IOUs outline Rule 31 tariff elements and timeline; advice letters due mid-December

CPUC staff reviewed the structure and key provisions of proposed Rule 31 tariffs for meter socket adapters (MSAs), and IOU representatives described how their internal portals and field practices would implement the rules.

Staff said the IOUs (PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric) agreed to name their tariffs “Rule 31” for consistency and to structure them similarly to provide a consistent customer experience. The draft language covers device eligibility (approved devices that have passed testing and evaluation), installation requirements (IOU personnel or authorized agents may remove or reinstall IOU meters), applicant responsibilities for clearances and proof of inspection, and device operation and maintenance requirements (isolation devices must disconnect and reconnect safely and not allow third-party control of isolation).

On enforcement and safety, staff described curtailment and disconnection provisions that allow IOUs to remove devices or reinstall meters if an installed device is not on an approved list or creates reliability concerns. The draft tariff also addresses indemnification and requires applicants to pay installation fees so only customers choosing MSAs cover installation costs.

IOU presenters described operational differences. PG&E said its portal creates an automated work order that updates submitters when field crews close a job and that PG&E has met a 20-business-day internal target in most scenarios, installing more than 19,000 MSAs this year. SCE said it uses PowerClerk and will include process improvements and automations in its tariff filing. SDG&E said its DIIS portal has been automated since 2024, supports address-only or account-number submissions for new construction, and its average install times have been under 14 business days.

CPUC staff and IOUs said each utility will file its Rule 31 tariff and any associated forms via advice letter by mid-December; staff encouraged stakeholders to submit comments and said staff would respond offline to specific questions.