| What is The California Direct Access Program? | | | | experience savings of 10 to 20% on a cents |
| Direct Access in California was first initiated in | | | | kWh basis. |
| California in 1998 with an objective of creating a | | | | How to Apply for the Program |
| competitive market for the delivery of electrical | | | | As opposed to most government sponsored |
| power. The program enabled businesses to solicit | | | | initiatives, enrolling for the California Direct Access |
| proposals from energy service providers outside | | | | program is simple enough to be done over lunch. |
| their existing utilities which until that time had | | | | There are two forms: |
| territorial monopolies on the delivery of electricity. | | | | 1) The Six Month Notice of Intent - Also known |
| The popular program attracted the participation of | | | | as the "NOI", this is a one page document which |
| heavy energy users like the California State | | | | informs the utility of the business' intent to |
| School system which immediately reduced their | | | | transfer to the Direct Access program. |
| energy expenditures and has resulted in the | | | | 2) The Customer Information Service Request |
| savings of millions of dollars | | | | Form - Also known as the CISR, this two page |
| The program was closed to new participants due | | | | form authorizes the solution provider (In this case |
| to the energy crisis which roiled California and the | | | | Veritas Power Solutions) to access information |
| nation in 2001. Despite the closure to new | | | | from the current utility for the purpose of |
| enrollees in 2001, the program remained open to | | | | analyzing energy usage and to act on the behalf |
| those businesses which were existing participants. | | | | of the company during the switch to the Direct |
| Their continuing participation in the program has | | | | Access program. The energy usage analysis is |
| literally saved millions of dollars in energy costs, | | | | extremely valuable as it can help determine how |
| thus providing them a competitive edge and | | | | much a business can expect to save with a |
| allowing for the opportunity to reallocate funds | | | | switch to Direct Access. |
| toward growth, research, and other objectives. | | | | Competition for acceptance into California's Direct |
| The re-opening of the California Direct Access | | | | Access program is expected to be intense so |
| program was approved with the passing of | | | | working with a company experienced with direct |
| Senate Bill 695 in October of 2009. Under the | | | | access programs is essential. After enrollment, |
| current structure, yearly enrollment in the | | | | make sure that your energy consulting firm can |
| program is limited to 10% of each utility's | | | | provide guidance on your company's energy |
| commercial accounts. Participation is based on a | | | | strategy to achieve maximum savings on energy |
| first come, first served basis with the acceptance | | | | expenditures. Working with a company with both |
| of applications for the next round of enrollees | | | | skill sets can ensure efficient and cost effective |
| starting on July 1st, 2010. Under current energy | | | | energy usage for years to com. |
| market conditions it is estimated that enrollees will | | | | |