Section 769 Of Article 3. Equipment, Practices, And Facilities From California Public Utilities Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 3.
769
. (a) For purposes of this section, "distributed resources"
means distributed renewable generation resources, energy efficiency,
energy storage, electric vehicles, and demand response technologies.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2015, each electrical corporation shall
submit to the commission a distribution resources plan proposal to
identify optimal locations for the deployment of distributed
resources. Each proposal shall do all of the following:
(1) Evaluate locational benefits and costs of distributed
resources located on the distribution system. This evaluation shall
be based on reductions or increases in local generation capacity
needs, avoided or increased investments in distribution
infrastructure, safety benefits, reliability benefits, and any other
savings the distributed resources provide to the electrical grid or
costs to ratepayers of the electrical corporation.
(2) Propose or identify standard tariffs, contracts, or other
mechanisms for the deployment of cost-effective distributed resources
that satisfy distribution planning objectives.
(3) Propose cost-effective methods of effectively coordinating
existing commission-approved programs, incentives, and tariffs to
maximize the locational benefits and minimize the incremental costs
of distributed resources.
(4) Identify any additional utility spending necessary to
integrate cost-effective distributed resources into distribution
planning consistent with the goal of yielding net benefits to
ratepayers.
(5) Identify barriers to the deployment of distributed resources,
including, but not limited to, safety standards related to technology
or operation of the distribution circuit in a manner that ensures
reliable service.
(c) The commission shall review each distribution resources plan
proposal submitted by an electrical corporation and approve, or
modify and approve, a distribution resources plan for the
corporation. The commission may modify any plan as appropriate to
minimize overall system costs and maximize ratepayer benefit from
investments in distributed resources.
(d) Any electrical corporation spending on distribution
infrastructure necessary to accomplish the distribution resources
plan shall be proposed and considered as part of the next general
rate case for the corporation. The commission may approve proposed
spending if it concludes that ratepayers would realize net benefits
and the associated costs are just and reasonable. The commission may
also adopt criteria, benchmarks, and accountability mechanisms to
evaluate the success of any investment authorized pursuant to a
distribution resources plan.