Expanding the Concept of Essential Energy Use through Stakeholder Input

PG&E, leading the work to update the Essential Energy Use Report, which identifies factors, guidance, and recommendations to establish “essential energy use” (a concept integral to determining low income rates to ensure basic energy needs are universally affordable), was directed to engage with stakeholders to design the study, eventual tool, and review the results. Common Spark, over the course of nearly two years, facilitated the stakeholder engagement process and meetings, resulting in an expanded scope of the study to include data from customers with medical vulnerabilities, a qualitative survey to understand under-utilization, and a web tool designed by advocates for advocates.