Hi everyone! As we're planning AAUBA activities for 2023, I'd love to get input on webinar topics that would be most valuable to our members. What are the hot button issues you're dealing with right now? Here in Washington state, we're seeing a lot of confusion around new net metering rules with PSE and other utilities. I think a deep dive on distributed generation billing would be incredibly helpful. What other topics should we consider?
Virtual Webinar Ideas for 2023?
Great idea Vera! I'd love to see a session on EV charging rate structures. Here in Kentucky, LG&E just rolled out new commercial EV rates and the demand charge calculations are incredibly complex. I've got three clients asking questions I can't fully answer yet. Also, maybe something on time-of-use rate optimization strategies? The residential TOU adoption is accelerating fast and small business owners need guidance.
These are excellent suggestions! From what I'm seeing in the Memphis area with MLGW, solar interconnection billing is still a huge pain point. We get calls weekly from members who are struggling with net metering calculations and standby charges. I think we could easily do a 3-part webinar series: Part 1 - Solar/DG billing fundamentals, Part 2 - EV charging rates and demand management, Part 3 - Advanced TOU optimization strategies. What do you all think?
Randy, that series sounds perfect! I'd also suggest adding something about utility bill auditing software tools. There are so many new options coming to market and members are always asking for recommendations. Maybe a vendor showcase format where we review different platforms? Georgia Power just changed their online portal again and half my usual extraction methods don't work anymore. Tool discussions are always popular.
Love the webinar series idea! Can we also include something on regulatory updates? The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has been making changes left and right, and I know other states are dealing with similar upheaval. Maybe a quarterly regulatory roundup where we cover major tariff changes, new programs, and policy shifts across different regions?
Susan makes a great point about regulatory updates. Here in California, PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE seem to file new rate schedules monthly. A regulatory roundup would be incredibly valuable. I'd volunteer to help coordinate the western states portion if needed. We could have regional experts present 15-minute segments on major changes in their territories.
This is shaping up to be a great lineup! One more suggestion - can we do something hands-on with actual bill analysis? Maybe a case study format where we walk through a complex commercial audit step by step? I just finished a manufacturing client audit that uncovered $180,000 in overcharges from TEP over two years. Real examples with actual numbers always resonate better than theoretical discussions.
Omar, I love the case study approach! Interactive workshops where we actually dig into spreadsheets and tariff calculations would be incredibly valuable. Maybe we could have attendees bring their own challenging cases to work through together? I've got a weird SCE agricultural pumping account that's been giving me headaches for months - the seasonal rate transitions are making no sense. Collaborative problem-solving sessions could be game-changers.