WEBVTT

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Will begin momentarily, thank you for your patience.

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The feed for this. Public Utilities Commission

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Voting Meeting on this day Thursday, June 8, 2023.

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Today's call is being recorded. If you have any objections,

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you may disconnect at this time. President Reynolds,

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you may begin. Thank you and good morning everyone.

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We need to establish a quorum. So Agenda Clerk, could

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you please call the roll. Commissioner Douglas? Here.

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Commissioner John Reynolds? Here. Commissioner Houck? 

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Here. Commissioner Shiroma? Here. President Alice Reynolds?

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Here. We have a quorum. Welcome to the California Public

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Utilities Commission. I'm calling this meeting of June

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8, 2023, Public Agenda No. 3528 to order. I'm

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gonna start with a few housekeeping comments. Uh, today

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we will be meeting virtually. This meeting is also

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being live streamed. You can view the meeting at 

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www.adminmonitor.com/ca/

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cpuc. Closed captioning is available in English and

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Spanish through the webcast. To view the closed captioning,

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click on the green button beneath the webcast video

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player, and follow the instructions that appear on screen.

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Spanish interpretation is also available during the

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public comment of today's meeting. For Spanish interpretation,

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dial 1-800-659-1917, passcode 3799627#. And follow the

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instructions to be connected to the Spanish line. I

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asked that my colleagues and today's speakers speak

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clearly and slowly for interpretation. At today's meeting,

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the public will have the opportunity to make public

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comments by telephone. If you wish to make a public

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comment by telephone, please dial 1-800-857-1917 and

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enter passcode 9899501#, and press *1. You will

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be placed in a queue and the operator will take your

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name and information. You will then be called upon

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to speak when we get to the public comment period in

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today's agenda. Please note that if there are many

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callers, the wait to speak may be long. If you encounter

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difficulty calling into the public telephone line,

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please email: votingmeetinghelp@cpuc.

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ca.gov. For those of you who are not able to

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provide oral public comments at today's public voting

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meeting. If you would like to provide more lengthy

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comments, you may submit written comments. Written

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comments can be sent to us in two ways. One via an

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online forum found on each proceedings online docket

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card. Or two, directly to our Public Advisor's Office 

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at: public.advisor@cpuc.ca

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.gov. For more information about providing public

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comments, please contact our Public Advisors Office.

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And that email again is public.advisor@cpuc

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.ca.gov or you may call 1-866-849-8390. You

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can also visit our website and click on the Make a

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Comment tab.

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With that, I wanted to start with a few opening remarks,

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and then we will open up the public comment line. Um,

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I did want to note that we're entering the month of

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June. And I wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2

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important historical events in our nation's history.

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On June 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth. A day when we

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commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in

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the United States. For many African-Americans, Juneteenth

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has always been celebrated as his second Independence

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Day. Since Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas

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on June 19th, 1865. And discovered that African-Americans

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were still enslaved, 2 1/2 years after Abraham Lincoln

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had signed the Emancipation Act. Setting (inaudible) Juneteenth 

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is a sobering reminder that access to information is

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as valuable as property. African-American slaves who

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did not miss the

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nation in 1863 had ended slavery. Continued to work

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as property slave owners until they were informed of

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their freedom. Most recently, the tragic events of

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the police killings of Black Americans including George

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Floyd, Brianna Taylor during the Summer of 2020. Led

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to nationwide protests and a renewed focus on Juneteenth

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and its historical significance. The federal government

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recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday on June

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11, 2021. And on September 29, 2022, Governor Newsom

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proclaimed Juneteenth a holiday. Which may be taken

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as a personal holiday for state employees. In many places

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across the country, Legislation is being passed to

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restrict the teaching and understanding of race and

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sexual orientation in public schools. Courses such as

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A. P. African-American History are being eliminated

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or censored. Juneteenth continues to remind us that

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restrictions on information and education are a form

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of discrimination. Regardless of which disadvantaged

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community is targeted. It reminds us that communicating

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information to environmental, social and social justice

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communities is vital. The challenge for us as a society

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is not only to eradicate this traditional form of discrimination

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through education and other actions. But to ensure that

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similar tactics are not employed against other marginal,

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marginalized communities, such as LGBTQIA+ community.

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And of the African-American Coalition on Equity and, and

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employment, Equity Employment here at the CPUC. Um,

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will be hosting an internal lunch and event at the

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CPUC. Next Friday, I wanted to let everyone know about

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that. That will be um, considering talking about the

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significance of Juneteenth, and Commissioner Shiroma will be

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making introductory remarks. I encourage all CPUC employees

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to attend and learn more. And celebrate this momentous

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day of freedom, emancipation and independence.

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Um so briefly, in one other important note about June.

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Uh, June is also Pride Month. A time to honor the struggles,

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stories and voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,

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queer, intersex and asexual communities. And to recognize

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their rights and contributions to society. The CPUC,

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of course respects all members of the human family.

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Regardless of their gender identity, gender expression,

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or sexual orientation. And in 2018, California

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became the first state in the nation to officially

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recognize June as Pride Month. During June, we recall

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the Stonewall Uprisings of June 28,1969. Where

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drag queens, transgender people, bisexuals, lesbians

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and gay men stood up against police suppression in

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New York City. These activists, many of whom were black

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and people of color. Have inspired generations of advocates.

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Much of the progress we see today is owed to their

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courage. And also while the New York City, Stonewall

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Riots of 1969 were often used to mark the beginning

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of the modern pride movement. An earlier act of trans

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resistance was the Compton's Cafeteria Riot. Which happened, happened

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three years earlier in August 1966, in our very own

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San Francisco Tenderloin District. Um so, while the

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important progress has been made. We can't ignore the

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current threats to the LGBTQIA+ communities.

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Particularly towards transgender youth, who are being

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deprived of gender affirming health care, by State Legislatures

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across the country. And as Governor Newsom declared

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in his proclamation of Pride Month, this year. We must

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confront the rising tide of oppression and intolerance.

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To ensure that all are safe and welcomed in our communities.

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So this month, please join us in taking a moment to

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educate yourself on how to be an ally. To support our

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LGBTQIA+ communities, uh colleagues, family

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and friends. And to also join me in celebrating their

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resilience, courage, achievements and stories.

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So uh with that, I will now go to public comment. Um,

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and I do have some instructions to start with. To all

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of the folks who are calling in today on our public

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comment line. So if you wish to make a public comment

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by telephone, and you have already dialed into the public

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comment telephone line. Please press *1 and

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unmute your phone. The public can make comments addressing

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items on the Consent and Regular Agenda, as well as

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items not on the Agenda. The PUC rules do not allow

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for parties in proceedings to speak about open proceedings.

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All speakers will have 2 minutes to speak. You will

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hear, you will hear a bell when your time is up. So

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please do be mindful of other speakers waiting to speak

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and keep to your allotted time. If there are a large

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number of callers wishing to speak, the time limit

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may be changed to accommodate all the callers. And as

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a reminder, please speak clearly and slowly to accommodate

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Spanish interpreters. So with that guidance in mind,

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I welcome today's speakers. And I ask the operator

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to open the public comment telephone line. Operator?

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Thank you. The public telephone comment line is now

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open. For those on the phone, if you wish to speak during

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the public comment period. Please unmute your phone,

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press *1, and record your first and last name

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slowly and clearly when prompted. Our first question,

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or comment comes from Christine Freeman. Please go

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ahead.

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Hello, thank you very much. Dear Commissioners, my

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name is Christine Freeman, I'm from Grass Valley. I'm

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speaking today about PG&E actions on property known

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as Hell's Half Acre in Grass Valley. This is located

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on Rough and Ready Highway. On April 10, PG&E began

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work on a gas pipeline inspection and storage site.

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We understand the need for such a facility. But, we object

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to the way in which this work has been done. PG&E gave

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insufficient notice to nearby property owners and no

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or virtually no notice to local environmental organizations.

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That have been interested and active on this in this

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property for decades. This property is a lahar formation.

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A lava cap designated by Nevada County as open space.

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Because of the special habitat it provides for both

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plants and animals. PG&E removed virtually all trees

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and shrubs, deeply disturbed or compacted, almost all

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soil. We asked the CPUC to require PG&E to engage in

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equitable mitigation and restoration, in partnership

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with relevant local nonprofit organizations. And that's

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1st and 2nd, we asked the CPUC that they no longer

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exempt utility projects from CEQA or NEPA requirements.

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Thank you very much.

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Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

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go to the line of Dominic Curljac. Please go ahead.

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Good morning, President Reynolds and Commissioners.

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My name is Dominic Kurljac and I am the president of 

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U.W.U.A. Local 160C and the Secretary for the California

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Water Utility Council. Representing 665 members at California

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Water Service. The proposed water cost of capital decision

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would put California among the lowest in the nation

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for return on equity. This will jeopardize our ability

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to fund critical infrastructure investments needed

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to keep our water clean and reliable. Less infrastructure

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investment could also impact our ability to deal with

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wildfires, droughts and power shortages. As a result

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I fear this will lead to fewer good paying jobs for

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our union employees. I encourage you to reconsider

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the proposed decision. So that the return on equity

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is higher than the national average, not among the

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lowest. Thank you for your time and your consideration.

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Thank you. Operator, next caller please.

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I apologize, I was getting a name. Are we ready for

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the next one? We are, thank you. You're welcome. Juan

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Cisneros, please go ahead. Hello, Commissioners. My name

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is Juan Cisneros. I'm the president of U.W.A Local 205

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and Vice President of the CWC. I represent 665 trained,

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highly trained, skilled and state certified professionals

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with many years of water system experience. I'm proud

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of the work I do and the role I play in ensuring

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my family and my community. Have access to safe, clean

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drinking water every day. I am here today to express

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my concern on the current return of equity proposed

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to CalWater. It's low, it's too low for a large water

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utility. And it's lower than the national average that

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CalWater has received in the past. The lower rate

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of return directly impacts the ability to improve crucial

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infrastructure investments, projects necessary for users.

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Without adequate return investment, crucial projects

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may be delayed or prevented entirely. I encourage you

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to please revisit the proposal and increase the rate

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of return to CalWater. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next

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caller please. 

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Next, we'll go to the line of David Eberhart, Jr.

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Please go ahead.

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Hello, Commissioners. My name is David Eberhart, Jr.

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and I'm a proud member of Utilities Workers Unions

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of America Local 160. With the current proposed decision

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on the cost of capital, I am concerned that the return

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on equity is not enough to ensure my employer is able

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to invest in our water systems. As it stands, the current

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ROE places CalWater below the national average for

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water utilities. Making infrastructure investment much

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more difficult at a time. Where severe weather whiplash

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has increased the necessity for infrastructure investment.

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Commissioners please consider the necessity for water

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utilities. To currently invest in their water systems

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and infrastructure at this time. I ask that you consider

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raising the ROE closer to the national average. Which

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will benefit the communities we serve. Thank you.

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Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

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go to the line of Elana, Elana Rosano. Please go ahead.

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Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Elena Lovano.

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I am delegate of U.W.U.A Local 283 and

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delegate for the California Water Utility Council.

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Our priority to our customers is undeniable and incomparable

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to anything else we represent. Members of the CWC

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and as employees at Cali California Water Service.

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Ensuring we provide safe and reliable drinking water

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is to say the least. Together we strive towards innovative

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procedures, supporting conservation efforts and ensuring

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there is new infrastructure to, to deliver the highest

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quality water to our consumers. I ask that you reconsider

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the proposed ROE, making it higher and not among the

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lowest in the nation. As this ultimately affects how

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efficiently we can ensure sustainability, maintenance

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reduction in water loss and how effectively we can

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provide the life source that water is at its highest

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quality. Thank you for your time.

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Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

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go to Matt Gibson. You, please go ahead.

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Thank you. My name is Matt Gibson and I am a card

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carrying union member and representative for the Utility

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Workers Union of America. I am asking you to raise

00:17:39.130 --> 00:17:43.828
the return on equity. The 665 members we represent

00:17:43.838 --> 00:17:46.618
are directly responsible. For providing the highest

00:17:46.630 --> 00:17:51.368
quality service and safest drinking water through reliable

00:17:51.380 --> 00:17:54.660
infrastructure. We must protect our infrastructure

00:17:54.670 --> 00:17:58.059
to stay ahead of threats that include but are not limited

00:17:58.068 --> 00:18:02.699
to wildfires, drought and aging infrastructure. We

00:18:02.709 --> 00:18:07.180
protect our infrastructure by investing in our infrastructure.

00:18:07.289 --> 00:18:11.239
We replace aging water main, we update treatment plants,

00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:15.469
we update pump stations and we install new wells. The

00:18:15.479 --> 00:18:18.910
return on equity in the proposed decision is lower

00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:23.670
than the Commission granted in 2018. So consider the

00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:27.358
importance of protecting our infrastructure by investing

00:18:27.368 --> 00:18:30.890
in our infrastructure. And raise the return on equity.

00:18:31.118 --> 00:18:34.578
And I ask you to consider the importance of protecting

00:18:34.588 --> 00:18:37.769
our infrastructure by investing in our infrastructure.

00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:40.660
Thank you very much.

00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:44.910
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Nex, we have

00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:48.739
Nate Grimes. Please go, please go ahead. Thank you,

00:18:48.750 --> 00:18:51.868
Commissioner. My name is Nate Grimes and I'm a 

00:18:51.880 --> 00:18:54.680
CalWater employee and a member of the Utility Workers

00:18:54.689 --> 00:18:59.868
Union of America Local 160. CPUC should increase the rate

00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:03.759
of return for CalWater and its cost of capital proceeding.

00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:07.039
The current rate is too low and it's lower than what

00:19:07.049 --> 00:19:10.430
the Commission granted CalWater before. The low rate

00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:14.219
of return will inhibit my ability to do my job. To improve

00:19:14.229 --> 00:19:17.400
water infrastructure in California. The rate of return

00:19:17.410 --> 00:19:20.019
on capital is important because it controls how much

00:19:20.029 --> 00:19:23.880
CalWater can spend on water system investments and

00:19:23.890 --> 00:19:27.719
investments in its employees. The work done by my union

00:19:27.729 --> 00:19:31.759
brothers and sisters. Provides safe, affordable, high

00:19:31.769 --> 00:19:35.479
quality water for people in California. I'm proud that

00:19:35.489 --> 00:19:38.549
I contribute to our customer satisfaction with their

00:19:38.578 --> 00:19:42.088
water provider. I urge the Commissioner to raise the

00:19:42.098 --> 00:19:46.068
rate of return for CalWater's cost of capital proceeding.

00:19:46.150 --> 00:19:50.318
Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.

00:19:51.108 --> 00:19:55.439
Next, we'll go to the line of potato. Please go ahead.

00:19:57.309 --> 00:20:02.118
Uh good morning, uh the Commissioner. I'm a proud

00:20:02.130 --> 00:20:06.368
California resident. The new proposal for paying utility

00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:10.529
bills based on income is not right. The middle class

00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:13.009
is affected significantly with this rule. Since the

00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:15.348
middle class is already paying the highest amount of

00:20:15.358 --> 00:20:19.640
tax. The State of California always take pride in equality

00:20:19.650 --> 00:20:22.900
in gender, religion, etcetera. But this proposal is

00:20:22.910 --> 00:20:26.769
not defining equality between people. I strongly believe

00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:29.650
that this rule should be based on usage based, rather

00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:32.680
than income based. Since we are already paying the highest

00:20:32.689 --> 00:20:37.390
taxes. CPUC must reject such proposals to save our

00:20:37.400 --> 00:20:40.539
community. Thank you for your time and consideration.

00:20:41.979 --> 00:20:46.049
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:48.920
go to the line of Michelle Patel. Please go ahead.

00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:53.140
Hello and good morning, dear Commissioner and other

00:20:53.150 --> 00:20:56.180
colleagues. I'm Michelle Patel, a long term California

00:20:56.189 --> 00:21:00.338
resident. The proposal of charging utility bills based

00:21:00.348 --> 00:21:04.689
on income is outrageous. Most individuals and families

00:21:04.699 --> 00:21:08.479
with mid to higher income have already spent thousands

00:21:08.489 --> 00:21:13.108
of dollars. On green and clean energy using solar panels

00:21:13.118 --> 00:21:16.858
battery backup, just to name a few. They've invested

00:21:16.868 --> 00:21:20.180
hundreds of dollars in making improvements in their

00:21:20.189 --> 00:21:25.259
homes to save energy. The new homes sold in California

00:21:25.269 --> 00:21:30.140
are now required to have solar panels. And these individuals

00:21:30.150 --> 00:21:33.549
and families buying these new homes are not getting

00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:37.459
any particular benefit from the state. And furthermore,

00:21:37.469 --> 00:21:41.130
the cost of having solar power is added to the price

00:21:41.140 --> 00:21:44.949
of the home. Further increasing their real estate taxes.

00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:51.088
Now, solar energy companies have burdened these individuals

00:21:51.098 --> 00:21:54.209
and families with these proposed fees based on their

00:21:54.219 --> 00:21:59.848
income. We urge CPUC to consider offering a rebate program.

00:21:59.959 --> 00:22:04.078
To improve home conditions for lower-income individuals

00:22:04.088 --> 00:22:09.250
to reduce their energy cost. Rather than charging higher

00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:14.750
income individuals with monthly fees for having energy

00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:17.739
supply. Thank you for your time and consideration.

00:22:18.439 --> 00:22:22.019
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

00:22:22.029 --> 00:22:28.719
go to Davine Babalin. Please go ahead.

00:22:28.719 --> 00:22:34.739
Hello? Yes, your line is open. Oh, thanks. Uh my name

00:22:34.750 --> 00:22:38.838
is Devine Babine. Um I just wanted to very, I'll be very

00:22:38.848 --> 00:22:42.920
brief. Um I just don't think quite frankly that ratepayers

00:22:42.930 --> 00:22:46.739
should bear the cost of SoCalGas', you

00:22:46.750 --> 00:22:49.588
know, in general mismanagement. The fundamental public

00:22:49.598 --> 00:22:52.848
utility responsibilities and financing other, you know

00:22:52.858 --> 00:22:57.289
other ventures. I think shareholders have a non regulated

00:22:57.299 --> 00:23:00.130
affiliate of SoCalGas to finance the project. I don't

00:23:00.140 --> 00:23:02.189
think there's any need or precedent for the CPUC

00:23:02.199 --> 00:23:05.559
to, you know, to regulate hydrogen supplies or

00:23:05.568 --> 00:23:10.049
or, you know, so that's my bit.

00:23:10.049 --> 00:23:14.019
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

00:23:14.029 --> 00:23:18.410
go to Ourgis Redalucian. Please go ahead.

00:23:18.410 --> 00:23:24.180
Hello, my name is Ourgis Redalucian. Um, I am calling in to say that

00:23:24.189 --> 00:23:28.000
ratepayers should not bear the cost of financial ventures

00:23:28.009 --> 00:23:32.759
that SoCalGas wants to do. Um I am a, I live

00:23:32.769 --> 00:23:36.809
in Los Angeles County. And um, I do not want to be

00:23:36.818 --> 00:23:39.469
burdened with the cost of projects, that just put more

00:23:39.479 --> 00:23:44.519
money in the pockets um of these people. Um, they continue

00:23:44.529 --> 00:23:47.939
to, to be a corrupt organization, um evading community

00:23:47.949 --> 00:23:51.219
input. At the cost of residence throughout Los Angeles.

00:23:51.529 --> 00:23:54.500
Um, they've mismanaged lots of projects in the past

00:23:54.699 --> 00:23:57.420
and they are not trusted in the community. Thank you.

00:23:58.509 --> 00:24:02.739
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

00:24:02.750 --> 00:24:07.118
go to Alex Kazarian. Please go ahead. Fellow Commissioners,

00:24:07.130 --> 00:24:09.920
my name is Alex Caesarean and I'm a concerned citizen.

00:24:10.150 --> 00:24:12.959
SoCalGas having mishandled the biggest gas leak in

00:24:12.969 --> 00:24:15.989
U.S. History. Endangered millions of seniors and disadvantaged

00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:18.568
communities during the recent Winter. Now they are,

00:24:18.650 --> 00:24:21.449
they are seeking ratepayers funding for their new hydrogen

00:24:21.459 --> 00:24:24.118
market venture. And the expansion of their operations

00:24:24.130 --> 00:24:28.029
in a Eureka Canyon. Where the leak occurred just a few years

00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:31.049
ago. How can they be trusted? And is this a company

00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:33.949
that you would like to have, to handle such an undertaking?

00:24:34.160 --> 00:24:37.189
Thank you for your time. Thank you.

00:24:37.189 --> 00:24:40.380
Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll go to Daniel

00:24:40.868 --> 00:24:45.729
Parseghian. Please go ahead. Hi everyone. SoCalGas persists

00:24:45.739 --> 00:24:48.049
in raising rates on communities without alternative

00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:51.559
options. Even after an extremely challenging Winter

00:24:51.568 --> 00:24:55.559
where they charged customers, 128% above the average.

00:24:55.949 --> 00:24:58.170
This was either due to their complete inability to

00:24:58.180 --> 00:25:00.959
effectively manage their primary business of purchasing

00:25:00.969 --> 00:25:05.108
gas at the appropriate time in price or intentional

00:25:05.118 --> 00:25:09.029
market manipulation. Um The kind of question I'll leave

00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:11.578
you guys with is how is this price raising justified

00:25:11.848 --> 00:25:14.039
And I want everyone to think about who is it affecting

00:25:14.049 --> 00:25:19.029
most? Thank you so much for your time. Thank you operator

00:25:19.108 --> 00:25:22.078
Next caller, please. Thank you. And before we go to

00:25:22.088 --> 00:25:24.229
the next caller, if you wish to speak during the public

00:25:24.239 --> 00:25:26.578
comments period. Please press *1, unmute your

00:25:26.588 --> 00:25:29.680
phone and clearly provide your name when prompted.

00:25:29.979 --> 00:25:34.939
Next we have Randy Acevedo. Please go ahead.

00:25:34.939 --> 00:25:38.430
Good morning. And my name is Randy Acevedo, I'm a member

00:25:38.439 --> 00:25:42.199
of the U.W.U.A Local 160C. Uh I work

00:25:42.209 --> 00:25:46.009
for CalWater. I appreciate your time and the opportunity

00:25:46.019 --> 00:25:50.969
to speak. Um I believe that the return on equity proposed

00:25:51.289 --> 00:25:57.578
is much too low. And with the inflation and dramatic

00:25:57.588 --> 00:26:01.239
cost of living increases that we have seen. That this

00:26:01.250 --> 00:26:04.318
decision will only make it more difficult to invest

00:26:04.328 --> 00:26:07.729
in our infrastructure and the need to deliver safe

00:26:07.739 --> 00:26:14.088
and reliable water. Our state has much more regulated

00:26:15.640 --> 00:26:21.130
uh, regulations from our state. And I believe we

00:26:21.140 --> 00:26:25.680
are also a leader in water quality, which is one of

00:26:25.689 --> 00:26:29.479
the many reasons why we need this average to be higher

00:26:29.489 --> 00:26:33.118
at minimum. The national average, I really appreciate

00:26:33.130 --> 00:26:36.890
your consideration. It is our responsibility that we

00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:41.299
provide safe drinking water to everybody. And this decision

00:26:41.309 --> 00:26:44.140
would have a huge impact. So, thank you for your time.

00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:48.729
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next,

00:26:48.739 --> 00:26:54.130
we'll go to the line of Danny Osoverian. Please go ahead. Hi,

00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:58.670
my name is Penny Urian and I'm a Los Angeles resident.

00:26:58.838 --> 00:27:01.328
I personally believe that it is very inappropriate

00:27:01.338 --> 00:27:04.739
to ask the CPUC to force ratepayers to subsidize

00:27:04.750 --> 00:27:07.900
the SoCalGas. As they are about to enter their new

00:27:08.189 --> 00:27:12.118
hydrogen business venture. That will only benefit themselves and

00:27:12.130 --> 00:27:15.459
harm the people. Especially after the horrendous Winter

00:27:15.469 --> 00:27:19.509
that they were charging customers 128% more rate

00:27:19.519 --> 00:27:23.269
than average. Thank you.

00:27:23.269 --> 00:27:26.759
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we'll

00:27:26.769 --> 00:27:32.380
go to the line of Javin Collins. Please go ahead.

00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:36.219
This is Kevin Collins here. I apologize, Kevin Collins.

00:27:36.229 --> 00:27:39.519
Please go ahead. Yeah, uh.

00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:44.890
I live in San Rafael and I filed a docketed adjudicatory

00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:50.209
complaint in 2018. Uh, trying to get an update to General

00:27:50.219 --> 00:27:55.430
Order 95. I've been a party to other proceedings. I

00:27:55.439 --> 00:27:58.809
recently heard a member of the Commission refer to

00:27:58.818 --> 00:28:04.459
General Order 95, as a source of safety for electrical

00:28:04.469 --> 00:28:08.368
circuits in California. This could not be further from

00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:13.568
the truth. General Order 95 is a recipe for negligence.

00:28:13.660 --> 00:28:17.578
It allows the use of tiny overhead conductor. The same

00:28:17.588 --> 00:28:21.799
size that 4 of these wires would be used to wire

00:28:21.809 --> 00:28:25.170
one residential kitchen range. This is an 8 gauge

00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:28.588
wire. It's in table one, you can find it, if you know

00:28:28.598 --> 00:28:31.578
how to look through the index of General Order 95.

00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:35.989
General Order 95 also does not require the use of a

00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:40.250
fuse anywhere in an electrical circuit in the state.

00:28:40.449 --> 00:28:44.209
This is amazing. Fuses have been in existence since

00:28:44.219 --> 00:28:48.529
the 19th century. The term recloser can't be found

00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:52.318
in General Order 95, reclosers are the principal circuit

00:28:52.328 --> 00:28:57.410
breaker across all substations, power poles across

00:28:57.420 --> 00:29:01.229
the United States. The word is not in General Order

00:29:01.239 --> 00:29:05.479
95. In other words, this rule set does not include

00:29:05.489 --> 00:29:09.269
provisions for circuit protection. Surge protection is

00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:13.680
fundamental to wildfire safety. I'm astonished that

00:29:13.689 --> 00:29:17.729
this is the case, but only electrical engineers understand

00:29:17.739 --> 00:29:21.000
this issue. I was a general building contractor. I

00:29:21.009 --> 00:29:25.469
designed electrical circuits for houses for many years

00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:30.670
in that capacity. And the national electric code for

00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:36.348
buildings is a plausible, plausible set of regulations.

00:29:36.719 --> 00:29:43.279
General Order 95 is a farce. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next

00:29:43.289 --> 00:29:47.239
caller, please. Next we have Artosha Kucharine. Please

00:29:47.250 --> 00:29:49.750
go ahead.

00:29:49.750 --> 00:29:54.920
Hi. Um my name is Natasha Kucharine. I'm a (inaudible) resident. Um I oppose

00:29:54.930 --> 00:29:58.068
this measure. I mean, how much more of this bureaucracy

00:29:58.078 --> 00:30:01.969
can we realistically take? Uh we need to stop letting

00:30:01.979 --> 00:30:06.029
ratepayers and uh taxpayers in general uh carrying the

00:30:06.039 --> 00:30:10.420
burden of all of these uh, ill advised uh projects. And

00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:15.328
uh unnecessary adventures. Uh so, yeah that's it for

00:30:15.338 --> 00:30:17.588
me. Thank you.

00:30:17.588 --> 00:30:21.400
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next, we have

00:30:21.410 --> 00:30:26.689
Eric Moltz. Your line is open, please go ahead.

00:30:26.689 --> 00:30:29.328
Uh hi, my name is Eric. Um I'm also a concerned Los

00:30:29.338 --> 00:30:32.699
Angeles resident. Um I'm just concerned about the fact

00:30:32.709 --> 00:30:35.930
that all of these projects fall onto the, the laps

00:30:35.939 --> 00:30:41.239
of, of ratepayers. And especially, you know, um, oh

00:30:41.910 --> 00:30:44.618
senior citizens and to communities and I just wanted

00:30:44.630 --> 00:30:49.588
to put, to put into the, to the known uh, facility.

00:30:49.598 --> 00:30:52.699
That there are people paying for these and people that

00:30:52.709 --> 00:30:56.559
just had a Winter, a horrendous Winter. Of um, they

00:30:56.568 --> 00:31:00.170
were charged over double um of the average for their

00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:03.000
gas. So I just want to put into the, I still feel

00:31:03.009 --> 00:31:06.150
that there are people that are unable to pay for this.

00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:09.509
And they should be represented. Thank you so much.

00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:14.539
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Next,

00:31:14.549 --> 00:31:19.009
we have Cecil Phillips. Your line is open. Good morning,

00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:21.858
Commissioners. I'm here to speak on the proposed decision

00:31:21.868 --> 00:31:25.539
on California water services cost of capital. I'm the

00:31:25.549 --> 00:31:28.239
President of the California Water Utility Council. Which

00:31:28.250 --> 00:31:31.449
represents 6 utility Worker Union of America Locals

00:31:31.459 --> 00:31:33.809
throughout California employed by California Water

00:31:33.818 --> 00:31:37.009
Service. We provide water to roughly 2 million residents.

00:31:37.848 --> 00:31:40.989
Because of CalWater's ability to invest in its infrastructure.

00:31:41.229 --> 00:31:43.660
Our members are able to provide water when the power

00:31:43.670 --> 00:31:47.078
companies often fail. When wildfires threaten and impact

00:31:47.088 --> 00:31:50.318
our neighborhoods, and when flooding damages our communities.

00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:53.670
Our union has concerns about the proposed decision

00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:56.259
and how it will impact our members livelihood and the

00:31:56.269 --> 00:31:59.568
customers we serve. The return on equity and the proposed

00:31:59.578 --> 00:32:02.430
decision will limit the ability of CalWater to continue

00:32:02.439 --> 00:32:05.199
making these investments and our ability to meet these

00:32:05.209 --> 00:32:09.229
challenges. By making proactive investments in our infrastructure.

00:32:09.430 --> 00:32:12.608
We ensure that our customers have a viable, safe, clean

00:32:12.618 --> 00:32:16.799
water source at a fair price. Respectfully, we urge

00:32:16.809 --> 00:32:18.729
you to increase the return on equity in the proposed

00:32:18.739 --> 00:32:23.380
decision. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller

00:32:23.390 --> 00:32:26.430
please. Thank you. And again, before we go to the next

00:32:26.439 --> 00:32:28.588
caller. If you wish to speak during the public comment

00:32:28.598 --> 00:32:31.608
period, please press *1, unmute your phone and

00:32:31.618 --> 00:32:34.939
clearly provide your name when prompted. Next, we have

00:32:34.959 --> 00:32:40.469
a Pete Gazarine. Please go ahead. Hi, can you guys hear

00:32:40.479 --> 00:32:45.189
me? Yes, we can. Uh hey, Commissioners. Good morning.

00:32:45.199 --> 00:32:47.989
Hope you guys are all doing well. Uh my name is Arkie

00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:52.769
Azarian. Um, I just wanted to speak on the topic of uh,

00:32:53.598 --> 00:32:58.250
new project um having to be funded by ratepayers. So

00:32:58.259 --> 00:33:01.420
as we all know, the rates have been raised this past

00:33:01.430 --> 00:33:04.739
winter especially, um but also consistently for the

00:33:04.750 --> 00:33:11.368
past, um, couple of months. So those, um, hired rates

00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:14.588
have been paid by the rate payers and they're, they've

00:33:14.598 --> 00:33:16.739
been hired because of the mistakes and mismanagement

00:33:16.750 --> 00:33:19.539
made by the company. Um, so it's not something the

00:33:19.549 --> 00:33:22.769
rate payers should be responsible for. Um, and, you

00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:25.279
know, in addition to having to pay these higher rates

00:33:25.289 --> 00:33:27.890
they also want the ratepayers to then go ahead and

00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:31.789
pay for their new hydrogen market ventures. Which makes

00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:34.809
absolutely no sense. That should be the shareholders

00:33:34.818 --> 00:33:38.289
responsibility to pay for these new ventures that they

00:33:38.299 --> 00:33:41.598
want to make. Not the ratepayers. Thank you for your

00:33:41.608 --> 00:33:46.959
time. Thank you. Operator, next caller please. And

00:33:47.439 --> 00:33:50.559
for our final question or final comment in the queue.

00:33:50.568 --> 00:33:54.939
We have Talesh Fabian. Please go ahead. Hello. Yes, can

00:33:54.949 --> 00:33:59.180
you hear me? Yes, we can. Great. Uh good morning, Commissioners.

00:33:59.189 --> 00:34:03.289
Uh, thank you. Um, I'll be very quick. Um, I just believe

00:34:03.299 --> 00:34:08.000
that uh, we should not be bearing the cost of SoCal's uh mismanagement.

00:34:08.010 --> 00:34:11.478
Of uh fundamental public utility responsibilities.

00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:14.289
We shouldn't have to be uh, financing their other market

00:34:14.300 --> 00:34:17.329
ventures. Um I just think it's really inappropriate

00:34:17.340 --> 00:34:20.010
to be asking, to ask the CPUC to force

00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:24.050
ratepayers to subsidize SoCalGas. As it attempts to enter

00:34:24.059 --> 00:34:27.128
their new hydrogen business venture to just benefit

00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:31.309
them, fatten their pockets even more. Thank you.

00:34:31.309 --> 00:34:35.579
Thank you. And Operator, I know that you said that was the last

00:34:35.590 --> 00:34:37.610
caller. Could you check one more time, to see if anyone

00:34:37.898 --> 00:34:42.858
can. Absolutely. All right. Alex, Alex Hernandez.

00:34:43.338 --> 00:34:47.617
Oh, great. Please go ahead. Hi, yes. Um I, I really

00:34:47.628 --> 00:34:50.197
don't think that taxpayers or ratepayers should be

00:34:50.208 --> 00:34:53.728
responsible for SoCalGas' mismanagement of public utilities.

00:34:54.108 --> 00:34:56.648
I don't think that we should finance other market ventures.

00:34:56.657 --> 00:34:59.148
And, and I really struggle to see how the CPUC

00:34:59.157 --> 00:35:01.539
can even bother entertaining this blatant effort

00:35:01.548 --> 00:35:05.088
by SoCalGas. To fatten private pockets using public

00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:08.887
funds. I, I really, really do not support that at all.

00:35:09.239 --> 00:35:14.059
Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. And, and

00:35:14.070 --> 00:35:16.559
could you check one more time. To see if there's anyone

00:35:16.570 --> 00:35:19.500
else in the queue? Yes, absolutely. Before we go to

00:35:19.510 --> 00:35:21.708
the next caller, if you wish to speak during the comments

00:35:21.719 --> 00:35:24.099
period. Please press *1, unmute your phone, and

00:35:24.110 --> 00:35:27.059
clearly provide your name when prompted. We do have

00:35:27.070 --> 00:35:29.610
1 in queue. I just have to get their name one moment.

00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:46.728
All right, great.

00:35:46.728 --> 00:35:50.840
And we do have Scott Carmichael. Please go ahead. Hello,

00:35:50.849 --> 00:35:53.469
Commissioners. Uh, my name is Scott Carmichael. I've

00:35:53.478 --> 00:35:56.699
been with California Water Service for 21 years and

00:35:56.708 --> 00:35:59.840
a proud member of the Utility Workers Union of America 

00:36:00.110 --> 00:36:03.389
at a Local 160D for the same amount of time. I'm

00:36:03.398 --> 00:36:06.128
currently Foreman of Operation and Maintenance out

00:36:06.139 --> 00:36:09.039
of our Chico district. And most of my career has been

00:36:09.050 --> 00:36:12.099
working on the repair, maintenance and installation

00:36:12.110 --> 00:36:15.260
of our distribution system infrastructure in my hometown

00:36:15.269 --> 00:36:18.340
of Chico, California. As I stated to the Commission

00:36:18.349 --> 00:36:22.849
back in 2018, I get to see first hand the many benefits

00:36:22.860 --> 00:36:26.849
investing in our water systems infrastructure bring.

00:36:27.188 --> 00:36:31.369
From efficiency, safety, customer service, reliability

00:36:31.378 --> 00:36:35.148
or emergency response. Water quality, so on and so

00:36:35.159 --> 00:36:41.030
on. As an essential worker, an essential resource in

00:36:41.039 --> 00:36:44.458
the essential state of California. I ask that you increase

00:36:44.469 --> 00:36:48.800
the return on equity to at least the national average.

00:36:49.039 --> 00:36:51.628
Thank you.

00:36:51.628 --> 00:36:55.550
Thank you. And Operator next caller, if we have any

00:36:55.559 --> 00:36:58.519
more in the queue. I am currently showing no other

00:36:58.530 --> 00:37:03.478
callers in the queue. Okay, thank you very much. Um, with

00:37:03.489 --> 00:37:06.519
no more callers on the line. The public comment period

00:37:06.530 --> 00:37:09.139
is now closed.

00:37:09.139 --> 00:37:12.860
I will now turn to the Public Agenda and start off

00:37:12.869 --> 00:37:17.469
with the following changes to today's Agenda. Item 2

00:37:17.478 --> 00:37:23.309
has been withdrawn. Items 4, 21 and 24 are held to the

00:37:23.320 --> 00:37:28.659
June 29, 2023 Voting Meeting. Items 3 and 3A

00:37:28.668 --> 00:37:33.800
are held to the June 29, 2023 Voting Meeting. Where

00:37:33.809 --> 00:37:39.360
they will appear on the Regular Agenda. Item 6, 7, 20 

00:37:39.369 --> 00:37:43.949
and 34 have been moved to the Regular Agenda. We will

00:37:43.958 --> 00:37:47.719
now pick up the Consent Agenda. Is there a motion on

00:37:47.728 --> 00:37:52.409
the Consent Agenda?

00:37:52.409 --> 00:37:56.329
So moved. All right, we have a motion from Commissioner Shiroma.

00:37:56.340 --> 00:38:00.840
And is there a second?

00:38:00.840 --> 00:38:05.250
I'll second. Okay. Second from uh, Commissioner Reynolds.

00:38:05.530 --> 00:38:09.320
Uh Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll on

00:38:09.329 --> 00:38:15.119
the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner

00:38:15.128 --> 00:38:20.679
John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck?

00:38:20.679 --> 00:38:26.648
Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds?

00:38:27.688 --> 00:38:32.659
Yes. The vote is 5-0. The Consent Agenda has been approved.

00:38:33.398 --> 00:38:36.610
I will now move to Item 6 on the Regular Agenda.

00:38:37.599 --> 00:38:42.010
Item 6 is a decision from an order instituting rulemaking

00:38:42.019 --> 00:38:45.809
which creates two California lifeline pilot programs.

00:38:45.938 --> 00:38:49.728
To leverage federal affordable connectivity uh program.

00:38:50.349 --> 00:38:53.849
And I will turn the presentation over to the assigned

00:38:53.860 --> 00:38:57.039
Commissioner, Commissioner Shiroma.

00:38:57.039 --> 00:39:00.449
Thank you, President Reynolds. I'm pleased to present

00:39:00.458 --> 00:39:05.458
this item as you described. This Item 6 proposes

00:39:05.469 --> 00:39:09.389
to approve two pilot programs for the California Lifeline

00:39:09.398 --> 00:39:13.168
Program. So that participants can leverage additional

00:39:13.179 --> 00:39:17.179
federal funding from the afford, affordable productivity

00:39:17.188 --> 00:39:22.989
program or ACP. Uh this will provide access to affordable

00:39:23.000 --> 00:39:27.639
broadband service. The federal ACP provides a discount

00:39:27.648 --> 00:39:32.639
of up to $30 per month for broadband services for qualifying

00:39:32.648 --> 00:39:37.898
low-income households. And a discount of $75 per month

00:39:38.059 --> 00:39:42.449
for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Now, under

00:39:42.458 --> 00:39:46.228
the offices of the Federal Communications Commission

00:39:46.239 --> 00:39:50.800
the FCC. The federal lifeline program provides low-

00:39:50.809 --> 00:39:56.030
income customers a discount of up to $9.25 for their

00:39:56.039 --> 00:39:59.719
monthly broadband service. This is separate from the

00:39:59.728 --> 00:40:05.550
ACP, this is Lifeline. Or a discount of up to $5.25

00:40:06.300 --> 00:40:11.128
on voice plans and Tribal plans qualify for a discount

00:40:11.139 --> 00:40:15.478
of up to $25 for customers. Now, the FCC and

00:40:15.489 --> 00:40:19.340
the states including California have been administering

00:40:19.349 --> 00:40:23.329
the lifeline program for many years to provide a lifeline

00:40:23.340 --> 00:40:29.539
voice, uh text uh um uh services and most states do

00:40:29.550 --> 00:40:33.208
not provide an additional state discount of California

00:40:33.219 --> 00:40:37.260
desk. The Cal Lifeline program provides the highest

00:40:37.269 --> 00:40:41.489
state discount in the country. This is in addition

00:40:41.500 --> 00:40:47.239
to the federal uh discount. Uh, uh we provide an additional

00:40:47.250 --> 00:40:53.340
$17.90 per month when adding the support from the federal

00:40:53.349 --> 00:40:58.309
lifeline program of $9.25. The lifeline participants

00:40:58.320 --> 00:41:04.519
receive a total discount of up to $27.15 for his voice

00:41:04.530 --> 00:41:08.199
text and data. And the proposed decision would, would

00:41:08.208 --> 00:41:12.628
approve two pilots, one for wireless service providers

00:41:12.639 --> 00:41:17.168
and one for wire line service providers to stack the

00:41:17.179 --> 00:41:20.760
federal and California wifi discounts on top of the

00:41:20.769 --> 00:41:26.429
federal ACP funding. Uh, the wireless broadband lifeline

00:41:26.438 --> 00:41:30.139
pilot that we are proposing features two options in

00:41:30.148 --> 00:41:36.750
this world. Tier A provides for the full federal lifeline

00:41:36.760 --> 00:41:40.760
count in the Lifeline and ACP discount. For total of

00:41:40.769 --> 00:41:47.489
$57.15. A free smart phone with hotspot capabilities,

00:41:47.760 --> 00:41:52.699
unlimited mobile data, voice and text messages. Requirements

00:41:52.708 --> 00:41:57.909
about speeds and a minimum of 50 gigabytes of hotspot

00:41:57.918 --> 00:42:02.039
data being provided at higher speeds. And a minimum

00:42:02.050 --> 00:42:06.559
of 150 gigabytes uh, before speeds may be reduced.

00:42:07.820 --> 00:42:14.789
Under the tier B uh, of the Lifeine uh pilot. Uh provides

00:42:17.708 --> 00:42:22.789
yes. yes. Okay. So So to be uh a wire line pilot

00:42:22.800 --> 00:42:26.340
provides an option for a smaller level. So this is

00:42:26.349 --> 00:42:28.929
again with. I'm sorry. That should, that should be

00:42:28.938 --> 00:42:32.349
wireless, right? So the wireless, it provides an option

00:42:32.360 --> 00:42:36.320
for a smaller level of the use of the California discount

00:42:36.329 --> 00:42:42.938
at $10.63, instead of a full $17.90. And provides 50

00:42:42.949 --> 00:42:46.030
gigabytes. And I'm sorry, 30 gigabytes instead of 50

00:42:46.039 --> 00:42:50.750
gigabytes of hotspot data, 80 gigabytes per month before

00:42:50.760 --> 00:42:55.389
reducing speeds. Instead of 150 gigabytes plus

00:42:55.398 --> 00:42:58.809
all the other features of Tier A. So that's wireless.

00:42:59.449 --> 00:43:05.780
For the wire line uh, pilot. Uh It would provide for

00:43:05.789 --> 00:43:13.429
the $57.15 stacking for a standalone home broadband

00:43:13.438 --> 00:43:18.780
service. Or a bundled home broadband service with voice

00:43:18.789 --> 00:43:22.800
over internet provider service plan. With unlimited

00:43:22.809 --> 00:43:26.360
mobile data, a substantial allotment of high speed

00:43:26.369 --> 00:43:31.280
hotspot data, and again a free mobile device capable

00:43:31.289 --> 00:43:35.099
of delivering high speed. And hot spot use of hot spot data.

00:43:35.769 --> 00:43:42.000
And, and excellent speeds of 100 down, uh 100 down, 20

00:43:42.010 --> 00:43:46.119
up of megabytes per second. All of these criteria that

00:43:46.128 --> 00:43:51.519
I provide you is geared towards assuring that low-income

00:43:51.530 --> 00:43:56.728
customers who receive the excellent quality subscriptions

00:43:56.739 --> 00:44:01.429
that non customers receive.

00:44:01.429 --> 00:44:06.148
Uh further, further wire line customers who may already

00:44:06.159 --> 00:44:10.789
have a separate mobile service plan or other communication

00:44:10.800 --> 00:44:17.559
service options for calling 911. Um uh while ACP

00:44:17.570 --> 00:44:21.648
does not require customers to prove or certify that

00:44:21.659 --> 00:44:24.969
they are subscribed. This type of service plan for

00:44:24.978 --> 00:44:29.550
calling 911. It does require that the pilot service

00:44:29.559 --> 00:44:34.530
providers inform interested customers. That the standalone

00:44:34.539 --> 00:44:38.679
broadband service plan does not include the voice service

00:44:38.688 --> 00:44:42.949
for making those 911 calls. And to obtain from these

00:44:42.958 --> 00:44:48.978
customers. They um the, the phone number that the pilot

00:44:48.989 --> 00:44:53.708
participant can use to call 911 a bit complicated.

00:44:53.719 --> 00:44:58.159
But overall, it is looking to assure that low-income

00:44:58.168 --> 00:45:01.648
customers, it's not a plan that they choose for wire

00:45:01.659 --> 00:45:05.869
line service and broadband service are still able to

00:45:05.878 --> 00:45:10.409
contact 911 in an emergency. Uh I also note that the

00:45:10.418 --> 00:45:14.869
staffing discounts in CalLifeline, Federal Lifeline,

00:45:15.070 --> 00:45:20.000
and ACP will allow uh Tribal pilot participants to

00:45:20.010 --> 00:45:26.878
access up to $127.15 for low-income customers. And

00:45:26.889 --> 00:45:30.469
towards learning from these pilots service providers

00:45:30.478 --> 00:45:34.369
will collect data handle, confidently. On how much of

00:45:34.378 --> 00:45:37.840
the unlimited broadband data and high-speed hotspot

00:45:37.849 --> 00:45:41.168
data is used by California lifeline participants and

00:45:41.179 --> 00:45:45.918
tests whether offering a California lifeline subsidy

00:45:45.929 --> 00:45:51.478
or standalone wire line broadband service. Uh, will increase

00:45:51.489 --> 00:45:55.938
participation uh, without reducing access to the 911.

00:45:56.340 --> 00:46:00.398
And whether allowing internet service provider, affiliate

00:46:01.070 --> 00:46:05.239
of the California Lifeline service providers. Um, will

00:46:05.250 --> 00:46:09.478
increase offerings, you know, market forces and what

00:46:09.489 --> 00:46:13.039
have you. Looking at really get an uptake in different

00:46:13.050 --> 00:46:16.188
offerings that are, are very affordable. Will we have

00:46:16.199 --> 00:46:20.019
an increase in qualified lifeline partment signing

00:46:20.030 --> 00:46:23.949
up. Now, there are several revisions to the PD including

00:46:23.958 --> 00:46:29.228
clarifying that, but we can extend the wire line pilot

00:46:29.239 --> 00:46:34.889
program beyond the conclusion of ACP. AC P has a finite

00:46:34.898 --> 00:46:39.128
amount of funding. Did that funding run out before

00:46:39.139 --> 00:46:42.369
the two year pilot

00:46:42.369 --> 00:46:50.610
um, that ensues? Uh, we can send the pilot uh to ensure

00:46:50.619 --> 00:46:54.489
that they have two years with an information. Uh and

00:46:54.500 --> 00:46:59.000
also uh when it clarifies that a wireless service provider

00:46:59.208 --> 00:47:03.329
can propose to modify the replacement service plan

00:47:03.599 --> 00:47:08.340
through a (inaudible) longest. It doesn't increase

00:47:08.349 --> 00:47:13.329
copayments and maintains really excellent um, products

00:47:13.340 --> 00:47:16.949
for the customers. So California does have the highest

00:47:16.958 --> 00:47:19.389
program enrollment nationwide. That's not only the

00:47:19.398 --> 00:47:22.228
number of people because we are a large state. But

00:47:22.239 --> 00:47:27.289
the percentage of people who are qualified for voice

00:47:27.300 --> 00:47:31.030
and broadband service plans at no cost or very low

00:47:31.039 --> 00:47:35.228
cost. These two pilot programs will provide synergy

00:47:35.458 --> 00:47:38.110
between the California Lifeline and the federal ACP

00:47:38.119 --> 00:47:42.679
for low-income households and Tribal lands. To receive

00:47:42.688 --> 00:47:46.300
long awaited high quality broadband hotspots, voice

00:47:46.309 --> 00:47:51.889
options, phones (inaudible). And with these uh discount

00:47:51.898 --> 00:47:57.699
amounts. We, we uh anticipate any no cost subscriptions.

00:47:58.378 --> 00:48:00.369
Uh,

00:48:00.369 --> 00:48:03.688
uh and, and all this, I mean. We, we have certainly

00:48:03.699 --> 00:48:07.969
heard and seen and been aware. That um, this effort will

00:48:07.978 --> 00:48:12.418
support uh students with their homework, job seekers

00:48:12.429 --> 00:48:16.500
uh applying for positions. Households navigating uh,

00:48:16.510 --> 00:48:22.280
um availing of resources online, telemedicine and much

00:48:22.289 --> 00:48:26.389
more. In closing, I would like to thank Judge Stephanie

00:48:26.398 --> 00:48:29.128
Wong for her incredible work resulting in this proposed

00:48:29.139 --> 00:48:33.579
decision. I also want to thank the Communications Division's

00:48:33.869 --> 00:48:40.208
really hardworking team, Rob Osborne Teri Wortshter, Robert Samson, Joanna

00:48:41.378 --> 00:48:46.260
Pettis Green, Moi Nguyen. And, and from our Legal Division (inaudible). I also want

00:48:46.269 --> 00:48:50.780
to thank my Bagley Keene partner, President Alice Reynolds, her Advisor

00:48:50.849 --> 00:48:55.349
Michael Mullaney and Chief of Staff Kerry Fleisher. And so last

00:48:55.360 --> 00:49:00.079
but not least my team from my office, my Advisor Lisa Paulo and

00:49:00.090 --> 00:49:03.449
Chief of Staff, Cheryl Wynn. And with that, I respectfully

00:49:03.458 --> 00:49:08.820
ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you very much

00:49:08.829 --> 00:49:12.438
Commissioner Sharma. Um, great detailed presentation.

00:49:12.449 --> 00:49:15.530
Um as your Bagley Keene partner, I want to note that I also

00:49:15.539 --> 00:49:19.280
support this decision. And just wanted to note a few

00:49:19.289 --> 00:49:24.079
things, um for context for this pilot. The California

00:49:24.090 --> 00:49:27.000
Lifeline program and the Federal Lifeline program have

00:49:27.010 --> 00:49:30.619
each existed for decades. Working in unison to provide

00:49:30.628 --> 00:49:33.570
essential communication services to Californians. The

00:49:33.579 --> 00:49:37.648
Federal Affordable Connectivity program, the ACP is

00:49:37.659 --> 00:49:41.938
new. And it provides a substantial subsidy and the number

00:49:41.949 --> 00:49:46.438
of Californians eligible is significant, um uh which

00:49:46.449 --> 00:49:49.628
is great. And the, the um there's also, it's also really

00:49:49.639 --> 00:49:53.889
notable and very welcome. That nearly all service providers

00:49:53.898 --> 00:49:56.539
in the state are participating in that program. So

00:49:56.550 --> 00:50:01.340
all fantastic news. Today's uh, today's decision is

00:50:01.349 --> 00:50:05.329
a first step towards figuring out how the ACP fits

00:50:05.340 --> 00:50:09.340
into our existing system of State Universal Service

00:50:09.349 --> 00:50:13.309
programs. So, with the pilots that are in the proposed

00:50:13.320 --> 00:50:16.728
decision today. We can identify how the California

00:50:16.739 --> 00:50:19.550
Lifeline program can provide Californians with benefits

00:50:19.559 --> 00:50:23.418
beyond what is provided by the federal programs. Will

00:50:23.429 --> 00:50:26.090
it will be enabling and pushing providers to offer

00:50:26.099 --> 00:50:29.099
better service, higher speeds and more data than would

00:50:29.110 --> 00:50:32.898
otherwise have been possible for customers. With this

00:50:32.909 --> 00:50:36.228
decision, we put these funds to work to connect the

00:50:36.239 --> 00:50:39.519
unconnected and achieve our broadband for all objectives.

00:50:40.309 --> 00:50:43.760
So I would like to thank you Commissioner Shiroma for

00:50:43.769 --> 00:50:47.438
your leadership on these pilots. Um as well as, all

00:50:47.449 --> 00:50:50.519
of the individuals um that you named. I won't repeat

00:50:50.530 --> 00:50:53.840
their names, but they all contributed to the work on

00:50:53.849 --> 00:50:56.800
this decision. And worked very, very hard to make it

00:50:56.809 --> 00:51:00.849
happen. So um with that, I do support the proposed

00:51:00.860 --> 00:51:03.860
decision, and I'll turn to other Commissioners for comments.

00:51:04.570 --> 00:51:07.780
Um, would anyone else? I'll go to Commissioner Reynolds first.

00:51:09.659 --> 00:51:12.750
Thank you, President Reynolds. I want to start by thanking

00:51:12.760 --> 00:51:15.340
Commissioner Shiroma for her thoughtful and creative

00:51:15.349 --> 00:51:18.570
leadership in this proceeding. And also thanks also

00:51:18.579 --> 00:51:22.789
to Judge Wong, Carrie Worcester, Robert Samsone and

00:51:22.800 --> 00:51:25.219
Director Rob Osborn for briefing my office on this

00:51:25.228 --> 00:51:28.628
item. I would like to acknowledge the journey that

00:51:28.639 --> 00:51:32.199
this proposed decision had been on. And offer appreciation

00:51:32.208 --> 00:51:34.809
for the creative thinking behind these wireless and

00:51:34.820 --> 00:51:38.099
wire line pilots. To deliver more customer value from

00:51:38.110 --> 00:51:41.340
California Lifeline on top of the federal subsidies

00:51:41.349 --> 00:51:44.780
for low-income and telecommunication services. As an

00:51:44.789 --> 00:51:47.760
initial point, I want to highlight that our California

00:51:47.769 --> 00:51:50.530
Lifeline program. The more Universal Telephone Service

00:51:50.539 --> 00:51:53.619
Act named for the late California Assembly Member

00:51:53.628 --> 00:51:57.199
Gwen Moore. Established the California Universal Telephone

00:51:57.208 --> 00:52:01.110
Service Program or California Lifeline. The Moore Act

00:52:01.119 --> 00:52:05.429
was enacted in 1987. To offer a high quality basic telephone

00:52:05.438 --> 00:52:07.699
service at affordable rates to the greatest number

00:52:07.708 --> 00:52:11.679
of California residents. Over time, this Commission

00:52:11.688 --> 00:52:14.398
and the California Legislature expanded the purpose

00:52:14.409 --> 00:52:17.800
of the Moore Act. To include offering additional communication

00:52:17.809 --> 00:52:22.030
services like wireless and broadband service.

00:52:22.030 --> 00:52:25.409
California Lifeline program provides up to as mentioned

00:52:25.539 --> 00:52:31.579
$17.90 in subsidy per month for service plans. And often

00:52:31.590 --> 00:52:36.000
leverages federal life plan subsidy of up to $9.25

00:52:36.228 --> 00:52:40.708
per month. Importantly, our subsidy as highlighted

00:52:40.719 --> 00:52:44.179
is the highest in the nation.

00:52:44.179 --> 00:52:47.369
This proposed decision approves two pilot programs

00:52:47.378 --> 00:52:50.188
one for wireless providers and one for wire life providers.

00:52:50.429 --> 00:52:54.590
That allows service providers to stack the subsidy for

00:52:54.599 --> 00:52:58.148
California on top of the affordable connectivity program

00:52:58.918 --> 00:53:01.978
and federal landline subsidies.

00:53:01.978 --> 00:53:04.449
Ensuring that these universal service funds provide

00:53:04.458 --> 00:53:07.708
equitable access to high speed communication networks

00:53:07.719 --> 00:53:10.708
to low-income customers.

00:53:10.708 --> 00:53:13.070
Note that getting additional benefits for customers

00:53:13.079 --> 00:53:17.208
from staffing on these pilots is vital. Historically,

00:53:17.219 --> 00:53:19.570
our lifeline program in combination with the federal

00:53:19.579 --> 00:53:22.789
lifeline program have been very successful in delivering

00:53:22.800 --> 00:53:26.300
lifeline customers, unlimited voice services, text

00:53:26.309 --> 00:53:31.610
messaging and data at no cost to those customers. That

00:53:31.619 --> 00:53:34.378
the higher affordable connectivity program subsidy

00:53:34.389 --> 00:53:37.909
with our lifeline subsidy resulting in carriers getting

00:53:37.918 --> 00:53:41.059
more revenue per month. Customers should get a bigger

00:53:41.070 --> 00:53:45.789
benefit. These pilots offering more advanced wireless

00:53:45.800 --> 00:53:49.030
phones and higher bandwidth commitments. Higher speed

00:53:49.039 --> 00:53:52.378
broadband for wire line customers deliver tangible

00:53:52.389 --> 00:53:55.369
and significant benefits. Above what customers historically

00:53:55.378 --> 00:53:59.000
received for the lower combined subsidy paying these

00:53:59.010 --> 00:54:02.429
carriers more to deliver better results to customers

00:54:03.139 --> 00:54:06.239
I appreciate the careful, careful revisions. The proposed

00:54:06.250 --> 00:54:10.179
decision clarifying funding levels for customers and

00:54:10.188 --> 00:54:13.119
the length of the pilot approved chair. I'm looking

00:54:13.128 --> 00:54:15.179
forward to the usage data that these pilots should

00:54:15.188 --> 00:54:17.809
provide. And the lessons that we can learn for future

00:54:17.820 --> 00:54:20.699
programs. I'll be supporting the decision. Thank you.

00:54:21.739 --> 00:54:24.679
Thank you, Commissioner Reynolds. Uh other Commissioners?

00:54:24.688 --> 00:54:30.739
Commissioner Houck? Thank you for Reynolds.

00:54:30.739 --> 00:54:34.269
Um, and I also would like to offer my thanks to Commissioner

00:54:34.280 --> 00:54:37.280
Shiroma and her office for their leadership on this

00:54:37.289 --> 00:54:41.849
matter. Um and um would like to thank ALJ Stephanie

00:54:41.860 --> 00:54:44.789
um, Wong and Rob Osborne for all of their work. As well

00:54:44.800 --> 00:54:47.949
as all of the Staff that, that were listed by Commissioner

00:54:47.958 --> 00:54:52.289
Shiroma earlier. This decision could pose this rules

00:54:52.300 --> 00:54:55.159
to establish pilot programs that lever leverage the

00:54:55.168 --> 00:54:57.958
Federal Communications Commission affordable connectivity

00:54:57.969 --> 00:55:02.878
program or AC P. These pilot programs will allow California

00:55:02.889 --> 00:55:06.159
lifeline subscribers to leverage the AC C for improved

00:55:06.168 --> 00:55:09.510
wireless and wire line service. This decision establishes

00:55:09.519 --> 00:55:12.849
both wireless and wired line pilot programs. To provide

00:55:12.860 --> 00:55:15.978
a reduced or free service to eligible subscribers in

00:55:15.989 --> 00:55:20.418
California. As was mentioned, um the wireless pilot

00:55:20.429 --> 00:55:23.159
program will have two tiers. Each of the tiers will

00:55:23.168 --> 00:55:26.349
allow allow wireless lifeline subscribers to access

00:55:26.360 --> 00:55:29.958
at least 80 gigabytes of data at four G speeds per

00:55:29.969 --> 00:55:33.159
month. And the pilot programs, wireless pilot program

00:55:33.489 --> 00:55:37.320
will allow lifeline subscribers to use at least 30

00:55:37.329 --> 00:55:40.989
gigabytes of hotspot data at four G speeds. Thanks

00:55:41.000 --> 00:55:44.289
to the combined subsidy from the AC T Federal and California

00:55:44.300 --> 00:55:48.438
lifelines programs. The wireless pilot programs services

00:55:48.449 --> 00:55:51.958
along with new devices capable of providing these services.

00:55:51.969 --> 00:55:55.119
Will be provided at low or no cost to the subscriber.

00:55:55.360 --> 00:55:58.289
The wireless pilot program to offer a substantial amount

00:55:58.300 --> 00:56:01.208
of data relative to current lifeline offerings. Which

00:56:01.219 --> 00:56:04.349
we hope will improve access to broadband services and

00:56:04.360 --> 00:56:07.219
promote participation in both the lifeline program

00:56:07.228 --> 00:56:10.228
and the ACP program. For those in need of assistance

00:56:10.239 --> 00:56:14.599
to access such services as the pilot programs are ongoing

00:56:14.610 --> 00:56:17.329
The Commission will be able to collect data that will

00:56:17.340 --> 00:56:20.329
help us to ensure that the lifeline program continues

00:56:20.340 --> 00:56:24.250
to meet the needs of eligible Californians. And um,

00:56:24.668 --> 00:56:27.139
with these comments, I again want to thank Commissioner Shiroma

00:56:27.519 --> 00:56:31.070
for her leadership and the thoughtful decision. Um

00:56:31.458 --> 00:56:34.739
that is before us today. It's clear that a lot of time

00:56:34.750 --> 00:56:37.958
effort and work went into this proposal. And I will

00:56:37.969 --> 00:56:40.599
be supporting it.

00:56:40.599 --> 00:56:43.409
Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Next, Commissioner Douglas.

00:56:44.510 --> 00:56:48.570
I just briefly wanted to express my support and thanks

00:56:48.579 --> 00:56:51.228
as well. This is uh I know a lot of work and

00:56:51.239 --> 00:56:54.590
thought went into this proposal for these pilots. And

00:56:54.599 --> 00:56:59.429
I'm very hopeful and interested to hear the results

00:56:59.438 --> 00:57:05.010
that, that we get out of them. So, thank you.

00:57:05.010 --> 00:57:07.320
Wonderful. All right. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas.

00:57:07.329 --> 00:57:10.760
Um that concludes Commissioner comments. So I would

00:57:10.769 --> 00:57:15.179
like to ask for a motion on Item 6.

00:57:15.179 --> 00:57:19.989
(inaudible) Go ahead Commissioner Houck. Okay,

00:57:20.000 --> 00:57:23.378
I move that we support Item 6 or that we adopt this Item.

00:57:24.208 --> 00:57:26.500
Okay. We have a motion from Commissioner Houck. Is there a

00:57:26.510 --> 00:57:29.050
second?

00:57:29.050 --> 00:57:32.869
Second. Okay. Second uh, from Commissioner, Commissioner

00:57:32.878 --> 00:57:35.789
Reynolds. Uh Agenda Clerk, could you please call the

00:57:35.800 --> 00:57:41.809
roll? Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds?

00:57:42.708 --> 00:57:51.070
Yes. Commissioner Houck? Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President

00:57:51.079 --> 00:57:56.849
Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 5-0. The item passes.

00:57:57.639 --> 00:58:02.938
Uh, we now move to Item 7. Item 7 is a resolution

00:58:02.949 --> 00:58:07.219
approving one local agency technical assistance grant

00:58:07.228 --> 00:58:15.679
funding for $947,206 for the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities

00:58:15.688 --> 00:58:20.539
District. Um, I have uh a few um, introductory remarks

00:58:20.550 --> 00:58:23.719
for this resolution. And then we'll turn to Commissioners

00:58:23.728 --> 00:58:28.628
for comments. Um ,so the program uh, proposed in this

00:58:28.639 --> 00:58:32.780
resolution. Provides uh, grant or the grant is for a

00:58:32.789 --> 00:58:36.719
program to um, the grant programs for local agencies

00:58:36.728 --> 00:58:39.869
and Tribal governments. And it supports planning efforts

00:58:39.878 --> 00:58:43.369
to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and

00:58:43.378 --> 00:58:47.829
underserved communities. So this resolution proposes

00:58:47.840 --> 00:58:52.110
to award a grant under this program. To the Public Utilities

00:58:52.119 --> 00:58:56.188
District of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. The request as I

00:58:56.199 --> 00:59:02.159
said, is for just over $900,000 and it's to fund environmental

00:59:02.168 --> 00:59:05.728
and biological studies network design, a feasibility

00:59:05.739 --> 00:59:09.139
study. And to develop legal documents to support the

00:59:09.148 --> 00:59:12.978
construction of a fiber network. The network will serve

00:59:12.989 --> 00:59:16.059
unserved and underserved locations in the Willow Creek

00:59:16.070 --> 00:59:21.260
area of Humboldt County. The Hoopa Valley Tribe has

00:59:21.269 --> 00:59:24.289
made great strides in improving broadband access and

00:59:24.300 --> 00:59:27.590
adoption. And I am very happy to support this resolution

00:59:27.599 --> 00:59:31.619
today. I will now turn to other Commissioners for comments.

00:59:32.329 --> 00:59:35.349
Uh Commissioner Houck?

00:59:35.349 --> 00:59:38.360
Thank you, President Reynolds.

00:59:38.360 --> 00:59:41.849
Um again as you stated, this resolution approves a local

00:59:41.918 --> 00:59:44.800
agency technical assistance grant for the Hoopa Valley

00:59:44.809 --> 00:59:48.898
Municipal Utility District which is a Tribal utility.

00:59:49.159 --> 00:59:51.938
These grants provide support for building technical

00:59:51.949 --> 00:59:54.679
capacity among local and Tribal governments. To plan

00:59:54.688 --> 00:59:57.289
for the development of new broadband infrastructure

00:59:57.368 --> 00:59:59.989
Is going to help the Hooper Valley Municipal Utility

00:59:59.999 --> 01:00:04.987
District Fund. The items that you listed President

01:00:04.999 --> 01:00:07.308
Reynolds, which are the environmental and biological

01:00:07.317 --> 01:00:10.499
studies. Develop the fiber to home network design,

01:00:10.509 --> 01:00:14.378
develop business feasibility studies and prepare legal

01:00:14.389 --> 01:00:17.587
documents to bring fiber to unserved homes in the Willow

01:00:17.598 --> 01:00:22.799
Creek area. These grants are essential components of

01:00:22.808 --> 01:00:25.837
building broadband networks across the state. Particularly

01:00:25.848 --> 01:00:28.319
in areas that have been historically left behind in

01:00:28.328 --> 01:00:31.099
their access to broadband technology. Which Tribes

01:00:31.108 --> 01:00:33.758
are disproportionately represented in these areas that

01:00:33.767 --> 01:00:37.748
have been left behind. Um, I am very pleased to see

01:00:37.758 --> 01:00:40.228
this grant before us today. And all of the work that

01:00:40.239 --> 01:00:43.078
the Hooper Valley Tribe is doing to bring broadband.

01:00:43.087 --> 01:00:47.608
Not just to the reservation but to Tribal members and

01:00:47.618 --> 01:00:51.239
community members in the surrounding area. They've

01:00:51.248 --> 01:00:54.568
been a leader in this effort in the North Coast. And

01:00:54.818 --> 01:00:57.508
I want to thank our Staff that worked on the resolution

01:00:57.517 --> 01:01:01.248
including Angela Bean, Michael Amer Mueller, and Chris

01:01:01.258 --> 01:01:06.317
Posh. I also want to thank Director Rob Osborne, Karen

01:01:06.689 --> 01:01:10.023
Ely and recognize the work of the Hoopa Valley Indian

01:01:10.034 --> 01:01:13.174
Tribe for all of its efforts in expanding broadband

01:01:13.273 --> 01:01:16.454
um, in the North Coast. And with that, I look forward

01:01:16.463 --> 01:01:19.784
to seeing the Hoopa Valley Tribe um, implement this

01:01:19.793 --> 01:01:22.814
grant to further efforts to close the digital divide.

01:01:22.823 --> 01:01:25.832
And encourage my fellow Commissioners to vote in support

01:01:25.844 --> 01:01:28.618
of the resolution.

01:01:28.618 --> 01:01:31.108
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Uh Commissioner Douglas?

01:01:32.228 --> 01:01:35.698
I just briefly wanted to join in the thanks expressed

01:01:35.707 --> 01:01:39.969
by Commissioner Houck. And also know, you know I, I know a

01:01:39.978 --> 01:01:43.237
number of us are familiar with this, this area and

01:01:43.248 --> 01:01:46.127
the broadband needs in this area. And I'm just really

01:01:46.138 --> 01:01:48.918
pleased to see the forward progress here. Thank you.

01:01:51.159 --> 01:01:54.737
Great. Uh, Commissioner Reynolds?

01:01:54.737 --> 01:01:57.719
Thank you, President Reynolds. I will also be supporting this

01:01:57.728 --> 01:02:00.627
resolution and this grant funding. These technical

01:02:00.638 --> 01:02:04.299
assistance grants are critical and flow into our development

01:02:04.308 --> 01:02:07.256
of high speed networks across the state. We know that

01:02:07.268 --> 01:02:10.897
access to broadband and the internet unlock economic

01:02:10.907 --> 01:02:14.458
and social benefits. And the Tribes face unique challenges

01:02:14.468 --> 01:02:17.228
in funding and deploying this infrastructure. This

01:02:17.238 --> 01:02:19.127
grant funding is one way that we're trying to work

01:02:19.138 --> 01:02:22.768
with Tribes to help them overcome these barriers. The

01:02:22.779 --> 01:02:26.508
feasibility analysis and the subsequent uh environmental

01:02:26.518 --> 01:02:29.869
permitting funded here will allow the development uh

01:02:29.877 --> 01:02:34.928
to move forward. And I will look forward to uh, seeing (inaudible).

01:02:36.258 --> 01:02:42.847
Thank you. Great. Thank you. Um, Commissioner Shiroma?

01:02:42.847 --> 01:02:45.738
Thank you, President Reynolds. I also support this

01:02:45.749 --> 01:02:50.547
resolution. And thank the team that works and, and

01:02:50.559 --> 01:02:53.738
does work on these kinds of applications. So important

01:02:53.749 --> 01:02:59.168
to process these and uh provide the money for this

01:02:59.178 --> 01:03:03.608
very important work. The grant funding for the Hoopa Valley

01:03:03.668 --> 01:03:08.157
Public Utilities District will fund those environmental

01:03:08.168 --> 01:03:12.317
and biological studies. Port fiber to the home network

01:03:12.327 --> 01:03:17.619
design, uh and this is so essential for the eventual

01:03:17.627 --> 01:03:22.899
deployment to home. These kinds of projects take many

01:03:22.907 --> 01:03:28.347
steps and many studies and many designs and experts

01:03:28.358 --> 01:03:32.399
working on them. Uh and I'm pleased that we can provide

01:03:32.407 --> 01:03:37.688
support for that effort. The effort to bridge the digital

01:03:37.698 --> 01:03:41.728
divide is is essential. We just voted out the uh ACP

01:03:41.738 --> 01:03:47.018
Lifeline pilot programs that's really amplify the

01:03:47.029 --> 01:03:52.758
need. And our, our efforts to work on that and to facilitate

01:03:52.768 --> 01:03:55.928
the bridging of that digital divide. So very pleased

01:03:55.938 --> 01:04:01.047
to support. Thank you. Great. Thank you. All right

01:04:01.059 --> 01:04:04.758
That concludes comments. And so I will now ask for

01:04:04.768 --> 01:04:09.938
a motion on Item 7.

01:04:09.938 --> 01:04:14.019
Uh, move approval. Okay. Uh, we have a motion on Item 7

01:04:14.027 --> 01:04:16.668
from Commissioner Douglas. A second, I think I saw. I'll

01:04:16.678 --> 01:04:20.498
let you speak Commissioner Shiroma. Thank you. I, I

01:04:20.507 --> 01:04:24.178
was kind of hasty with my second there. Please, a second.

01:04:24.187 --> 01:04:27.406
Thank you. Great. So we have a motion and a

01:04:27.416 --> 01:04:30.777
second. Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll?

01:04:31.118 --> 01:04:38.658
Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck?

01:04:39.618 --> 01:04:46.158
Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds. Yes.

01:04:46.829 --> 01:04:50.498
The vote is 5-0. The item passes. I will now

01:04:50.509 --> 01:04:58.108
move to Item 20. Item 20 is Resolution T-17791.

01:04:58.118 --> 01:05:00.829
Grant funding from the California Advanced Service

01:05:00.837 --> 01:05:04.527
Funds Broadband Public Housing account. Um, I will

01:05:04.539 --> 01:05:07.039
give a brief introduction of the item and then turn

01:05:07.048 --> 01:05:12.488
to Commissioners for comment. Um, this uh resolution

01:05:12.498 --> 01:05:17.079
um approves 14 broadband public housing account projects.

01:05:17.087 --> 01:05:25.079
For a total of uh $1,068,693. And um, just

01:05:25.087 --> 01:05:27.769
for background, the public housing account provides

01:05:27.777 --> 01:05:31.498
grants to build broadband networks, offering free broadband

01:05:31.509 --> 01:05:35.408
service for residents of low-income communities. Including

01:05:35.418 --> 01:05:38.798
publicly supported housing development, farm worker

01:05:38.808 --> 01:05:42.127
housing and mobile home parks. The projects approved

01:05:42.139 --> 01:05:46.238
today will serve residents of 830 living units within

01:05:46.248 --> 01:05:49.998
publicly supported housing developments. And all projects

01:05:50.009 --> 01:05:53.108
will construct networks using the latest generation

01:05:53.118 --> 01:05:58.358
of Wi-Fi technology. These projects will help to further

01:05:58.368 --> 01:06:01.108
the state's goal to increase broadband affordability

01:06:01.118 --> 01:06:05.118
access and digital equity in communities. And I'm very

01:06:05.127 --> 01:06:08.127
happy to support this resolution today. So I will go

01:06:08.139 --> 01:06:11.988
to Commissioners for comment.

01:06:11.988 --> 01:06:16.688
Who would like to go first? Uh Commissioner Houck? finish your help.

01:06:16.688 --> 01:06:20.868
Thank you, President Reynolds. Um again, this resolution

01:06:20.877 --> 01:06:23.959
is going to provide grant funding to support networks

01:06:23.978 --> 01:06:27.978
upgrades for residents in 14 publicly supported housing

01:06:27.988 --> 01:06:31.277
developments under our broadband public housing account.

01:06:31.509 --> 01:06:34.769
The broadband um,

01:06:34.769 --> 01:06:38.728
in these developments is not accessible. Um, uh I'm

01:06:38.738 --> 01:06:42.598
sorry. Uh, broadband is not accessible if it is not

01:06:42.608 --> 01:06:47.459
available to use in, in homes. And if it's not affordable

01:06:47.467 --> 01:06:50.769
to connect for useful speed. So what's important about

01:06:50.777 --> 01:06:52.959
these awards is that they're going to help in addressing

01:06:52.967 --> 01:06:56.348
both the availability and affordability challenges.

01:06:56.397 --> 01:06:59.498
Um, to access broadband by supporting these public housing

01:06:59.509 --> 01:07:03.139
developments and bringing free fast internet to some of California's

01:07:03.147 --> 01:07:06.368
most vulnerable customers. Each of the projects is

01:07:06.377 --> 01:07:08.949
going to bring us that much closer to ensuring that

01:07:08.959 --> 01:07:12.147
all Californians, regardless of income. Have the capability

01:07:12.158 --> 01:07:15.579
to work, to study and to access health care and emergency

01:07:15.587 --> 01:07:19.317
services online. These grants are going to provide

01:07:19.329 --> 01:07:25.259
free service to 830 public housing units uh which underscores

01:07:25.269 --> 01:07:27.998
the importance of the CASA public housing grant

01:07:28.009 --> 01:07:31.248
program. Which we are in the process of looking at revisions

01:07:31.259 --> 01:07:35.277
for. Um, and I want to thank all of the excellent work

01:07:35.289 --> 01:07:38.928
of our Communications Division including Tyler Chems,

01:07:38.959 --> 01:07:43.009
Steven Kho and Supervisor James Tang. As well as Director

01:07:43.019 --> 01:07:47.358
Rob Osborne and my Advisor, Adam Buchholz and my Chief of Staff

01:07:47.368 --> 01:07:51.938
Karin Sung. Um, so for all of the on work um, on this program.

01:07:51.949 --> 01:07:55.298
And I'm very pleased to support the resolution before

01:07:55.308 --> 01:07:57.658
us today.

01:07:57.658 --> 01:08:03.067
Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Uh, Commissioner Shiroma or thank

01:08:03.079 --> 01:08:06.918
you. Uh I support the resolution. Thank you to the

01:08:06.928 --> 01:08:13.408
team once again. And I appreciate that the project will

01:08:13.418 --> 01:08:18.678
be infrastructure ready for the 100 megabytes per second

01:08:18.688 --> 01:08:24.217
download 20 up. It's very important to have that ability

01:08:24.228 --> 01:08:28.358
in the infrastructure improved. Also here that one

01:08:28.368 --> 01:08:33.818
of the 14 projects will uh, target farm workers. Uh, broadband

01:08:33.827 --> 01:08:39.318
upgrades for 66 units. And that the 14 projects overall

01:08:39.438 --> 01:08:42.638
are all over California. Really pointing out the need

01:08:43.739 --> 01:08:47.558
you know, for uh communities uh, that uh have public

01:08:47.568 --> 01:08:52.077
housing uh for, for this effort. The services are so

01:08:52.087 --> 01:08:55.778
essential, whether it's uh school, employment, paying

01:08:55.789 --> 01:08:58.508
bills and all the things we have been talking about

01:08:58.518 --> 01:09:03.197
um, this morning. Uh, and we know that these families

01:09:03.207 --> 01:09:08.229
and individuals who live in public housing are participating

01:09:08.239 --> 01:09:12.758
in the state's growing economy. And we are relying heavily

01:09:12.768 --> 01:09:16.827
upon basic internet technologies and access to technology

01:09:17.308 --> 01:09:22.408
to thrive. So, thank you uh to support.

01:09:22.408 --> 01:09:26.239
Great. Thank you um Commissioner Reynolds.

01:09:26.239 --> 01:09:29.447
Thank you, President Reynolds. I want to start by thanking

01:09:29.457 --> 01:09:32.888
our Communications Division for their diligence in

01:09:32.898 --> 01:09:36.048
processing applications and distributing funds from

01:09:36.058 --> 01:09:38.789
the advanced service funds, broadband public housing

01:09:38.798 --> 01:09:41.697
account. I am strongly supportive of this resolution.

01:09:41.707 --> 01:09:44.278
And glad to see this grant funding provide broadband

01:09:44.289 --> 01:09:47.129
to public housing projects throughout California and

01:09:47.138 --> 01:09:51.758
down the state. These 14 projects will play both wireless

01:09:51.768 --> 01:09:55.528
and wired broadband infrastructure using Wi-Fi and

01:09:55.539 --> 01:09:58.869
copper technologies. And we, we've already heard about

01:09:58.879 --> 01:10:01.197
uh, some of the some of the speed parameters and prior

01:10:01.207 --> 01:10:06.337
remarks for 830 residential units. These projects aim

01:10:06.347 --> 01:10:09.467
to provide residents with free and reliable broadband.

01:10:09.479 --> 01:10:12.289
Improving access to e-health, education and government

01:10:12.298 --> 01:10:16.558
services including our own age. There are different

01:10:16.568 --> 01:10:19.467
barriers that customers face in accessing the internet.

01:10:20.268 --> 01:10:22.957
For some customers there's insufficient infrastructure.

01:10:23.308 --> 01:10:26.999
For others, the service is too expensive. Grants like, like

01:10:27.008 --> 01:10:29.989
these unlock the economic and social benefits that

01:10:29.999 --> 01:10:33.217
come from broadband access to customers in our state.

01:10:34.039 --> 01:10:36.289
I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition

01:10:36.298 --> 01:10:38.918
and my office will be following its progression. I will

01:10:38.928 --> 01:10:42.217
be supporting the site. Great. Thank you, Commissioner

01:10:42.229 --> 01:10:47.438
Reynolds. Um Commissioner Douglas?

01:10:47.438 --> 01:10:50.717
Um, I just also wanted to join in the thanks and the

01:10:50.729 --> 01:10:55.077
support on this item. It, it's really nice to see these

01:10:55.087 --> 01:11:00.008
measures. Where we can provide just meaningful support

01:11:00.018 --> 01:11:03.318
to people who need it in this case for the broadband

01:11:03.327 --> 01:11:06.428
and free wireless access, and it's just great. Great

01:11:06.438 --> 01:11:08.697
to see it.

01:11:08.697 --> 01:11:11.119
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas. All right.

01:11:11.129 --> 01:11:13.869
That concludes Commissioner comments. And I would now

01:11:13.879 --> 01:11:20.697
like to ask if there is a motion on Item 20.

01:11:20.697 --> 01:11:22.918
So moved. Okay. We have a motion from Commissioner Reynolds. Is

01:11:22.928 --> 01:11:27.967
there a second. I second. Second from Commissioner Houck. Agenda

01:11:27.979 --> 01:11:31.119
Clerk, could you please call the roll. Commissioner Douglas?

01:11:31.979 --> 01:11:37.418
Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds. Yes. Commissioner Houck?

01:11:38.648 --> 01:11:43.999
Yes? Commissioner Shiroma? Aye.

01:11:43.999 --> 01:11:49.918
President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 5-0. The item passes.

01:11:50.268 --> 01:11:55.879
I will now move to Item 34. Item 34 is an order

01:11:55.888 --> 01:11:58.818
extending the statutory deadline and proceeding A.

01:11:58.827 --> 01:12:06.158
21-12-005. Item 34 is related to Item 32, which was approved

01:12:06.168 --> 01:12:10.398
on the Consent Agenda and therefore Item 34 is withdrawn.

01:12:11.479 --> 01:12:16.278
And with that, I will move to Item 38. Item 38 is

01:12:16.289 --> 01:12:19.278
Management Report on Administrative Actions and Consumer

01:12:19.289 --> 01:12:22.609
Protection and Safety Activities. There are no management

01:12:22.619 --> 01:12:27.768
reports today. So we move on to Commissioner Reports.

01:12:28.558 --> 01:12:33.568
Um at the Commissioner Reports uh, section of the Agenda.

01:12:33.577 --> 01:12:36.499
I will call on Commissioners to give reports. So let's

01:12:36.508 --> 01:12:41.077
see who would like to go first?

01:12:41.077 --> 01:12:44.808
Commissioner Shiroma.

01:12:44.808 --> 01:12:49.369
Uh I have several and it really is exemplified that

01:12:49.379 --> 01:12:54.758
June not surprising, is very busy. So first of all,

01:12:55.239 --> 01:13:00.008
uh on June 13th next week. I'll be speaking at the

01:13:00.018 --> 01:13:05.967
2023 National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition

01:13:05.979 --> 01:13:11.308
conference in San Diego. This coalition is dedicated

01:13:11.318 --> 01:13:14.688
to increasing awareness of the energy needs of low-

01:13:14.697 --> 01:13:19.999
income energy consumers. And fostering public and private

01:13:20.008 --> 01:13:24.018
partnerships to address their needs. Of the members

01:13:24.028 --> 01:13:28.818
of this organization span the U.S. And include 250 utilities,

01:13:29.178 --> 01:13:32.629
nonprofit organizations, energy assistance programs,

01:13:32.638 --> 01:13:35.749
trade associations and Tribal organizations. And the

01:13:35.758 --> 01:13:39.539
conference will bring together more than 800 attendees.

01:13:39.729 --> 01:13:42.888
And highlight the importance and progressive work toward

01:13:42.898 --> 01:13:47.068
energy efficiency and affordability in California.

01:13:47.898 --> 01:13:51.438
California's energy affordability policies have set

01:13:51.447 --> 01:13:54.447
an example for the rest of the country. On my opening

01:13:54.457 --> 01:13:57.957
remarks that their opening plenary session. Will highlight

01:13:57.967 --> 01:14:01.068
California's leadership in energy efficiency and low-

01:14:01.388 --> 01:14:04.739
income programs and the Commission's commitment towards

01:14:04.749 --> 01:14:08.337
advancing equity, affordability and access to programs

01:14:08.697 --> 01:14:11.587
in disadvantaged, low-income, vulnerable and Tribal

01:14:11.597 --> 01:14:16.018
communities. Now also on June 13, we are holding

01:14:16.619 --> 01:14:19.678
a water acquisitions and consolidation workshop is

01:14:19.688 --> 01:14:25.148
our 3rd workshop that will start at 9am. Uh, and

01:14:25.158 --> 01:14:28.229
more information is going to be on our data calendars.

01:14:28.999 --> 01:14:32.768
Uh, the Water Division will be hosting this workshop.

01:14:32.837 --> 01:14:36.749
Uh I am the assigned uh Commissioner and my Bagley Keene

01:14:36.778 --> 01:14:41.197
partner is Commissioner Houck. Uh, this particular

01:14:41.207 --> 01:14:47.778
workshop uh, will be uh virtual. And it will uh, focus

01:14:47.789 --> 01:14:52.827
on how the Commission should examine ratepayer impact

01:14:53.197 --> 01:14:56.658
when reviewing water acquisitions and consolidation

01:14:57.457 --> 01:15:00.629
an important topic. Of course, uh we hope to gain a

01:15:00.638 --> 01:15:03.597
better understanding of how we can provide more transparency

01:15:03.879 --> 01:15:07.308
to customers, and quantify customer impacts and benefits.

01:15:07.678 --> 01:15:09.898
And again, more information can be found on our data calender.

01:15:12.249 --> 01:15:16.508
Then on June 15, we will have our 2nd quarterly

01:15:16.518 --> 01:15:20.597
Low Income Oversight Board Meeting. It will start at

01:15:20.609 --> 01:15:24.379
9:30. Uh, the Legislature established the Low Income

01:15:24.447 --> 01:15:28.138
Oversight Board many years ago. To advise us on low-

01:15:28.148 --> 01:15:32.369
income electric, gas and water customer issues. Serve

01:15:32.379 --> 01:15:36.197
as a liaison uh for the Commission to low-income rate

01:15:36.207 --> 01:15:40.428
here and representatives. Uh, the meeting will include

01:15:40.438 --> 01:15:45.678
updates on the uh California alternate rates for energy

01:15:45.688 --> 01:15:50.249
or CARE. And the energy rate assistance and the energy

01:15:50.258 --> 01:15:52.837
saving assistance

01:15:52.837 --> 01:15:57.249
is a appliances and treatments of home programs. Uh

01:15:57.258 --> 01:16:00.818
there's also something called the categorical eligibility

01:16:00.827 --> 01:16:05.018
study. That focuses on public assistance programs as

01:16:05.028 --> 01:16:08.658
pathways for eligibility and other public assistance

01:16:08.668 --> 01:16:12.028
programs. That can make it more easy to sign up for

01:16:12.068 --> 01:16:17.168
airfare and even uh further Senate Bill 1208

01:16:17.558 --> 01:16:22.658
a funded by the government last fall. Uh required the

01:16:22.668 --> 01:16:27.068
LIOB board to prepare a report that provides recommendations

01:16:27.077 --> 01:16:29.217
to the

01:16:29.217 --> 01:16:32.438
for facilitating, facilitating a concurrent enrollment

01:16:32.447 --> 01:16:36.207
process for low-income assistance programs. That's

01:16:36.217 --> 01:16:39.908
due by the end of this month. Uh the Low Income Board

01:16:39.918 --> 01:16:43.347
will be reviewing a draft report that was occurred

01:16:43.359 --> 01:16:47.138
by a subcommittee uh, before sending it to the Legislature.

01:16:47.158 --> 01:16:51.168
Now, we will require recall that, that Legislation

01:16:51.178 --> 01:16:57.928
also required the CPUC to um, uh provide for

01:16:58.239 --> 01:17:03.018
uh the um, creation of the universal application system

01:17:03.179 --> 01:17:07.048
and we voted that out uh at a previous voting meeting

01:17:07.318 --> 01:17:11.578
So this is, this is two pieces we had our requirements

01:17:11.588 --> 01:17:16.238
and then the LIOB board also has requirements uh in that

01:17:16.248 --> 01:17:19.498
statute. So that meeting is on June 15, and

01:17:19.508 --> 01:17:23.817
the information will be on the, on the website. Then

01:17:23.846 --> 01:17:28.977
on June 20, our Advisory Committee, the Universal

01:17:28.987 --> 01:17:31.768
Lifeline Telephone Service Administrative Committee

01:17:31.778 --> 01:17:35.747
or ULTSAC. They will be meeting on June 20 at

01:17:35.757 --> 01:17:39.977
8:30. They serve as an advisory board providing advice

01:17:39.987 --> 01:17:43.087
and recommendations to the Commission on the California

01:17:43.096 --> 01:17:47.337
Lifeline program development, implementation, administration

01:17:47.737 --> 01:17:51.808
on in addition to various standing reports. So there

01:17:51.818 --> 01:17:55.637
will be presentations on how a foster program is going.

01:17:56.308 --> 01:18:00.719
Um, talk about the affordability uh, the the affordable

01:18:00.728 --> 01:18:04.348
connectivity program. We just sorted out decision on

01:18:04.357 --> 01:18:08.528
that passed. Uh, and then also how the Lifeline

01:18:08.539 --> 01:18:13.179
program um will to interface with the 1208 uh

01:18:13.189 --> 01:18:16.998
efforts on the current uh application processes for

01:18:17.008 --> 01:18:20.578
American customers. So all are welcome and again on

01:18:20.588 --> 01:18:23.558
the daily calendar on the website to be more information

01:18:24.709 --> 01:18:29.387
Okay, we got four. On June 31, I'll be in Chula Vista.

01:18:29.419 --> 01:18:34.039
This time, this time the topic is uh is the uh access

01:18:34.048 --> 01:18:38.238
for all program. This is for the wheelchair bound individuals

01:18:38.248 --> 01:18:41.238
having access to transportation, network companies

01:18:41.248 --> 01:18:46.778
and to uh transportation overall. Uh to get to and fro

01:18:46.988 --> 01:18:51.857
whatever needs they might have, uh go to appointments.

01:18:53.008 --> 01:18:58.107
Uh and this uh event, I'll be speaking at this event.

01:18:58.117 --> 01:19:01.998
It's uh an access for all launch celebration sponsored

01:19:02.008 --> 01:19:05.028
by the San Diego Association of Governments, Governments.

01:19:05.039 --> 01:19:11.397
also known as SDAG. And a nonprofit called Facilitating access

01:19:11.407 --> 01:19:15.127
to coordinated transportation, been referred to as

01:19:16.748 --> 01:19:20.607
and is the Metropolitan Planning Organization and councils

01:19:20.617 --> 01:19:25.088
of government governed by a board of directors uh elected

01:19:25.098 --> 01:19:28.478
officials. There are 18 city councils, I didn't realize

01:19:28.518 --> 01:19:32.127
there are that many in county, 18 city council and

01:19:32.137 --> 01:19:35.709
county board of supervisors uh currently focused on

01:19:35.719 --> 01:19:39.238
speeding up delivery of major infrastructure projects

01:19:39.248 --> 01:19:43.407
throughout San Diego region. Back as a nonprofit formed

01:19:43.419 --> 01:19:47.828
in 2005 to improve the mobility for schools, persons

01:19:47.838 --> 01:19:50.647
with disabilities, veterans and low-income individuals

01:19:50.657 --> 01:19:54.248
and other disadvantaged populations in San Diego County.

01:19:54.988 --> 01:20:01.088
So SDAG is designated as a consolidated transportation

01:20:01.098 --> 01:20:06.179
services agency. Uh so the two organizations will,

01:20:06.189 --> 01:20:10.748
will be discussing the C PC access for all programs

01:20:11.439 --> 01:20:15.367
uh which is a first in the nation to require on demand

01:20:15.377 --> 01:20:19.498
wheelchair accessible vehicle services via the transportation

01:20:19.508 --> 01:20:23.508
network company. And authorizes a rider surcharge which

01:20:23.518 --> 01:20:28.209
we voted out some years ago to fund this effort. So

01:20:28.219 --> 01:20:32.969
now also on June 21, the Commission will be hosting

01:20:32.978 --> 01:20:37.988
an online public workshop. To discuss outreach for the

01:20:37.998 --> 01:20:41.919
implementation of the access to all programs. The workshop

01:20:41.929 --> 01:20:45.598
will be held starting at 9:30. More information will

01:20:45.607 --> 01:20:50.228
be available. And my Bagley Keene partner, uh Commissioner John Reynolds.

01:20:50.228 --> 01:20:56.028
Will be um filling in uh for me. I mean, we will

01:20:56.039 --> 01:20:59.978
be tagging anyway, all these efforts as do partners

01:20:59.988 --> 01:21:06.518
do. Since I on the same time as this workshop. And finally,

01:21:07.048 --> 01:21:09.969
this regarding autonomous vehicles. We will have a

01:21:09.978 --> 01:21:14.318
workshop in-person, June 22 at our San Francisco

01:21:14.407 --> 01:21:18.818
headquarters. To discuss possible new data reporting

01:21:18.828 --> 01:21:23.719
requirements for the autonomous vehicle programs were

01:21:23.728 --> 01:21:28.647
home and advice letters followed by companies. Uh And

01:21:29.978 --> 01:21:32.939
so our consumer protection and enforcement division

01:21:33.219 --> 01:21:36.689
has the authority to collect all the information necessary

01:21:36.699 --> 01:21:40.387
to evaluate the safety uh of our autonomic vehicle

01:21:40.397 --> 01:21:44.348
problems for passengers and driver. Excuse me, there

01:21:44.357 --> 01:21:47.238
are no drivers. There are many technicians, but this

01:21:47.248 --> 01:21:52.289
is auto vehicles, those passengers. Uh, this is a very

01:21:52.298 --> 01:21:55.387
key workshop where the Commission will collect party

01:21:55.397 --> 01:21:59.528
feedback on proposed data reporting requirements. Uh

01:21:59.539 --> 01:22:03.867
the workshop will be held at 11am at our Commission's

01:22:03.877 --> 01:22:07.738
headquarters at 505 Van Ness. Uh agree to and then

01:22:07.748 --> 01:22:11.367
it will follow and again the information can be garnered

01:22:11.377 --> 01:22:15.929
off of our website and a daily calendar. Thank you

01:22:15.939 --> 01:22:21.248
and thank you, President Reynolds. Thank you. Um, other Commissioner

01:22:21.258 --> 01:22:24.637
Reports?

01:22:24.637 --> 01:22:27.929
Uh Commissioner Houck?

01:22:27.929 --> 01:22:32.008
Thank you, President Reynolds. Um bear with me. I think

01:22:32.018 --> 01:22:35.098
it might be a little longer than normal. But um, I first

01:22:35.107 --> 01:22:40.738
just wanted to make a comment and recognize Item 16

01:22:40.748 --> 01:22:47.709
on our Agenda today. Which sets the fiscal 23-24 budget

01:22:47.719 --> 01:22:50.919
for our California Advanced Services Fund. The fund

01:22:50.929 --> 01:22:53.548
supports a variety of accounts including our adoption

01:22:53.558 --> 01:22:58.528
account for um public housing account. Um, infrastructure

01:22:58.539 --> 01:23:02.518
account. And um, the adoption account in particular supports

01:23:02.528 --> 01:23:06.818
our digital literacy program and we just adopted um

01:23:06.828 --> 01:23:11.058
some grants that are part of the public housing grant

01:23:11.068 --> 01:23:16.157
program. Um The C A F F Fund also um extension of

01:23:16.169 --> 01:23:19.088
broadband networks, broadband Planning Consortium,

01:23:19.098 --> 01:23:23.048
technical assistance. And again, the public housing

01:23:23.058 --> 01:23:26.199
program. And these funds are essential to closing the

01:23:26.209 --> 01:23:29.508
digital divide. This is a really critical program,

01:23:29.518 --> 01:23:33.578
especially as we are looking at our efforts to meet

01:23:33.588 --> 01:23:38.647
the goals of SB156. So I just want to recognize

01:23:38.657 --> 01:23:43.887
that we set those budgets today. And

01:23:43.887 --> 01:23:46.647
that,

01:23:46.647 --> 01:23:50.449
sorry that um so I wanted to acknowledge that in my

01:23:50.459 --> 01:23:53.459
report today. I also wanted to thank um Commissioner

01:23:53.469 --> 01:23:57.429
Sharo for all of her work on the Western conference

01:23:57.439 --> 01:24:01.419
in Napa that um we all recently attended. Um Your team

01:24:01.429 --> 01:24:04.498
did an excellent job. It was a first class conference

01:24:04.508 --> 01:24:08.798
uh great location agenda and speakers and just for

01:24:08.808 --> 01:24:12.308
nothing but positive compliments from colleagues across

01:24:12.318 --> 01:24:16.828
the West. So I just wanted to recognize that. Um, especially

01:24:16.838 --> 01:24:21.117
appreciated the plenary speakers um inviting Tribal

01:24:21.278 --> 01:24:24.939
Affairs Secretary, Christina Snyder. For some opening

01:24:24.949 --> 01:24:28.377
comments and the fireside chat that President Reynolds

01:24:28.387 --> 01:24:32.978
and Chair Willie Phillips had. Um, so again, thank

01:24:32.988 --> 01:24:35.637
you, Commissioner Shiroma for all of the work and making

01:24:35.647 --> 01:24:39.897
that conference happen. Um, day after that conference,

01:24:39.907 --> 01:24:45.147
I also had um the, the honor of attending the National

01:24:45.157 --> 01:24:47.988
Utilities Diversity Council brainstorm at the beach

01:24:47.998 --> 01:24:50.939
down in Los Angeles. There was an impressive list of

01:24:50.949 --> 01:24:53.919
individuals from across the nation representing State

01:24:53.929 --> 01:24:58.848
Public Utilities Commission. Um, investor owned utilities,

01:24:58.857 --> 01:25:01.647
contractors, diverse chambers of commerce and other

01:25:01.657 --> 01:25:06.719
organizations. Um, there were a variety of discussions

01:25:06.728 --> 01:25:09.617
we discussed important topics um and developed action

01:25:09.627 --> 01:25:13.818
items for topics. Such as building a diversity um pipeline

01:25:13.828 --> 01:25:17.469
to leadership disconnections and protecting low-income

01:25:17.478 --> 01:25:22.199
ratepayers. Um California's G-01-56 is definitely uh

01:25:22.209 --> 01:25:25.818
a highlight and um an example that others are striving

01:25:25.828 --> 01:25:29.877
for and we talked about equity and rate design um to

01:25:29.887 --> 01:25:34.578
to name some of the topics. Um So again, this event

01:25:34.588 --> 01:25:37.669
immediately followed the conference which I think made

01:25:37.679 --> 01:25:40.758
it easier for some travel for others across the country

01:25:41.008 --> 01:25:45.818
Um But again, I was very grateful to have had the opportunity

01:25:45.857 --> 01:25:51.289
to attend um NUDC. Not only inspires great conversations

01:25:51.298 --> 01:25:54.838
they intentionally create space um for action items

01:25:54.848 --> 01:25:57.978
that attendees can pursue after the event. And I'm

01:25:57.988 --> 01:26:01.959
hoping to meet with um our Executive Director, uh Rachel

01:26:01.969 --> 01:26:04.998
Peterson to share some of the discussions that we had

01:26:05.008 --> 01:26:08.758
there. Um again, the diverse makeup of expert participants

01:26:08.768 --> 01:26:11.848
provided an opportunity to engage on complex issues.

01:26:11.857 --> 01:26:15.199
Regarding DEI and the context of serving customers,

01:26:15.429 --> 01:26:18.798
providing opportunities for DEI suppliers and promoting

01:26:18.808 --> 01:26:23.107
opportunities for um the DEI leadership within a broad

01:26:23.117 --> 01:26:25.998
cross section of entities. Including nonprofits, IOUs,

01:26:26.058 --> 01:26:29.828
and State Commissions. So I thought it was an excellent

01:26:29.838 --> 01:26:32.328
event and was really happy to have had that opportunity

01:26:32.338 --> 01:26:36.808
to attend. Um,

01:26:36.808 --> 01:26:41.429
I also want to acknowledge the BEAD outreach and community

01:26:41.439 --> 01:26:45.058
engagements that are going on right now. In partnership

01:26:45.068 --> 01:26:49.728
with the California Department of Technology. There

01:26:49.738 --> 01:26:55.789
have been 17 meetings so far with engaging with communities

01:26:55.798 --> 01:26:58.147
across the state. The last of which is being held in

01:26:58.157 --> 01:27:03.078
Oakland right now, and they had over 200 registrants.

01:27:03.088 --> 01:27:07.528
It was basically registered to capacity like many of

01:27:07.539 --> 01:27:11.278
the events have been. Um, I've had the opportunity to

01:27:11.289 --> 01:27:16.578
attend the event in San Diego, one in L.A. Um, my

01:27:16.588 --> 01:27:20.397
Chief of Staff, Karin Sung and Advisor um, Victor Smith

01:27:20.407 --> 01:27:23.758
attended the Long Beach um, community engagement. I

01:27:23.768 --> 01:27:27.719
also attended the one in where we had representation

01:27:27.728 --> 01:27:31.778
from over 6 counties and a number of Tribes. And

01:27:31.789 --> 01:27:34.689
um there are three Tribal consultations that have been

01:27:34.699 --> 01:27:38.157
scheduled. One that will be held in Redding, one that

01:27:38.169 --> 01:27:41.857
will be held um and hosted by the Tule River Tribe and one

01:27:41.867 --> 01:27:45.548
that will be held down in Southern California um at

01:27:45.558 --> 01:27:52.478
in El Cajon, at the um Tribal Community College. So um, I encourage

01:27:52.488 --> 01:27:54.919
Tribal representatives interested in more broadband

01:27:54.929 --> 01:27:57.637
information to please attend those events. We've had

01:27:57.647 --> 01:28:04.469
excellent turnout with um, over 1500 individuals from

01:28:04.478 --> 01:28:08.018
across the state attending these events. And just also

01:28:08.028 --> 01:28:10.459
want to recognize our partnership with the California

01:28:10.469 --> 01:28:14.539
Department of, of um Technology um as part of their

01:28:14.548 --> 01:28:18.498
digital equity planning process. Um, it's been a great

01:28:18.508 --> 01:28:21.407
partnership. And just really appreciate all of the effort

01:28:21.419 --> 01:28:25.969
as well as, um the work of their contractor. Um, the

01:28:25.978 --> 01:28:30.789
ETF um has also done an excellent job. And last but

01:28:31.828 --> 01:28:34.867
not least, most important. I have some staffing updates

01:28:34.877 --> 01:28:38.728
for my office that I wanted to provide. Um, so my office

01:28:38.738 --> 01:28:42.449
has um a new Associate Government Programs Analyst

01:28:42.459 --> 01:28:45.758
Lydia Park. Uh Lydia has worked in local government

01:28:45.768 --> 01:28:48.498
for the public works department at the City of Fairfield.

01:28:48.508 --> 01:28:51.449
Providing executive support in the depart, to department

01:28:51.459 --> 01:28:54.939
managers and leadership to other administrative staff.

01:28:54.949 --> 01:28:57.598
She's really excited to continue serving the public.

01:28:57.607 --> 01:29:00.877
It's the California Public Utilities Commission um

01:29:01.598 --> 01:29:05.617
in a similar field um, and will be an analyst in my

01:29:05.627 --> 01:29:09.068
office. Um Lydia grew up in Davis and is native to

01:29:09.078 --> 01:29:13.528
the Sacramento region. And she enjoys being outdoors

01:29:13.539 --> 01:29:17.028
with her family. And I want to acknowledge and thank

01:29:17.039 --> 01:29:22.377
um Libby Jones, Celinda Torres and Alina Benes for providing um

01:29:22.929 --> 01:29:26.298
additional administrative support to my office while

01:29:26.308 --> 01:29:31.328
um, we were short staffed. And um we're very happy to

01:29:31.338 --> 01:29:33.969
have Lydia on board. And again, appreciate all of the

01:29:33.978 --> 01:29:37.199
help that, that we received um, while that position

01:29:37.209 --> 01:29:42.478
was vacant. I also want to welcome a new Advisor to

01:29:42.488 --> 01:29:46.367
my office, um Nicky Bella. Nicky joined the Commission

01:29:46.377 --> 01:29:50.679
in 2010 and he's worked in a variety of roles. And he's

01:29:50.689 --> 01:29:53.518
worked in the Energy Division. He's been a part of

01:29:53.528 --> 01:29:57.219
Cal Advocates in the past. Legal Division, the Consumer

01:29:57.228 --> 01:30:00.459
Protection and Enforcement Division. And as a Legal

01:30:00.469 --> 01:30:03.397
and Policy Advisor to former Commissioner, um Carla

01:30:03.407 --> 01:30:07.098
Peterman. Most recently, Nicky worked as a senior data

01:30:07.107 --> 01:30:11.219
analyst in CPED. Where he was responsible for collecting

01:30:11.228 --> 01:30:15.147
and analyzing TNC data to advise the decision makers.

01:30:15.478 --> 01:30:18.978
Nicky holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University.

01:30:18.988 --> 01:30:22.258
Where he triple majored in Economics, Political Science

01:30:22.268 --> 01:30:26.887
and Telecommunications. He also holds a Juris doctorate

01:30:26.897 --> 01:30:30.907
from University of California, College of the Law of

01:30:30.919 --> 01:30:35.377
San Francisco and um an LLM from UC Berkeley,

01:30:35.387 --> 01:30:38.877
School of Law and a Master's Degree in Applied Data

01:30:38.887 --> 01:30:43.407
Science from Syracuse University. Um, we are very pleased and

01:30:43.419 --> 01:30:46.528
very happy to have Nicky on board. So please join me

01:30:46.539 --> 01:30:50.348
and welcome him into my office. And that concludes my

01:30:50.357 --> 01:30:54.669
Commissioner Report. Okay, great. Thank you. Alright

01:30:54.679 --> 01:30:59.508
um Commissioner Reynolds? You have Commission Reynolds. Let's

01:30:59.518 --> 01:31:04.088
go to you next. Thanks. I will uh, I'll be relatively

01:31:04.098 --> 01:31:07.169
brief. Um I also want to extend my thanks to Commissioner

01:31:07.669 --> 01:31:10.939
Shiroma and her team. For putting on a wonderful Western conference

01:31:10.949 --> 01:31:14.127
and uh, and welcoming our Western colleagues to California.

01:31:14.439 --> 01:31:19.147
To discuss uh all matter of regulatory, regulatory

01:31:19.157 --> 01:31:24.798
industries and subjects. Um immediately following on

01:31:25.357 --> 01:31:28.258
the Western conference, I had a chance to sit down

01:31:28.268 --> 01:31:32.357
with Richard Edison from Capital Weekly. To talk about

01:31:32.907 --> 01:31:36.518
zero emission vehicles and meeting our 2035 goals.

01:31:37.738 --> 01:31:43.169
Um next week, I will be attending the Global Transmission

01:31:43.179 --> 01:31:47.689
Conference to join our, our Western colleague, Mark

01:31:47.699 --> 01:31:50.808
Commissioner Mark Thompson from Oregon. To talk about

01:31:51.117 --> 01:31:55.397
offshore wind. And um, I think that really completes

01:31:55.407 --> 01:31:58.039
my report today. So I will turn it back to you guys.

01:31:58.907 --> 01:32:03.258
All right, great. Uh Commissioner Douglas?

01:32:03.258 --> 01:32:05.669
All right. Thank you very much. I'll keep my report

01:32:05.679 --> 01:32:08.627
brief as well. Um I want to join in the, thanks to

01:32:08.637 --> 01:32:12.137
Commissioner Shiroma for her work and her office's work

01:32:12.147 --> 01:32:17.018
on the Western conference. I found it to be incredibly

01:32:17.338 --> 01:32:21.939
informative and enjoyable and it was very well attended.

01:32:21.949 --> 01:32:26.647
And, and there was a lot of great um, uh just topics

01:32:26.657 --> 01:32:30.998
covered and information presented there. Um, I had the

01:32:31.008 --> 01:32:33.508
opportunity, opportunity to moderate a panel on how

01:32:33.518 --> 01:32:37.748
wildfires and other extreme weather events. Impact reliability

01:32:37.758 --> 01:32:42.039
and it was a really good discussion on, you know, one

01:32:42.048 --> 01:32:46.719
of the many very topical uh panel subjects at, at the

01:32:46.728 --> 01:32:51.738
event. Um, the only thing I wanted to add is that. Um,

01:32:51.748 --> 01:32:57.539
I had the opportunity to attend uh some uh two of the

01:32:57.548 --> 01:33:00.998
Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander employee resource

01:33:01.008 --> 01:33:06.959
group, uh lunch and learns. Um one just talking about

01:33:06.969 --> 01:33:11.919
uh travel and travel tips. And, and experiences traveling

01:33:11.929 --> 01:33:15.728
through Asia and Hawaii. And uh, the other one on the

01:33:15.738 --> 01:33:20.318
role and impact and experiences of the Chinese immigrants

01:33:20.328 --> 01:33:25.228
in the development of the uh in construction of the

01:33:25.238 --> 01:33:28.419
Trent Continental Railroad. Um those were great, those

01:33:28.429 --> 01:33:32.719
were both uh well attended. And, and very uh nice to

01:33:32.728 --> 01:33:35.528
be part of. So, um that's all I've got today. Thank

01:33:35.539 --> 01:33:38.338
you.

01:33:38.338 --> 01:33:42.008
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas. Um all right.

01:33:42.018 --> 01:33:47.459
Well, I have a report to conclude. Um I wanted to start

01:33:47.469 --> 01:33:52.867
with a um an achievement of our CPUC Staff. Um, it

01:33:52.877 --> 01:33:55.627
is an example of one of the many things that Staff

01:33:55.637 --> 01:33:59.039
does on an ongoing basis many times without recognition.

01:33:59.048 --> 01:34:02.719
And this one is about good news on progress to deploy

01:34:02.728 --> 01:34:06.408
behind the meter battery storage on multifamily buildings.

01:34:06.417 --> 01:34:10.957
Particularly those serving low-income customers.

01:34:11.067 --> 01:34:15.587
PUC Staff recently addressed an ambiguity in our existing

01:34:15.598 --> 01:34:19.638
virtual net metering tariffs. Which had caused delay

01:34:19.647 --> 01:34:22.156
in many multi-family housing projects that were attempting

01:34:22.167 --> 01:34:24.667
to add battery storage to solar systems through our

01:34:25.048 --> 01:34:29.716
resiliency program. So the utilities and the CPUC Energy

01:34:29.727 --> 01:34:32.497
Division Staff spent significant time collaborating

01:34:32.506 --> 01:34:36.488
on potential solutions. And in May, Energy Division approved

01:34:36.497 --> 01:34:42.207
filings from PG&E and SCE and SDG&E. That revise their

01:34:42.218 --> 01:34:46.129
tariff language in a way that allows these storage

01:34:46.138 --> 01:34:51.799
projects to move forward. The change will allow 142

01:34:51.808 --> 01:34:56.437
projects to proceed with 18 of those projects funded

01:34:56.448 --> 01:35:00.109
through our solar on multi-family affordable housing

01:35:00.118 --> 01:35:05.589
or SOMA program. Uh So thank you uh to for the collaborative

01:35:05.598 --> 01:35:09.658
spirit and all the hard work undertaken by the Energy

01:35:09.667 --> 01:35:14.078
Division um, uh Staff. To resolve the matter including

01:35:14.089 --> 01:35:19.457
Sarah Lernout, Justin Galley, uh Gabe Petland, Tory Francisco,

01:35:19.468 --> 01:35:24.118
as well as Jonathan um Blackey, now in the ALJ

01:35:24.129 --> 01:35:27.727
Division. So uh, thank you for that. And then I also

01:35:27.738 --> 01:35:31.129
wanted to flag an upcoming event that I will be participating

01:35:31.138 --> 01:35:34.247
in next week. Uh the International Regulatory Futures

01:35:34.258 --> 01:35:38.388
Forum or IRFF. This year, it's going to be

01:35:38.399 --> 01:35:42.738
held at Columbia Law School from June 16-17.

01:35:43.039 --> 01:35:46.497
And the main goal of IRFF is to bring

01:35:46.508 --> 01:35:50.578
regulators together from all over the world to discuss

01:35:50.589 --> 01:35:53.417
and share knowledge on how to best regulate in the

01:35:53.428 --> 01:35:57.039
face of a changing climate.

01:35:57.039 --> 01:36:00.058
The agenda covers many topics that will directly benefit

01:36:00.069 --> 01:36:03.589
Californians including customer engagement models,

01:36:03.598 --> 01:36:06.348
the Inflation Reduction Act and the role that regulators

01:36:06.359 --> 01:36:09.428
play. To support reliability and resilience as we push

01:36:09.437 --> 01:36:12.928
towards a zero carbon energy system and protection

01:36:12.937 --> 01:36:15.738
of vulnerable customers. In this time of increasingly

01:36:15.747 --> 01:36:18.658
volatile commodity prices. So I'm looking forward to

01:36:18.667 --> 01:36:22.109
that event. And then finally, I also have a staffing

01:36:22.118 --> 01:36:25.589
update that I'm excited to share. I am happy to announce

01:36:25.598 --> 01:36:29.937
that uh Carolina Maslanka, joined my office last week as

01:36:29.948 --> 01:36:35.718
my Energy Advisor. Carolina came to the PUC in 2017. Um,

01:36:35.738 --> 01:36:38.808
and as a Senior Analyst in the Energy Division. She

01:36:38.819 --> 01:36:42.198
worked on integrated resource planning and transportation

01:36:42.207 --> 01:36:46.718
electrification. In her work, Carolina focused on ensuring

01:36:46.727 --> 01:36:49.839
that generation distribution and transmission planning

01:36:49.848 --> 01:36:53.098
leads to more optimal infrastructure investments. And

01:36:53.109 --> 01:36:56.308
aid in the achievement of GHG reduction goals and

01:36:56.319 --> 01:37:00.289
zero emission vehicle regulation. Prior to the CPUC,

01:37:00.299 --> 01:37:04.417
Carolina worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama.

01:37:04.477 --> 01:37:08.339
A sustainable, Sustainability Intern for the White

01:37:08.348 --> 01:37:11.089
House Council on Environmental Quality and an Energy

01:37:11.098 --> 01:37:15.859
Efficiency ellow at NRDC. Carolina holds a Bachelor

01:37:15.868 --> 01:37:19.899
of Arts in Global Studies and Political Science from

01:37:19.908 --> 01:37:22.649
the University of Illinois, and a Master of Public

01:37:22.658 --> 01:37:25.028
Policy from the University of California Berkeley.

01:37:25.198 --> 01:37:30.508
So please join me in welcoming Carolina. Um that concludes

01:37:30.517 --> 01:37:34.539
my report today. Um and with that, at the end of the

01:37:34.549 --> 01:37:38.339
Commissioner Report. With the uh, conclusion of Commissioner

01:37:38.348 --> 01:37:42.558
Reports, that also finishes our Agenda today. And so

01:37:42.569 --> 01:37:45.899
this uh, Public Meeting of the California Public Utilities

01:37:45.908 --> 01:37:48.839
Commission is now adjourned. Thank you, everyone.