How have the states utilities become involved in global-warming issues and emissions reductions?
The four investor-owned utilities in California each have programs that have been funded by the Public Goods Charge (PGC) that’s assessed to ratepayers. More than $2 billion over 3 years has been authorized by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for approximately 200 discrete programs – everything from rebates on washing machines to incentive programs for energy-efficiency projects and self-generation incentive programs. A lot of the emphasis has been placed on energy efficiency and renewable portfolio standards. The municipal utilities are also in the game, although they don’t come under the direct regulation of the PUC. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), for example, serves Sacramento and most of the state government and has programs that, in most respects, mirror what is being done through the PUC-funded programs – they’re offering audit programs, rebate programs, and incentive programs. We’re working right now with SMUD, for instance, on some innovative ideas to en
