Smart grid scorecard will measure consumer, environmental benefits

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Quick Take: The criteria developed by EDF will be very helpful in evaluating environmental and consumer benefits. They will be useful for other purposes too. Things such as renewables integration, smart charging and consumer empowerment have economic benefits as well. – Jesse Berst

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has issued a framework for critically evaluating how effective California public utilities smart grid upgrade plans will be at delivering consumer and environmental benefits. The "Smart Grid Scorecard" to be used in the evaluation of the state's three major public utilities is said to be the first of its kind.

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Last June, the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) approved guidelines that require utility smart grid investments to help California meet its climate change, demand-side management and renewable energy goals.

The state's largest utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) are required to submit their plans to the CPUC by July 1, and EDF will score them later that month.

EDF had a major role in developing the CPUC guidelines and its energy professionals will grade how well utilities' plans support clean energy technology integration, provide customers with current technology and service choices, create a platform for innovative technologies and services, and enable demand-side resources to be available for wholesale energy markets – in addition to helping meet environmental targets.

SDG&E has already released its roadmap, which was prepared with help from stakeholders in environment, academia, business, customer advocacy and government. EDF also provided input into SDG&E's plan.

"SDG&E has shown great leadership. It has engaged stakeholders to develop a plan that delivers what they want, including bill management tools, electric vehicles and the ability to use rooftop solar," said Lauren Navarro, regulatory affairs director for EDF's Smart Grid Initiative. EDF also is advising PG&E on its plan.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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