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Electric Division

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The City of Lompoc's Electric Division is a publicly-owned utility that manages the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to the public within the city. The utility operates under the authority and oversight of the City of Lompoc, and its primary objective is to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power to its customers. 
Helpful Links

Electric Division History

  • Click here for a history of the Electric Division.

Electric Outages

  • To report an electric outage or for questions regarding outages, please call (805) 875-8012 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
  • Please call (805) 736-2341 for after hours outage reporting and questions before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, and on weekends.

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) - Status

There are no PSPS events occurring at this time. Please be advised that a PSPS event may occur during the fire season. Continue to monitor our webpage and social media for PSPS updates. 

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

During extremely hot, dry and/or windy weather conditions, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) or the City may need to turn off power to prevent wildfires. PSPS will occur if extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS or “de-energization”).

What does this mean for City of Lompoc residents? 

Because Lompoc Electric uses PG&E transmission lines, PG&E can shut off power to the transmission lines feeding Lompoc, even if a fire is not in the area.  All customers will be without power.  Please note the City has no control over PG&E’s PSPS events.  Lompoc Electric urges its customers to be fully prepared to respond to a PSPS.  Unfortunately, Lompoc Electric will be unable to provide assistance to customers during a PSPS event. 

A PSPS outage will last as long as the extreme weather conditions exist that increase the risk of wildfire, plus the amount of time it takes for PG&E workers to inspect and repair their equipment in affected areas. 

Are you prepared for a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff?

It is important that you and your family are prepared for a MULTI-DAY power outage. Power outages can make it difficult for people to meet basic needs.

Please click on the banners below for more information about PSPS events and how to prepare. 

Prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in Lompoc. 

Prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in Lompoc.  (En Español)

Preparing for Power Outage: Persons Dependent on Electricity.  

To receive PG&E PSPS alerts, please click below to sign up for Santa Barbara County Aware and Prepare Alerts.

RegisterForAlerts  - www.readysbc.org

For additional information about PSPS events and how to prepare, please visit:

Solar and Self-generation Electric Facility and Energy Storage Installation Information

Steps to Install a Self-generating Electric Facility

STEP 1: IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Make your home and business energy efficient and reduce your energy usage first. This allows you to reduce the size of your system and initial investment. You can review our residential rebates, energy saving tips, or call our Conservation staff to discuss opportunities to save energy at (805) 875-8252.  Commercial customers may also call (805) 875-8252 for available rebates.

STEP 2: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Evaluate your electricity needs and crunch the numbers.

Electricity Needs

Determine your current and future energy needs.

  • Current: Check your electric bills.  The City uses your previous 12 months of electric billing history to determine the system size that will be allowed. In the event that customer meter data is not available, the Electric Division will utilize alternate data to determine the maximum allowable system size.
  • Future: A typical system will last many years, and your energy needs may change over time. If you are thinking of expanding or electrifying your home, or buying an electric vehicle, your future needs may increase. You will want to ensure that you can expand your system in the future. On the other hand, if you have kids who may be moving out, perhaps a smaller system might be more feasible and the better option.
  • Make sure your home's rooftop can handle adding a solar system. Also, check your home's electric panel to see if you will need a service panel upgrade for the solar system.

Rates

Net Energy Metering (NEM-1 Rate Schedule) is no longer available for new systems, effective June 2014.  The Net Energy Metering (NEM) program is fully subscribed and closed to new system applicants.  

The Customer Owned Generation - Distribution Rate – Schedule G-1 is available to all new applicants.  All energy produced by the generating facility and used by the building will be charged under this rate. Customer will be paid annually for excess energy delivered between January and December at the Utility’s average annual cost of wholesale third-party electric power purchases.   

Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs)

Please note that Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs) will not be approved. The City of Lompoc Interconnection Agreement requires that the City assumes all rights and ownership to the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) or certificates for greenhouse gas emissions, and other future “renewable” or “environmental” credits or certificates for as long as the Project is interconnected to the City’s System. 

Incentives and Financing Options

The City of Lompoc does not currently provide rebates for self-generation systems. However, you may still be eligible for tax credits or other incentives. Additional information is available by visiting the Homeowners Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics website:

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics

STEP 3: SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO ELECTRIC DIVISION FOR PRE-APPROVAL

  • Before signing any contract(s) or or using Solar APP+ to obtain a building permit, please contact the City of Lompoc Electric Division for pre-approval instructions. Staff can be reached at (805) 875-8222 or by email at s_valle@ci.lompoc.ca.us
  • All Self-generating Electric Facilities or Energy Storage Systems (ESS) must receive pre-approval from the Electric Division prior to applying for building permits. Pre-approval will be given once the project has passed the Electric Division’s application review.

Solar APP+

Important: Pre-approval is required by the Electric Division before using the Solar App+ to apply for a building permit.  

Document and Fee Requirements

Other Documents and/or charges may be required in addition to the above list, and there may be requirements for interconnection in addition to the application, depending on the specifics of the planned system. Commercial systems may require an engineering study to be paid for by the customer.

STEP 4: SELECT A CONTRACTOR

Finding the right contractor is important. The City of Lompoc recommends the following:

  • You must receive approval from the Electric Division and sign an Interconnection Agreement before signing a contract with your contractor.  You can use any contractor you like, but be sure you know who you are working with. The City of Lompoc does not recommend, partner with, endorse, or claim to have a preferred or approved status with any self-generating electric facility contractors. Vendors using or making such claims are doing so without the City of Lompoc’s consent or authorization.
  • Contact multiple companies and obtain quotes from at least three different contractors, and check their references.
  • Verify your contractor is a licensed solar contractor by contacting the Contractor's State License Board.  When you meet the contractor for the first time, ask to see his or her Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) pocket license and a photo identification to confirm you are meeting with an authorized contractor.
  • Question any differences or discrepancies between quotes.
  • Lastly, take your time and do not be pressured into making a quick decision. Be sure to read the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide to understand the steps involved in going solar, know your rights as a solar customer, and obtain information to decide if going solar is right for you. Putting solar on your home is an important financial decision. 

STEP 5: SUBMIT THE CITY OF LOMPOC INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT

  • Submit the Interconnection Agreement to the Electric Division. Electric Division staff will complete this agreement for you and will require you to sign the agreement before applying for a permit. Submit it to the Electric Division.

STEP 6: SIGN CONTRACT WITH A COMPANY TO INSTALL SYSTEM

  • Please ensure that your contract does not allow the installation company to assume rights and ownership of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). The City of Lompoc requires that the City assumes all rights and ownership to the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) or certificates for greenhouse gas emissions, and other future “renewable” or “environmental” credits or certificates for as long as the project is interconnected to the City’s electrical distribution system. 
  • Please note: Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs) are not allowed. 

STEP 7: APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT

  • Apply for a Building Division permit after approval of the Self-generating Electric Facility Installation and Interconnection Application by the Electric Division staff.  

  • Pre-approval is required by the Electric Division before using Solar App+ to apply for a building permit.  If a system is installed without a permit, it will be turned off and locked until electric utility approval has been given and a permit has been approved.

Building Permit Information: Please contact the Building Division at (805) 875-8220 for information about the permit process.

STEP 8: INSTALL YOUR SYSTEM

  • Once you sign a contract with a contractor, most contractors will manage the installation process for you, including, but not limited to, obtaining permits and meeting interconnection requirements.

STEP 9: ENERGIZE YOUR SYSTEM

  • Notify Electric Division staff of the installation completion date and final Building Division inspection date. Contact (805) 875-8222 or s_valle@ci.lompoc.ca.us.
  • After the City of Lompoc Electric Division provides Permission to Operate (PTO) and installs utility-owned meters, you may energize your system and enjoy its benefits.  

STEP 10: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

  • Check with your contractor on the recommended cleaning and maintenance schedule for your system.
  • Review your system's warranty with your contractor. 

Application and Forms

Wildfire Mitigation Plan

The Electric Division's overarching goal is to provide safe, reliable, and economic electric service to its customers. In order to meet this goal, Lompoc Electric constructs, maintains, and operates its electrical lines and equipment in a manner that minimizes the risk of catastrophic wildfire posed by its electrical lines and equipment. 

Distribution system protection for both public and asset safety has been paramount.  Lompoc Electric has been successful in preventing the start of wildfires from its infrastructure.  

To help reduce the risk of a wildfire starting from electric utility equipment, Senate Bill SB 901 was enacted in 2019 and required all electric utilities to prepare an annual wildfire mitigation plan. To meet the requirements of SB 901, Lompoc Electric has prepared a wildfire mitigation plan annually.  Plans are found below.

 Wildfire Mitigation Plan Documents

Wildfire Preparation and Safety Information 

Make sure you PLAN, PREPARE, and STAY AWARE before California’s next devastating wildfire hits our community.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

Electric Service in the Lompoc Community

Click here for information on our electric services in the Lompoc community. 

Electric Rate Information

 Click here for residential and commercial electric rate information.

Rebate and Bill Assistance Programs

 Click here for our rebate and bill assistance programs. 

Energy Use Requests and Energy Benchmarking

The owner of a covered building, or the owner’s agent, may request energy use data from the City of Lompoc by completing and submitting the following Benchmarking Request forms:

For more information about Building Energy Use Benchmarking, click here, or contact (805) 875-8222.

For more information on the California Energy Commission regulations, programs, and policies related to building benchmarking, please click here.

Power Content Label

California State legislation (SB 1305) requires all energy service providers, such as Lompoc Electric, to annually inform their customers of the source of power they are being sold. Such information is provided in the form of a Power Content Label.

View or download Lompoc Electric’s Power Content Label here:

Power Reliability in Lompoc

The City of Lompoc has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® Diamond designation, the highest award possible, from the American Public Power Association (APPA), for providing reliable and safe electric service.

APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.

The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

The City has a continued record of achievement, receiving the award in the following years: 

2014-2016  -   (RP3)® Diamond Level designation

2017-2020  -   (RP3)®  Platinum Level designation

2021-2023  -   (RP3) ® Diamond Level designation

2024-2027 -   (RP3) ® Diamond Level designation

NewRP3Logo

Click here for more information about this National Award.

APPA Safety Award of Excellence

The City of Lompoc Electric Division has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices for the second year. The utility earned the award in the category for utilities with 30,000 – 59,999 worker-hours of annual worker exposure.

More than 160 utilities enter the annual Safety Awards.  Entrants are placed in categories according to their number of worker-hours and ranked based on the most incident-free records and overall state of their safety programs and culture during the previous year. The incidence rate is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The City has a continued record of achievement, receiving the award in the following years:

2022 - Platinum Status 

2023 - Gold Status

2024 - Diamond Status

Click here for more information about this National Award.

Electric Generator Safety

Some customers prepare for the possibility of power outages by buying an electric generator as a standby system to keep lights and appliances running until service is restored.

A generator may be able to help save food in your refrigerator or freezer during a prolonged outage, let you keep your home office running, or power other essential equipment. Generators can be expensive and noisy.  They can also pose serious safety hazards to you and to others, so please follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

The City of Lompoc requires that customers with a permanently installed or portable generator do not connect it to another power source, such as the City’s power lines. If you own and operate a generator, you are responsible for making sure that electricity from your unit cannot “backfeed,” or flow into the City’s power lines.  You are responsible for notifying the City that you have a generator.  It is the law!  Please click here to review the law.

Please note that if you are permanently installing an electric generator, you are required to obtain a building permit from the City of Lompoc Building Division. For permit information, contact the City of Lompoc Building Division at (805) 875-8220.

For safety’s sake, be sure to use your generator correctly. If you do not, you risk damaging your property and endangering your life and the lives of Lompoc Electric line workers who may be working on power lines some distance from your home.   

 For generator purchase and safety information, please review:

Electric Safety

Lompoc Electric prides itself on a safe electric operation.  We ask that our customers help us maintain a high level of safety.  We have some tips on how you can be safe around electricity.

  • Building Permit Information:  Electric upgrades and generator installations may require a permit from the Building Division.  Please contact the Building Division at 805-875-8220 for information about the permit process.

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