CPUC’s D.22-09-026 Exception Pathway Gets Its First Test: SoCalGas RNG Projects May Fall Short

Last week, parties filed opening briefs in A.25-07-001. Recall that, in this application, SoCalGas seeks approval to provide approximately $4.2 million in gas line extension allowances for eight non-residential Renewable Natural Gas refueling station projects serving heavy-duty transportation fleets.

Additionally, SoCalGas seeks authority to update its non-residential allowance multiplier, revise Tariff Rules 20 and 21, and establish a new balancing account to recover an estimated $14.9 million revenue requirement over time.

This is the first application filed under an exception pathway created by a 2022 decision (D.22-09-026) since the CPUC eliminated gas line extension allowances in that same decision. PG&E withdrew both its 2024 and 2025 line extension allowance applications, with PG&E itself acknowledging that there has never been a successful application by any party to use the pathway as a template.