Client operates large greenhouse facility in Sacramento on PG&E Schedule A-10 general service rate. Should qualify for Schedule AG agricultural rate which has much better demand charges. PG&E claims greenhouse doesn't qualify as agricultural use. Anyone successfully gotten greenhouse operations classified as agricultural with PG&E? What criteria did they use? - Jennifer R.
PG&E Agricultural Rate Qualification - Greenhouse Operation
Jennifer R., I haven't dealt with PG&E specifically but had success with Portland General Electric on greenhouse ag rates. Key was proving food production not just plant growing. Had to document wholesale sales to distributors and retail outlets. Type of crops matters too - food crops vs ornamental plants. - Kira J.
Kira J., this is food production - tomatoes, lettuce, herbs sold to restaurants and grocery stores. Have sales records and distribution contracts. PG&E rep said greenhouse facilities don't qualify but I think they're wrong. Schedule AG-R4 seems to fit. - Jennifer R.
What's the demand difference between regular commercial and ag rates? Worth fighting for? - Lewis S.
Lewis S., huge difference. Schedule A-10 demand charge is $16.80/kW versus Schedule AG-R4 at $9.25/kW. Client runs 320kW peak demand so monthly savings would be around $2,400 just on demand charges. Plus better energy rates. - Jennifer R.
Jennifer R., PG&E Schedule AG-R4 does cover agricultural production including greenhouse operations for food production. Key requirements: primary use must be growing, harvesting, or processing agricultural products for sale. Your client clearly qualifies with documented food crop sales. File formal rate review request citing tariff Section 2.1.3 which specifically includes greenhouse food production. Don't let utility rep's incorrect interpretation stand. Randy D.
Randy D. is spot on. Utilities often have customer service reps who don't know tariff details. Always cite specific tariff sections in your requests. Document everything and escalate if needed. - Eugene W.
Randy D. and Eugene W., thanks for the tariff reference. Filed rate review request yesterday citing Section 2.1.3 and included sales documentation proving food production. Also included photos of operation and customer testimonials. Will keep everyone posted. - Jennifer R.
How long does PG&E typically take to process rate reclassification requests? - Claudia B.
Claudia B., PG&E says 30-45 business days for rate review but I've heard it can stretch longer if they request additional documentation. Will report back on timeline. - Jennifer R.
What other documentation helps with agricultural rate qualification? Working on similar case in Texas with different utility. - Emily A.
Emily A., strong documentation package includes: business license showing agricultural classification, sales records to food distributors, photos of growing operations, floor plan showing production vs office space, customer contracts or wholesale agreements, and detailed description of growing processes. Some utilities require site inspection. Randy D.
Update: PG&E approved agricultural rate reclassification! Took 52 days but they accepted our documentation. Schedule AG-R4 effective next billing cycle with 15-month retroactive recovery. Total savings will be about $42,000. Thanks everyone for the guidance! - Jennifer R.