Data Portals and Integration Capacity Analysis

ICA in the High DER Future Grid Proceeding

An Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) to Modernize the Electric Grid for A High Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Future issued on July 2, 2021, and is available here. The OIR presents a preliminary scope and schedule for the proceeding R.21-06-017 (the "High DER" proceeding). The new proceeding is the successor to the Distribution Resources Plans (DRP) proceeding (R.14-08-013)

The scope and schedule for the High DER proceeding is described in the November 15, 2022, Scoping Ruling and it was amended on August 8, 2023.

The proceeding is organized into three tracks, Data portals and ICA fall under Track 1: Distribution Planning and Execution Process and Data Improvements (2 phases).

BACKGROUND

Staff Proposal

The Staff Proposal examines issues with the current distribution planning process, focusing on issues that may contribute to long energization timelines. Staff propose methodological improvements and new processes to enhance proactive planning, which will be critical for the timely energization of the new loads expected from electrification and the increase in DERs. It also aims to improve the usefulness of the data portals and ICA tools for the DER planning, siting, and interconnection, and to improve the design and ease of use of these tools.

Staff Proposal Workshop: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 1pm - 4pm

The goal of the workshop is to present the High DER Staff Proposal to stakeholders and the broader public, and give an opportunity for verbal questions and comments. This will allow stakeholders and the public to better understand the Staff Proposal, and thus to submit more informed and complete official comments.

Data Portals

Data Portals hosted by PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E provide extensive geospatial mapping data to the public about the electric distribution grid. The purpose of the portals is to support DER siting. Among the data hosted are Integration Capacity Analysis (ICA), which are designed to help contractors and developers identify project sites where existing grid infrastructure has capacity available to interconnect new DERs. A January 27, 2021 Ruling for the DRP proceeding directed the IOUs' to refine their ICA online maps to ensure the data are accurate and increase usability.

PG&E's data portal is available here.
SCE's data portal is available here.
SDG&E's data portal is available here.

Data validation were prepared for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E pursuant to the January 27, 2021 Ruling. A September 9, 2021, Ruling required refinements to the data portals

Data Portals Workshop

CPUC Releases Proposed Decision to Improve the Utility Planning (R.21-06-017)

On September 13, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released a Proposed Decision to approve new planning and execution processes for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Goal: Make planning for the electric grid more proactive so that upgrades to the grid can keep up with increasing demand and the growth of electric usage.
Result: A reduction in the number of customer projects that have to wait for upgrades before they can be completed.

The Proposed Decision also includes improvements to technical maps known as integration capacity analysis (ICA) to help customers find the best places to install distributed energy resources, like solar panels.

CPUC Approves Decision to Improve the Utility Planning (D.24-10-030)

On October 23 2024, the CPUC voted in favor of D.24-10-030 (The Decision). The Decision ordered several improvements to the IOU Data Portals and ICA.

Integration Capacity Analysis Remediation Workshop Series

Following The Decision, each IOU is required to submit a biannual report consolidating all previously ordered data portal and ICA reports. Additionally, the IOUs are required to host quarterly workshops on ICA issue remediation, starting Q1 2025. The first workshop was held March 7, 2025.

2025 Q1 ICA Workshop

CPUC Contacts and Service List

For data portal inquiries, please contact Raymond Breault at raymond.breault@cpuc.ca.gov.

Join the service list to receive e-mails with all documents sent by the Commission and parties regarding the High DER proceeding (R.21-06-017), including upcoming workshops. Visit the Public Advocate's Office website for further information about service lists. The required Service List and/change form is here along with a listing of proceeding service lists and Process Office contact information. The Process Office manages CPUC service lists. Information about becoming a party to proceedings and other participation topic areas are addressed at the Public Advisor's Office website.