How the General Rate Case Supports Customers |
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California has ambitious goals to improve air quality and achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2045. While Southern California Edison (SCE) works to achieve that long-term vision, we need to make foundational improvements to the grid today. Like all regulated utilities, SCE’s investments must be authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through a process known as the General Rate Case (GRC). Every four years, SCE must file detailed plans to the CPUC seeking their approval for grid investments for our operations – planning, designing, building, and operating the electric grid. Our latest GRC focuses on things that will provide customers safer, reliable, resilient electric service now and for the future while supporting energy affordability and the state’s climate initiatives.
SCE’s current GRC application proposed investments include:
To learn more about our comprehensive approach, visit this website or speak with your Government Relations Manager.
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The Net-Energy Metering (NEM) program originally began in California in 1996 as a subsidy provided to energy customers to incentivize consumer rooftop solar, and it worked! With the goal of 10,000 rooftop solar systems, today there are approximately two million in the state.
The Issue: This subsidy comes at a cost. Contrary to common perception, the NEM subsidy in no way negatively affects SCE’s revenues or profits. Instead, it is paid for by customers who don't have rooftop solar. Today, NEM subsidies make up about 21 – 27 percent of non-solar customer bills. Cal Advocates projects rooftop solar incentives cost non-solar customers $8.5 billion in 2024 alone. This cost-shift on average adds hundreds of dollars per year to non-solar customer bills and disproportionately impacts low-income, seniors and other disadvantaged communities.
The CPUC revisited the state's NEM program in 2022 and adopted the Solar Billing Plan (SBP/NBT) for customers that installed solar systems after April 2023. This was a step in the right direction, as it gave energy credits based on the actual value of the electricity to the grid rather than the retail prices given through NEM. It also incentivized battery storage. By using battery storage and shifting energy use to off-peak times, SBP/NBT helps make the electric grid more reliable and reduces strain during high-demand periods.
While this was a step in the right direction, legacy NEM customers who installed solar before April 2023) are still disproportionately offloading their fixed costs (the costs to maintain the grid and mandated energy efficiency and assistance programs) onto the customers who do not have solar and can least afford it. To address this we need policies that support equitable rates for all customers. Other states and California publicly-owned utilities have shown that it's possible to grow the rooftop solar market in a way that doesn't force others to pay for subsidies that disproportionately benefit those who were able to install rooftop solar. To learn more: Sustainable Path for Solar Power | Energized by Edison |
Upcoming Events |
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AAPI Heritage Month Event |
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SCE is proud to host its 19th Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month event on May 16, at the SCE Energy Education Center. This year's theme, "Honoring the Past and Rebuilding for the Future," will address critical issues such as climate change, anti-Asian hate, economic and social inequities, and mobility challenges for older adults. Register and join us for an inspiring program featuring guest speakers, networking opportunities, and vital resources to foster community resilience and equity. |
Short Stories |
Lineworker Scholarship Closing May 9
If you’re looking for a new career path, now is the time to apply for the Lineworker Scholarship, which awards up to $25,000.
The program is funded by Edison International shareholders and IBEW Local 47. It covers the cost of tuition, tools and support services needed to complete required training at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.
The scholarship is open to applicants with demonstrated financial need. For details on eligibility criteria and to apply by May 9, visit Lineworker Scholarship | EIX. |
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Funding and Learning Opportunities for EV Infrastructure
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Recent Legislation Introduced in the State
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Workshop Helps Pilots Avoid Air Strikes
SCE hosted its second Wire Avoidance Seminar to teach pilots how to detect and avoid power lines while flying. Nearly 140 pilots from various agencies, including local police and fire departments, attended the event. This training is crucial for improving safety and preventing accidents, especially during wildfire mitigation and equipment inspections. By sharing this knowledge, SCE is helping to protect lives and enhance safety in our region. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
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Question: What is SCE's Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) decision making process?
Answer: SCE may decide to shut off power during dangerous fire weather conditions based on weather forecasts, fire modeling, and real-time guidance from experts. We consider factors like strong winds and dry vegetation that could cause fires. PSPS is used as a last resort to prevent wildfires from starting, and we must balance reducing wildfire risk with the impact on customers and community safety. |
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Please Submit Your Questions: If you have a question related to SCE and our electrical service, please send to us in one of two ways:
We will go through all questions and answer them in priority order, based on the most popular or frequently asked. Answers will appear each month in this newsletter. Thank you for your interest and engagement with SCE Local Public Affairs! |
News ArchiveHere you will find our recent content, including past newsletters, toolkits, and videos. Visit our Local Public Affairs archive. |
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