Self-Generation Incentive Program
Background
In September 2000, Assembly Bill 970 (AB 970) was approved, which called for the creation of more energy supply and demand programs. As a result, in March 2001, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision creating the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) to offer financial incentives to their customers who install certain types of distributed generation facilities to meet all or a portion of their energy needs. In late 2003, AB 1685 extended the SGIP through 2007. Then, in late 2006, AB 2778 extended the SGIP again through 2011. In early 2006, the CPUC established the California Solar Initiative (CSI) and ordered changes to transition solar from the SGIP into the CSI beginning in 2007.
Generation must be certified to operate in parallel with the electric system grid (not back-up generation) and meet other criteria established by the California Public Utilities Commission. While residential customers are not barred from the program, it is designed primarily with business and large institutional customers in mind. The California Energy Commission offers a similar program that is available to customers who install renewable generation, such as fuel cells and wind turbines, less than 30 kW in size.
What's New?
- The 2008 Self Generation Incentive Program has been finalized and approved by the Public Utilities Commission at this time. 2008 Forms have been posted under Handbook & Forms.
- Please be aware that as of January 1, 2008, the SGIP only offers incentives for wind and fuel cell projects. Internal combustion engines, microturbines, and small and large gas turbines will no longer be offered incentives through this program. 2007 Reservation Request Applications received by December 31, 2007, still qualify under the 2007 SGIP guidelines.
- Assembly Bill 2778 (AB 2778) required that Level 3 systems must satisfy a minimum operating efficiency by either satisfying the waste heat efficiency standard requirements or by meeting a minimum electric efficiency. In addition, all internal combustion engines, microturbines and gas turbines that operate on fossil fuel must satisfy both a 60% overall system efficiency and a NOx efficiency equal or less than .07lbs/MWh.
- Application fees will only be required for uncertified new technologies that are in the process of being certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Contacts
For more information about the Self-Generation Incentive Program or to submit an application, contact:
Mailing Address:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Self-Generation Incentive Program
P.O. Box 770000
Mail Code B27P
San Francisco, CA 94177
Street Address (for overnight deliveries):
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Attn: Self-Generation Program
77 Beale Street, B27P
San Francisco, CA 94105-1814
Phone Number: (415) 973-6436
Fax Number: (415) 973-2510
e-mail: selfgen@pge.com
Additional Info
