Smart Grid Systems - - CA Public Utilities

Section § 8360

This section establishes California's commitment to upgrading its electricity grid to be smarter and more modern. The goal is to ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and secure electrical service that can handle future demands. The strategy involves using digital technology to improve the grid's reliability and security, optimizing grid operations dynamically, and integrating renewable and distributed energy resources.

It includes developing demand-side resources, deploying smart technologies that automate and enhance appliance operations, and integrating advanced storage and efficient tech like electric vehicles. Consumers are also given control options and timely information. The development of standards for communication between grid-connected devices and identifying barriers to smart grid adoption are crucial aspects of this policy.

It is the policy of the state to modernize the state’s electrical transmission and distribution system to maintain safe, reliable, efficient, and secure electrical service, with infrastructure that can meet future growth in demand and achieve all of the following, which together characterize a smart grid:

(a) Increased use of cost-effective digital information and control technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid.

(b) Dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources, including appropriate consideration for asset management and utilization of related grid operations and resources, with cost-effective full cyber security.

(d) Development and incorporation of cost-effective demand response, demand-side resources, and energy-efficient resources.

(e) Deployment of cost-effective smart technologies, including real time, automated, interactive technologies that optimize the physical operation of appliances and consumer devices for metering, communications concerning grid operations and status, and distribution automation.

(f) Integration of cost-effective smart appliances and consumer devices.

(g) Deployment and integration of cost-effective advanced electricity storage and peak-shaving technologies, including plug-in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, and thermal-storage air-conditioning.

(h) Provide consumers with timely information and control options.

(i) Develop standards for communication and interoperability of appliances and equipment connected to the electric grid, including the infrastructure serving the grid.

(j) Identification and lowering of unreasonable or unnecessary barriers to adoption of smart grid technologies, practices, and services.

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8361

This law defines 'ISO' as the Independent System Operator, based on the regulations starting with Section 345, in Chapter 2.3 of a specific division. It clarifies the meaning of 'ISO' for the purposes of this chapter.

For purposes of this chapter, “ISO” means the Independent System Operator operating pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 345) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1 of Division 1.

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8362

This law requires that by July 1, 2010, a plan for rolling out a smart grid must be created in consultation with key energy organizations. The plan should align with existing federal energy laws and standards set by recognized authorities. Additionally, the plan should foster communication and compatibility among devices and services and may involve private companies in providing smart grid solutions. The goal is to make the electrical system more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. The law also clarifies that this planning should not delay any applications from electrical companies already in progress.

(a) By July 1, 2010, the commission, in consultation with the Energy Commission, the ISO, and other key stakeholders shall determine the requirements for a smart grid deployment plan consistent with Section 8360 and federal law, including the provisions of Title XIII (commencing with Section 1301) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140). The commission shall institute a rulemaking or expand the scope of an existing rulemaking to adopt standards and protocols to ensure functionality and interoperability developed by public and private entities, including, but not limited to, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gridwise Architecture Council, the International Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the National Electric Reliability Organization recognized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. An adopted smart grid deployment plan may provide for deployment of cost-effective smart grid products, technologies, and services by entities other than electrical corporations. The smart grid technologies and services shall improve overall efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of electrical system operations, planning, and maintenance.

(b) This section does not require or authorize the commission to delay action on an application by an electrical corporation that is submitted prior to the commission determining the requirements for a smart grid deployment plan.

smart grid deployment Energy Independence and Security Act interoperability standards National Institute of Standards and Technology Gridwise Architecture Council International Electrical and Electronics Engineers National Electric Reliability Organization Federal Energy Regulatory Commission electric grid efficiency reliability of electrical systems cost-effectiveness in energy electrical corporation applications smart grid technologies energy planning energy system operations

(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8363

This law states that when carrying out the rules in this chapter, safety for both customers and workers must not be jeopardized. It also emphasizes that the integrity and reliability of the electrical grid should remain intact.

This chapter shall be implemented in a manner that does not compromise customer or worker safety or the integrity or reliability of the electrical transmission and distribution system in this state.

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8364

This section requires that by July 1, 2011, every electrical company must create and submit a smart grid plan for review and approval. However, if an electrical company submits an application for a project before its smart grid plan is approved, the review of that application should not be delayed because of the pending plan.

(a) By July 1, 2011, each electrical corporation shall develop and submit a smart grid deployment plan to the commission for approval.

(b) This section does not require or authorize the commission to delay action on an application by an electrical corporation that is submitted prior to the commission’s approval of the electrical corporation’s timely filed smart grid deployment plan.

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8366

This law section focuses on implementing smart grid technology to maximize benefits and minimize costs for electricity users. The commission is tasked with working alongside various agencies to assess the impact of deploying smart grids on key initiatives. These include introducing advanced metering, increasing renewable energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, modernizing utility infrastructure, meeting future energy demands with innovative methods, and enhancing worker safety.

Smart grid technology may be deployed in a manner to maximize the benefit and minimize the cost to ratepayers and to achieve the benefits of smart grid technology. The commission, in consultation with the Energy Commission, the ISO, and electrical corporations, shall evaluate the impact of deployment on major initiatives and policies including:

(a) Implementation of new advanced metering initiatives.

(b) Achievement of the renewables portfolio standard program requirements and the need to operate the smart grid of the future with a substantial increased percentage of electricity generated by eligible renewable energy resources.

(c) Achievement of state goals for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases as set forth in the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and other state directives.

(d) Achievement of the energy efficiency and demand response goals as required by Sections 454.5 and 454.55 and other state directives.

(e) Modernizing the aging utility grid infrastructure.

(f) Meeting the future energy growth needs of the state with new and innovative technologies and methods that utilize the existing assets more efficiently, result in a less environmentally adverse net impact on the state, meet stringent costs versus benefit assessments, and provide the ratepayers with new options in meeting their individual energy needs.

(g) Implementation of technology to improve worker safety, protection, and productivity.

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8368

This law allows the commission to change the rules for smaller electrical companies, specifically those with less than 100,000 service connections, based on their unique situations.

The commission may modify or adjust the requirements of this chapter for any electrical corporation with fewer than 100,000 service connections, as individual circumstances merit.

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 8369

By July 1, 2011, every local publicly owned electric utility in California with over 100,000 connections must create a plan to implement a smart grid. This plan should align with U.S. federal standards, specifically following the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Each local publicly owned electric utility with more than 100,000 service connections, shall, by July 1, 2011, develop a smart grid deployment plan, that is consistent with federal law, including the provisions of Title XIII (commencing with Section 1301) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140).

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(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 327, Sec. 1. (SB 17) Effective January 1, 2010.)