Ruling Requests Comments on Proposal for PIPP Pilot Program

The June 2021 PIPP Straw Proposal contains the following features:

• Sets pilot participation caps to control pilot costs and sets target enrollment levels to ensure sufficient data gathering for development of the long-term program.
• The AMP Resolution E-5114 approach to CCA cost recovery and third-party charges will apply to the PIPP pilots. IOUs will administer the PIPP pilots. CCAs that participate in AMP as of the date of the final decision may opt to participate in an IOU’s PIPP pilot.
• Eligibility requirement: CARE-eligible customers (200% of Federal Poverty Level) that either (i) are located in zip codes with highest rates of recurring disconnections, or (ii) were disconnected 2 or more times during the 12 months prior to the disconnections moratorium (as proposed by TURN).
• PIPP customers will receive a monthly bill cap based on a percentage of their income, standardized for two tiers of income (up to or over 100% Federal Poverty Level) and two household size categories (household of 1-2 or 3+ members).
• Adopts an annual PIPP Benefits Caps (per participant) to encourage energy conservation and manage program costs. This approach is similar to the $8,000 cap (per participant) on Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) forgiveness.
• Allows dual enrollment in PIPP and AMP.
• Allows pilot participants to miss no more than 2 PIPP payments before being removed from the pilot.
• Authorizes a 48-month pilot period.
• Authorizes Public Purpose Programs Charge cost recovery for the pilot, without setting a precedent for potential program expansion.
• Requires each participating CCA to file a Tier 3 advice letter to participate in an IOU PIPP pilot within 120 days of the final decision.

    In the link below you will find the full June 2021 PIPP Straw Proposal.

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The Commission has the following remaining questions regarding its PIPP straw proposal:

1. Do you have program design suggestions for refining the attached straw proposal?
2. Do you have procedural suggestions for refining the attached straw proposal?
3. Please provide updated cost estimates for the pilot as described in the attached straw proposal.
4. Should utilities be required to request approval for exceeding the approved administrative costs for the pilot?

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