Will begin momentarily, thank you for your patience.
The feed for this. Public Utilities Commission
Voting Meeting on this day Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Today's call is being recorded. If you have any objections,
you may disconnect at this time. President Reynolds,
you may begin. Thank you and good morning everyone.
We need to establish a quorum. So Agenda Clerk, could
you please call the roll. Commissioner Douglas? Here.
Commissioner John Reynolds? Here. Commissioner Houck?
Here. Commissioner Shiroma? Here. President Alice Reynolds?
Here. We have a quorum. Welcome to the California Public
Utilities Commission. I'm calling this meeting of June
8, 2023, Public Agenda No. 3528 to order. I'm
gonna start with a few housekeeping comments. Uh, today
we will be meeting virtually. This meeting is also
being live streamed. You can view the meeting at
www.adminmonitor.com/ca/
cpuc. Closed captioning is available in English and
Spanish through the webcast. To view the closed captioning,
click on the green button beneath the webcast video
player, and follow the instructions that appear on screen.
Spanish interpretation is also available during the
public comment of today's meeting. For Spanish interpretation,
dial 1-800-659-1917, passcode 3799627#. And follow the
instructions to be connected to the Spanish line. I
asked that my colleagues and today's speakers speak
clearly and slowly for interpretation. At today's meeting,
the public will have the opportunity to make public
comments by telephone. If you wish to make a public
comment by telephone, please dial 1-800-857-1917 and
enter passcode 9899501#, and press *1. You will
be placed in a queue and the operator will take your
name and information. You will then be called upon
to speak when we get to the public comment period in
today's agenda. Please note that if there are many
callers, the wait to speak may be long. If you encounter
difficulty calling into the public telephone line,
please email: votingmeetinghelp@cpuc.
ca.gov. For those of you who are not able to
provide oral public comments at today's public voting
meeting. If you would like to provide more lengthy
comments, you may submit written comments. Written
comments can be sent to us in two ways. One via an
online forum found on each proceedings online docket
card. Or two, directly to our Public Advisor's Office
at: public.advisor@cpuc.ca
.gov. For more information about providing public
comments, please contact our Public Advisors Office.
And that email again is public.advisor@cpuc
.ca.gov or you may call 1-866-849-8390. You
can also visit our website and click on the Make a
Comment tab.
With that, I wanted to start with a few opening remarks,
and then we will open up the public comment line. Um,
I did want to note that we're entering the month of
June. And I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2
important historical events in our nation's history.
On June 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth. A day when we
commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in
the United States. For many African-Americans, Juneteenth
has always been celebrated as his second Independence
Day. Since Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas
on June 19th, 1865. And discovered that African-Americans
were still enslaved, 2 1/2 years after Abraham Lincoln
had signed the Emancipation Act. Setting (inaudible) Juneteenth
is a sobering reminder that access to information is
as valuable as property. African-American slaves who
did not miss the
nation in 1863 had ended slavery. Continued to work
as property slave owners until they were informed of
their freedom. Most recently, the tragic events of
the police killings of Black Americans including George
Floyd, Brianna Taylor during the Summer of 2020. Led
to nationwide protests and a renewed focus on Juneteenth
and its historical significance. The federal government
recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday on June
11, 2021. And on September 29, 2022, Governor Newsom
proclaimed Juneteenth a holiday. Which may be taken
as a personal holiday for state employees. In many places
across the country, Legislation is being passed to
restrict the teaching and understanding of race and
sexual orientation in public schools. Courses such as
A. P. African-American History are being eliminated
or censored. Juneteenth continues to remind us that
restrictions on information and education are a form
of discrimination. Regardless of which disadvantaged
community is targeted. It reminds us that communicating
information to environmental, social and social justice
communities is vital. The challenge for us as a society
is not only to eradicate this traditional form of discrimination
through education and other actions. But to ensure that
similar tactics are not employed against other marginal,
marginalized communities, such as LGBTQIA+ community.
And of the African-American Coalition on Equity and, and
employment, Equity Employment here at the CPUC. Um,
will be hosting an internal lunch and event at the
CPUC. Next Friday, I wanted to let everyone know about
that. That will be um, considering talking about the
significance of Juneteenth, and Commissioner Shiroma will be
making introductory remarks. I encourage all CPUC employees
to attend and learn more. And celebrate this momentous
day of freedom, emancipation and independence.
Um so briefly, in one other important note about June.
Uh, June is also Pride Month. A time to honor the struggles,
stories and voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer, intersex and asexual communities. And to recognize
their rights and contributions to society. The CPUC,
of course respects all members of the human family.
Regardless of their gender identity, gender expression,
or sexual orientation. And in 2018, California
became the first state in the nation to officially
recognize June as Pride Month. During June, we recall
the Stonewall Uprisings of June 28,1969. Where
drag queens, transgender people, bisexuals, lesbians
and gay men stood up against police suppression in
New York City. These activists, many of whom were black
and people of color. Have inspired generations of advocates.
Much of the progress we see today is owed to their
courage. And also while the New York City, Stonewall
Riots of 1969 were often used to mark the beginning
of the modern pride movement. An earlier act of trans
resistance was the Compton's Cafeteria Riot. Which happened, happened
three years earlier in August 1966, in our very own
San Francisco Tenderloin District. Um so, while the
important progress has been made. We can't ignore the
current threats to the LGBTQIA+ communities.
Particularly towards transgender youth, who are being
deprived of gender affirming health care, by State Legislatures
across the country. And as Governor Newsom declared
in his proclamation of Pride Month, this year. We must
confront the rising tide of oppression and intolerance.
To ensure that all are safe and welcomed in our communities.
So this month, please join us in taking a moment to
educate yourself on how to be an ally. To support our
LGBTQIA+ communities, uh colleagues, family
and friends. And to also join me in celebrating their
resilience, courage, achievements and stories.
So uh with that, I will now go to public comment. Um,
and I do have some instructions to start with. To all
of the folks who are calling in today on our public
comment line. So if you wish to make a public comment
by telephone, and you have already dialed into the public
comment telephone line. Please press *1 and
unmute your phone. The public can make comments addressing
items on the Consent and Regular Agenda, as well as
items not on the Agenda. The PUC rules do not allow
for parties in proceedings to speak about open proceedings.
All speakers will have 2 minutes to speak. You will
hear, you will hear a bell when your time is up. So
please do be mindful of other speakers waiting to speak
and keep to your allotted time. If there are a large
number of callers wishing to speak, the time limit
may be changed to accommodate all the callers. And as
a reminder, please speak clearly and slowly to accommodate
Spanish interpreters. So with that guidance in mind,
I welcome today's speakers. And I ask the operator
to open the public comment telephone line. Operator?
Thank you. The public telephone comment line is now
open. For those on the phone, if you wish to speak during
the public comment period. Please unmute your phone,
press *1, and record your first and last name
slowly and clearly when prompted. Our first question,
or comment comes from Christine Freeman. Please go
ahead.
Hello, thank you very much. Dear Commissioners, my
name is Christine Freeman, I'm from Grass Valley. I'm
speaking today about PG&E actions on property known
as Hell's Half Acre in Grass Valley. This is located
on Rough and Ready Highway. On April 10, PG&E began
work on a gas pipeline inspection and storage site.
We understand the need for such a facility. But, we object
to the way in which this work has been done. PG&E gave
insufficient notice to nearby property owners and no
or virtually no notice to local environmental organizations.
That have been interested and active on this in this
property for decades. This property is a lahar formation.
A lava cap designated by Nevada County as open space.
Because of the special habitat it provides for both
plants and animals. PG&E removed virtually all trees
and shrubs, deeply disturbed or compacted, almost all
soil. We asked the CPUC to require PG&E to engage in
equitable mitigation and restoration, in partnership
with relevant local nonprofit organizations. And that's
1st and 2nd, we asked the CPUC that they no longer
exempt utility projects from CEQA or NEPA requirements.
Thank you very much.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to the line of Dominic Curljac. Please go ahead.
Good morning, President Reynolds and Commissioners.
My name is Dominic Kurljac and I am the president of
U.W.U.A. Local 160C and the Secretary for the California
Water Utility Council. Representing 665 members at California
Water Service. The proposed water cost of capital decision
would put California among the lowest in the nation
for return on equity. This will jeopardize our ability
to fund critical infrastructure investments needed
to keep our water clean and reliable. Less infrastructure
investment could also impact our ability to deal with
wildfires, droughts and power shortages. As a result
I fear this will lead to fewer good paying jobs for
our union employees. I encourage you to reconsider
the proposed decision. So that the return on equity
is higher than the national average, not among the
lowest. Thank you for your time and your consideration.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
I apologize, I was getting a name. Are we ready for
the next one? We are, thank you. You're welcome. Juan
Cisneros, please go ahead. Hello, Commissioners. My name
is Juan Cisneros. I'm the president of U.W.A Local 205
and Vice President of the CWC. I represent 665 trained,
highly trained, skilled and state certified professionals
with many years of water system experience. I'm proud
of the work I do and the role I play in ensuring
my family and my community. Have access to safe, clean
drinking water every day. I am here today to express
my concern on the current return of equity proposed
to CalWater. It's low, it's too low for a large water
utility. And it's lower than the national average that
CalWater has received in the past. The lower rate
of return directly impacts the ability to improve crucial
infrastructure investments, projects necessary for users.
Without adequate return investment, crucial projects
may be delayed or prevented entirely. I encourage you
to please revisit the proposal and increase the rate
of return to CalWater. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next
caller please.
Next, we'll go to the line of David Eberhart, Jr.
Please go ahead.
Hello, Commissioners. My name is David Eberhart, Jr.
and I'm a proud member of Utilities Workers Unions
of America Local 160. With the current proposed decision
on the cost of capital, I am concerned that the return
on equity is not enough to ensure my employer is able
to invest in our water systems. As it stands, the current
ROE places CalWater below the national average for
water utilities. Making infrastructure investment much
more difficult at a time. Where severe weather whiplash
has increased the necessity for infrastructure investment.
Commissioners please consider the necessity for water
utilities. To currently invest in their water systems
and infrastructure at this time. I ask that you consider
raising the ROE closer to the national average. Which
will benefit the communities we serve. Thank you.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to the line of Elana, Elana Rosano. Please go ahead.
Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Elena Lovano.
I am delegate of U.W.U.A Local 283 and
delegate for the California Water Utility Council.
Our priority to our customers is undeniable and incomparable
to anything else we represent. Members of the CWC
and as employees at Cali California Water Service.
Ensuring we provide safe and reliable drinking water
is to say the least. Together we strive towards innovative
procedures, supporting conservation efforts and ensuring
there is new infrastructure to, to deliver the highest
quality water to our consumers. I ask that you reconsider
the proposed ROE, making it higher and not among the
lowest in the nation. As this ultimately affects how
efficiently we can ensure sustainability, maintenance
reduction in water loss and how effectively we can
provide the life source that water is at its highest
quality. Thank you for your time.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to Matt Gibson. You, please go ahead.
Thank you. My name is Matt Gibson and I am a card
carrying union member and representative for the Utility
Workers Union of America. I am asking you to raise
the return on equity. The 665 members we represent
are directly responsible. For providing the highest
quality service and safest drinking water through reliable
infrastructure. We must protect our infrastructure
to stay ahead of threats that include but are not limited
to wildfires, drought and aging infrastructure. We
protect our infrastructure by investing in our infrastructure.
We replace aging water main, we update treatment plants,
we update pump stations and we install new wells. The
return on equity in the proposed decision is lower
than the Commission granted in 2018. So consider the
importance of protecting our infrastructure by investing
in our infrastructure. And raise the return on equity.
And I ask you to consider the importance of protecting
our infrastructure by investing in our infrastructure.
Thank you very much.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Nex, we have
Nate Grimes. Please go, please go ahead. Thank you,
Commissioner. My name is Nate Grimes and I'm a
CalWater employee and a member of the Utility Workers
Union of America Local 160. CPUC should increase the rate
of return for CalWater and its cost of capital proceeding.
The current rate is too low and it's lower than what
the Commission granted CalWater before. The low rate
of return will inhibit my ability to do my job. To improve
water infrastructure in California. The rate of return
on capital is important because it controls how much
CalWater can spend on water system investments and
investments in its employees. The work done by my union
brothers and sisters. Provides safe, affordable, high
quality water for people in California. I'm proud that
I contribute to our customer satisfaction with their
water provider. I urge the Commissioner to raise the
rate of return for CalWater's cost of capital proceeding.
Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
Next, we'll go to the line of potato. Please go ahead.
Uh good morning, uh the Commissioner. I'm a proud
California resident. The new proposal for paying utility
bills based on income is not right. The middle class
is affected significantly with this rule. Since the
middle class is already paying the highest amount of
tax. The State of California always take pride in equality
in gender, religion, etcetera. But this proposal is
not defining equality between people. I strongly believe
that this rule should be based on usage based, rather
than income based. Since we are already paying the highest
taxes. CPUC must reject such proposals to save our
community. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to the line of Michelle Patel. Please go ahead.
Hello and good morning, dear Commissioner and other
colleagues. I'm Michelle Patel, a long term California
resident. The proposal of charging utility bills based
on income is outrageous. Most individuals and families
with mid to higher income have already spent thousands
of dollars. On green and clean energy using solar panels
battery backup, just to name a few. They've invested
hundreds of dollars in making improvements in their
homes to save energy. The new homes sold in California
are now required to have solar panels. And these individuals
and families buying these new homes are not getting
any particular benefit from the state. And furthermore,
the cost of having solar power is added to the price
of the home. Further increasing their real estate taxes.
Now, solar energy companies have burdened these individuals
and families with these proposed fees based on their
income. We urge CPUC to consider offering a rebate program.
To improve home conditions for lower-income individuals
to reduce their energy cost. Rather than charging higher
income individuals with monthly fees for having energy
supply. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to Davine Babalin. Please go ahead.
Hello? Yes, your line is open. Oh, thanks. Uh my name
is Devine Babine. Um I just wanted to very, I'll be very
brief. Um I just don't think quite frankly that ratepayers
should bear the cost of SoCalGas', you
know, in general mismanagement. The fundamental public
utility responsibilities and financing other, you know
other ventures. I think shareholders have a non regulated
affiliate of SoCalGas to finance the project. I don't
think there's any need or precedent for the CPUC
to, you know, to regulate hydrogen supplies or
or, you know, so that's my bit.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to Ourgis Redalucian. Please go ahead.
Hello, my name is Ourgis Redalucian. Um, I am calling in to say that
ratepayers should not bear the cost of financial ventures
that SoCalGas wants to do. Um I am a, I live
in Los Angeles County. And um, I do not want to be
burdened with the cost of projects, that just put more
money in the pockets um of these people. Um, they continue
to, to be a corrupt organization, um evading community
input. At the cost of residence throughout Los Angeles.
Um, they've mismanaged lots of projects in the past
and they are not trusted in the community. Thank you.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to Alex Kazarian. Please go ahead. Fellow Commissioners,
my name is Alex Caesarean and I'm a concerned citizen.
SoCalGas having mishandled the biggest gas leak in
U.S. History. Endangered millions of seniors and disadvantaged
communities during the recent Winter. Now they are,
they are seeking ratepayers funding for their new hydrogen
market venture. And the expansion of their operations
in a Eureka Canyon. Where the leak occurred just a few years
ago. How can they be trusted? And is this a company
that you would like to have, to handle such an undertaking?
Thank you for your time. Thank you.
Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll go to Daniel
Parseghian. Please go ahead. Hi everyone. SoCalGas persists
in raising rates on communities without alternative
options. Even after an extremely challenging Winter
where they charged customers, 128% above the average.
This was either due to their complete inability to
effectively manage their primary business of purchasing
gas at the appropriate time in price or intentional
market manipulation. Um The kind of question I'll leave
you guys with is how is this price raising justified
And I want everyone to think about who is it affecting
most? Thank you so much for your time. Thank you operator
Next caller, please. Thank you. And before we go to
the next caller, if you wish to speak during the public
comments period. Please press *1, unmute your
phone and clearly provide your name when prompted.
Next we have Randy Acevedo. Please go ahead.
Good morning. And my name is Randy Acevedo, I'm a member
of the U.W.U.A Local 160C. Uh I work
for CalWater. I appreciate your time and the opportunity
to speak. Um I believe that the return on equity proposed
is much too low. And with the inflation and dramatic
cost of living increases that we have seen. That this
decision will only make it more difficult to invest
in our infrastructure and the need to deliver safe
and reliable water. Our state has much more regulated
uh, regulations from our state. And I believe we
are also a leader in water quality, which is one of
the many reasons why we need this average to be higher
at minimum. The national average, I really appreciate
your consideration. It is our responsibility that we
provide safe drinking water to everybody. And this decision
would have a huge impact. So, thank you for your time.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next,
we'll go to the line of Danny Osoverian. Please go ahead. Hi,
my name is Penny Urian and I'm a Los Angeles resident.
I personally believe that it is very inappropriate
to ask the CPUC to force ratepayers to subsidize
the SoCalGas. As they are about to enter their new
hydrogen business venture. That will only benefit themselves and
harm the people. Especially after the horrendous Winter
that they were charging customers 128% more rate
than average. Thank you.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll
go to the line of Javin Collins. Please go ahead.
This is Kevin Collins here. I apologize, Kevin Collins.
Please go ahead. Yeah, uh.
I live in San Rafael and I filed a docketed adjudicatory
complaint in 2018. Uh, trying to get an update to General
Order 95. I've been a party to other proceedings. I
recently heard a member of the Commission refer to
General Order 95, as a source of safety for electrical
circuits in California. This could not be further from
the truth. General Order 95 is a recipe for negligence.
It allows the use of tiny overhead conductor. The same
size that 4 of these wires would be used to wire
one residential kitchen range. This is an 8 gauge
wire. It's in table one, you can find it, if you know
how to look through the index of General Order 95.
General Order 95 also does not require the use of a
fuse anywhere in an electrical circuit in the state.
This is amazing. Fuses have been in existence since
the 19th century. The term recloser can't be found
in General Order 95, reclosers are the principal circuit
breaker across all substations, power poles across
the United States. The word is not in General Order
95. In other words, this rule set does not include
provisions for circuit protection. Surge protection is
fundamental to wildfire safety. I'm astonished that
this is the case, but only electrical engineers understand
this issue. I was a general building contractor. I
designed electrical circuits for houses for many years
in that capacity. And the national electric code for
buildings is a plausible, plausible set of regulations.
General Order 95 is a farce. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next
caller, please. Next we have Artosha Kucharine. Please
go ahead.
Hi. Um my name is Natasha Kucharine. I'm a (inaudible) resident. Um I oppose
this measure. I mean, how much more of this bureaucracy
can we realistically take? Uh we need to stop letting
ratepayers and uh taxpayers in general uh carrying the
burden of all of these uh, ill advised uh projects. And
uh unnecessary adventures. Uh so, yeah that's it for
me. Thank you.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we have
Eric Moltz. Your line is open, please go ahead.
Uh hi, my name is Eric. Um I'm also a concerned Los
Angeles resident. Um I'm just concerned about the fact
that all of these projects fall onto the, the laps
of, of ratepayers. And especially, you know, um, oh
senior citizens and to communities and I just wanted
to put, to put into the, to the known uh, facility.
That there are people paying for these and people that
just had a Winter, a horrendous Winter. Of um, they
were charged over double um of the average for their
gas. So I just want to put into the, I still feel
that there are people that are unable to pay for this.
And they should be represented. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next,
we have Cecil Phillips. Your line is open. Good morning,
Commissioners. I'm here to speak on the proposed decision
on California water services cost of capital. I'm the
President of the California Water Utility Council. Which
represents 6 utility Worker Union of America Locals
throughout California employed by California Water
Service. We provide water to roughly 2 million residents.
Because of CalWater's ability to invest in its infrastructure.
Our members are able to provide water when the power
companies often fail. When wildfires threaten and impact
our neighborhoods, and when flooding damages our communities.
Our union has concerns about the proposed decision
and how it will impact our members livelihood and the
customers we serve. The return on equity and the proposed
decision will limit the ability of CalWater to continue
making these investments and our ability to meet these
challenges. By making proactive investments in our infrastructure.
We ensure that our customers have a viable, safe, clean
water source at a fair price. Respectfully, we urge
you to increase the return on equity in the proposed
decision. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller
please. Thank you. And again, before we go to the next
caller. If you wish to speak during the public comment
period, please press *1, unmute your phone and
clearly provide your name when prompted. Next, we have
a Pete Gazarine. Please go ahead. Hi, can you guys hear
me? Yes, we can. Uh hey, Commissioners. Good morning.
Hope you guys are all doing well. Uh my name is Arkie
Azarian. Um, I just wanted to speak on the topic of uh,
new project um having to be funded by ratepayers. So
as we all know, the rates have been raised this past
winter especially, um but also consistently for the
past, um, couple of months. So those, um, hired rates
have been paid by the rate payers and they're, they've
been hired because of the mistakes and mismanagement
made by the company. Um, so it's not something the
rate payers should be responsible for. Um, and, you
know, in addition to having to pay these higher rates
they also want the ratepayers to then go ahead and
pay for their new hydrogen market ventures. Which makes
absolutely no sense. That should be the shareholders
responsibility to pay for these new ventures that they
want to make. Not the ratepayers. Thank you for your
time. Thank you. Operator, next caller please. And
for our final question or final comment in the queue.
We have Talesh Fabian. Please go ahead. Hello. Yes, can
you hear me? Yes, we can. Great. Uh good morning, Commissioners.
Uh, thank you. Um, I'll be very quick. Um, I just believe
that uh, we should not be bearing the cost of SoCal's uh mismanagement.
Of uh fundamental public utility responsibilities.
We shouldn't have to be uh, financing their other market
ventures. Um I just think it's really inappropriate
to be asking, to ask the CPUC to force
ratepayers to subsidize SoCalGas. As it attempts to enter
their new hydrogen business venture to just benefit
them, fatten their pockets even more. Thank you.
Thank you. And Operator, I know that you said that was the last
caller. Could you check one more time, to see if anyone
can. Absolutely. All right. Alex, Alex Hernandez.
Oh, great. Please go ahead. Hi, yes. Um I, I really
don't think that taxpayers or ratepayers should be
responsible for SoCalGas' mismanagement of public utilities.
I don't think that we should finance other market ventures.
And, and I really struggle to see how the CPUC
can even bother entertaining this blatant effort
by SoCalGas. To fatten private pockets using public
funds. I, I really, really do not support that at all.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. And, and
could you check one more time. To see if there's anyone
else in the queue? Yes, absolutely. Before we go to
the next caller, if you wish to speak during the comments
period. Please press *1, unmute your phone, and
clearly provide your name when prompted. We do have
1 in queue. I just have to get their name one moment.
All right, great.
And we do have Scott Carmichael. Please go ahead. Hello,
Commissioners. Uh, my name is Scott Carmichael. I've
been with California Water Service for 21 years and
a proud member of the Utility Workers Union of America
at a Local 160D for the same amount of time. I'm
currently Foreman of Operation and Maintenance out
of our Chico district. And most of my career has been
working on the repair, maintenance and installation
of our distribution system infrastructure in my hometown
of Chico, California. As I stated to the Commission
back in 2018, I get to see first hand the many benefits
investing in our water systems infrastructure bring.
From efficiency, safety, customer service, reliability
or emergency response. Water quality, so on and so
on. As an essential worker, an essential resource in
the essential state of California. I ask that you increase
the return on equity to at least the national average.
Thank you.
Thank you. And Operator next caller, if we have any
more in the queue. I am currently showing no other
callers in the queue. Okay, thank you very much. Um, with
no more callers on the line. The public comment period
is now closed.
I will now turn to the Public Agenda and start off
with the following changes to today's Agenda. Item 2
has been withdrawn. Items 4, 21 and 24 are held to the
June 29, 2023 Voting Meeting. Items 3 and 3A
are held to the June 29, 2023 Voting Meeting. Where
they will appear on the Regular Agenda. Item 6, 7, 20
and 34 have been moved to the Regular Agenda. We will
now pick up the Consent Agenda. Is there a motion on
the Consent Agenda?
So moved. All right, we have a motion from Commissioner Shiroma.
And is there a second?
I'll second. Okay. Second from uh, Commissioner Reynolds.
Uh Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll on
the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner
John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck?
Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds?
Yes. The vote is 5-0. The Consent Agenda has been approved.
I will now move to Item 6 on the Regular Agenda.
Item 6 is a decision from an order instituting rulemaking
which creates two California lifeline pilot programs.
To leverage federal affordable connectivity uh program.
And I will turn the presentation over to the assigned
Commissioner, Commissioner Shiroma.
Thank you, President Reynolds. I'm pleased to present
this item as you described. This Item 6 proposes
to approve two pilot programs for the California Lifeline
Program. So that participants can leverage additional
federal funding from the afford, affordable productivity
program or ACP. Uh this will provide access to affordable
broadband service. The federal ACP provides a discount
of up to $30 per month for broadband services for qualifying
low-income households. And a discount of $75 per month
for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Now, under
the offices of the Federal Communications Commission
the FCC. The federal lifeline program provides low-
income customers a discount of up to $9.25 for their
monthly broadband service. This is separate from the
ACP, this is Lifeline. Or a discount of up to $5.25
on voice plans and Tribal plans qualify for a discount
of up to $25 for customers. Now, the FCC and
the states including California have been administering
the lifeline program for many years to provide a lifeline
voice, uh text uh um uh services and most states do
not provide an additional state discount of California
desk. The Cal Lifeline program provides the highest
state discount in the country. This is in addition
to the federal uh discount. Uh, uh we provide an additional
$17.90 per month when adding the support from the federal
lifeline program of $9.25. The lifeline participants
receive a total discount of up to $27.15 for his voice
text and data. And the proposed decision would, would
approve two pilots, one for wireless service providers
and one for wire line service providers to stack the
federal and California wifi discounts on top of the
federal ACP funding. Uh, the wireless broadband lifeline
pilot that we are proposing features two options in
this world. Tier A provides for the full federal lifeline
count in the Lifeline and ACP discount. For total of
$57.15. A free smart phone with hotspot capabilities,
unlimited mobile data, voice and text messages. Requirements
about speeds and a minimum of 50 gigabytes of hotspot
data being provided at higher speeds. And a minimum
of 150 gigabytes uh, before speeds may be reduced.
Under the tier B uh, of the Lifeine uh pilot. Uh provides
yes. yes. Okay. So So to be uh a wire line pilot
provides an option for a smaller level. So this is
again with. I'm sorry. That should, that should be
wireless, right? So the wireless, it provides an option
for a smaller level of the use of the California discount
at $10.63, instead of a full $17.90. And provides 50
gigabytes. And I'm sorry, 30 gigabytes instead of 50
gigabytes of hotspot data, 80 gigabytes per month before
reducing speeds. Instead of 150 gigabytes plus
all the other features of Tier A. So that's wireless.
For the wire line uh, pilot. Uh It would provide for
the $57.15 stacking for a standalone home broadband
service. Or a bundled home broadband service with voice
over internet provider service plan. With unlimited
mobile data, a substantial allotment of high speed
hotspot data, and again a free mobile device capable
of delivering high speed. And hot spot use of hot spot data.
And, and excellent speeds of 100 down, uh 100 down, 20
up of megabytes per second. All of these criteria that
I provide you is geared towards assuring that low-income
customers who receive the excellent quality subscriptions
that non customers receive.
Uh further, further wire line customers who may already
have a separate mobile service plan or other communication
service options for calling 911. Um uh while ACP
does not require customers to prove or certify that
they are subscribed. This type of service plan for
calling 911. It does require that the pilot service
providers inform interested customers. That the standalone
broadband service plan does not include the voice service
for making those 911 calls. And to obtain from these
customers. They um the, the phone number that the pilot
participant can use to call 911 a bit complicated.
But overall, it is looking to assure that low-income
customers, it's not a plan that they choose for wire
line service and broadband service are still able to
contact 911 in an emergency. Uh I also note that the
staffing discounts in CalLifeline, Federal Lifeline,
and ACP will allow uh Tribal pilot participants to
access up to $127.15 for low-income customers. And
towards learning from these pilots service providers
will collect data handle, confidently. On how much of
the unlimited broadband data and high-speed hotspot
data is used by California lifeline participants and
tests whether offering a California lifeline subsidy
or standalone wire line broadband service. Uh, will increase
participation uh, without reducing access to the 911.
And whether allowing internet service provider, affiliate
of the California Lifeline service providers. Um, will
increase offerings, you know, market forces and what
have you. Looking at really get an uptake in different
offerings that are, are very affordable. Will we have
an increase in qualified lifeline partment signing
up. Now, there are several revisions to the PD including
clarifying that, but we can extend the wire line pilot
program beyond the conclusion of ACP. AC P has a finite
amount of funding. Did that funding run out before
the two year pilot
um, that ensues? Uh, we can send the pilot uh to ensure
that they have two years with an information. Uh and
also uh when it clarifies that a wireless service provider
can propose to modify the replacement service plan
through a (inaudible) longest. It doesn't increase
copayments and maintains really excellent um, products
for the customers. So California does have the highest
program enrollment nationwide. That's not only the
number of people because we are a large state. But
the percentage of people who are qualified for voice
and broadband service plans at no cost or very low
cost. These two pilot programs will provide synergy
between the California Lifeline and the federal ACP
for low-income households and Tribal lands. To receive
long awaited high quality broadband hotspots, voice
options, phones (inaudible). And with these uh discount
amounts. We, we uh anticipate any no cost subscriptions.
Uh,
uh and, and all this, I mean. We, we have certainly
heard and seen and been aware. That um, this effort will
support uh students with their homework, job seekers
uh applying for positions. Households navigating uh,
um availing of resources online, telemedicine and much
more. In closing, I would like to thank Judge Stephanie
Wong for her incredible work resulting in this proposed
decision. I also want to thank the Communications Division's
really hardworking team, Rob Osborne Teri Wortshter, Robert Samson, Joanna
Pettis Green, Moi Nguyen. And, and from our Legal Division (inaudible). I also want
to thank my Bagley Keene partner, President Alice Reynolds, her Advisor
Michael Mullaney and Chief of Staff Kerry Fleisher. And so last
but not least my team from my office, my Advisor Lisa Paulo and
Chief of Staff, Cheryl Wynn. And with that, I respectfully
ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you very much
Commissioner Sharma. Um, great detailed presentation.
Um as your Bagley Keene partner, I want to note that I also
support this decision. And just wanted to note a few
things, um for context for this pilot. The California
Lifeline program and the Federal Lifeline program have
each existed for decades. Working in unison to provide
essential communication services to Californians. The
Federal Affordable Connectivity program, the ACP is
new. And it provides a substantial subsidy and the number
of Californians eligible is significant, um uh which
is great. And the, the um there's also, it's also really
notable and very welcome. That nearly all service providers
in the state are participating in that program. So
all fantastic news. Today's uh, today's decision is
a first step towards figuring out how the ACP fits
into our existing system of State Universal Service
programs. So, with the pilots that are in the proposed
decision today. We can identify how the California
Lifeline program can provide Californians with benefits
beyond what is provided by the federal programs. Will
it will be enabling and pushing providers to offer
better service, higher speeds and more data than would
otherwise have been possible for customers. With this
decision, we put these funds to work to connect the
unconnected and achieve our broadband for all objectives.
So I would like to thank you Commissioner Shiroma for
your leadership on these pilots. Um as well as, all
of the individuals um that you named. I won't repeat
their names, but they all contributed to the work on
this decision. And worked very, very hard to make it
happen. So um with that, I do support the proposed
decision, and I'll turn to other Commissioners for comments.
Um, would anyone else? I'll go to Commissioner Reynolds first.
Thank you, President Reynolds. I want to start by thanking
Commissioner Shiroma for her thoughtful and creative
leadership in this proceeding. And also thanks also
to Judge Wong, Carrie Worcester, Robert Samsone and
Director Rob Osborn for briefing my office on this
item. I would like to acknowledge the journey that
this proposed decision had been on. And offer appreciation
for the creative thinking behind these wireless and
wire line pilots. To deliver more customer value from
California Lifeline on top of the federal subsidies
for low-income and telecommunication services. As an
initial point, I want to highlight that our California
Lifeline program. The more Universal Telephone Service
Act named for the late California Assembly Member
Gwen Moore. Established the California Universal Telephone
Service Program or California Lifeline. The Moore Act
was enacted in 1987. To offer a high quality basic telephone
service at affordable rates to the greatest number
of California residents. Over time, this Commission
and the California Legislature expanded the purpose
of the Moore Act. To include offering additional communication
services like wireless and broadband service.
California Lifeline program provides up to as mentioned
$17.90 in subsidy per month for service plans. And often
leverages federal life plan subsidy of up to $9.25
per month. Importantly, our subsidy as highlighted
is the highest in the nation.
This proposed decision approves two pilot programs
one for wireless providers and one for wire life providers.
That allows service providers to stack the subsidy for
California on top of the affordable connectivity program
and federal landline subsidies.
Ensuring that these universal service funds provide
equitable access to high speed communication networks
to low-income customers.
Note that getting additional benefits for customers
from staffing on these pilots is vital. Historically,
our lifeline program in combination with the federal
lifeline program have been very successful in delivering
lifeline customers, unlimited voice services, text
messaging and data at no cost to those customers. That
the higher affordable connectivity program subsidy
with our lifeline subsidy resulting in carriers getting
more revenue per month. Customers should get a bigger
benefit. These pilots offering more advanced wireless
phones and higher bandwidth commitments. Higher speed
broadband for wire line customers deliver tangible
and significant benefits. Above what customers historically
received for the lower combined subsidy paying these
carriers more to deliver better results to customers
I appreciate the careful, careful revisions. The proposed
decision clarifying funding levels for customers and
the length of the pilot approved chair. I'm looking
forward to the usage data that these pilots should
provide. And the lessons that we can learn for future
programs. I'll be supporting the decision. Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Reynolds. Uh other Commissioners?
Commissioner Houck? Thank you for Reynolds.
Um, and I also would like to offer my thanks to Commissioner
Shiroma and her office for their leadership on this
matter. Um and um would like to thank ALJ Stephanie
um, Wong and Rob Osborne for all of their work. As well
as all of the Staff that, that were listed by Commissioner
Shiroma earlier. This decision could pose this rules
to establish pilot programs that lever leverage the
Federal Communications Commission affordable connectivity
program or AC P. These pilot programs will allow California
lifeline subscribers to leverage the AC C for improved
wireless and wire line service. This decision establishes
both wireless and wired line pilot programs. To provide
a reduced or free service to eligible subscribers in
California. As was mentioned, um the wireless pilot
program will have two tiers. Each of the tiers will
allow allow wireless lifeline subscribers to access
at least 80 gigabytes of data at four G speeds per
month. And the pilot programs, wireless pilot program
will allow lifeline subscribers to use at least 30
gigabytes of hotspot data at four G speeds. Thanks
to the combined subsidy from the AC T Federal and California
lifelines programs. The wireless pilot programs services
along with new devices capable of providing these services.
Will be provided at low or no cost to the subscriber.
The wireless pilot program to offer a substantial amount
of data relative to current lifeline offerings. Which
we hope will improve access to broadband services and
promote participation in both the lifeline program
and the ACP program. For those in need of assistance
to access such services as the pilot programs are ongoing
The Commission will be able to collect data that will
help us to ensure that the lifeline program continues
to meet the needs of eligible Californians. And um,
with these comments, I again want to thank Commissioner Shiroma
for her leadership and the thoughtful decision. Um
that is before us today. It's clear that a lot of time
effort and work went into this proposal. And I will
be supporting it.
Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Next, Commissioner Douglas.
I just briefly wanted to express my support and thanks
as well. This is uh I know a lot of work and
thought went into this proposal for these pilots. And
I'm very hopeful and interested to hear the results
that, that we get out of them. So, thank you.
Wonderful. All right. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas.
Um that concludes Commissioner comments. So I would
like to ask for a motion on Item 6.
(inaudible) Go ahead Commissioner Houck. Okay,
I move that we support Item 6 or that we adopt this Item.
Okay. We have a motion from Commissioner Houck. Is there a
second?
Second. Okay. Second uh, from Commissioner, Commissioner
Reynolds. Uh Agenda Clerk, could you please call the
roll? Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds?
Yes. Commissioner Houck? Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President
Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 5-0. The item passes.
Uh, we now move to Item 7. Item 7 is a resolution
approving one local agency technical assistance grant
funding for $947,206 for the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities
District. Um, I have uh a few um, introductory remarks
for this resolution. And then we'll turn to Commissioners
for comments. Um ,so the program uh, proposed in this
resolution. Provides uh, grant or the grant is for a
program to um, the grant programs for local agencies
and Tribal governments. And it supports planning efforts
to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and
underserved communities. So this resolution proposes
to award a grant under this program. To the Public Utilities
District of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. The request as I
said, is for just over $900,000 and it's to fund environmental
and biological studies network design, a feasibility
study. And to develop legal documents to support the
construction of a fiber network. The network will serve
unserved and underserved locations in the Willow Creek
area of Humboldt County. The Hoopa Valley Tribe has
made great strides in improving broadband access and
adoption. And I am very happy to support this resolution
today. I will now turn to other Commissioners for comments.
Uh Commissioner Houck?
Thank you, President Reynolds.
Um again as you stated, this resolution approves a local
agency technical assistance grant for the Hoopa Valley
Municipal Utility District which is a Tribal utility.
These grants provide support for building technical
capacity among local and Tribal governments. To plan
for the development of new broadband infrastructure
Is going to help the Hooper Valley Municipal Utility
District Fund. The items that you listed President
Reynolds, which are the environmental and biological
studies. Develop the fiber to home network design,
develop business feasibility studies and prepare legal
documents to bring fiber to unserved homes in the Willow
Creek area. These grants are essential components of
building broadband networks across the state. Particularly
in areas that have been historically left behind in
their access to broadband technology. Which Tribes
are disproportionately represented in these areas that
have been left behind. Um, I am very pleased to see
this grant before us today. And all of the work that
the Hooper Valley Tribe is doing to bring broadband.
Not just to the reservation but to Tribal members and
community members in the surrounding area. They've
been a leader in this effort in the North Coast. And
I want to thank our Staff that worked on the resolution
including Angela Bean, Michael Amer Mueller, and Chris
Posh. I also want to thank Director Rob Osborne, Karen
Ely and recognize the work of the Hoopa Valley Indian
Tribe for all of its efforts in expanding broadband
um, in the North Coast. And with that, I look forward
to seeing the Hoopa Valley Tribe um, implement this
grant to further efforts to close the digital divide.
And encourage my fellow Commissioners to vote in support
of the resolution.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Uh Commissioner Douglas?
I just briefly wanted to join in the thanks expressed
by Commissioner Houck. And also know, you know I, I know a
number of us are familiar with this, this area and
the broadband needs in this area. And I'm just really
pleased to see the forward progress here. Thank you.
Great. Uh, Commissioner Reynolds?
Thank you, President Reynolds. I will also be supporting this
resolution and this grant funding. These technical
assistance grants are critical and flow into our development
of high speed networks across the state. We know that
access to broadband and the internet unlock economic
and social benefits. And the Tribes face unique challenges
in funding and deploying this infrastructure. This
grant funding is one way that we're trying to work
with Tribes to help them overcome these barriers. The
feasibility analysis and the subsequent uh environmental
permitting funded here will allow the development uh
to move forward. And I will look forward to uh, seeing (inaudible).
Thank you. Great. Thank you. Um, Commissioner Shiroma?
Thank you, President Reynolds. I also support this
resolution. And thank the team that works and, and
does work on these kinds of applications. So important
to process these and uh provide the money for this
very important work. The grant funding for the Hoopa Valley
Public Utilities District will fund those environmental
and biological studies. Port fiber to the home network
design, uh and this is so essential for the eventual
deployment to home. These kinds of projects take many
steps and many studies and many designs and experts
working on them. Uh and I'm pleased that we can provide
support for that effort. The effort to bridge the digital
divide is is essential. We just voted out the uh ACP
Lifeline pilot programs that's really amplify the
need. And our, our efforts to work on that and to facilitate
the bridging of that digital divide. So very pleased
to support. Thank you. Great. Thank you. All right
That concludes comments. And so I will now ask for
a motion on Item 7.
Uh, move approval. Okay. Uh, we have a motion on Item 7
from Commissioner Douglas. A second, I think I saw. I'll
let you speak Commissioner Shiroma. Thank you. I, I
was kind of hasty with my second there. Please, a second.
Thank you. Great. So we have a motion and a
second. Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll?
Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck?
Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds. Yes.
The vote is 5-0. The item passes. I will now
move to Item 20. Item 20 is Resolution T-17791.
Grant funding from the California Advanced Service
Funds Broadband Public Housing account. Um, I will
give a brief introduction of the item and then turn
to Commissioners for comment. Um, this uh resolution
um approves 14 broadband public housing account projects.
For a total of uh $1,068,693. And um, just
for background, the public housing account provides
grants to build broadband networks, offering free broadband
service for residents of low-income communities. Including
publicly supported housing development, farm worker
housing and mobile home parks. The projects approved
today will serve residents of 830 living units within
publicly supported housing developments. And all projects
will construct networks using the latest generation
of Wi-Fi technology. These projects will help to further
the state's goal to increase broadband affordability
access and digital equity in communities. And I'm very
happy to support this resolution today. So I will go
to Commissioners for comment.
Who would like to go first? Uh Commissioner Houck? finish your help.
Thank you, President Reynolds. Um again, this resolution
is going to provide grant funding to support networks
upgrades for residents in 14 publicly supported housing
developments under our broadband public housing account.
The broadband um,
in these developments is not accessible. Um, uh I'm
sorry. Uh, broadband is not accessible if it is not
available to use in, in homes. And if it's not affordable
to connect for useful speed. So what's important about
these awards is that they're going to help in addressing
both the availability and affordability challenges.
Um, to access broadband by supporting these public housing
developments and bringing free fast internet to some of California's
most vulnerable customers. Each of the projects is
going to bring us that much closer to ensuring that
all Californians, regardless of income. Have the capability
to work, to study and to access health care and emergency
services online. These grants are going to provide
free service to 830 public housing units uh which underscores
the importance of the CASA public housing grant
program. Which we are in the process of looking at revisions
for. Um, and I want to thank all of the excellent work
of our Communications Division including Tyler Chems,
Steven Kho and Supervisor James Tang. As well as Director
Rob Osborne and my Advisor, Adam Buchholz and my Chief of Staff
Karin Sung. Um, so for all of the on work um, on this program.
And I'm very pleased to support the resolution before
us today.
Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Uh, Commissioner Shiroma or thank
you. Uh I support the resolution. Thank you to the
team once again. And I appreciate that the project will
be infrastructure ready for the 100 megabytes per second
download 20 up. It's very important to have that ability
in the infrastructure improved. Also here that one
of the 14 projects will uh, target farm workers. Uh, broadband
upgrades for 66 units. And that the 14 projects overall
are all over California. Really pointing out the need
you know, for uh communities uh, that uh have public
housing uh for, for this effort. The services are so
essential, whether it's uh school, employment, paying
bills and all the things we have been talking about
um, this morning. Uh, and we know that these families
and individuals who live in public housing are participating
in the state's growing economy. And we are relying heavily
upon basic internet technologies and access to technology
to thrive. So, thank you uh to support.
Great. Thank you um Commissioner Reynolds.
Thank you, President Reynolds. I want to start by thanking
our Communications Division for their diligence in
processing applications and distributing funds from
the advanced service funds, broadband public housing
account. I am strongly supportive of this resolution.
And glad to see this grant funding provide broadband
to public housing projects throughout California and
down the state. These 14 projects will play both wireless
and wired broadband infrastructure using Wi-Fi and
copper technologies. And we, we've already heard about
uh, some of the some of the speed parameters and prior
remarks for 830 residential units. These projects aim
to provide residents with free and reliable broadband.
Improving access to e-health, education and government
services including our own age. There are different
barriers that customers face in accessing the internet.
For some customers there's insufficient infrastructure.
For others, the service is too expensive. Grants like, like
these unlock the economic and social benefits that
come from broadband access to customers in our state.
I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition
and my office will be following its progression. I will
be supporting the site. Great. Thank you, Commissioner
Reynolds. Um Commissioner Douglas?
Um, I just also wanted to join in the thanks and the
support on this item. It, it's really nice to see these
measures. Where we can provide just meaningful support
to people who need it in this case for the broadband
and free wireless access, and it's just great. Great
to see it.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas. All right.
That concludes Commissioner comments. And I would now
like to ask if there is a motion on Item 20.
So moved. Okay. We have a motion from Commissioner Reynolds. Is
there a second. I second. Second from Commissioner Houck. Agenda
Clerk, could you please call the roll. Commissioner Douglas?
Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds. Yes. Commissioner Houck?
Yes? Commissioner Shiroma? Aye.
President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 5-0. The item passes.
I will now move to Item 34. Item 34 is an order
extending the statutory deadline and proceeding A.
21-12-005. Item 34 is related to Item 32, which was approved
on the Consent Agenda and therefore Item 34 is withdrawn.
And with that, I will move to Item 38. Item 38 is
Management Report on Administrative Actions and Consumer
Protection and Safety Activities. There are no management
reports today. So we move on to Commissioner Reports.
Um at the Commissioner Reports uh, section of the Agenda.
I will call on Commissioners to give reports. So let's
see who would like to go first?
Commissioner Shiroma.
Uh I have several and it really is exemplified that
June not surprising, is very busy. So first of all,
uh on June 13th next week. I'll be speaking at the
2023 National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition
conference in San Diego. This coalition is dedicated
to increasing awareness of the energy needs of low-
income energy consumers. And fostering public and private
partnerships to address their needs. Of the members
of this organization span the U.S. And include 250 utilities,
nonprofit organizations, energy assistance programs,
trade associations and Tribal organizations. And the
conference will bring together more than 800 attendees.
And highlight the importance and progressive work toward
energy efficiency and affordability in California.
California's energy affordability policies have set
an example for the rest of the country. On my opening
remarks that their opening plenary session. Will highlight
California's leadership in energy efficiency and low-
income programs and the Commission's commitment towards
advancing equity, affordability and access to programs
in disadvantaged, low-income, vulnerable and Tribal
communities. Now also on June 13, we are holding
a water acquisitions and consolidation workshop is
our 3rd workshop that will start at 9am. Uh, and
more information is going to be on our data calendars.
Uh, the Water Division will be hosting this workshop.
Uh I am the assigned uh Commissioner and my Bagley Keene
partner is Commissioner Houck. Uh, this particular
workshop uh, will be uh virtual. And it will uh, focus
on how the Commission should examine ratepayer impact
when reviewing water acquisitions and consolidation
an important topic. Of course, uh we hope to gain a
better understanding of how we can provide more transparency
to customers, and quantify customer impacts and benefits.
And again, more information can be found on our data calender.
Then on June 15, we will have our 2nd quarterly
Low Income Oversight Board Meeting. It will start at
9:30. Uh, the Legislature established the Low Income
Oversight Board many years ago. To advise us on low-
income electric, gas and water customer issues. Serve
as a liaison uh for the Commission to low-income rate
here and representatives. Uh, the meeting will include
updates on the uh California alternate rates for energy
or CARE. And the energy rate assistance and the energy
saving assistance
is a appliances and treatments of home programs. Uh
there's also something called the categorical eligibility
study. That focuses on public assistance programs as
pathways for eligibility and other public assistance
programs. That can make it more easy to sign up for
airfare and even uh further Senate Bill 1208
a funded by the government last fall. Uh required the
LIOB board to prepare a report that provides recommendations
to the
for facilitating, facilitating a concurrent enrollment
process for low-income assistance programs. That's
due by the end of this month. Uh the Low Income Board
will be reviewing a draft report that was occurred
by a subcommittee uh, before sending it to the Legislature.
Now, we will require recall that, that Legislation
also required the CPUC to um, uh provide for
uh the um, creation of the universal application system
and we voted that out uh at a previous voting meeting
So this is, this is two pieces we had our requirements
and then the LIOB board also has requirements uh in that
statute. So that meeting is on June 15, and
the information will be on the, on the website. Then
on June 20, our Advisory Committee, the Universal
Lifeline Telephone Service Administrative Committee
or ULTSAC. They will be meeting on June 20 at
8:30. They serve as an advisory board providing advice
and recommendations to the Commission on the California
Lifeline program development, implementation, administration
on in addition to various standing reports. So there
will be presentations on how a foster program is going.
Um, talk about the affordability uh, the the affordable
connectivity program. We just sorted out decision on
that passed. Uh, and then also how the Lifeline
program um will to interface with the 1208 uh
efforts on the current uh application processes for
American customers. So all are welcome and again on
the daily calendar on the website to be more information
Okay, we got four. On June 31, I'll be in Chula Vista.
This time, this time the topic is uh is the uh access
for all program. This is for the wheelchair bound individuals
having access to transportation, network companies
and to uh transportation overall. Uh to get to and fro
whatever needs they might have, uh go to appointments.
Uh and this uh event, I'll be speaking at this event.
It's uh an access for all launch celebration sponsored
by the San Diego Association of Governments, Governments.
also known as SDAG. And a nonprofit called Facilitating access
to coordinated transportation, been referred to as
and is the Metropolitan Planning Organization and councils
of government governed by a board of directors uh elected
officials. There are 18 city councils, I didn't realize
there are that many in county, 18 city council and
county board of supervisors uh currently focused on
speeding up delivery of major infrastructure projects
throughout San Diego region. Back as a nonprofit formed
in 2005 to improve the mobility for schools, persons
with disabilities, veterans and low-income individuals
and other disadvantaged populations in San Diego County.
So SDAG is designated as a consolidated transportation
services agency. Uh so the two organizations will,
will be discussing the C PC access for all programs
uh which is a first in the nation to require on demand
wheelchair accessible vehicle services via the transportation
network company. And authorizes a rider surcharge which
we voted out some years ago to fund this effort. So
now also on June 21, the Commission will be hosting
an online public workshop. To discuss outreach for the
implementation of the access to all programs. The workshop
will be held starting at 9:30. More information will
be available. And my Bagley Keene partner, uh Commissioner John Reynolds.
Will be um filling in uh for me. I mean, we will
be tagging anyway, all these efforts as do partners
do. Since I on the same time as this workshop. And finally,
this regarding autonomous vehicles. We will have a
workshop in-person, June 22 at our San Francisco
headquarters. To discuss possible new data reporting
requirements for the autonomous vehicle programs were
home and advice letters followed by companies. Uh And
so our consumer protection and enforcement division
has the authority to collect all the information necessary
to evaluate the safety uh of our autonomic vehicle
problems for passengers and driver. Excuse me, there
are no drivers. There are many technicians, but this
is auto vehicles, those passengers. Uh, this is a very
key workshop where the Commission will collect party
feedback on proposed data reporting requirements. Uh
the workshop will be held at 11am at our Commission's
headquarters at 505 Van Ness. Uh agree to and then
it will follow and again the information can be garnered
off of our website and a daily calendar. Thank you
and thank you, President Reynolds. Thank you. Um, other Commissioner
Reports?
Uh Commissioner Houck?
Thank you, President Reynolds. Um bear with me. I think
it might be a little longer than normal. But um, I first
just wanted to make a comment and recognize Item 16
on our Agenda today. Which sets the fiscal 23-24 budget
for our California Advanced Services Fund. The fund
supports a variety of accounts including our adoption
account for um public housing account. Um, infrastructure
account. And um, the adoption account in particular supports
our digital literacy program and we just adopted um
some grants that are part of the public housing grant
program. Um The C A F F Fund also um extension of
broadband networks, broadband Planning Consortium,
technical assistance. And again, the public housing
program. And these funds are essential to closing the
digital divide. This is a really critical program,
especially as we are looking at our efforts to meet
the goals of SB156. So I just want to recognize
that we set those budgets today. And
that,
sorry that um so I wanted to acknowledge that in my
report today. I also wanted to thank um Commissioner
Sharo for all of her work on the Western conference
in Napa that um we all recently attended. Um Your team
did an excellent job. It was a first class conference
uh great location agenda and speakers and just for
nothing but positive compliments from colleagues across
the West. So I just wanted to recognize that. Um, especially
appreciated the plenary speakers um inviting Tribal
Affairs Secretary, Christina Snyder. For some opening
comments and the fireside chat that President Reynolds
and Chair Willie Phillips had. Um, so again, thank
you, Commissioner Shiroma for all of the work and making
that conference happen. Um, day after that conference,
I also had um the, the honor of attending the National
Utilities Diversity Council brainstorm at the beach
down in Los Angeles. There was an impressive list of
individuals from across the nation representing State
Public Utilities Commission. Um, investor owned utilities,
contractors, diverse chambers of commerce and other
organizations. Um, there were a variety of discussions
we discussed important topics um and developed action
items for topics. Such as building a diversity um pipeline
to leadership disconnections and protecting low-income
ratepayers. Um California's G-01-56 is definitely uh
a highlight and um an example that others are striving
for and we talked about equity and rate design um to
to name some of the topics. Um So again, this event
immediately followed the conference which I think made
it easier for some travel for others across the country
Um But again, I was very grateful to have had the opportunity
to attend um NUDC. Not only inspires great conversations
they intentionally create space um for action items
that attendees can pursue after the event. And I'm
hoping to meet with um our Executive Director, uh Rachel
Peterson to share some of the discussions that we had
there. Um again, the diverse makeup of expert participants
provided an opportunity to engage on complex issues.
Regarding DEI and the context of serving customers,
providing opportunities for DEI suppliers and promoting
opportunities for um the DEI leadership within a broad
cross section of entities. Including nonprofits, IOUs,
and State Commissions. So I thought it was an excellent
event and was really happy to have had that opportunity
to attend. Um,
I also want to acknowledge the BEAD outreach and community
engagements that are going on right now. In partnership
with the California Department of Technology. There
have been 17 meetings so far with engaging with communities
across the state. The last of which is being held in
Oakland right now, and they had over 200 registrants.
It was basically registered to capacity like many of
the events have been. Um, I've had the opportunity to
attend the event in San Diego, one in L.A. Um, my
Chief of Staff, Karin Sung and Advisor um, Victor Smith
attended the Long Beach um, community engagement. I
also attended the one in where we had representation
from over 6 counties and a number of Tribes. And
um there are three Tribal consultations that have been
scheduled. One that will be held in Redding, one that
will be held um and hosted by the Tule River Tribe and one
that will be held down in Southern California um at
in El Cajon, at the um Tribal Community College. So um, I encourage
Tribal representatives interested in more broadband
information to please attend those events. We've had
excellent turnout with um, over 1500 individuals from
across the state attending these events. And just also
want to recognize our partnership with the California
Department of, of um Technology um as part of their
digital equity planning process. Um, it's been a great
partnership. And just really appreciate all of the effort
as well as, um the work of their contractor. Um, the
ETF um has also done an excellent job. And last but
not least, most important. I have some staffing updates
for my office that I wanted to provide. Um, so my office
has um a new Associate Government Programs Analyst
Lydia Park. Uh Lydia has worked in local government
for the public works department at the City of Fairfield.
Providing executive support in the depart, to department
managers and leadership to other administrative staff.
She's really excited to continue serving the public.
It's the California Public Utilities Commission um
in a similar field um, and will be an analyst in my
office. Um Lydia grew up in Davis and is native to
the Sacramento region. And she enjoys being outdoors
with her family. And I want to acknowledge and thank
um Libby Jones, Celinda Torres and Alina Benes for providing um
additional administrative support to my office while
um, we were short staffed. And um we're very happy to
have Lydia on board. And again, appreciate all of the
help that, that we received um, while that position
was vacant. I also want to welcome a new Advisor to
my office, um Nicky Bella. Nicky joined the Commission
in 2010 and he's worked in a variety of roles. And he's
worked in the Energy Division. He's been a part of
Cal Advocates in the past. Legal Division, the Consumer
Protection and Enforcement Division. And as a Legal
and Policy Advisor to former Commissioner, um Carla
Peterman. Most recently, Nicky worked as a senior data
analyst in CPED. Where he was responsible for collecting
and analyzing TNC data to advise the decision makers.
Nicky holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University.
Where he triple majored in Economics, Political Science
and Telecommunications. He also holds a Juris doctorate
from University of California, College of the Law of
San Francisco and um an LLM from UC Berkeley,
School of Law and a Master's Degree in Applied Data
Science from Syracuse University. Um, we are very pleased and
very happy to have Nicky on board. So please join me
and welcome him into my office. And that concludes my
Commissioner Report. Okay, great. Thank you. Alright
um Commissioner Reynolds? You have Commission Reynolds. Let's
go to you next. Thanks. I will uh, I'll be relatively
brief. Um I also want to extend my thanks to Commissioner
Shiroma and her team. For putting on a wonderful Western conference
and uh, and welcoming our Western colleagues to California.
To discuss uh all matter of regulatory, regulatory
industries and subjects. Um immediately following on
the Western conference, I had a chance to sit down
with Richard Edison from Capital Weekly. To talk about
zero emission vehicles and meeting our 2035 goals.
Um next week, I will be attending the Global Transmission
Conference to join our, our Western colleague, Mark
Commissioner Mark Thompson from Oregon. To talk about
offshore wind. And um, I think that really completes
my report today. So I will turn it back to you guys.
All right, great. Uh Commissioner Douglas?
All right. Thank you very much. I'll keep my report
brief as well. Um I want to join in the, thanks to
Commissioner Shiroma for her work and her office's work
on the Western conference. I found it to be incredibly
informative and enjoyable and it was very well attended.
And, and there was a lot of great um, uh just topics
covered and information presented there. Um, I had the
opportunity, opportunity to moderate a panel on how
wildfires and other extreme weather events. Impact reliability
and it was a really good discussion on, you know, one
of the many very topical uh panel subjects at, at the
event. Um, the only thing I wanted to add is that. Um,
I had the opportunity to attend uh some uh two of the
Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander employee resource
group, uh lunch and learns. Um one just talking about
uh travel and travel tips. And, and experiences traveling
through Asia and Hawaii. And uh, the other one on the
role and impact and experiences of the Chinese immigrants
in the development of the uh in construction of the
Trent Continental Railroad. Um those were great, those
were both uh well attended. And, and very uh nice to
be part of. So, um that's all I've got today. Thank
you.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas. Um all right.
Well, I have a report to conclude. Um I wanted to start
with a um an achievement of our CPUC Staff. Um, it
is an example of one of the many things that Staff
does on an ongoing basis many times without recognition.
And this one is about good news on progress to deploy
behind the meter battery storage on multifamily buildings.
Particularly those serving low-income customers.
PUC Staff recently addressed an ambiguity in our existing
virtual net metering tariffs. Which had caused delay
in many multi-family housing projects that were attempting
to add battery storage to solar systems through our
resiliency program. So the utilities and the CPUC Energy
Division Staff spent significant time collaborating
on potential solutions. And in May, Energy Division approved
filings from PG&E and SCE and SDG&E. That revise their
tariff language in a way that allows these storage
projects to move forward. The change will allow 142
projects to proceed with 18 of those projects funded
through our solar on multi-family affordable housing
or SOMA program. Uh So thank you uh to for the collaborative
spirit and all the hard work undertaken by the Energy
Division um, uh Staff. To resolve the matter including
Sarah Lernout, Justin Galley, uh Gabe Petland, Tory Francisco,
as well as Jonathan um Blackey, now in the ALJ
Division. So uh, thank you for that. And then I also
wanted to flag an upcoming event that I will be participating
in next week. Uh the International Regulatory Futures
Forum or IRFF. This year, it's going to be
held at Columbia Law School from June 16-17.
And the main goal of IRFF is to bring
regulators together from all over the world to discuss
and share knowledge on how to best regulate in the
face of a changing climate.
The agenda covers many topics that will directly benefit
Californians including customer engagement models,
the Inflation Reduction Act and the role that regulators
play. To support reliability and resilience as we push
towards a zero carbon energy system and protection
of vulnerable customers. In this time of increasingly
volatile commodity prices. So I'm looking forward to
that event. And then finally, I also have a staffing
update that I'm excited to share. I am happy to announce
that uh Carolina Maslanka, joined my office last week as
my Energy Advisor. Carolina came to the PUC in 2017. Um,
and as a Senior Analyst in the Energy Division. She
worked on integrated resource planning and transportation
electrification. In her work, Carolina focused on ensuring
that generation distribution and transmission planning
leads to more optimal infrastructure investments. And
aid in the achievement of GHG reduction goals and
zero emission vehicle regulation. Prior to the CPUC,
Carolina worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama.
A sustainable, Sustainability Intern for the White
House Council on Environmental Quality and an Energy
Efficiency ellow at NRDC. Carolina holds a Bachelor
of Arts in Global Studies and Political Science from
the University of Illinois, and a Master of Public
Policy from the University of California Berkeley.
So please join me in welcoming Carolina. Um that concludes
my report today. Um and with that, at the end of the
Commissioner Report. With the uh, conclusion of Commissioner
Reports, that also finishes our Agenda today. And so
this uh, Public Meeting of the California Public Utilities
Commission is now adjourned. Thank you, everyone.