Hi, question for the hardcore CPUC experts out there. I understand that if I get a new rooftop solar installation approved while NEM2.0 is in effect, then I'll be grandfathered and will not be subject to NEM3.0 and successors ... notably, I'll get credited for generation at the retail rate. Correct so far? Okay, here's the thing that's got me confused. PG&E's current time-of-use tariffs have high retail rates during the afternoon, exactly when my west-facing array will be at max generation and my household consumption will be negligible ... so 💰💰💰🤑! But wholesale electricity costs are, I believe, actually at their lowest during afternoon hours, and heading (some say) towards zero. So, even if I'm grandfathered in NEM2.0, could PG&E change the rates in its TOU tariffs such that afternoon retail rates become very low instead of very high (meaning that my generation wouldn't earn me enough revenue to actually offset my evening consumption)? I think I've probably made the question more confusing than it needs to be, but I hope someone can see through it and explain to me. thanks!
Most Popular Topics
Collapse
Q about California NEM2.0 and future changes
Collapse
X
-
-
What did PG & E say when you asked them ? The best source for questions such as your asking is the horse's mouth. I'd respectfully suggest you start there. -
Boy, I wish it were that easy. PG&E doesn't provide a hotline for solar questions; they basically leave it to installers and advocacy groups to explain solar to potential customers ... and I've not found any of either that will stop the hard-sell for long enough to answer a question like this one.Comment
-
Boy, I wish it were that easy. PG&E doesn't provide a hotline for solar questions; they basically leave it to installers and advocacy groups to explain solar to potential customers ... and I've not found any of either that will stop the hard-sell for long enough to answer a question like this one.Comment
-
Hi, question for the hardcore CPUC experts out there. I understand that if I get a new rooftop solar installation approved while NEM2.0 is in effect, then I'll be grandfathered and will not be subject to NEM3.0 and successors ... notably, I'll get credited for generation at the retail rate. Correct so far?
PG&E's current time-of-use tariffs have high retail rates during the afternoon, exactly when my west-facing array will be at max generation and my household consumption will be negligible ... so 💰💰💰🤑! But wholesale electricity costs are, I believe, actually at their lowest during afternoon hours, and heading (some say) towards zero. So, even if I'm grandfathered in NEM2.0, could PG&E change the rates in its TOU tariffs such that afternoon retail rates become very low instead of very high (meaning that my generation wouldn't earn me enough revenue to actually offset my evening consumption)?
As for peak vs. non-peak rates, they are almost the same during the winter time (about $0.015 difference). The difference only becomes significant during the summer time (June 1 - September 30), which comes to about $0.075/kWh. But again, if you are offsetting usage charges, you are credited at the retail rate, so the wholesale rate doesn't matter. Furthermore, I don't expect peak rates to ever become lower than non-peak rates, since the actual cost of delivery is higher during peak times (that's the whole idea behind time of use billing). Thus, if your production will be highest during peak hours, that is definitely a good thing.
PG&E doesn't provide a hotline for solar questions.
I hope this helps.Last edited by Epiphany2000; 11-12-2018, 05:48 PM.Comment
-
Thanks Epiphany2000, that's great information! I'll take the responsibility to study and digest this info, and great to know that PG&E does actually have a hotline that I can call!Comment
-
Thanks Epiphany2000, that's great information! I'll take the responsibility to study and digest this info, and great to know that PG&E does actually have a hotline that I can call!Comment
Comment