Pacific Gas & Electric (PCG)

The California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission

        The California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, commonly called the California Energy Commission, or CEC, is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. The CEC is responsible for licensing of all thermal power plants over 50 MW, overseeing funding programs that support public interest energy research; advance energy science and technology through research, development and demonstration; and provide market support to existing, new and emerging renewable technologies. In addition, the CEC is responsible for forecasting future energy needs that will be used by the CPUC in determining the adequacy of the utilities' electricity procurement plans.

Other Regulation

        The Utility obtains a number of permits, authorizations and licenses in connection with the construction and operation of the Utility's generation facilities, electricity transmission lines, natural gas transportation pipelines and gas compressor station facilities. Discharge permits, various Air Pollution Control District permits, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service permits, FERC hydroelectric generation facility and transmission line licenses, and NRC licenses are some of the more significant examples. Some licenses and permits may be revoked or modified by the granting agency if facts develop or events occur that differ significantly from the facts and projections assumed in granting the approval. Furthermore, discharge permits and other approvals and licenses are granted for a term less than the expected life of the associated facility. Licenses and permits may require periodic renewal, which may result in additional requirements being imposed by the granting agency. The Utility currently has seven hydroelectric projects and one transmission line project undergoing FERC relicensing. The Utility will begin relicensing proceedings on two additional hydroelectric projects within the next two years.

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        The Utility has over 520 franchise agreements with various cities and counties that permit the Utility to install, operate and maintain the Utility's electric, natural gas, oil and water facilities in the public streets and roads. In exchange for the right to use public streets and roads, the Utility pays annual fees to the cities and counties under the franchises. Franchise fees are computed pursuant to statute under either the Broughton Act or the Franchise Act of 1937. However, there are 38 charter cities that can set a fee of their own determination. The Utility also periodically obtains permits, authorizations and licenses in connection with distribution of electricity and natural gas. Under these permits, authorizations and licenses the Utility has rights to occupy and/or use public property for the operation of the Utility's business and to conduct certain related operations.

Ratemaking Mechanisms

Overview