TOU revenue calculator

[ltbighorn]

Any tips for simplified approaches for estimating the impact of TOU rate/period changes on PG&E? With baseline + tiers complicating the matter? Or to quantify the error margin a bit? A straight revenue based approach tells me something, but not sure how off when how my baseline is allocated is affected so much by usage.

[J.P.M.]

Any tips for simplified approaches for estimating the impact of TOU rate/period changes on PG&E? With baseline + tiers complicating the matter? Or to quantify the error margin a bit? A straight revenue based approach tells me something, but not sure how off when how my baseline is allocated is affected so much by usage.

Take this for what it's worth: From my experience, the only way to get close to accuracy in a $$ estimate based on usage is to understand and duplicate the rate tariff you will be using with a spreadsheet or other tools. Small calculation errors often produce large bottom line errors. I have not found a simple way to get reasonable accuracy. Most tools from models and others (vendors) are inaccurate, either in method or are out of date.

[sensij]

Any tips for simplified approaches for estimating the impact of TOU rate/period changes on PG&E? With baseline + tiers complicating the matter? Or to quantify the error margin a bit? A straight revenue based approach tells me something, but not sure how off when how my baseline is allocated is affected so much by usage.

Are you looking at E-6? There was a detailed breakdown of how PG&E portions out the baseline allocation into the TOU periods in this post, with a few more examples later in the thread:

https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum/solar-panels-for-home/solar-panels-for-your-home/10419-understanding-tiered-tou-rates-with-pg-e-solar?p=122754#post122754

It was complicated enough that I didn't try to adapt other TOU calculators I had built, but I'd 2nd J.P.M.'s suggestion to put in the effort if you want an accurate calculation.