REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Silicon Valley Power's Public Benefit Programs for Fiscal Years 2023-2024 through 2027-2028
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Sustainability
BACKGROUND
Public Utilities Code section 385 requires local publicly owned electric utilities, like the City of Santa Clara, to adopt a public benefits charge to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation, new investment in renewable energy resources and technologies, and energy efficiency services, education, weatherization, and rate discounts for low-income electricity customers. The City Council also adopted the Public Benefits Program Policy Statement which contains a list of programs to assist Santa Clara residents and businesses with energy efficiency and energy conservation and other programs. On May 29, 2018, the Council approved an extension of the current programs through June 30, 2023, subject to budget appropriations.
Among other programs, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) maintains a robust suite of energy efficiency programs that contribute to the state's goal of doubling statewide energy efficiency savings as codified in Senate Bill350. Energy efficiency programs are intended to offer maximum benefit to the community while meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements. The requirements include the following:
* Public Utilities Code section 385 requires that the utilities collect and spend a percentage of their base retail electric revenues on qualified Public Benefits Programs which are partially listed above. The customary amount collected by public utilities in California is a minimum of 2.85 percent of annual base retail electric revenues. The funds must be spent on programs in four categories including energy efficiency, research and development, renewable energy resource development, and low-income assistance.
* Public Utilities Code section 386 requires each local publicly owned utility to ensure that low-income families have access to affordable electric...
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