HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 202-07BUDGET
’07-’09
C ty
City of Palo Alto
Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
ATTENTION:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
FINANCE COMMITTEE
DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES
DATE:
SUBJECT:
APRIL 17, 2007 CMR:202:07
UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO
APPROVE A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN ELECTRIC RATE
INCREASE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-08, AND STAFF
RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE, IN CONCEPT, THE
ADOPTION OF AN ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2008-09
RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) recon~end that the City Council adopt the
attached resolution to:
(a)Approve a 5 percent increase to electric retail rates, for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007-08,
effective July 1, 2007, which will increase annual revenues by $4.4 million; and,
(b) Approve the changes to the Electric Utility Rate Schedules, as attached.
In addition, for bielmial budgeting purposes, staff recommends:
(c)Approval, in concept, of a 9.1 percent system average electric rate increase for FY
2008-09, which will increase annual revenue by an additional $9.2 million.
DISCUSSION
Compared to FY 2005-06, electric sales for FY 2006-07 are projected to remain flat.
Revenue levels will also be flat for FY 2006-07, since there were no increases in electric rates
implemented for this fiscal year.
Sales projections indicate that the flat sales trend will continue in FY 2007-08, and beyond due
to limited customer growth and the impacts of energy efficiency efforts. Expenses are expected
to increase which leads to the proposed rate increase.
CMR:202:07 Page 1 of 4
Staff is recomlnending a 5 percent electric rate increase to be effective July 1, 2007. This
represents an ammal revenue increase of $4.4 million which will be applied to the distribution
rates of all customer classes. The driving factors for the rate increase are the increased costs of
operating and maintaining the distribution system as discussed in the attached Utilities Advisory
Commission report. Another 10 percent revenue increase, or $9.2 million, is proposed, to be
"approved, in concept," for FY 2008-09.
Distribution Expenses
Since there were no electric rate increases in FY 2006-07, the increases in the distribution and
supply operating budgets were funded through scheduled draw downs of the Electric Distribution
Rate Stabilization Reserve (E-DRSR) and the Electric Supply Rate Stabilization Reserve (E-
SRSR).
There were, however, unanticipated expenses of $2.2 million for retiree medical and Workers’
Compensation liabilities starting in FY 2005-06. These retroactive expenses were funded from
the E-DRSR during Fiscal Year 2006-07. Cun’ent projections show that without a rate increase,
the E-DRSR balance will fall below the Minimum Guideline level at the end of FY 2007-08 by
$5.2 million.
Operating expenses for electric distribution, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and
electric supply costs are projected to increase for Fiscal Year 2007-08. While the increases in
supply costs can be funded tl~’ough a contilming draw down of the E-SRSR, the drawing down
of the E-DRSR to fund FY 2007-08 operating expenses would negatively impact the E-DRSR by
reducing its balance to $535,000. This will leave the Electric Utility vulnerable to financial
losses from either unexpected failure of physical infrastructure or an unanticipated shortfall in
sales.
The proposed revenue increase of 5 percent, or $4.4 million, will mitigate this funding problem
by compensating for the increased distribution expenses (including increased Electric Public
Benefits Program funding, as required under state law), and to provide additional funds to bring
the E-DRSR to an adequate level.
The proposed revenue increase will result in a projected end-of-year balance for FY 2007-08 of
$4.6 million in the E-DRSR. This is below the Minimum Guideline level, but above the "Amaual
Risk Assessment for Reserves" target of $4 million. To bring the E-DRSR balance to the
Minimum Guideline level would require an additional 3.2 percent rate increase, or $2 million in
additional a~mual revenue.
Supply Expenses
Due to very favorable hydro conditions, the ending balance of the E-SRSR for FY 2005-06 was
$9.8 million over the Maximum Guideline level approved by the City Council. Continuing
CMR:202:07 Page 2 of 4
increases in electric supply costs for Fiscal Year 2007-08 will be funded through a draw down of
the E-SRSR, with no rate increase to cover increased supply expenses recommended at this time
for Fiscal Year 2007-08.
The proposed "approve, in concept" 10 percent increase to electric retail rates, for Fiscal Year
2008-09, representing a $9.2 million increase in revenue, is desigq~ed to allow the E-SRSR to
remain above the Minimum Guideline level, and to bring supply costs and revenues back into
aligmnent.
UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
On April 4, 2007, the UAC voted 4 to 0, with one absent, to recommend that the City Council:
(a)Approve a 5 percent increase to electric retail rates, for FY 2007-08, effective July 1,
2007, which will increase a~mual revenues by $4.4 million; and,
(b) Approve the changes to the Electric Utility Rate Schedules, as attached.
The UAC voted to withhold recommending approval, in concept, of a 10 percent system average
electric rate increase, or $9.2 million in additional revenue, for FY 2008-09, feeling that future
costs were too uncertain at this time. The UAC also suggested that recommendation for approval
of the specific rate schedules be sought during the approval process.
ALTERNATIVES
Staff evaluated the impact of financial alternatives to the recommended $4.4 million revenue
increasel Postponing the increase to a future date would result in: a) a projected E-DRSR balance
below both the Minimum Guideline level of $5.8 million by $5.2 million, and the $4 million
target of the "Ammal Risk Assessment for Reserves" by $3.5 million; and, b) would result in a
much larger proposed rate and revenue increase for FY 2008-09.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Approval of this proposed rate increase
approximately $4.4 million for FY 2007-08.
will raise the Electric Fund sales revenues by
This 5 percent revenue increase will be fully allocated to electric distribution revenue and will
result in a projected end-of-year balance for FY 2007-08 of $4.6 million in the E-DRSR. This is
below the Minimum .Guideline level of $6.6 million, but above the "Am~ual Risk Assessment for
Reserves" target of $4 million.
There is no recommended change to electric supply revenue for FY 2007-08. The projected E-
SRSR balance at the end of FY 2007-08 is $43.7 million. This is above the Minimum Guideline
level of $30.3 million, but slightly below the "Annual Risk Assessment for Reserves" target of
$44.2 million.
CMR:202:07 Page 3 of 4
Approval, in concept, of a 10 percent rate increase for FY 2008-09, or $9.2 million in additional
revenue, would raise the E-SRSR balance 1.8 percent above Minimum Guideline level of $$32.5
million by $600,000.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This proposed rate increase lneets the Utilities Strategic Plan objective of providing superior
financial perfomaance to the City and competitive rates to customers. These recommendations do
not represent a change in current City policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The adoption of the resolution does not constitute a project under the California Enviromnental
Quality Act. Therefore, no envirolamental assessment is required.
ATTACHMENTS
A:Resolution
B.Electric Rate Schedules E-l, E-l-G, E-2, E-2-G, E-3, E-4, E-4-G, E-4-TOU, E-7, E-7-G,
E-7-TOU, E-14, E-16, E-18 and E-18-G
C.Report to the UAC for its April 4, 2007 meeting: Recommended FY 2007-08 Electric
Rate Increase
D. Minutes of the UAC lneeting of April 4, 2007
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Lucie Hirmina, Utilities Rates Manager
Tomm Marshall, Assistant Director of Utilities, Resource Management
Tom Auzenne, Assistant Director of Utilities, Administrative Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
VALERIE O. FONG
Director Of Utilities
’EMILY ~d~iS ON
Assistant City Manager
CMR:202:07 Page 4 of 4
NOT YET APPROVED
ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULES E-I, E-l-(3, E-2, E-2-G, E-3, E-4, E-4-(3, E-4-TOU, E-7,
E-7-G, E-7-TOU, E-14, E-16, E-18, and E-18-G OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RATES AND CHARGES PERTAINING TO ELECTRIC RATES
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,
Schedules E-1 (Residential Electric Service) is hereby amended to read in accordance
with sheet E-l-l, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing Utility Rate
Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-1-G (Residential Green Power Electric Service) is hereby amended to read
in accordance with sheet E-l-G-l, attached hereto and incorporated herein.The
foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-2 (Small Commercial Electric Service) is hereby amended to read in
accordance with sheet E-2-1, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing
Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-2-G (Small Commercial Green Power Electric Service) is hereby amended
to read in accordance with sheets E-2-G-1 and E-2-G-2, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1,
2007.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-3 (Customer Owned Generation) is hereby amended to read in accordance
with sheets E-3-1, E-3-2 and E-3-3, attached hereto and incorporated herein.The
foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 6. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-4 (Medium Commercial Electric Service) is hereby amended to read in
accordance with sheet E-4-1, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing
Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 7. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-4-G (Medium Commercial Green Power Electric Service) is hereby
amended to read in accordance with Sheet E-4-G-1, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1,
2007.
070405 jb 0072852
NOT YET APPROVED
SECTION 8. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-4-TOU (Medium Commercial Electric Time of Use Service) is hereby
amendedto read in accordance with sheet E-4-TOU-1, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1,
2007.
SECTION 9. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-7 (Large Commercial Electric Service) is hereby amended to read in
accordance with sheet E-7-1, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing
Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 10. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-7-G (Large Commercial Green Power Electric Service) is hereby amended
to read in accordance with sheet E-7-G-1, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The
foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 11. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-7-TOU (Large Commercial Electric Time of Use Service) is hereby
amended to read in accordance with sheet E-7-TOU-1, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The foregoing Utility Rate Schedule,. as amended, shall become effective July 1,
2007.
SECTION 12. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-14 (Street Lights) is hereby amended to read in accordance with sheets E-
14-1 and E-14-2, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing Utility Rate
Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 13. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-16 (Unmetered Electric Service) is hereby amended to read in accordance
with sheets E-16-1 and E-16-2, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing
Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 14. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-18 (Municipal Electric Service) is hereby amended to read in accordance
with Sheet E-18-1, attached hereto and incorporated herein. The foregoing Utility Rate
Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 15. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Schedules E-18-G (Municipal Green Power Electric Service) is hereby amended to read
in accordance with sheet E-18-G-1, attached hereto and incorporated herein.The
foregoing Utility Rate Schedule, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2007.
SECTION 16. The Council finds that the revenue derived from the authorized
adoption enumerated herein shall be used only for the purposes set forth in Article VII,
Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
070405jb 0072852
NOT YET APPROVED
SECTION 17. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not
constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act, California Public
Resources Code section 21080, subdivision (b) (8).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
AB S TENTIONS:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Senior Asst. City Attorney
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Utilities
Director of Administrative Services.
070405 jb 0072852
ATTACHMENT B
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-1
A.APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to separately metered single-family residential dwellings receiving retail
energy services from the City of Palo Alto Utilities. A "single-family residential dwelling" is
designated as any house, cottage, flat, or apartment unit having a kitchen, bath, and sleeping
facilities.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
UNBUNDLED RATES:
Per kilowatt-hour Commodity Distribution Public Benefits Total
First 300 kwh $0.04554 $0.02920 $0.00255 $0.07729
Next 300 kWh 0.06133 0.03878 0.00255 0.10266
Over 600 kWh 0.08259 0.05184 0.00255 0.13698
SPECIAL NOTES:
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount is
broken down into three cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge, and Public Benefits Charge.
Solar Energy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount wil! be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has installed a qualifying solar energy system prior to April 1,
1987.
{End}
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-l-1 dated 7-1-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No.E-l-1
RESIDENTIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-I-G
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to separately metered single-family residential dwellings receiving retail
energy services from the City of Palo Alto Utilities under the Palo Alto Greenplan. A "single-family
residential dwelling’! is designated as any house, cottage, flat, or apartment unit having a kitchen,
bath, and sleeping facilities. Palo Alto Green power provides for the purchase of 100% renewable
green energy for participating customers.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
UNBUNDLED RATES:
Palo Alto
Per kilowatt-hour Commodity Distribution Public Benefits Green Total
First 300 kWh $0.04554 $0.02920 $0.00255 $0.0150 $0.09229
Next 300 kwh 0.06133 0.03878 0.00255 0.0150 0.11766
Over 600 kWh 0.08259 0.05184 0.00253 0.0150 0.15198
SPECIAL NOTES:
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount is
broken down into four cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge, a
Distribution Charge, a Public Benefits Charge, and a charge for Palo Alto Green.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No E-1-G-’I dated 7-1-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No. E-l-G-1
RESIDENTIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-1-G
(Continued)
2..Solar Energy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount will be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has insta!led a qualifying solar energy system prior to April 1,
1987.
Palo Alto Green Participation
Customers choosing to participate shall fill out a Palo Alto Green Power Program application
provided by the Customer Service Center.
o Notice of Schedule Change
This schedule supercedes and replaces the Residential Green Power Electric Services’
formerly designated as Utilities Rate Schedules E- l-G1, E- l-G2, and E- l-G3, effective per
adoption of this schedule.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No. E-l-G-2
APPLICABILITY:
SMALL COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE.
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-2
This schedule applies to non-demand metered electric service for small commercial customers and
master-metered multirfamily facilities.
TERRITORY:
CQ
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Unbundled Seasonal Energy Rates:
Per kilowatt-hour Commodi .ty Distribution Public Benefits
Summer $0.06684 $0.04254 $0.00255
Winter 0.06026 0.03810 0.00255
Total.
$0.1119)
0.10091
D.SPECIAL NOTES:
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount is
broken down into three cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge, and Public Benefits Charge.
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May 1 to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November 1 to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the Summer Period and partly
in the Winter Period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kwh usage, and the
applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the ratio of the
number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing period.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-2-1 dated 7-1-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No. E-2-1
SMALL COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-2
(Continued)
3.Solar Ener~oy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount will be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has installed a qualifying solar energy system prior to April 1,
1987.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-2-2 dated 7-1-’1999 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2001
Sheet No. E-2-2
SMALL COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-2-G
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to non-demand metered electric service for small commercial customers and
master-metered multi-family facilities receiving retail energy services from the City of Palo Alto
Utilities under the Palo Alto Green plan. Palo Alto Green power provides for either the purchase of
100% renewable green energy for participating customers, or for the purchase of 1000 kWh blocks.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
1. Unbundled Seasonal Energy Rates (100% renewable green option):
Palo Alto.
Per kilowatt-hour Commodity.Distribution Public Benefits Green
Summer $0.06684 $0.04254 $0.00255 $0.0150
Total
$0.12693
Winter 0.06026 0.03810 0.00255 0.0150 0.11591
Per kilowatt-hour
Summer
Winter
Unbundled Seasonal Energy Rates (1000 kWh block option):
Commodi _ty Distribution Public Benefits
$0.06684 $0.04254 $0.00255
0.06026 0.03810 0.00255
Palo Alto Green Charge (per 1000 kwh block
Total
$0.11193
0.10091
15.00
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-2-G-~I dated 7-01-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No. E-2-G-1
Do SPECIAL NOTES:
SMALL COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-2-G
(Continued)
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount is
broken down into four cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge, a
Distribution Charge, a Public Benefits Charge, and a charge for Palo Alto Green.
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May 1 to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective fi’om
November 1 to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the Summer Period and partly
in the Winter Period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kwh usage, and the
applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the ratio of the
number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing period.
Solar Energy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount will be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has installed a qualifying solar energy system prior to April 1,
1987.
0 Palo Alto Green Participation
Customers choosing to participate shall fill out a Palo Alto Green Power Program application
provided by the Customer Service Center.
Notice of Schedule Change
This schedule supercedes and replaces the Small Commercial Green Power Electric Services’
formerly designated as Utilities Rate Schedules E-2-G1, E-2-G2, and E-2-G3, effective per.
adoption of this schedule.
{End}
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-2-G-2 dated 6-07-2003 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No. E-2-G-2
CUSTOMER-OWNED GENERATION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-3
A. APPLICABILITY:
The following rates shall apply to customer-owned power generating facilities that are not eligible for
net metering.
B.TERRITORY:
Within the service area of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City.
C.BUYBACK RATES:
The following buyback rates shall apply to the power produced by a City-owned generation facility or a
customer-owned qualifying facility on a monthly basis.
1. For facilities not equipped with an interval meter:
Type of Power
Firm
Non-Firm
Season
Summer
Winter
Summer
Winter
kW/month
$4.32
4.32
kWh
$ .07902
.07831
.07902
.07831
2. For facilities equipped with an interval meter:
Type of Power
Firm
Time of DaySeason
Summer
Summer
Summer
Winter
Winter
Summer
Summer
Summer
Winter
Winter
Off Peak
Mid-Peak
Peak
Off peak
Peak
Non-Firm Off Peak
Mid-Peak
Peak
Off peak
Peak
kW/month
$ ~.32
kWh
$ 0.07152
0.08824
0.09566
0.07361
0.08595
0.07152
0.08824
0.09566
0.07361
O.O8595
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No, E-3-i dated 4-0%1990 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No. E-3-1
CUSTOMER-OWNED GENERATION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-3
(Continued)
3. Market-Based Buyback Rate:
For facilities with a rated capacity in excess of 1 MW, customer may request a market-based buyback
rate The buyback rate is equal to the City’s average cost of electricity calculated at the PG&E City Gate
for electric energy and capacity purchased by the City at first of the month and daily market prices for
that month. The buyback rates Will fall within the minimum/maximum range set forth below.
Per kW/Month per kWh
Fin’n $2.00-$10.00 $0.03 -$0.20
Non-Firm -$0.03-$0.20
D.TRANSMISSION RATES:
Transmission rates are determined site specific on a case by case basis.
E.SPECIAL NOTES:
Firm power shall be defined as power that can be exactly interchangeable with the utilities’
current resources. Non-firm power shall be defined as that power which is available to the
utility on a random basis and no schedule or control shall be available for such power. Such
determination shall be made by the utility after reviewing the character of such power generated
with respect to reliability, scheduling, availability, terms and conditions, scheduled outages,
system emergencies, and other factors which the utility shall deem relevant.
Adjustments shall be made to the quantity of power delivered to the utility to account for the effect
of losses and for administrative costs associated with the facility.
Generation credit, as calculated under the rate above, will be applied to the customer’s monthly
charge .for electric service from the utility. The utility shall provide payment to the customer in the
event generation credits are in excess of the monthly charges.
All conditions relating to the terms of interconnection and sales shall be covered by a service
contract.
5.The utility reserves the right to establish a customer charge in order to recover costs of certain
facilities required to serve load for which the utility is standing by. Such charges shall be specified
in the service contract with the customer.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-3-2 dated 4-0"1-1990 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No. E-3-2
CUSTOMER-OWNED GENERATION
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-3
(Continued)
6.A qualifying facility is defined as set forth in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order
Number 69, of Title 18, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 292, Subpart B entitled ~Small Power
Production and Cogeneration Facilities, Qualifying Status." This subpart implements Section 201
of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).
7.Generation facilities shall adhere to Rule and Regulation 27: Generating Facility Intercormections.
8.Definition of Time Periods
SUMMER (Service from May I to October 31):
Peak:12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Mid Peak:8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday (except holidaysi
Off-Peak:9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
All day
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
WINTER (Service from November I to April 30):
Peak:8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Off-Peak:9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
All day
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
HOLIDAYS: "Holidays" for the purposes of this rate schedule are New Years Day,
President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
Day, and Christmas Day. The dates will be those on which the holidays are legally observed.
SEASONAL RATE CHANGE: When the billing period is partly in the summer period and
partly in the winter period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kWh usage,
kW demand, and the applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to
the ratio of the number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the
billing period.
END
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Original Sheet No. E-3-3
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a
maximum demand below 1,000 kilowatts who have waived electric direct access eligibility. This
schedule applies to three-phase electric service and may include service to master-metered multi-
fanaily facilities.
B. TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
C.RATES:
Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates:
Commodi _ty
Summer Period
Demand Charge (kW)$4.27
Energy Charge (kWh)0.04896
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)$3.93
Energy Charge (kWh)0.04323
Distribution Public Benefits Total
$11.88 $16.15
0.01378 0.00255 0.06529
$6.98 $10.91
0.01325 0.00255 0.05903
SPECIAL NOTES:
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any appiicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be
broken down into three components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge and Public Benefit Charge.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-4-’I dated 7-7-2005
Effective 7-1-2007
CITY OF PALO ALTO
U T I L I T I E S Sheet No.E-4-1
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4
(Continued)
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May 1 to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November 1 to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the Summer Period and partly
in the Winter Period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kWh usage, kW
demand, and the applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the
ratio of the number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing
period.
Maximum Demand Meter
Whenever the monthly use of energy has exceeded 8,000 kilowatt-hours for three
consecutive months, a maximum demand meter will be installed as promptly as is practicable
and thereafter continued in service until the monthly use of energy has fallen below 6,000
kilowatt-hours for twelve consecutive months, whereupon, at the option of the City, it may
be removed.
The maximum demand in any month will be the maximum average power in kilowatts taken
during any 15-minute interval in the month provided that in case the load is intermittent or
subject to violent fluctuations, the City may use a 5-minute interval. A theI3nal-type demand
meter which does not reset after a definite time interval may be used at the City’s option.
The billing demand to be used in computing charges under this schedule will be the actual
maximum demand in kilowatts for the current month. An exception is that the billing
demand for customers with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) will be based upon the actual
maximum demand of such customers between the hours of noon and 6 pm on weekdays.
Solar Energy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount will be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has installed a qualifying solar energy system prior to April 1,
1987.
Power Factor
For new or existing customers whose demand is expected to exceed or has exceeded 300
kilowatts for three consecutive months, the City has the option of installing VAR-hour or any
other applicable metering to calculate a power factor. The City may remove such metering
from the service of a customer whose demand has been below 200 kilowatts for four
consecutive months.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-4-2 dated 7-1-0"i CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 8-1-2001
Sheet No.E-4-2
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4
(Continued)
When such metering is installed, the monthly electric bill will include a °’power factor
penalty", if applicable. The penalty adjustment will be applied to a customer’s bill prior to
the computation of any primmy voltage discount. The power factor penalty is applied by
increasing the total energy and demand charges for any month by 0.25 percent (0.25%) for
each one percent (1%) that the monthly power factor of the customer’s load was less than
95%.
The monthly power factor is the average power factor based on the ratio of kilowatt hours to
kilovoltampere hours consumed during the month. Where time-of-day metering is installed,
the monthly power factor shall be the power factor coincident with the customer’s maximum
demand.
o Changing Rate Schedules
Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable City of Palo Alto
full-service rate schedule. Qualified customers may request service under E-4-G1, E-.4-G2,
or E-4-G3.
Customers served under this rate schedule are not eligible for electric direct access and
cannot request a rate schedule change to a full service rate schedule applicable to customers
who are eligible for electric direct access (i.e. E-17).
Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
allowed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change its line voltage
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change his
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount) through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-4-3 dated 7-’/-01 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 8-1-2001
Sheet No.E-4-3
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4-G
At APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a
maximum demand below 1,000 kilowatts who receive power under the Palo Alto Green plan and
have waived electric direct access eligibility. This schedule applies to three-phase electric service
and may include service to master-metered multi-family facilities. Palo Alto Green power provides
for either the purchase of 1000 kwh blocks, or the purchase of 100% renewable green energy for
participating customers.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Unbundled Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates (1000 kWh block option):
Commodity Distribution P~ablic Benefits
Summer Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Energy Charge (kWh)
$4.27 $11.88
0.04896 0.01378
Palo Alto Green Charge (per 1000 kWh block)
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)$3.93
Energy Charge (kWh)0.04323
Palo Alto Green Charge (per 1000 kwh block)
0.00255
$6.98
0.01325 0.00255
Total
$16.15
0.06529
15.00
$10.91
0.05903
15.00
Unbundled Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates (100% renewable green option):
Public Palo Alto
Commodity Distribution Benefits Green
$4.27 $11.88
0.04896 0.01378 0.00255 0.0150
$3.93. $6.98
0.04323 0.01325 0.00255 0.0150
Summer Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Energy Charge (kWh)
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Energy Charge (kWh)
Total
$16.15
0.08029
$10.91
0.07403
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-4-G-1 dated 7-’1-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No.E-4-G-1
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
SPECIAL NOTES:
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4-G
(Continued)
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and.
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may
be broken down into four cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity
Charge, Distribution Charge, Public Benefits Charge mad a charge for Palo Alto Green
blocks.
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May I to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November I to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the Summer Period and partly
in the Winter Period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kwh usage, kW
demand, and the applicable rates tlaereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the
ratio of the number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing
period.
Maximum Demand Meter
Whenever the monthly use of energy has exceeded 8,000 kilowatt-hours for three
consecutive months, a maximum demand meter will be installed as promptly as is practicable
and thereafter continued in service until the monthly use of energy has dropped below 6,000
kilowatt-hours for twelve consecutive months, whereupon, at the option of the City, it may
be removed.
The maximum demand in any month will be the maximum average power in kilowatts taken
during any 15-minute interval in the month provided that in case the load is intermittent or
subject to violent fluctuations, the City may use a 5-minute interval. A thermal-type demand
meter, which does not reset after a definite time interval may be used at the City’s option.
The billing demand to be used in computing charges under this schedule will be the actual
maximum demand in kilowatts for the current month. An exception is that the billing
demand for customers with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) will be based upon the actual
maximum demand of such customers between the hours of noon and 6 PM on weekdays.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No.E-4-G-2
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4-G
(Continued)
Solar Energy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount will be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has installed a qualifying solar energy system prior to April 1,
1987.
Power Factor
For new or existing customers whose demand is expected to exceed or has exceeded 300
kilowatts for three consecutive months, the City has the option of installing VAR-hour or any
other applicable metering to calculate a power factor. The City may remove such metering
from the service of a customer whose demand has dropped below 200 kilowatts for four
consecutive months.
When such metering is installed, the monthly electric bill will include a "power factor
penalty", if applicable. The penalty adjustment will be applied to a customer’s bil! prior to
the computation of any primary voltage discount. The power factor penalty is applied by
increasing the total energy and demand charges for any month by 0.25 percent or (1/4) for
each one percent (1%) that the monthly power factor of the customer’s load was less than
95%.
The monthly power factor is the average power factor based on the ratio of kilowatt-hours to
kilovoltampere hours consumed during the month. Where time-of-day metering is installed,
the monthly power factor shall be the power factor coincident with the customer’s maximum
demand.
Changing Rate Schedules
Customers choosing to participate shall fill out a Palo Alto Green Power Program application
provided by the Customer Service Center. Customers may request at any time, in writing, a
change to the number of blocks they wish to purchase under the Palo Alto Green plan.
Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable full-service rate
schedule. Qualified customers may elect E-4 or E-4-TOU.
Customers served under this rate schedule are not eligible for electric direct access and
cannot request a rate schedule change to a full service rate schedule applicable to customers
who are eligible for electric direct access (i.e. E-17).
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No.E-4-G-3
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4-G
(Continued)
Notice of Schedule Change
This schedule supercedes and replaces the Medium Commercial Green Power Electric
Services’ formerly designated as Utilities Rate Schedules E-4-G1, E-4-G2, and E-4-G3,
effective per adoption of this schedule.
Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2.5 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
allowed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change its line voltage.
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change the
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount) ttv’ough transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No.E-4-G-4
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
Ao
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4 TOU
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a
demand between 500 and 1,000 kilowatts per month, who have sustained this level of usage for at
least three consecutive months during the most recent 12 month period, and who have waived
electric direct access eligibility. This schedule applies to three-phase electric service and may
include service to master-metered multi-family facilities. In addition, this rate schedule is applicable
for customers who did not pay power factor penalties during the last 12 months.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Pa!o Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates:Per Meter
Per Month
Summer Period
Commodi _ty Distribution Public Benefits Total
Demand Charge (kW)
Peak $2.51
Mid Peak 1.60
Off-Peak 0.91
Energy Charge (kWh)
Peal($0.08820
Mid Peak 0.04519
Off-Peak 0.03458
$6.99 $9.5O
4.41 6.01
2.54 3.45
$0.02529 $0.00255 $0.11604
0.01266 0.00255 0.06040
0.00950 0.00255 0.04663
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Peak $2.27 $3.94 $6.21
Mid Peak ---
Off-Peak 1.22 2.27 3.49
Energy Charge(kWh)
Peak $0.05731
Mid Peak
Off-Peak 0.03345
$0.01773 $0.00255 $0.07759
0.01014 0.00255 0.04614
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No, E-4-TOU-’I dated 7-’I-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No.E-4-TOU-1
Do SPECIAL NOTES:
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4 TOU
(Continued)
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be
broken down into appropriate components as calculated under Section C.
Definition of Time Periods
SUMMER (Service from May 1 to October 31):
Peak:12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Mid Peak:8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Off-Peak:9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
All day
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
WINTER (Service from November 1 to April 30):
Peal<:8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Off-Peak:9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
All day
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
HOLIDAYS: "Holidays" for the purposes of this rate schedule are New Years Day,
President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
Day, and Christmas Day. The dates will be those on which the holidays are legally obselwed.
SEASONAL RATE CHANGE: When the billing period is partly in the summer period and
partly in the winter period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kwh usage,
kW demand, and the applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to
the ratio of the number of days .in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the
billing period.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 1-1-2002
Original Sheet No.E-4-TOU-2
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4 TOU
(Continued)
Q Demand Meter
Whenever the monthly use of energy has exceeded 8,000 kilowatt-hours for three
consecutive months, a demand meter will be installed as promptly as is practicable and
thereafter continued in service until the monthly use of energy has fallen below 6,000
kilowatt-hours for twelve consecutive months, whereupon, at the option of the City, it
may be removed.
The billing demand to be used in computing charges under this schedule will be the actual
maximum demand in kilowatts taken during any 15-minute interval in each of the designated
Time periods as defined under Section D.2. "
Solar Energy Discount
Upon approval by the City, a 10 percent (10%) discount will be applied to a customer’s
electric bill if such customer has installed a qualifying solar energy system prior to April !,
1987.
Power Factor Penalty
Time of Use customers must not have had a power factor penalty assessed on their service
for at least 12 months. Power factor is calculated based on the ratio of kilowatt hours to
kilovolt-ampere hours consumed during the month, and must not have fallen below 95% to
avoid the power factor penalty.
Should the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department find that the customer’s service should be
subject to power factor penalties, the customer will be removed from the E-4-TOU rate
schedule and placed on another applicable rate schedule as is suitable to their kilowatt
demand and kilowatt-hour usage.
Changing Rate Schedules
Customers electing to be served under E-4 TOU must remain on said schedule for a
minimum of 12 months.. Should the customer so wish, at the end of 12 months, the customer
may request a rate schedule change to any applicable City of Palo Alto full-service rate
schedule. Qualified customers may request service under E-4, E-4-G1, E-4-G2, or E-4-G3.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 1-1-2002
Original Sheet No.E-4-TOU-3
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-4 TOU
(Continued)
Q Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
allowed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change its line voltage
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change his
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount) through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 1-1-2002
Original Sheet No.E-4-TOU-4
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
APPLICABILITY:
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary service for large commercial customers with a
maximum demand of at least 1,000KW per month per site, who have sustained this demand level at
least 3 consecutive months during the last twelve months, and who have waived electric direct access
eligibility.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates:
Commodi~
Summer Period
Demand Charge (kW)$5.27
Energy Charge (kWh)0.04648
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)$4.58
Energy Charge (kWh)0.04153
SPECIAL NOTES:
Distribution Public Benefits Total
$9.54 $14.81
0.01388 0.00255 0.06291
$4.39 $8.97
0.01379 0.00255 0.05787
Calculation of Charges
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be
broken down into three components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge and Public Benefit Charge.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-7-’i dated 7-’I-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No.E-7-1
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7
(Continued)
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May 1 to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November 1 to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the summer period and partly in
the winter period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kWh usage, kW
demand, and the applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the
ratio of the number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing
period.
o Request for Service
Qualifying customers may request service under this schedule for more than one account or
one meter if the accounts are on one site. A site shall be defined as one or more utility
accounts serving contiguous parcels of land with no intervening public right-of-ways (e.g.
streets) and have a common billing ad&ess.
Maximum Demand Meter
Whenever the monthly use of energy has exceeded 8,000 kilowatt-hours for three
consecutive months, a maximum demand meter will be installed as promptly as is practicable
and thereafter continued in service until the monthly use of energy has fallen below 6,000
kilowatt-hours for twelve consecutive months, whereupon, at the option of the City, it may
be
The maximum demand in any month will be the maximum average power in kilowatts taken
during any 15-minute interval in the month provided that in case the load is intermittent or
subject tO violent fluctuations, the City may use a 5-minute interval. A thermal-type demand
meter which does not reset after a definite time interval may be used at the City’s option.
The billing demand to be used in computing charges under this schedule will be the actual
maximum demand in kilowatts for the current month. An exception is that the billing
demand for customers with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) will be based upon the actual
maximum demand of such customers between the hours of noon and 6 pm on weekdays.
5.Power Factor
For new or existing customers whose demand is expected to exceed or has exceeded 300
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-7-2 dated 7-’/-0"1 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 8-1-2001
Sheet No.E-7-2
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
o
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7
(Continued)
kilowatts for three consecutive months, the City has the option to install VAR-hour or any
other applicable metering to calculate a power factor. The City may remove such metering
from the service of a customer whose demand has been below 200 kilowatts for four
consecutive months.
When such metering is installed, the monthly electric bill shall include a "power factor
penalty", if applicable. The penalty adjustment shall be applied to a customer’s bill prior to
the computation of any primary voltage discount. The power factor penalty is applied by
increasing the total energy and demand charges for any month by 0.25 percent (0.25%) for
each one percent (1%) that the monthly power factor of the customer’s load was less than
95%.
The monthly power factor is the average power factor based on the ratio of kilowatt hours to
kilovoltampere hours consumed during the month. Where time-of-day metering is installed;
the monthly power factor shall be the power factor coincident with the customer’s maximum
demand.
Changing Rate Schedules
Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable full service rate
schedule. Customers served under this rate schedule are not eligible for electric direct access
and cannot request a rate schedule change to the full service rate schedule(s) applicable to
customers who are eligible for direct access (E-8). Qualified customers may.request service
under E-7-G1, E-7-G2, or E-7-G3.
Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
allowed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change i~s line voltage
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change his
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount)through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
{End}
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-7-3 dated 7-7-01 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 8-1-2001
Sheet No.E-7-3
Bt
Co
LARGE COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7-G
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to demand metered service for large commercial customers who choose
service under the Palo Alto Green plan. A customer may qualify for this rate schedule if the
customer’s maximum demand is at least 1,000KW per month per site, who have sustained this
demand level at least 3 consecutive months during the last twelve months, and who have waived
direct access eligibility. Palo Alto Green power provides for the either the purchase of 1000 kwh
blocks, or the purchase of 100% renewable green energy for participating customers.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Unbundled Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates (1000 kWh block option):
Distribution Public BenefitsCommodity
$5.27 $9.54
0.04648 0.01388
Summer Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Energy Charge (kWh)
Palo Alto Green Charge (per 1000 kwh block)
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)$4.58
Energy Charge (kWh)0.04153
Palo Alto Green Charge (per 1000 kwh block)
0.00255
$4.39
0.01379 0.00255
t
Total
$14.81
0.06291
15.00
$8.97
0.05787
15.00
Unbundled Seasonal Demand and Energy Rates (100% renewable green option):
Public Palo Alto
Commodity Distribution Benefits Green
$5.27 $9.54
0.04648 0.01388 0.00255 0.0150
$4.58, $4.39
0.04153 0.01379 0.00255 0.0150
Summer Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Energy Charge (kWh)
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Energy Charge (kWh)
Total
$14.81
0.07791
$8.97
0.07287
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-7-G-7 dated 7-7-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No.E-7-G-1
LARGE COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7-G
(Continued)
SPECIAL NOTES:
1.Calculation of Charges
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be
broken down into four components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge, Public Benefit Charge and a charge for Palo A!to Green blocks.
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May 1 to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November I to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the Summer Period and partly
in the Winter Period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kWh usage, kW
demand, and the applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the
ratio of the number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing
period.
3.Maximum Demand Meter
Whenever the monthly use of energy has exceeded 8,000 kilowatt-hours for three
consecutive months, a maximum demand meter will be installed as promptly as is practicable
and thereafter continued in service until the monthly use of energy has dropped below 6,000
kilowatt-hours for twelve consecutive months, whereupon, at the option of the City, it may
be removed.
The maximum demand in any month will be the maximum average power in kilowatts taken
during any 15-minute interval in the month provided that in case the load is intermittent or
subject to violent fluctuations, the City may use a 5-minute interval. A thermal-type demand
meter, which does not reset after a definite time interval may be used at the City’s option.
The billing demand to be used in computing charges under this schedule will be the actual
maximum demand in kilowatts for the current month. An exception is that the billing
demand for customers with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) will be based upon the actual
maximum demand of such customers between the hours of noon and 6 PM on weekdays.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CiTY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No.E-7-G-2
LARGE COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7-G
(Continued)
Request for Service
Qualifying customers may request service under this schedule for more than one account or
one meter if the accounts are at one site. A site shall be defined as one or more utility
accounts serving contiguous parcels of land with no intervening public right-of-ways (e.g.
streets) and have a common billing address.
5.Power Factor
For new or existing customers whose demand is expected to exceed or has exceeded 300
kilowatts for three consecutive months, the City has the option to install VAR-hour or any
other applicable metering to calculate a power factor. The City may remove such metering
from the service of a customer whose demand has dropped below 200 kilowatts for four
consecutive months.
When such metering is installed, the monthly electric bill shal! include a "power factor
penalty", if applicable. The penalty adjustment shall be applied to a customer’s bill prior to
the computation of any primary voltage discount. The power factor penalty is applied by
increasing the total energy and demand charges for any month by 0.25 percent or (1/4) for
each one percent (1%) that the monthly power factor of the customer’s load was less than
95%.
The monthly power factor is the average power factor based on the ratio of kilowatt-hours to
kilovoltampere hours consumed during the month. Where time-of-day metering is installed,
the monthly power factor shall be the power factor coincident with the customer’s maximum
demand.
6.Changing Rate Schedules
ao
bo
Customers choosing to participate shall fill out a Green Power Program application
provided by the Customer Service Center.
Customers may request at any time, in writing, a change to the number of Palo Alto
Green blocks they wish to purchase under the Palo Alto Green plan.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No.E-7-G-3
LARGE COMMERCIAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7-G
(Continued)
Co If a customer account discontinues to qualify for this service for an account(s) on
Utility Rate Schedule E-7-G, such account(s) may be charged under Utility Rate
Schedule E-4-G or any other applicable rate schedule.
do Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable full
service rate schedule. Customers served under this rate schedule are not eligible for
electric direct access and cannot request a rate schedule change to the full service rate
schedule(s) applicable to customers who are eligible for direct access (E-8).
Qualified customers may request service under E-7 or E-7-TOU.
Notice of Schedule Change
This schedule supercedes and replaces the Large Commercial Green Power Electric Services.’
formerly designated as Utilities Rate Schedules E-7-G1, E-7-G2, and E-7-G3, effective per
adoption of this schedule.
Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
allowed; provided, however, the City is not required to supply service at a qualified line
voltage where it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at anothervoltage equally
or better suited to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change
its line voltage at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer
receiving a discount hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the
option to change the system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept
service (without voltage discount)through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to
a maximum kVA size limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No.E-7-G-4
APPLICABILITY:
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7 TOU
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary service for large commercial customers with a
maximum demand of at least 1,000KW per month per site, who have sustained this demand level at
least 3 consecutive months during the last twelve months, and who have waived electric direct access
eligibility. In addition, this rate schedule is applicable for customers who did not pay power factor
penalties during the last 12 months.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Seasonal Demand. and Energy Rates:
Summer Period
Commodi _ty Distribution PuNic Benefits
Per Meter
Per Montti
Total
Demand Charge (kW)
Peak $3.48 $6.27
Mid Peal(1.69 3.14
Off-Peak 0.96 1.57
$9.75
4.83
2.53
Energy Charge(kWh)
Peak $0.05771 $0.01746 $0.00255 $0.07772
Mid Peak 0.04817 0.01446 0.00255 0.06518
Off-Peak 0.03998 0.01192 0.00255 0.05445
Winter Period
Demand Charge (kW)
Peak $2.53 $2.46
Mid Peak -
Off-Peak 1.32 1.22
$4.99
2.54
Energy Charge(kWh)
Peak $0.04673 $0.01557 $0.00255 $0.06485
Mid Peak -
Off-Peak 0.03879 0.01284 0.00255 0.05418
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-7-TOU-’I dated 7-%2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No.E-7-TOU-1
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7 TOU
(Continued)
D.SPECIAL NOTES:
Calculation of Charges
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicablb discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount may be
broken down into appropriate components as calculated under Section C.
Definition of Time Periods
SUMMER (Service fi’om May ! to October 31):
Peak:12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Mid Peak:8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Off-Peak:9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
All day
Monday through Friday
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
WINTER (Service from November 1 to April 30):
Peak:8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Off-Peak:9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
All day
Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
HOLIDAYS: "Holidays" for the purposes of this rate schedule are New Years Day,
President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
Day, and Christmas Day. The dates will be those on which the holidays are legally observed.
SEASONAL RATE CHANGE: When the billing period is partly in the summer period and
partly in the winter period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kwh usage,
kW demand, and the applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to
the ratio of the number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the
billing period.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTli2tTIES
Effective 1- !-2002
Original Sheet No.E-7-TOU-2
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7 TOU
(Continued)
Request for Service
Qualifying customers may request service under this schedule for more than one account or
one meter if the accounts are on one site. A site shall be defined as one or more utility
accounts serving contiguous parcels of land with no intervening public right-of-ways (e.g.
streets) and have a common billing address.
Demand Meter
Whenever the monthly use. of energy has exceeded 8,000 kilowatt-hours for three
consecutive months, a demand meter will be installed as promptly as is practicable and
thereafter continued in service until the monthly use of energy has fallen below 6,000
kilowatt-hours for twelve consecutive months, whereupon, at the option of the City, it may
be
The billing demand to be used in computing charges under this schedule will be the actual
maximum demand in kilowatts taken during any 15-minute interval in each of the designated
Time periods as defined under Section D.2.
Power Factor Penalty
Time of Use customers must not have had a power factor penalty assessed on their service
for at least 12 months. Power factor is calculated based on the ratio of kilowatt hours to
kilovolt-ampere hours consumed during the month, and must not have fallen below 95% to
avoid the power factor penalty.
Should the City of Palo Alto Utilities Department find that the customer’s service should be
subject to power factor penalties, the customer will be removed from the E-7-TOU rate
schedule and placed on another applicable rate schedule as is suitable to their kilowatt
demand and kilowatt-hour usage.
Changing Rate Schedules
Customers electing to be served under E-7 TOU must remain on said schedule for a
minimum of 12 months. Should the customer so wish, at the end of 12 months, the customer
may request a rate schedule change to any applicable City of Palo Alto full-service rate
schedule.-Qualified customers may request service under E-7, E-7-G1, E-7-G2, or E-7-G3.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 1-1-2002
Original Sheet No.E-7-TOU-3
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TIME OF USE SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-7 TOU
(Continued)
Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
al!owed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change its line voltage
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change his
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount) through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 1-1-2002
Original Sheet No.E-7-TOU-4
STREET LIGHTS
UTILITY RATE S CHEDULE E- 14
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to street and highway lighting installations owned by any governmental agency
other than the City of Palo Alto.
B. TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
C. RATES:
Burning Schedule:
Lamp Rating:
kWh’s Per Month
All Night/Midnight
Per Lamp Per Month - Class A
Utility supplies energy and
switching service only.
All Night Midnight
Mercury-Vapor Lamps
100 watts 42/20 $ 9.63 $ 7.11
175 watts 68/35 11.49 8.96
400 watts 154/71 23.65 18.24
High Pressure Sodium Vapor Lamps
120 volts
70 watts 29/15 8.45 5.92
100 watts 41/20 11.32 8.26
150 watts 60/30 14.59 12.34
240 volts
70 watts 34/17 9.45 7.11
100 watts 49/25 12.34 8.96
150 watts 70/35 14.69 10.14
200 watts 90/45 16.39 13.01
250 watts 110/55 18.60 13.17
310 watts 134/167 21.79 17.23
400 watts 167/84 26.69 19.76
Fluorescent Lamps
40 watts 15/8 3.55 2.87
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued. by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-’14-1 dated 7-07-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No.E-14-1
Burning Schedule:
kWh’s Per Month
All Night/Midnight
STREET LIGHTS
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-14
(Continued)
Per Lamp Per Month - Class C
Utility supplies energy and switching
selwice and maintains entire system,
including lamps and glassware.
All Night Midnight
Lamp Rating:
Mercury-Vapor Lamps
100 watts 42/20 $10.82 $ 8.26
175 watts 68/35 13.01 10.30
250 watts 97/49 16.20 12.52
400 watts 154/71 24.16 18.60
Incandescent Lamps
189 watts (2,500 L)65/32
295 watts (4,000 L)101/5
405 watts (6,000 L)139/70
620 watts (10,000 L)212/106
Fluorescent Lamps
25 watts 12/6
40 watts 15/8
55 watts 18/9
11.49 9.14
14.69 11.49
18.60 15.37
25.85 21.44
4.23 3.22
4.38 3.55
5.07 3.73
High Pressure Sodium Vapor Lamps
120 volts
70 watts 29/15 8.79
! 00 watts 41/20 11.82
150 watts 60/30 15.20
240 volts
70 watts 34/17 9.80
100 watts 49/25 12.83
150 watts 70/35 15.20
200 watts 90/45 16.89
250 watts 110/55 18.93
6.25
8.62
12.68
7.44
9.45
10.65
13.51
13.86
CITY OF PALe ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-14-2 dated 7-01-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No.E-14-2
STREET LIGHTS
Do SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-14
(Continued)
Type of Service: This schedule is applicable to series circuit and multiple street lighting systems
to which the Utility will deliver current at secondary voltage. Unless otherwise agreed, multiple
current will be delivered at 120/240 volts, three-wire, single-phase. In certain localities the
Utility may supply service from 120/208 volt star-connected poly-phase lines in place of 240-volt
service. Single phase service from 480-volt sources will be available in certain areas at the
option of the Utility when this type of service is practical from the Utility’s engineering
standpoint. All currents and voltages stated herein are nominal, reasonable variations being
permitted. New lights will normally be supplied as multiple systems.
Point of Delivery: Delivery will be made to the customer’s system at a point or at points mutually
agreed upon. The Utility will furnish the service connection to one point for each group of
lamps, provided the customer has arranged his system for the least practicable number of points
of delivery. All underground connections will be made by the customer or at the customer’s
expense.
o
Switching: Switching will be performed by the Utility (on the Utility’s side of points of delivery)
and no charge will be made for switching provided there are at least 10 kilowatts of lamp load on
each circuit separately switched, including all lamps on the circuit whether served under this
schedule or not; otherwise, an extra charge of $2.50 per month will be made for each circuit
separately switched unless such switching installation is made for the Utility’s convenience or the
customer furnishes the switching facilities and, if installed on the Utility’s equipment, reimburses
the Utility for installing and maintaining them.
Annual Burning Schedule: The above rates apply to lamps which will be turned on and off once
each night in accordance with a regular burning schedule agreeable to the customer but not
exceeding 4,100 hours per year for all-night service and 2,050 hours per year for midnight
service.
Maintenance: The rates under Class C include all labor necessary for replacement of glassware
and for inspection and cleaning of the same. Maintenance of glassware by the Utility is limited
to standard glassware such as is commonly used and manufactured in reasonably large quantities.
A suitable charge will be made for maintenance of glassware of a type entailing unusual expense.
Under Class C, the rates include maintenance of circuits between lamp posts and of circuits and
equipment in and on the posts, provided these are all of good standard construction; otherwise,
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-’14-3 dated 7-~-0~CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2003
Sheet No.E-14-3
STREET LIGHTS
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-14
(Cominued)
the Utility may decline to grant Class C rates. Class C rates applied to any agency other than the
City of Pale Alto also include painting of posts with one coat of good ordinary paint as required
to maintain good appearance but do not include replacement of posts broken by traffic accidents
or otherwise.
Multilamp Electroliers: The above charges are made on per-lamp basis. For posts supporting
one or more lamps, where the lamps are less than nine feet apart, the above charges for Class C
will be reduced by 6 percent (6%) computed to the nearest whole cent, for all lamps other than
the first one.
o
10.
Operating Schedules Other Than All-Night and Midnight: Rates for regular operating schedules
other than all-night and midnight will be the midnight rates plus or minus one-eleventh of the
difference between the midnight and the all-night rate, computed to the nearest whole cent, for
each half hour per night more or less than midnight service. This adjustment will apply only to
lamps on regular operating schedules which do not exceed 4,500 hours per year.
Street Light Lamps, Standard and Nonstandard Ratings: The rates for incandescent lamps under
Class A are applicable for service to regular street lamps only and must be increased by 6
percent, computed to the nearest whole cent, for service to group-replacement street lamps. The
rates under Class C are applicable to both regular and group-replacement street lamps.
Continuous Operation: The rate for continuous 24-hour operation under Class A service will be
twice the all-night rate.
System Owned In-Part by Utili .ty ¯ Where, at customer’s request, the Utility installs, owns, and
maintains any portion of the lighting fixtures, supports, and/or interconnecting circuits, an extra
monthly charge of one and one-fourth percent of the Utility’s estimate of additional investment
shall be made.
11.Rates For Lamps Not on Schedule: In the event a customer installs a lamp which is not presently
represented on this schedule, the Utility will prepare an interim rate reflecting the Utility’s
estimated costs associated with the specific lamp size. This interim rate will serve as the
effective rate for billing purposes until the new lamp rating is added to Schedule E-14.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-14-4 dated 7-’1-0~CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2003
Sheet No.E-14-4
UNMETERED ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E- 16
No
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to unmetered electric service and other miscellaneous Electric Utility fees to
various public agencies and private entities.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Service Description
Automatic Irrigation Systems:
Hwy 101 & Embarcadero,
Sand Hill Road
Highway Lighting & Sign
Illumination
Highway Lighting
ElectroIier (20,000 L)
Electrolier (4000 L) & (7000 L)
(B)Sign Lighting
Sign (1,910 W)
Signs (1,572 W)
Signs (786 W)
o Page Mill Expressway and
E1 Camino Park & Ride Lot
Lighting and Signal
Automatic sprinklers at Oregon
& Page Mill Expressway
* Rates are monthly unless otherwise indicated.
Customer
State of
California,
Public Works
State of
California
Santa Clara
County
Public Works
Rate *
$ 5.89
@ 20.49 ea
@ 10.31 ea
@ 68.42 ea
@ 56.23 ea
@28.11 ea
64.00
31.20
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Counci!
Supersedes Sheet No.E-f6-1 dated 7-01-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No.E-16-1
UNMETERED ELECTRIC SERVICE
Service Description
Traffic Signal
(A)Controller
(B)8" Lamp
(C)12" & PVH Lamp
(D)PedeStrian Head
(E)Vehicle, System and
Bike Sensor Loop
o Electric Service for Cathodic
Protection Station
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E- 16
(Continued)
Customer Rate *
PG&E
$437.62ea
5.12 ea
6.57ea
8~76ea
17.52 ea
11.92
13.
CaNe TV Power Supply/Service
Pel~nit Fee for Electric Conduit Usage
(A) Exclusive Use
(B) Non-Exclusive use
Processing Fee for Electric Conduit Usage
Permit Fee for Utility Pole Attachments
(A)1 ft. of usable space
(B)2 ft. of usable space
(C)3 ft. of usable space
(D)4 ft. of usable space
Processing Fee for Utility Pole Attachments
Utilities Broadband Local Aa-ea Network
(A) Bandwidth Assignment
(B) Carrier Usage
Power supply to
Groundwater Treatment Service
Comcast
Permittee
Permittee
Permittee
Permittee
City Departments
City Departments
39.46
1.10/ft/yr
0.55/ft/yr
Actual Cost
$18.08/pole/yr
$19.98/pole/yr
$21.87/pole/yr
$23.77/pole/yr
$47.00/pole
210.80/MHZ
52.70/carrier
114.32
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-’i 6-2 dated 7-0"1-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No.E-16-2
UNMETERED ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E- 16
(Continued)
D. SPECIAL PROVISIONS:
In the event a customer requests an electric service which the Utility determines will be an unmetered-
service, or miscellaneous fee, the Utility will charge an interim rate reflecting the Utility’s. estimated
costs associated with the specific service. The Utility may charge an existing rate contained on this
Rate Schedule for an identical or similar type service, or prepare a new rate. This interim rate will
serve as the effective rate for billing purposes until the service type is added to Rate Schedule E-16.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No.E-’I 6-3 dated 5-22-00 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2003
Sheet No.E- 16-3
At
Be
MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-18
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to service for buildings and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of
Pale Alto.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Pale Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
Unbundled Seasonal Energy Rates:
Per kilowatt-hour Commodi _ty
Summer
Winter
Distribution PuNic Benefits Total
$0.00255 $0.09149
0.00255 0.07375
$0.05438 $0.03456
0.04370 0.02750
SPECIAL NOTES:
1.Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount is
broken down into three cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge, and Public Benefits Charge.
2.Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May I to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November 1 to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the summer period and partly in
the winter period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kWh usage, and the
applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the ratio of the
number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing period.
CITY OF PALe ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-18-’1 dated 7-’1-2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-1-2007
Sheet No. E-18-1
MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-18
(Continued)
Power Factor
For new or existing customers whose demand is expected to exceed or has exceeded 300
kilowatts for three consecutive months, the City has the option to install VAR-hour or any
other applicable metering to calculate a power factor. The City may remove such metering
from the service of a customer whose demand has been below 200 kilowatts for four
consecutive months.
When such metering is installed, the monthly electric bill shall include a "power factor
penalty", if applicable. The penalty adjustment shall be applied to a customer’s bill prior to
the computation of any primary voltage discount. The power factor penalty is applied by
increasing the total energy and demand charges for any month by 0.25 percent (0.25%) for
each one percent (1%) that the monthly power factor of the customer’s load was less than
95%.
The monthly power factor is the average power factor based on the ratio of kilowatt hours to
kilovoltampere hours consumed during the momh. Where time-of-day metering is installed,
the monthly power factor shall be the power factor coincident with the customer’s maximum
demand.
o Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovoks will be
allowed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular, line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change its line voltage
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change his
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount) through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 3-1-2002c~T¥ oF PALO ALTO Original Sheet No. E-18-2UTILITIES
MUNICIPAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-18-O
APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to service for buildings and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of
Palo Alto receiving power under the. Palo Alto Green plan. Palo Alto Green power provides for.
either the purchase of 1000 kWh blocks, or the purchase of 100% renewable green energy for
participating customers.
TERRITORY:
Within the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and land owned or leased by the City.
RATES:
1. Unbundled Seasonal Energy Rates (100% renewable green option):
Palo Alto
Per kilowatt-hour Commodity Distribution Public Benefits Green
Summer $0.05438 $0.03456 $0.00255 $0.0150
Winter 0.04370 0.02750 0.00255 0.0150
Total
$0.10649
0.08875
Per kilowatt-hour Commodity Distribution
Summer $0.05438 $0.03456
Winter 0.04370 0.02750
Palo Alto Green Charge (per 1000 kwh block
Unbundled Seasonal Energy Rates(1000 kWh block option):
PuNic Benefits
$0.00255
0.00255
SPECIAL NOTES:
Totd
$0.09149
0.07375
15.00
Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts. On a customer’s bill statement, the bill amount is
broken down into four cost components as calculated under Section C: Commodity Charge,
Distribution Charge, Public Benefits Charge, and a charge for Palo Alto Green blocks.
Seasonal Rate Changes
The Summer Period is effective May 1 to October 31 and the Winter Period is effective from
November 1 to April 30. When the billing period is partly in the summer period and partly in
the winter period, the billing will be computed by prorating the total kWh usage, and the
applicable rates thereto between the two seasonal periods, according to the ratio of the
number of days in each seasonal period to the total number of days in the billing period.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No. E-’I 8-G-’/ dated 7-0%2005 CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 7-01-2007
Sheet No. E-18-G-1
MUNICIPAL GREEN POWER ELECTRIC SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-18-G
(Continued)
Power Factor
For new or existing customers whose demand is expected to exceed or has exceeded 300
kilowatts for three consecutive months, the City has the option to install VAR-hour or any
other applicable metering to calculate a power factor. The City may remove such metering
from the service of a customer whose demand has been below 200 kilowatts for four
consecutive months.
When such metering is installed, the monthly electric bill shall include a "power factor
penalty", if applicable. The penalty adjustment shall be applied to a customer’s bill prior to
the computation of any primary voltage discount. The power factor penalty is applied by
increasing the total energy and demand charges for any month by 0.25 percent (0.25%) for
each one percent (1%) that the monthly power factor of the customer’s load was less than
95%.
The monthly power factor is the average power factor based on the ratio of kilowatt hours to
kilovoltampere hours consumed dm’ing the month. Where time-of-day metering is installed,
the monthly power factor shall be the power factor coincident with the customer’s maximum
demand.
Changing Rate Schedules
Customers choosing to participate shall fill out a Palo Alto Green Power Program application
provided by the Customer Service Center. Customers may request at any time, in writing, a
change to the number of blocks they wish to purchase under the Palo Alto Green plan.
Primary Voltage Discount
Where delivery is made at the same voltage as that of the line from which the service is
supplied, a discount of 2 1/2 percent for available line voltages above 2 kilovolts will be
allowed provided the City is not required to supply service at a particular line voltage where
it has, or will install, ample facilities for supplying at another voltage equally or better suited
to the customer’s electrical requirements. The City retains the right to change its line voltage
at any time after providing reasonable advance notice to any customer receiving a discount
hereunder and affected by such change. The customer then has the option to change his
system so as to receive service at the new line voltage or to accept service (without voltage
discount) through transformers to be supplied by the City subject to a maximum kVA size
limitation.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Effective 6-01-2003
Original Sheet No. E-18-G-2
ATTACHMENT C
MEMORANDUM 4
TO:UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
FROM:UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
APRIL 4, 2007
RECOMMENDED FY 2007-08 ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE
RECOMMENDATION
This report requests that the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) recommend that the City
Council:
a) Approve a 5 percent electric retail rate, or $4.4 million revenue, increase effective
July 1, 2007; and
b) Approve, in concept, a 10 percent electric retail rate, or $9.2 million revenue, increase
for FY 2008-09.
BACKGROUND .
There were no electric revenue or rate increases recommended to the City Council for EY 2006-
07, due to~ the size of the.balances of the Electric Supply and Distribution Rate Stabilization
Reserves at that time. Instead, those Reserves were used to fund increased operational expenses.
During FY 2005-06, very favorable hydro conditions resulted in lower wholesale purchase costs,
and significant additional funds were added to the Electric Supply Rate Stabilization Reserve (E-
SRSR). The actual ending balance of the E-SRSR for FY 2005-06 was $9.8 miIlion over the
Maximum Guideline Level approved by the City Council. For FY 2006-07, hydro conditions are
still having the same positive effect.
However, funds for maanticipated expenses for retiree medical liabilities and increased Workers’
Compensation expenses were withdrawn from the Electric Distribution Rate Stabilization
Reserve (E-DRSR) at the end of FY 2005-06.This left the E-DRSR slightly above the
Minimum Guideline Level.
DISCUSSION
Revenues, Expenses and Reserves
The main drivers for the recommended increases are higher distribution costs and a low balance
in the E-DRSR. The proposed rate increase for FY 2007-08 represents a $4.4 million annual
electric revenue increase. Of this, $4.3 million is to increase the E-DRSR balance to the meet the
recommended level determined during the ama~.ml "Risk Assessment for Reserves" evaluation
and to bring revenue for Electric Distribution back imo aligmaaent with actual costs. The
remaining $0.1 million will fund the state-mandated 2.85 percent of sales revenue for the Electric
Public Benefits budget.
While the Electric Supply Rate Stabilization Reserve (E-SRSR) has benefited from the hydro
conditions in the short term, electric supply costs are projected to increase from approximately 5
cents per kilowatt-hour to approximately 6 cents per kilowatt-hour in FY 2007-08.
Risk Assessment
Staff performed an amaualized risk assessment which compares projected rese~we levels to
applicable risk factors. This assessment, shown in Table 1 below, has determined that the
forecasted E-SRSR and the E-DRSR balances are adequate for FY 2007-08, but may require
adjustment for FY 2008-09.
Based on the "Amaual Risk Assessment for Reserves" the E-SRSR will be drawn down in FY
2007-08 to cover anticipated increases in the cost of electric commodity p’archases. The
implementation of the 5 percent increase is projected to bring the FY 2007-08 ending E-DRSR to
approximately $4.6 million, which is below the Minimum Guideline level of $6.6 million. It is,
however, above the risk assessment value of $4 million, and staff feels that the projected reserve
balance is adequate to meet any potential short-term risks. Staff will continue to work toward
achieving the Minimum Guidelines for both the E-SRSR and the E-DRSR, and will closely
monitor tl~e fizzancial !~ealt~ of tl’..e Electric Fv.~zd.
TABLE 1 : Reserve Balance and Guidelines Compared to Risk Assessment Level
Reserve Balance and Guidelines FY 2007-08 FY 2008-09
(Electric Supply)
End of Year Balance $43.7 million $33.1 million
(Forecast)
Risk Assessment Level $44.0 million $45.3 million
Reserve Minimum Level $30.4 million $32.5 milli0n
Reserve Maximum Level $60.8 million $64.9 million
Reserve Balance and Guidelines FY 2007-08 FY 2008-09
(Electric Distribution)
End of Year Balance $4.6 million $6.8 million
(Forecast)
Risk Assessmem Level $4.0 million $4.2 million
Reserve Minimum Level $6.6 million $7.0 million
Reserve Maximum Level $16.6 mitlion $17.3 million
An updated risk assessment will be perfon)aed as part of the budget process for FY 2008-09, and
staff will evaluate the revenues, expenses and risks during the FY 2008-09 budget process to
ensure that the Electric Utility remains financially sound.
Palo Alto Customer Bill Impact and Comparison with PG&E
Page 2 of 4
Table 2 shows the impact of this rate proposal on a typical monthly bill for various customer
classes. Comparison with PG&E’s January 2007 rates indicates that the average Palo Alto
residential customer’s bill for electric service is approximately 37 percent below PG&E’s
comparable residential electric bill.
The bill impact table does not include the bills for those who participate in the PaloAltoGreen
program. However, under this rate adjustment proposal, electric distribution rates for participants
in the PaloAltoGreen pro~am will match those of the customers in the appropriate class.
TABLE 2: Effect of Proposed Electric Rate Increase on Customer Bills
CUSTOMER TYPE
MONTHLY KWH
USAGE
PROPOSED
MONTHLY
BILL
% BILL
INCREASE
MONTHLY
BILL
INCREASE
$1.11
2.90
18.15
2.54
1,674
21,053
% PA BELOW
PG&E
Residential Small 300 $ 23.19 5.0 (32.4)
Residential Average 650 60.83 5.0 (36,5)
¯ Residential Large 3000 382.74 5.0 (59.1)
Commercial Small 500 53.21 5.0 (39.4)
Commercial Medium 500,000 40,551 5.0 (30,1)
Commercial Large .5,500,000 j 439,769 5.0 (20.8)
RESOURCE. II~IPACT
Approval of this rate proposal will increase the Electric Fund metered retail sales revenues in FY
2007-08 by approximately $4.4 million on a fiscal year basis. With this infusion of revenue, the
balance in the E-DRSR is projected to meet the recommended risk assessment reserve level in
FY 2007-08.
Staff also recommends Council approve in concept a 10 percent rate increase, or $9.2 million
revenue increase, for FY 2008-09. This increase will allow the E-SRSR to remain above the
Minimum Guideline Level recommended by City Council.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This rate proposal meets the following Utilities Strategic Plan objectives: to invest in utility
infrastructure to deliver reliable service and to provide superior financial service to the City and
competitive rates to customers. Approval of the proposed electric rate increase does not
represent a change to existing policies.
ATTACHMENTS:
Electric Rate Schedules: E-l, E-l-G, E-2, E-2-G, E-3, E-4, E-4 TOU, E-4-G, E-7, E-7-TOU, E-
7-G, E-14, E-16, E-18, E-18-G
Page 3 of 4
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
LUCRE
Rates
Assistant Director, Customer Support Services
VALE~i~ O.~ONG
Director of Utilities
Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT D
DRAFT
UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Melton called to order at 7:00 pm the regular scheduled meeting of the Utilities Advisory
Commission.
Present: Melton, Dawes, Bechtel, Rosenbaum
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
......... ,i,du~,,,~()Mrs. C~liaL~ad ....~.~,,,~,~,,,o Rates discussion see belowI,J~ I ql ~:¯
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of March 7 was made with the following change and comments:
Bebhtel asked for clarification on page 3, paragraph 1 of the March 7 draft minutes. He asked
whether it was 11.4 perc_ent cost per kWh or if it should be 11.4 cents cost per kWh. Tom
Auzenne, Assistant Director, said that it should be cents. Bechtel also requested therebe more
specifics and details to the sense minutes rather than just saying there was "comments and
concerns" brought up in the meeting.
Dawes said he would, like more explanation on the $40 million dollar cost of the Reservoir Project.
There was a similar project 4 years ago which cost around $15 or $16 million. He also wondered
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 1 of 11
why "including land" wasn’t explained further in the minutes. Melton said he did not think there had
been discussion of the term "including land" at the meeting and that is why there was nothing in the
minutes.
Chairman Melton: Moved approval, Dexter Dawes Seconded. Motion passed with four ayes and
one absent.
AGENDA REVIEW
Valerie Fong, Utilities Director, pointed out that Item 2 on the agenda (Ten-Year Energy Efficiency
Portfolio Plan) was an Action item, not an Informational item.
REPORT FROM COMMISSION MEETINGS/EVENTS
NONE
UTILITIES DIRECTOR REPORT
Fong presented the following report:
1) The Emergency Water Supply Project Notice of Determination was filed on March 9. The
CEQA process will be complete, if there are no protests, by April 11.
2) A CMR will go to Council next week to notify them that more time is needed for the FEIR
cost allocation schemes and will be brought forward in May. The 2na reading of the Park
Ordinances will also take place in May.
3) Water system flushing notices will go in the Palo Alto Weekly and Pato Alto Daily. The
flushing will take place the week of Apr 22.
4) There will be a Federal Policy Conference in Washington D.C at the end of April. Val will
attend with Council member Bern Beecham and Resour’ce Planner Debbie Lloyd.
5) The next UAC meeting will be a day meeting on May 2.
6) There is a conflict regarding the July 11 UAC meeting date as a Hetch Hetchy tour is
scheduled for the same date. Fong asked if July 19 might work as the Chambers are not
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 2 of 11
available on July 18. Staff was asked to see if a conference room, other than the Chambers,
might be available on July 18. Fong said we would look into that option.
7) The Mayor is sponsoring a session on Stanford University’s Green Transportation Program.
This will take ’place Apr 5, 4:00 - 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers.
8) There will be a Special Meeting of Council (study session) on April 11 at 2:00 pm in the
Council Chambers. Lt. Governor John Garamendi will speak on the issue of Climate Change.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Rosenbaum asked about the overhead for the Green Project and how it was calculated. Assistant
Director, Customer Services Tom Auzenne explained that based on the 11.5 cent cost for Palo Alto
Green, our overhead was 4%. Rosenbaum then asked what percentage of the $500,000 premium
represented. Auzenne said 33%. Auzenne also said that based on an Oct., 2006 publication from
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the average marketing and administration expenses
for the top ten renewable programs in the country was 29%. Palo Alto Green is the number one
program in the country and the marketing .and administrative costs are in line with the average
noted in ........"~’^ ..........~" ~"SO muLi~i i~ i’,~L,,~ ~,~,~y,c,~,,,~,udod that ,,ur ma, ke,I,
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 1: INFORMATION ITEM:
2006 Statewide and Palo Alto Residential Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
Senior Resource Planner Karl Knapp presented a summary of the main findings of a residential
customer survey conducted by RKS Consulting. The survey is conducted every other year for
CMUA and CPAU, and is used to compare CPAU customer attitudes and utility performance in a
number of areas, and enables CPAU to benchmark performance against California municipal and
investor-owned utilities.
The survey was conducted in October and November of 2006. CPAU’s overall Value Rating
remains high, which is a composite score of several different areas. CPAU continues to perform
well in the areas of overall customer satisfaction, price/value performance, power delivery, and
there is growth in users of the website and participation in the green energy option. There was a
slight decline in scores on trust, overall feelings, and to some extent, communication effectiveness.
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 3 of 11
The consultant report indicates that these declines are not statistically significant, but may be
consistent with changes that take place after rate increases.
Palo Alto residents differ significantly from other California utility customers in three main areas:
high awareness of the seriousness of the California energy situation, global warming, and a strong
preference for using the internet to obtain information and pay bills, CPAU customers are more
aware and concerned about global warming, but are not sure about CPAU’s involvement, and
express a willingness to pay more to fund solutions.
Main areas for improvement noted by the consultant report were to enhance the website and web-
based services, and to embrace the global warming issue. Knapp pointed out that the entire City
web page is undergoing a major conversion to an entire new database structure and that no big
changes are being made until that effort is completed.
.~4~!,,-,,~ ~,o~,~,4 ,,,~,,.,,,,-,, the ro~,,,,{ i,-,,41,-,o+,:,a dissatisfaction with the web<it,~ and whether RK£ ~.qked
about specific improvements that customers would like to see. Knapp/Auzenne replied that
customers did indicate dissatisfaction with the website and that a table iisiing responses for how Lo
make the website better is contained on page 14 of the consultant report.
Dawes asked whether customers were asked about bank drafting.
Knapp/Auzenne explained that while bank drafting was not specifically included in the survey, a
high 3ercentage of customers use CPAU’s bank drafting program.
Rosenbaum asked why credit Bard payment options are not shown on web. Auzenne explained
that cPAU does do credit card payment in-house, is developing ability to pay using a credit card by
phone, and is also working on getting the technology and infrastructure in place to handle web-
based credit card payments. Additionally, Auzenne noted that information about all payment
options in marketing materials and as the web will be updated.
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 4 of 11
Melton noted that it appears that more people apparently believe that they are green power
customers than actually are, Bechtel suggested a more direct question be included in the next
survey regarding incurred PAGreen costs, Staff agreed it would make such a suggestion.
ITEM 2: INFORMATION ITEM:
Ten-Year Enerqy Efficiency Portfolio Plan
Knapp presented a brief summary of the proposed ten-year energy efficiency plan, Adoption of a
10-year plan is required by AB2021 passed last year. The Plan includes all of the elements
required by the new statutory requirement, Energy efficiency is the highest priority resource for
CPAU, with renewable energy second and conventional supply last, The Plan sets energy
efficiency targets that are based on the technical and economic potential study conducted by the
Rocky Mountain Institute in 2005, seeking to achieve at least half of the estimated economic
potential. AB2021 also requires that utilities "treat energy efficiency as a supply investment", The
Plan proposes to fund the efforts needed to achieve the targets by including approximately $2,6
million over two years in the e!ectric and gas supply budgets, which when added to the existing
Public Benefits efficiency budgets would bring the two-year efficiency programs total to $7 million,
The Plan wiii be staffed with existing positions. The estimaied financial impacts are a potential i-ate
increase of 0.5-1,0% with an average bill decrease of 2,5-3%. Six of the main near-term efforts
were described, including revamping existing programs and establishing new programs that
address underserved segments such as new construction and remodeling,
Dawes asked whether the Plan costs are identified as a line item in financial reports and included
in the long-term financial forecasts and rate projections, Staff responded affirmatively and
explained that a new Fund Center has been created and all of the Plan costs are included in the
proposed budget.
Melton asked whether the Plan takes a stepped approach, going after the "low-hanging fruit" that is
on the cheaper end of the scale first. Staff replied that it will be emphasizing the "low-hanging fruit",
but that much of the proposed plan will be approaching things more holistically and not simply
more of the same prescription-style rebates, Staff noted that the law and our own policies require
that CPAU pursue all cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities, and not just the cheapest ones,
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 5 of 11
Dawes noted that the rate of return of 1.6% described in the report is low and asked if there is a
mandated minimum spending threshold requirement. Staff explained that the very low IRR cited
reflects the added cost of the many required reporting and verification elements of the energy
efficiency program, so that while the incentives alone might have an estimated 10,6% return, the
other reporting requirements eat up nearly all of that benefit, dropping the payback to only 1,6%.
The cost effectiveness tests described in the plan state that energy efficiency that costs less than
energy from the market is a preferred investment, consistent with the higher priority of efficiency
over supply dictated by the resource loading order.
Dawes asked whether small customers will fail to benefit if they do not participate. Knapp explained
that one of the main tenets of the Plan is to ensure that there are programs available for all
customers to be able to participate. Staff feels that the rigorous and industry-standard cost-
effectiveness testing and criteria described in detail in the Plan along with follow-up using
independent verification of program resL!!ts (as required by law) provides the necessary financial
controls to ensure that energy efficiency investments are selected judiciously.
Melton noted that the Plan does appear to offer opportunities for residential customers.
Bechtel asked for an explanation of the carbon adder methodology. Knapp explained the proxy
value of approximately $10/ton of carbon dioxide used by California’s investor-owned utilities when
making energy procurement decisions. A GHG adder is used in evaluation criteria for purchasing
decisions to encourage choosing the lowest cost resource, including the adder,
Dawes asked what staff will do next year that is not being done now. Staff explained that in the
near term, the main activities will be adding programs to target areas not currently addressed such
as new construction and remodeling, coordinating with the Green Building efforts in the Planning
Department, supporting both end-user efficiency and supply-side efficiency, third-party programs
like "Right Lights", and joint action with other agencies.
Utilities Advisory Oommission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 6 of 11
Rosenbaum moved approval of staff recommendation that UAC recommends that Council approve
the ten-year energy efficiency portfolio plan. Bechtel seconded. Motion passed with three ayes,
one abstained, and one absent.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Prior to the discussion of utility rate increases, Mary Carlstead (resident) spoke regarding how
increases, especially those from bond measures, affect the senior/fixed/low income populations
adversely, Parcel taxes are increasing, and are not deductible. Her feelings were that Palo Alto
was creating a "perfect storm".
ITEM 3: ACTION ITEM:
Recommended FY 2007-08 Water Rate Increase
Auzenne stated that the Fiscal Year 2007-08 (FY07-08) water system average rate was $4.59 per
one hundred cubic feet (ccf), and presented a slide titled "Components of System Average rate FY
2007-08", wh!ch ~hows the breakdown of costs. For FY07-08, a 10 percent or $2.2 million increase
was proposed (Item A), as well as another 10 percent increase in Fiscal Year 2008-09 (FY08-09)
(Item B). Also inciuded was the discontinuance of a price discoun[ for irrigation custo~-,qe~s on W-7
(Item C) and the introduction of the fixed charge "customer Charge" (Item D). Customer charges
will provide revenue stability, and reduce the need for rapid increases in the future due to fact that
sales volume depends on weather and economic factors. Charges for small customers are being
phased in, as to limit the overall impact to customers.
Bechtel commented on how he appreciated the charts, and would like to be emailed copies. The
concept of customer charges appeared rational, so he had no questions regarding these. He did
question whether supply/distribution breakdowns were displayed on the customer bills. Auzenne
stated that they were not, but it would be an option to be reviewed in the future.
Dawes stated that there does need to be an explanation of where costs come from, and the charts
showed this well, especially in light of customer questions (such as Ms. Carlstead). There was
some question as to how current costs would compare to costs five years ago, but it was not a
request to produce data. He stated he was ready to approve the issue.
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from:Approved on:Page 7 of 11
Rosenbaum stated that Item B related to FY08-09 rate approval had not been done by the UAC in
the past, and questioned whether it made sense. As costs are too variable, he considered striking
Item B from all proposals. Auzenne commented that as this represent a two-year budget process,
something regarding FY08-09 should be added. However, rate changes would be re-evaluated
during FY 08-09 budget process.
Rosenbaum countered that it is a question of emphasis. While the future increases are in the
budget, they are conceptual. He did not think that the UAC should add their imprimatur to items
beyond the immediate budget year in their recommendations to FinancelCouncil.
Dawes had a question as to the total bill, and wished to see how the proposed rates compare with
the current rates for water commodity. Auzenne explained the current vs. proposed bill effects.
Melton asked for staff’s anticipation of the length of the phase-in period for the customer chargeto
go from roughly 50% to 100%. Auzenne indicated a 3 to 4 year time frame.
Dawes pointed out that rents, general fund transfers, and other transfers are a large portion of the
water budget, and that these are the items that the public needs to know about when rate
increases are proposed,
Melton mentioned that conceptual approval of the second year increases had been brought up
before in memoranda, although not as formally currently proposed by staff as an explicit item for
approval. Rosenbaum generally agreed that the "approve in concept" request was more explicit
than in the past.
Bechtel moved to recommend the water proposal as worded. Melton seconded.
Rosenbaum asked if a friendly amendment eliminating Item B (approving year !wo rate increase in
concept) would be entertained. Bechtel declined to accept the friendly amendment and instead
indicated a strong preference and obligation to advise the Council of potential increases in the
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 8 of 11
2008-09 budget year. However, Dawes indicated his cdncurrence with Rosenbaum on the removal
of Item B.
Rosenbaum proposed an amendment to strike Item B. Dawes seconded. Melton noted the
substitute motion. Three Commissioners voted in favor of the amendment (Melton, Dawes,
Rosenbaum), one voted against (Bechtel), with one absent (Keller). Motion passed.
Rosenbaum commented on how he understood the concerns raised by Carlstead, however, he
also noted the UAC’s obligation to look out for the utilities businesses on behalf of the City. He
acknowledged that it will be difficult for Palo Alto to go forward with bonds, but was unsure of what
else could be done,
A motion was made to approve ’the Water proposal with the removal of Item B. It passed
unanimously (Rosenbaum, Dawes, Bechtel, Melton), with one absent (Keller).
Dawes mentioned that while he understood that there was a two year budget process, the second
year was too much of an estimate. The UAC would reserve its judgment on such issues.
ITEM 4: ACTION ITEM:
Recommended FY 2007-08 Electric Rate Increase
Auzenne stated that with this proposal, every customer class receives the same 5 percent increase
in FY07-08, and no customer charges were proposed. He presented a slide titled "Components of
System Average Rate FY 2007-08". Melton questioned whether a "Customer Charge" would be
considered in the future. Auzenne said not at this time, as usage/weather variability was not as
much of an issue with electricity as with water and natural gas.
Dawes had concerns regarding future hydro projections, and asked for any update on the water
situation. Auzenne stated that the last data he had heard was 43 percent of normal snow-pack
levels. Dawes commented that this was very serious, and as such, Item B regarding FY08-09 rate
increases should also be removed in this case,
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 9 of ! 1
Rosenbaum stated his agreement with the 5 percent increase at this time because of the hydro
situation, even though the reserves are large.
Bechtel moved approval for staff’s recommendation to increase Electric rates in FY 2007-08 with
the removal of Item B (approval in concept of an electric rate increase in FY 2008-09).
Rosenbaum seconded. Passage was unanimous (Rosenbaum, Dawes, Bechtel, Melton), with one
absent (Keller).
ITEM 5: ACTION ITEM:
Recommended FY 2007-08 Gas Rate Increase
Melton commented that the structure of the increase was similar to water. Auzenne concurred,
commenting how gas usage was quite variable based on weather effects, He presented a similar
slide titled "Components of Average System Rate FY 2007-08". ’
Fong mentioned that, becaL!se of the laddering of gas purchases, future costs were better known.
However, staff was still amenable to removal of Item B (approval in concept of gas rate increases
for FY 2008-09).
Melton question how long it would be before customer charges were up to cost of service
recommendations. Auzenne and Fong commented it was a function of reserve depletion.
Auzenne clarified that although 9.5 percent increase was an overall figure, the allocations to
individual customer classes would be different.
Dawes questioned whether, with increased efficiency measures; measures were made using
heating degree data, Auzenneconfirmed that such comparisons were made, Dawes felt we
should publish our efficiency metrics.
Bechtel questioned whether the wording regarding the increase should include a mention that it is
a 9.5 percent system average increase. Fong agreed.
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 10 of 11
Melton commented that the UAC is in essence recommending the rate schedules. Auzenne stated
that this would be clarified in the transmittals to the Finance committee.
Rosenbaum moved to recommend the Gas increase with Item B removed. Dawes seconded.
Passage was unanimous (Rosenbaum, Dawes, Bechtel, Melton), with one absent (Keller).
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melody Vega
City of Palo Alto Utilities
Utilities Advisory Commission Minutes from: Approved on:Page 11 of 11