How to unleash DER in CA by fixing transmission cost allocation distortions [WEBINAR] - 5/10/18

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation offers substantial value by quantifying the impact of transmission cost allocation on DER economics, including a specific claim of a 3 cents per kWh distortion. It systematically applies FERC rate design criteria, presents clear examples (e.g., load pocket reliability with solar+storage against transmission lines), and uses real data to illustrate peak shaving potential. The argumentation is logical, addressing counterpoints like the cost-effectiveness of transmission by including full lifecycle costs. However, it is advocacy-driven, with a clear conclusion favoring DER, and may overstate benefits while dismissing potential downsides of distributed generation (e.g., integration costs). The reasoning is strong overall, but the analysis is one-sided.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is decent: the presenter uses public data from EIA and CAISO, references FERC legal standards, and provides slides for further detail. The quality of sources is acceptable, though as an advocacy group, the Clean Coalition has a vested interest in DER expansion, which may bias interpretation. The title perfectly matches the content, which is a technical webinar about fixing transmission cost allocation to enable DER. The presentation does not include any advertising or sponsored segments. The described content is aligned with the actual presentation, and the webinar recording and slides are archived as stated.

The title accurately reflects content: the webinar explains how distorted transmission cost allocation hinders DER in California and proposes fixes.

7/10

The presentation is technically detailed, based on public data (EIA, CAISO), and uses FERC standards, but it is advocacy from the Clean Coalition, so a neutral reliability score is moderate.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 05:00Introduction and webinar logistics, presenter introduction.
• 15:00Discussion on rising transmission costs and the potential of distributed generation to reduce peak loads.
• 30:00Explanation of transmission charges, the three types of generation (behind-the-meter, wholesale DG, remote), and how they affect transmission usage.
• 45:00Presentation of the two transmission charge formulas in California and the FERC rate design factors (historical cost drivers, current beneficiaries, market impacts).
• 55:00Economic comparison showing that DG can be more cost-effective when transmission delivery costs are included; discussion on reliability and full-cost analysis.
• 1:05:00Summary of findings, implications for clean energy transition, and next steps to fix the distortion.

• TAC Webinar May 2018 Slides — The presentation slides referenced during the webinar and provided in the description.

• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — Data on transmission investment growth and electricity market trends cited in the presentation.
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) — FERC rate design standards and factors used to evaluate transmission charge methodologies.