Board briefed on regulatory push to reform PCIA and on proposed protections for SD REN funding

San Diego Community Power staff told the board on May 28 they are actively engaged in regulatory and legislative work to reduce volatility from the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), to protect funding for the San Diego Regional Energy Network (SD REN), and to press for greater transparency from SDG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission.

"The PCIA is a major driver of our rates and a significant financial risk to our operations," said Stephen Gunther, regulatory manager, summarizing activity in an open CPUC proceeding that staff described as split into three tracks: resource adequacy market price methodology (track one, which is under appeal), valuation of banked renewable energy credits (track two, now in evidentiary hearings), and a potential track three to consider broader reforms.

Patrick Welch, associate director of legislative affairs, told the board staff are monitoring roughly 147 bills and are supporting measures that would improve affordability and transparency. He highlighted AB 1761 (California Community Choice Association sponsorship) as an effort to require more regular data disclosure from SDG&E so CCAs can better evaluate PCIA calculations. Welch said the bill had passed the Assembly and was moving to the Senate.

Aisha Cervantes Cisna summarized a CPUC settlement that would allow SDG&E to withdraw from regional energy efficiency program administration and said Community Power will file comments to protect long‑term funding for SD REN and to oppose narrowing equity programs or limiting SD REN’s ability to fill gaps if withdrawal is approved. Staff said a CPUC decision on withdrawal and conditions could extend into late 2026 or to 2027 and that they will press for performance‑based metrics that reflect bill savings and other customer benefits.

Staff also briefed the board on federal advocacy: Community Power participated in the Community Choice Energy Alliance’s April DC advocacy day to press for municipal financing, permitting certainty, and program funding that supports affordability and reliability as large loads come online.

There were no public comments on the item; the board received and filed the regulatory and legislative update. Staff said they will continue to engage with CalCCA, the CPUC workshops planned for June, and legislative allies to pursue reforms and data access that could reduce PCIA-related volatility.