for the expense of removal and installation of new Service before the new Service is re-installed and activated.
4. ELECTRIC DEMAND METERS Generally, Demand Meters will not be installed on Loads with an estimated maximum Demand less than six (6) or eight (8) kW or eight (8) horsepower (hp). Demands of such
lesser loads will be determined by a Load check. 5. ADDITIONAL METERING EQUIPMENT CPAU may, at its discretion and at its cost, install additional Metering Equipment for the purpose of system meeting quality control purposesstandards, updating outdated
equipment, or otherwise improving the the functionality of its Utility Services. 6. CAPACITY OF METERS a. CPAU will set Water and Gas Meters to match the Customer’s Demand as stated on
the Customers Utility Application/load sheet. CPAU may install Meters with a capacity greater than needed to supply the stated demand if the Customer pays all applicable fees associated with the larger Meter. It is the Customer’s responsibility to submit an accurate Utility application/load sheet for Meter and Service capacity sizing.
b. CPAU may, at its option, meter delivery to Primary Service Customers at Secondary Service voltage, and apply an adjustment factor to compensate. C. METER TESTS 1. Any Customer may secure a test of the accuracy of the Meter serving the Customer’s Premises. Prior to the test, the Customer will be required to make a deposit with CPAU as specified in CPAU Rate Schedule C-1. The deposit will be returned to the Customer if, under conditions of normal operation, the Electric, Gas, or Water Meter is found by test to
register more than two percent (2%) faster. Otherwise, the deposit will be retained by CPAU to offset a portion of the cost of making such test. Deposits made for Meter accuracy testing will be returned or waived if CPAU determines that the Meter’s current condition requires testing or replacement in advance of the Meter’s scheduled replacement date.
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METERINGMETERING EQUIPMENT
RULE AND REGULATION 15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 3
2. The Customer has the right to require that the test be made in their presence, or a representative’s presence at the Meter shop. A written report giving the result of the test will be supplied to the Customer upon request within ten (10) days of the test.
3. Meters will be tested before their installation, except that in the case of newly purchased single phase Electric Meters, the manufacturer’s test may be used as the installation test when CPAU’s random test indicates satisfactory test conditions for a particular manufacturer and a particular shipment. No Electric, Gas or Water Meter will be placed
in Service or allowed to remain in Service if it is found to have an error in registration in
excess of two percent (2%) under condition of normal operation. D. MASTER METERING Separate Premises, even though owned by the same Customer, will not be supplied Water, Gas,
and/or Electric through the same Meter (i.e. master Meter), except as provided herein. 1. RESIDENTIAL Customers for whom Water, Gas, and Electric Master-metering was installed prior to
December 31, 1982, may continue to obtain Service at a single Point of Delivery through a single Metering installation for two or more single-family dwelling units in the same building or for two or more multi-family dwelling buildings, provided such buildings are adjacent to each other on an integral parcel of land undivided by a public highway, street, or railway. Requests for Master-metered multi-family Residential Service subsequent to
December 31, 1982, will be evaluated and approved if central space conditioning is acceptable to CPAU. Developments with such central systems may continue to qualify for Master-metering. 2. NONRESIDENTIAL CPAU need not serve Premises directly, but will provide Master-metered Gas Service, where any of the following conditions are met: a. The building will contain central heating, air conditioning, or central domestic hot
Water and can be shown (using methods of calculation acceptable to CPAU) to be more energy efficient and at a more favorable cost-benefit ratio than would be the case if individual Metering were installed.
5.e
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METERINGMETERING EQUIPMENT
RULE AND REGULATION 15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 4
b. The building is designed to be subdivided or modified after construction to meet changing space needs of multiple tenants. 3. MULTI-UNIT STRUCTURES CONSTRUCTED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2018
New multiunit residential structures or mixed-use residential and commercial structures constructed after January 1, 2018 must include a submeter for each dwelling unit, so that tenants can be billed accordingly for their Water use. Requests for Master-metered multi-family Residential Service are subject to review and approval by CPAU.
4. SEPARATE METERING IMPRACTICAL Where, in the sole opinion of CPAU, it is impractical for CPAU to meter individually each Premise or unit, CPAU may meter only those Premises or units that it is practical to meter, if any. E. TOTALIZING METERING CPAU may permit totalizing though a single Electric Meter of the Electricity delivered by two or more separate Services if a Customer is served at primary voltage, has an estimated or actual Load
greater than 3,000 kVa, and all Services serve a contiguous site. Any exception to CPAU’s standard Metering requirements must be explicitly addressed by a Rate Schedule or Customer Contract (Rule 5).
(END)
5.e
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UTILITY SERVICE AND FACILITIES ON CUSTOMER PREMISES
RULE AND REGULATION 18
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 1
A. GENERAL Rule and Regulation 18 outlines the general requirements governing Utility Services and
Facilities on Customer Premises in the City of Palo Alto. In addition, for information and
Rules specific to each type of Utility Service, please refer to the following Special Utility 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 and Recycling Utility Regulations Rule and Regulation 25 – Special Storm and Surface Water Drainage Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 26 – Special Fiber Optics Utility Regulation B. SERVICE CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS CPAU will connect Utility Service Lines of suitable capacity to CPAU infrastructure at a
Point of Service designated by CPAU, provided that: 1. The property to be connected or upgraded fronts on a public street, highway, alley, lane, or right-of-way along which CPAU has or will install the appropriate infrastructure; or the property has a contiguous Easement or right-of-way along
which CPAU has or will install Utility infrastructure. 2. CPAU has approved, as applicable, the Customer’s Utility Service Application and plans, Meter locations, Electric switchboard design and location, Water backflow prevention device and Sewer backwater valve type and location, and any other plan
deemed necessary by CPAU to complete the connection and/or upgrade. 3. The Applicant has complied with CPAU and Building Department permit and inspection requirements for the project and completed all installations of required Service equipment and/or facilities in accordance with CPAU-approved plans
submitted by the Applicant, the Special Utility Regulations listed in section A above, and any applicable Utility standards. 4. The Applicant has paid in full all required connection Charges and fees.
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UTILITY SERVICE AND FACILITIES ON CUSTOMER PREMISES
RULE AND REGULATION 18
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 2
5. The City’s Building Inspector has approved the installation authorizing Service to be activated and has issued Meter release tags.
C. OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR SERVICE LINES, FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT 1. General
a. Unless otherwise noted in other City of Palo Alto Utilities Rules and
Regulations or CPAU Standards, all materials, facilities, and equipment installed or used by CPAU, its agents, and employees on Customer Premises will at all times be and remain the sole property of CPAU. Customers must provide CPAU may with immediate and unhindered access to Customer Premises for any purpose connected with providing Utility
Service, including, but not limited to be access, repair, replacement, modification or removale of such Utility facilities, equipment or material, at any time. CPAU will attempt to notify and coordinate material and equipment modifications with Customers when possible and in non-emergency situations.
b. Customers must exercise reasonable care to prevent CPAU equipment on Customer Premises from being damaged or destroyed and must refrain from interfering with same. Customers must immediately notify CPAU upon the discovery of any defect in CPAU equipment. c. No rent or other Charge whatsoever is permitted to be charged by the Customer against CPAU for placing, maintaining or accessing any Meters, equipment, substations or other facilities on the Customer’s Premises that are required to install, maintain, upgrade or otherwise provide Utility
Service. D. INSTALLATION OF SERVICE CONNECTION: 1. Only authorized employees or agents of CPAU are allowed to connect Customers’
Electric, Gas, or Fiber Optic Service to, or disconnect those Services from, CPAU’s infrastructure. 2. If the City allows Customers to connect or disconnect the Customer’s Water or Wastewater Service from the City’s distribution/collection system, then the work
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UTILITY SERVICE AND FACILITIES ON CUSTOMER PREMISES
RULE AND REGULATION 18
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council
Effective 10-21-2019TBD
Sheet No. 3
shall be observed by and the installation must be approved by a CPAU Water, Gas, and Wastewater Utilities Inspector.
E. RELOCATION OR MODIFICATION OF SERVICE CONNECTIONS 1. The Customer is responsible for all costs associated with relocation or modification of Utility facilities or equipment initiated at the Customer’s request, or to provide Utility Service to new load. Under the City’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program, a credit
may be available towards costs for Utility equipment modifications required by the
installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment at single family or multi-family residential sites, as described in Rate Schedule E-15. 1.2.CPAU may, at its discretion, relocate or modify Utility Service Lines or Points of Service for the purpose of meeting quality control standards, updating outdated
equipment, or otherwise improving the functionality of Utility Services.
(END)
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 1
GENERAL In addition to the general requirements outlined in Rule and Regulation 18 for Utility Services and
Facilities on Customers’ Premises, the following is required:
B. ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS 1. FACILITIES ON CUSTOMER PREMISES
a. The Customer is responsible for the installation of all equipment from the facility to the designated Point-of-Service. For underground systems, this includes conduit and conductors. For overhead systems, because the Point-of-Service is the weatherhead or point of attachment to the facility, this includes the mast or riser and all conductors therein. b. The Customer is responsible for installing and maintaining all substructures (including, but not limited to, conduits, underground vaults or boxes, and covers) on the Customer’s Premises that are reasonably required for CPAU to provide Electric Service, at the Customer’s expense and in accordance with CPAU
requirements, standards, and specifications. Substructures are owned and maintained by the Customer, for CPAU’s exclusive use. The Customer is responsible for repairing or replacing the substructure for any reason deemed necessary by CPAU, including deterioration to the extent that the existing conductors/cables cannot be removed.
c. The Customer is required to provide all substructure between the Customer’s Service entrance equipment and the nearest available Point of Service connection, as determined by CPAU. This Point of Service is typically a splice box located near the street and may be in the Public Right-of-Way. In the case of rear easements,
this point is typically at a splice box or at the base of a pole riser. d. Upon approval by CPAU of the substructure installed on the Customer’s Premises, CPAU will install Primary Electric Service conductors and a transformer, if needed. The Applicant/Customer is responsible for the full cost of installation in accordance
with the applicable sections of CPAU’s Electric Service Connection Charges (Rate Schedule E-15), and/or any applicable Special Facilities Charges. CPAU will determine the type and size of the conductors required. e. CPAU will assume ownership and responsibility for maintenance of Customer-
installed underground Electric Service lateral conductors, as defined in the National
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 2
Electric Code Article 100, only if the Service meets CPAU specifications and it has been approved and accepted by the CPAU Electrical Engineering Manager or his or her designee. Where bus duct or extra flexible cable is required and used,
CPAU’s maintenance responsibility for conductors ends at the transformer
secondary terminals. The bus duct or extra flexible cable is considered to be the Service entrance conductor for which CPAU assumes no responsibility. f. All Service switches, fuses, Meter sockets, Meter and instrument transformer
housing and similar devices, irrespective of voltage, required in connection with
Service and Meter installation on the Customer’s Premises, will be furnished, installed, owned and maintained by the Customer in accordance with CPAU requirements. g. The Customer must provide a suitable means for CPAU to place its seal on covers
of Service enclosures/troughs and instrument transformer enclosures which protect un-metered live circuits installed by the Customer. Such seals may be broken only by CPAU or its authorized agents. h. CPAU will furnish and install necessary instrument transformers, test facilities and
Metering Equipments. i. Notwithstanding the above subsections (a) through (h), CPAU may, at its discretion , furnish and install additional equipment for the purpose of meeting quality control standards, updating outdated equipment, or otherwise improving the functionality
of its Utility Services. C. SERVICE CONFIGURATIONS 1. OVERHEAD OR UNDERGROUND a. The standard Service to single family Residential homes in existing overhead areas is overhead. The Director of Utilities or his/her designee can require an underground Service for single family Residential Service in areas where system design requires underground Service or would otherwise require the addition of poles to the system.
b. All new Electric Utility Services to Commercial/ Industrial Customers and new subdivisions will be provided by underground facilities on the Customer’s Premises. The on-site underground Electric Utility lines will be provided by the Customer at the Customer’s expense and must meet CPAU specifications.
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 3
2. NUMBER OF SERVICES PER BUILDING
Only one Electric Service line is allowed for a building or other Premises, except for
commercial properties, under the following conditions: a. Two or more Electric Service Drops or laterals may be extended to a single building provided all wiring supplied for each Service, other than Metering conductors, has
no common raceway, connection, or service area with wiring supplied by any other
such Service. Approval by the Director of Utilities, or his/her designee, is required, and Special Facilities Charges may apply. b. Two or more sets of Electric Service entrance conductors may be extended to a single switch gear for the purpose of providing additional capacity or for backup
protection. Special Facilities and/or reserve capacity Charges may apply. 3. SERVICES FOR TWO OR MORE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ON ONE PARCEL Only one Electric Service line is allowed on a parcel with multiple commercial buildings
except when the Applicant requests, and CPAU agrees, to install multiple Service Lines. The additional costs, as estimated by CPAU, will be borne by the Customer, including such continuing ownership costs as may be applicable. See Special Facilities (Section J) below. 4. NUMBER OF ELECTRIC SERVICE PERISCOPES PER SERVICE DROP Not more than two service periscopes may be served from a single overhead Service Drop. Overhead Service connections will not be installed where the Customer’s main switchboard is larger than 400 amps. D. PROTECTIVE DEVICES 1. The Customer is responsible for furnishing, installing, inspecting and keeping in good and safe condition at Customer’s own risk and expense, all appropriate protective devices of any kind or character, which may be required to properly protect the Customer’s facility. CPAU is not responsible for any loss or damage occasioned or caused by the negligence or wrongful act of the Customer, or any of the agents, employees or licensees of the property owner, in omitting, installing, maintaining, using, operating or interfering with any such protective devices.
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 4
2. The Customer is responsible for locating, installing, and maintaining approved protective devices as may be necessary to coordinate properly with CPAU’s protective devices to avoid exposing other Customers to unnecessary Service interruptions.
3. Applicants or Customers who request Primary voltage Service must install, at a minimum, circuit breakers with over-current and ground fault relays. Applicants must submit their planned protection scheme to the City’s Building and Utilities Departments for approval prior to installing any equipment.
4. The Customer is responsible for equipping three-phase motor installations with appropriate protective devices, or for using motors with inherent protective features, to completely disconnect each motor from its power supply. Appropriate protective devices must include the following: a. Protection in each set of phase conductors to prevent damage due to overheating in the event of overload. b. Protection to prevent automatic restarting of motors or motor-driven machinery which has been subject to a Service interruption and, because of the nature of the
machinery itself or the product it handles, cannot safely resume operation automatically. c. Open-phase protection to prevent damage in the event of loss of voltage on one phase.
d. Reverse-phase protection to prevent uncontrolled reversal of motor rotation in the event of accidental phase reversal. Appropriate installations include, but are not limited to, motors driving elevators, hoists, tramways, cranes, pumps, and conveyors.
5. The Applicant is responsible for installing and maintaining Service equipment rated for the available short-circuit current at the Point-of-Delivery. This value varies from one location to another, and can change over time. The Applicant must consult CPAU for the short-circuit current at each Point-of-Delivery.
6. Any non-CPAU-owned Emergency standby generation equipment must be installed by the Applicant with suitable protective devices to prevent parallel operation with CPAU’s system. The design must be fail-safe, such as with the use of a double-throw switch to disconnect all conductors. Any exception must include a written agreement or Service
contract with CPAU permitting such parallel operation.
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 5
7. Unprotected Service entrance conductors within a building must terminate at a disconnect switch immediately after entering the building. Installation must comply with the National
Electrical Code section 230-70, concerning the location of the disconnect switch, and
section 230-6, defining conductors considered outside a building. E. INTERFERENCE WITH SERVICE
1. GENERAL
CPAU reserves the right to refuse to serve new Loads or refuse to continue to supply existing Loads of a size or character that may be detrimental to CPAU’s operation or to the Service of its Customers. Any Customer who operates or plans to operate any equipment such as, but not limited to pumps, welders, saw mill apparatus, furnaces, compressors or
other equipment where the use of Electricity is intermittent, causes intolerable voltage fluctuations, or may otherwise cause intolerable Service interference, must reasonably limit such interference or restrict the use of such equipment upon request by CPAU. The Customer is required to provide and pay for whatever corrective measures are necessary to limit the interference to a level established by CPAU as reasonable, or avoid the use of
such equipment, whether or not the equipment has previously caused interference. 2. HARMFUL WAVEFORM Customers may not operate equipment that superimposes a current of any frequency or
waveform onto CPAU’s system or draws current from CPAU’s system of a harmful waveform, which causes interference with CPAU’s operations, Service to other Customers, or inductive interference to communication facilities. Examples of harmful waveform include, but are not limited to: a. Current drawn with high harmonic currents causing transformer or conductor overheating, even if root-mean-square (RMS) loading is within normal limits. b. Current drawn causing voltage distortion adversely affecting CPAU or other CPAU Customers.
c. Harmonic currents which exceed the harmonic current distortion limits set in the most recent IEEE Standard 519. In most cases, this equates to a maximum limit of 4% harmonic current on any individual odd harmonic or 5% total harmonic current. 3. CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 6
Any Customer causing Service interference to others must take timely corrective action. Otherwise, CPAU, without liability and after giving five (5) days written notice to
Customer, will take corrective action. Corrective action could include discontinuing
Electric Service until a CPAU-approved permanent and operational solution is provided by the Customer, at Customer’s expense. 4. MOTOR STARTING CURRENT LIMITATIONS a. The starting of motors must be controlled by the Customer as necessary to avoid
causing voltage fluctuations that will be detrimental to the operation of CPAU’s Distribution or Transmission System, or to the Service of any of CPAU Customers. b. If motor starting causes or is expected to cause detrimental Service to others, a suitable means must be employed, at the Customer’s expense, to limit voltage fluctuations to a tolerable level. F. PHASE BALANCING It is the Customer’s responsibility to maintain a balanced Load, as nearly as practical, between supplied circuit phases. In no case can the Load on one side of a three-wire single-phase service be greater than twice that on the other. In no case can the Load on any one phase of a polyphase
service be greater than twice that of any other.
G. POWER FACTOR CORRECTION
The Customer is required to provide, at Customer’s own expense, Power Factor correction
equipment. This equipment must be sized to improve the average Power Factor to at least the level set forth in the applicable Rate Schedule with respect to avoiding a Power Factor penalty. H. SERVICE DISCONNECT AND METER TEST DEVICES
1. All Service disconnects and similar devices, irrespective of voltage, required by Law in connection with a Service and Meter installation on Customer’s Premises, must be furnished, installed and maintained by the Customer. A “Service-disconnecting means”, as defined in the National Electrical Code (NEC), must be installed adjacent to the CPAU Electric Meter(s). Metering equipment must be located on the exterior of the building,
unless approved by the CPAU Electric Engineering Manager. 2. When instrument transformers are required by CPAU as part of the Meter installation,
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 7
CPAU will install a Meter test bypass block on a mounting plate that must be furnished by the Customer. When instrument transformers are not required by CPAU, the Customer is responsible for providing the Meter test bypass block. Meter test bypass blocks furnished
by the Customer must be approved by CPAU in conjunction with Applicant’s plan
submittal. I. SPECIAL POWER SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
1. GENERAL
Where a Customer requests voltage control with less variance than what is specified in Rule and Regulation 3 (Description of Utility Services), the Customer must reimburse CPAU for its cost to provide, at CPAU’s sole option and discretion, any special or additional equipment to meet the Customer’s special needs.
2. NONSTANDARD OR EXCESSIVE CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS a. In order to prevent damage to CPAU’s equipment and impairment of its Service, the Customer must give CPAU notice before making any additions to the connected
Load so that CPAU, at its option, may provide such facilities as may be necessary for furnishing the increased Service. b. If a Customer’s Load is of sufficient magnitude that it exceeds the capacity of CPAU’s Distribution System, the Customer may be required by CPAU to shift peak
loading to off-peak periods and/or receive service from CPAU’s 60 kilovolt sub-Transmission System. J. SPECIAL FACILITIES 1. Special Facilities are facilities requested by an Applicant in addition to or in substitution for standard facilities which CPAU would normally provide. Standard facilities are for delivery of Service at one point, through one Meter, at one voltage class under CPAU Rate Schedules. 2. CPAU normally installs only those standard facilities which it deems are necessary to provide regular Service in accordance with applicable CPAU Rules and Utility Standards. Where the Applicant requests that CPAU install Special Facilities and CPAU agrees to make such an installation, the additional costs thereof, as estimated by CPAU, will be borne by the Applicant, including such continuing ownership costs as may be applicable. These
costs will be calculated by CPAU based on the net present value, and must be paid by the
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 8
Applicant in advance of installation unless alternative payment arrangements are approved by the Director of Utilities.
3. Unless otherwise provided by CPAU’s applicable Rules and Utility Standards, Special
Facilities will be installed, owned and maintained by CPAU as an accommodation to the Applicant only if acceptable for operation by CPAU and if the reliability of Service to CPAU’s other Customers is not impaired.
4. Installation of Special Facilities will require a contract between the Applicant and the City
of Palo Alto. K. NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDING OF SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENT 1. REPLACEMENT OF SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENT a. Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule and Regulation 3(B)(3), in Underground Utility Districts in which the existing equipment required to provide Electric Service to Customers is subsurface, the Utilities Director, or his/her designee, may, at the end of the service life of such equipment vaults or equipment, authorize their replacement with new subsurface
equipment if the following conditions are met:
(i) The Utilities Director, or his/her designee, determines that the installation of subsurface equipment is practicable; and
(ii) Such installation has been requested by property owners in the manner set forth in this subdivision K; and
(iii) The City receives funding for the subsurface installation as set forth in this subdivision K.
b. For purposes of this subdivision K, “Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface Installation” means all vaults and equipment the installation of which has been funded pursuant to this subdivision K.
c. CPAU operates its utilities in accordance with Prudent Utility Practice. As is always the case with CPAU’s Electric Distribution System and any CPAU-operated equipment, CPAU reserves the right to operate, maintain, rehabilitate, and replace equipment at such time and in such manner as it determines is necessary or useful for the safe and effective operation of the Electric Distribution System. Consequently, nothing in this subdivision K should be
interpreted to:
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 9
(i) Require that CPAU, at the end of the useful life of a Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface Installation, replace that equipment with a subsurface installation; or (ii) Prohibit CPAU, subsequent to the installation of a Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface
Installation, from installing pad-mounted equipment in the territory served by that
Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface Installation if the Utilities Director determines that such installation is necessary or prudent; or (iii) At any time prohibit CPAU from replacing all or part of a Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface Installation with pad-mounted equipment if CPAU is required to do so by
Law or if the Utilities Director determines that the continued operation of all or part
of the Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface Installation presents an unacceptable hazard to public safety, employee safety, or system reliability, or is contrary to Prudent Utility Practice. 2. REQUEST FOR PETITION FORM
a. Upon receiving a timely written request signed by owners of at least five parcels of real property in an area served by a subsurface installation, CPAU will prepare the petition form described in subdivision (3)(c) of this subdivision (K).
b. A request will be considered timely only if (i) it is submitted to the Utilities Director, or his/her designee no later than 30 days following the distribution of the first courtesy notice regarding the planned replacement of a subsurface installation or (ii) the Utilities Director determines that the work schedule for such replacement will permit the time necessary for the process described in subdivisions (3) and (4) of this subdivision (K).
c. Nothing in this subdivision (K) will be interpreted to require the preparation of a petition form or the provision of time for circulation of a petition if the Utilities Director determines that either the work schedule for a project or operational requirements will not make it practicable to allow time for preparation and circulation of the petition and collection of
funding by proponents. 3. REQUEST FOR SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENT a. The owners of real property located in a Underground Utility District may request the
replacement of existing vaults and equipment with new subsurface equipment by submitting a petition to the Utilities Director, or his/her designee. b. The petition must be signed by the owners of not less than 60% of the parcels in the Underground Utility District.
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SPECIAL ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS Issued by the City Council Effective TBD10-21-2019
Sheet No. 10
c. The petition must be on the form prepared by CPAU pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subdivision (K). The form must include a map or description of the area to be served by the Neighborhood-Funded Subsurface Installation; a summary of this procedure for
Neighborhood Funding of Subsurface Equipment; as well as any additional information
deemed necessary or useful by the Utilities Director, or his/her designee. d. The form must indicate the name and contact information of one property owner who will serve as proponent for the project and must indicate the date on which the form was issued
to that proponent and the amount of the payment required by subdivision (f) of this
subdivision (3). e. To be valid, the signed petition must be returned to the Utilities Director, or his/her designee, no later than 45 days after the form is issued to the proponent.
f. The signed petition must be accompanied by a payment to cover the cost of developing a cost-estimate for the proposed subsurface replacement. The amount of this payment, as determined by the Utilities Director or his/her designee, will be indicated on the form. 4. FUNDING OF SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENT a. Upon receipt of a valid petition, the Utilities Director, or his/her designee, will provide the proponent with either (i) a written estimate of the cost of a subsurface installation (including the net present value of any unusual continuing ownership costs associated with such installation) or (ii) a finding that such installation is not practicable. The proponent will also
be provided with an estimate of the cost of a standard installation. b. The City will proceed with the subsurface installation if and only if within 90 days of the date upon which the Utilities Director, or his/her designee, provides a written estimate pursuant to subdivision (a) of this subdivision (4), the City receives payment in full for the
estimated cost difference between the subsurface and the standard installation. c. It is the responsibility of the proponent to raise the funding required by this Section and the entire cost must be paid to the City at one time. The City will not collect funds from property owners or community members nor will it require any person or property owner to pay any
portion of the costs. d. The Utilities Director, or his/her designee, may extend the payment deadline set forth in this subdivision.
(END)
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