In the preferred alternative, the joint parties have proposed that a unique identifying number be assigned to each direct access SDP. The proposal defines the SDP as the end point of the UDC's electric distribution network, where the energy is delivered by the UDC to the end-use customer. Most often, the SDP is the individual meter socket. There are exceptions, such as in the case of some street lights where meters may not be present.
This unique identifying number would be referred to as the SDP number. Each SDP number would be a unique number. It is proposed that the SDP number have a maximum length of 36 characters and consist of two segments. The first segment of the SDP number field would be UDC-specific. The second segment would consist of a field up to 29 alphanumeric characters which would be assigned by each UDC, so long as the uniqueness is preserved within its own service territory. The SDP number would be permanently assigned to each SDP, and would not change for the service life of the SDP.
The joint proposal calls for the SDP number to be incorporated into all DASR and MDMA information exchanges involving a direct access SDP. In addition, the proposal calls for the SDP number to be used in the metered usage data that is passed by the ESPs to the scheduling coordinator and then to the ISO for settlement. As other information exchanges are identified, the SDP number may be used in those other exchanges if agreed to by the parties.
The proposal calls for each of the three UDCs to create a numbering system using their present systems. For SDG&E, existing system logic would be used to create SDP numbers for all SDPs in SDG&E's service territory. SDG&E's numbering system would use the 12 digit premise identifier that is currently in use by SDG&E, with a prefix that would be assigned to SDG&E to ensure the uniqueness of its SDP numbers.
PG&E currently assigns a unique identifying number to each new direct access account, which it refers to as its "gen-ID." All direct access customers in PG&E's service territory have a gen-ID number, and all future direct access customers will have one as well. PG&E's existing customer records, including UDC, ESP and meter address identifiers, are linked to the gen-ID. Under the joint proposal, PG&E would continue to use the gen-ID.
PG&E's gen-ID are semi-permanent. The gen-ID changes only when the customer at the meter changes. PG&E proposes to work with the appropriate subgroup of the Rule 22 Tariff Review Group to address the permanency of its gen-ID numbering system and numbering format.
SCE currently assigns a service account number to all of its direct access accounts. This number is site and customer specific, but like PG&E's numbering system, changes when a new customer assumes responsibility for the SDP. SCE currently communicates this number as part of its DASR and MDMA transactions.
SCE also utilizes a nine digit installed service number to identify a SDP. This number does not change if the meter or customer changes at the SDP. SCE currently places the letters "SCE" in front of the installed service number. At the present time, the installed service number is not used in the DASR or MDMA process, though it could be included. The joint proposal states that SCE will commit to placing the installed service number in its DASR and MDMA data exchanges when there is an update to the DASR and MDMA communication standards.
The joint proposal calls for the assignment of SDP numbers to all direct access SDPs by January 1, 1999. For existing direct access SDPs, it is proposed that the UDCs inform the relevant ESP of the SDP number through an account maintenance transaction. For new direct access SDPs, it is proposed that the UDCs include the SDP number in their response to the ESP's DASR. The ESP would then be responsible for providing the SDP numbers for all of its SDPs to its MDMA and scheduling coordinator.
The proposal also calls for the inclusion of the SDP numbers in the DASR and MDMA data exchanges during the next process to update the DASR and MDMA communication standards. To coordinate this inclusion, it is proposed that these efforts be coordinated through the Rule 22 Tariff Review Group and the MDMA Working Group, respectively.
The joint parties also believe that DASR and meter data information exchanges are likely to undergo a migration from the California Meter Exchange Protocol to an electronic data interchange format. The joint proposal calls for resolving SDP number format and permanency issues as part of this possible new format.
The joint proposal recommends that the Commission take the following steps. First, that the Commission authorize the implementation of an energy transactions tracking system in accordance with the joint proposal. Second, that the UDCs be authorized to participate in the implementation process described in the joint proposal, and that reasonable costs be recovered through appropriate regulatory procedures. And third, the joint proposal recommends that the Commission find that the UNISWG has met the Commission requirements as set forth in D.97-12-090 and that the working group process be closed.
