California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Approve Resolution Establishing New Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Rules

By Benjamin L. Sheinman At its meeting on October 7, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to approve Resolution E-5167.  This resolution established new rules to account for utility-side distribution costs associated with EV charging deployment.  The Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Approve Review of Solar Consumer Assistance Fund

By Benjamin L. Sheinman On May 19, 2021, Commissioner Guzman Aceves issued a proposed decision to establish a solar consumer assistance fund for Net Energy Metering customers.  This proposal was in response to a broader policy goal of “ensuring that Continue reading

SB 28 (Caballero), Authorizing CPUC to Set and Enforce Customer Service Requirements for Cable Franchise Holders, Signed by Governor

By Andrew D. Kent SB 28 (Caballero), as amended August 30, 2021, adds section 5895 to the Public Utilities Code, expanding the authority of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to collect data to enforce requirements for cable franchises.  Included Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Issues Proposed Rulemaking Decision to Enhance Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement of Investor-Owned Utilities

By Riley Minkoff On September 17, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the issuance of the proposed rulemaking decision R-20-07-013. This decision, if adopted, would further develop a risk-based framework for electric and gas utility decisions. The proposed Continue reading

CPUC to Evaluate Strategies to Mitigate Energy Rate Increases

By Justin Dalton On September 15, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued an Amended Scoping Memo and Ruling on an “Order Instituting Rulemaking to Establish a Framework and Processes for Assessing the Affordability of Utility Service.” These “scoping” Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Approves Rulemaking Regarding Caps on Phone Rates for Those Incarcerated (R.20-10-002)

By Andrew D. Kent At its August 19, 2021, teleconference meeting [Agenda Item 31], the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to adopt an interim cap on intrastate incarcerated persons calling services (IPCS) rates for seven cents ($0.07) per Continue reading

CPUC Implements Six Steps for the Monitoring of PG&E

By Justin Dalton On August 5, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted Resolution M-4855 to set the selection process, scope of work, and schedule for an Independent Safety Monitor that will complement the CPUC’s oversight of PG&E. PG&E Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Allow Utilities to Increase Capacities in Spite of Continuing Environmental Concerns (R.20-11-003)

By Tristam Stidham At its March 25, 2021 meeting (agenda item 10), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), unanimously voted to direct California’s three major Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs), San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Southern Continue reading

California Releases First Joint Agency Report on Path to Carbon-Free Electricity System by 2045

By Rachel Rockwell On March 15, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in cooperation with the California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Air Resources Board, released the first joint agency report and a summary document detailing the state’s path Continue reading

Leadership Changes at the California Public Utilities Commission

By: Madison Orcutt Recently, there have been a number of appointments and reappointments at the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”). On August 31, 2020, the Commissioners unanimously voted to terminate the employment of the Commission’s Executive Director, Alice Stebbins. [26:1 Continue reading