Due TOMORROW. If so inclined, you actually need to both mail and email comments to:
[email protected] (RE: D.P.U. 13-182)
Mark D. Marini, Dpt Pub Utilities, 1 Sth Station, 5th flr, Boston 02110
There are 21 questions for comment. A quick note could help. From the link DNAinaGoodWay gave:
5. On
EV specific rates. These would require separate meters. If you think it could lead to high price tags on meters, and ultimately higher rates for "car-electricity", you might discourage it.
8.
Looks like DPU might tell National Grid to lower the 2,500kwh monthly minimum, to sign up for Off-Peak pricing.
Even if you aren’t a National Grid customer, you could encourage DPU to eliminate this minimum. Possibly include an approximate number of monthly kwh you consume, to make the point it was always way too high, thus discouraging EV use. National Grid is likely to argue there is some administrative cost to offering more TOU, but a material one is a hard argument to make.
9.
DPU is considering allowing a separate base monthly charge, for TOU users (over and above basic service). They reflected in the 11/6 meeting that these meters are installed across most of MA territory, and I take that to mean there is little argument for it being more expensive to meter TOU vs. fixed rate. They don't have to buy the new expensive AMI meters, that can do TVR and hit you with demand charges. So, as a ratepayer, again it is wise to promote TOU, on equipment that is paid for, and therefore does not justify an excessive base rate charge.
10.
What incentives/disincentives exist for electric companies offering TOU?
If you had troubles signing up for TOU, with NSTAR getting back to you, or finding details about it, reflect that to DPU and encourage them to make it economic for the utilities to
begin promoting TOU. This is what is missing, in my opinion. They promote light bulbs and water heaters because, in the end, it works out for them through decoupling. Utilities need to see something in it for themselves, before they care if you know about their TOU plan. All I can think of is a rate structure (between the generator and NSTAR/Nat Grid), etc, which allows the transmission company to charge customers relatively more for a daytime watt, than a night-time watt. Currently, I believe they earn the same margin for each. Robert?
These are just a few suggestions, to facilitate comment. The utilities are sure to weigh in. If the 11/6 meeting was any indication, surprisingly few EV voices are out there making the case.