WEBVTT 00:00:02.020 --> 00:00:03.870 The feed for this streaming event 00:00:03.870 --> 00:00:06.200 brought to you by adminmonitor.com 00:00:06.200 --> 00:00:07.103 will begin momentarily. 00:00:07.103 --> 00:00:08.640 Thank you for... 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:09.930 Welcome to the California 00:00:09.930 --> 00:00:12.330 Public Utilities Commission on this day, 00:00:12.330 --> 00:00:15.390 Thursday, March 4th, 2021. 00:00:15.390 --> 00:00:17.393 President Batjer, you may begin. 00:00:18.550 --> 00:00:19.840 Thank you very much, Operator 00:00:19.840 --> 00:00:21.550 and good morning, everyone. 00:00:21.550 --> 00:00:22.960 We need to establish a quorum. 00:00:22.960 --> 00:00:25.110 Will the agenda clerk please call the roll? 00:00:26.640 --> 00:00:28.537 Commissioner Houck? 00:00:28.537 --> 00:00:29.370 Here. 00:00:30.640 --> 00:00:32.200 Commissioner Shiroma? 00:00:32.200 --> 00:00:33.033 Present. 00:00:34.290 --> 00:00:36.436 Commissioner Rechtschaffen? 00:00:36.436 --> 00:00:38.054 Here. 00:00:38.054 --> 00:00:40.174 Commissioner Guzman Aceves? 00:00:40.174 --> 00:00:41.007 Here. 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:43.700 President Batjer? 00:00:43.700 --> 00:00:47.100 Here, thank you, we have established a quorum. 00:00:47.100 --> 00:00:49.830 Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission. 00:00:49.830 --> 00:00:53.007 I'm calling this meeting of March 4th, 2021, 00:00:53.007 --> 00:00:58.007 Public Agenda 3480 to order. 00:00:58.090 --> 00:00:59.780 Due to the coronavirus pandemic 00:00:59.780 --> 00:01:01.580 and the shelter-in-place order, 00:01:01.580 --> 00:01:04.800 we are conducting today's business meeting online 00:01:04.800 --> 00:01:07.020 and by remote participation. 00:01:07.020 --> 00:01:10.760 The meeting is livestreamed through the CPUC's website. 00:01:10.760 --> 00:01:15.760 You can view the meeting at ww.adminmonitor.com/CA/CPUC. 00:01:22.660 --> 00:01:25.113 Admin monitor is one word. 00:01:27.650 --> 00:01:31.910 Closed captioning is available in English and Spanish 00:01:31.910 --> 00:01:33.630 through the webcast. 00:01:33.630 --> 00:01:35.920 You can click on the green button 00:01:35.920 --> 00:01:38.580 to select your language of choice. 00:01:38.580 --> 00:01:42.580 Public engagement is critical to the CPUC process. 00:01:42.580 --> 00:01:44.920 If you wish to make a public comment, 00:01:44.920 --> 00:01:49.060 please dial into (800) 857-1917 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:56.780 and enter passcode 9899501 and press star one. 00:01:59.390 --> 00:02:03.350 You will be placed into a queue and the operator 00:02:03.350 --> 00:02:05.790 will take your name and information. 00:02:05.790 --> 00:02:07.490 You will be called upon to speak 00:02:07.490 --> 00:02:12.200 when we get to the public comment period in today's agenda. 00:02:12.200 --> 00:02:16.240 If you encounter difficulty into the calling 00:02:16.240 --> 00:02:19.830 into the public telephone line, please email 00:02:19.830 --> 00:02:24.830 votingmeetinghelp@cpuc.ca.gov, 00:02:27.570 --> 00:02:31.737 votingmeetinghelp@cpuc.ca.gov. 00:02:33.140 --> 00:02:35.470 Before we commence with public comment, 00:02:35.470 --> 00:02:38.630 I would like to welcome to the virtual diocese 00:02:38.630 --> 00:02:43.630 and back to the CPUC our newest Commissioner Darcy Houk. 00:02:44.330 --> 00:02:47.410 Commissioner Houk was most recently chief counsel 00:02:47.410 --> 00:02:49.530 at the California Energy Commission. 00:02:49.530 --> 00:02:53.080 Prior to that, she served as an Administrative Law Judge 00:02:53.080 --> 00:02:56.480 here at the CPUC, a role in which many of you 00:02:56.480 --> 00:02:58.943 have had the opportunity to work with her before. 00:02:59.880 --> 00:03:03.780 Commissioner Houk brings with her a wealth of knowledge. 00:03:03.780 --> 00:03:07.360 And we welcome her back and we are very glad 00:03:07.360 --> 00:03:11.090 to have her with us for her first voting meeting. 00:03:11.090 --> 00:03:13.383 Commissioner Houk, I would like to invite you 00:03:13.383 --> 00:03:15.990 to make any opening comments, if you would like 00:03:18.830 --> 00:03:20.261 Thank you, President Batjer 00:03:20.261 --> 00:03:22.760 for the warm welcome back to the Commission. 00:03:22.760 --> 00:03:25.160 I wanna thank Governor Newsome for this opportunity 00:03:25.160 --> 00:03:28.330 to serve California in my new role as a Commissioner. 00:03:28.330 --> 00:03:30.460 I appreciate all the support and kind words 00:03:30.460 --> 00:03:32.720 from so many people since returning last week. 00:03:32.720 --> 00:03:34.390 And I'm excited to work with each of you 00:03:34.390 --> 00:03:36.560 in meeting the Commission's goals of ensuring safe, 00:03:36.560 --> 00:03:40.030 reliable and affordable services for all Californians. 00:03:40.030 --> 00:03:41.900 And doing so, I understand the importance 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:44.600 of being a collaborative partner with our sister agencies 00:03:44.600 --> 00:03:46.310 and engaging with the public. 00:03:46.310 --> 00:03:48.950 I look forward to working on the many energy issues 00:03:48.950 --> 00:03:51.610 before the Commission increasing broadband access 00:03:51.610 --> 00:03:54.300 to our most vulnerable communities, water affordability 00:03:54.300 --> 00:03:56.230 and transportation safety. 00:03:56.230 --> 00:03:58.300 I hope to contribute to improving access 00:03:58.300 --> 00:04:00.740 to an information regarding Commission processes 00:04:00.740 --> 00:04:03.660 to underrepresented rural and tribal communities. 00:04:03.660 --> 00:04:05.910 This includes how best to implement the Commissions 00:04:05.910 --> 00:04:09.060 tribal land transfer policy and realigning our policies 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:11.840 to address COVID and post COVID pandemic issues 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:14.380 such as disconnections and arrearages. 00:04:14.380 --> 00:04:16.400 I'm ready for the challenge and plan to do my part 00:04:16.400 --> 00:04:18.300 along with my fellow Commissioners, 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:20.020 the Governor's office, the legislature 00:04:20.020 --> 00:04:23.810 and our sister agencies to create programs and policies 00:04:23.810 --> 00:04:25.900 that benefit and protect California. 00:04:25.900 --> 00:04:28.440 So thank you and I'm looking forward 00:04:28.440 --> 00:04:30.690 to working with all of you as a Commissioner. 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:34.860 Thank you Commissioner Houk. 00:04:34.860 --> 00:04:37.740 With you joining us today, we returned to having 00:04:37.740 --> 00:04:40.760 four of the five Commissioners seats filled by women. 00:04:40.760 --> 00:04:43.120 I think this is especially noteworthy 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:45.550 given March is women's history month. 00:04:45.550 --> 00:04:48.250 This month allows us the opportunity 00:04:48.250 --> 00:04:50.950 to celebrate the contributions of women 00:04:50.950 --> 00:04:53.350 that women have made to the United States 00:04:53.350 --> 00:04:55.200 and of course, to California. 00:04:55.200 --> 00:04:58.440 We must recognize the countless women 00:04:58.440 --> 00:05:01.800 who have demonstrated leadership in small and large ways, 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:05.650 many times unseen and often unappreciated, 00:05:05.650 --> 00:05:10.650 but we're persevered and whose wisdom and determination 00:05:10.660 --> 00:05:13.473 have shaped every aspect of our lives today. 00:05:15.230 --> 00:05:17.690 With the arrival of the month of March, 00:05:17.690 --> 00:05:22.270 I would also like to recognize it is been almost one year 00:05:22.270 --> 00:05:26.190 since many at the Commission have been working virtually 00:05:26.190 --> 00:05:28.840 because of the global pandemic. 00:05:28.840 --> 00:05:33.550 Last week, the United States reached over 500,000 deaths 00:05:33.550 --> 00:05:35.960 resulting from COVID-19. 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:40.960 And we as a state have lost 52,000 California souls. 00:05:42.040 --> 00:05:46.400 That is 500,000 people who were somebody's family member, 00:05:46.400 --> 00:05:48.743 friend, coworker, or neighbor. 00:05:49.760 --> 00:05:53.440 As President Biden said, we must resist 00:05:53.440 --> 00:05:55.263 becoming numb to the sorrow. 00:05:56.540 --> 00:06:01.250 It's important to remember how we have persisted this year 00:06:01.250 --> 00:06:04.480 but always also to remain steadfast 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:07.343 in our commitment to overcoming this deadly virus. 00:06:08.230 --> 00:06:10.440 I remain hopeful that the resilience 00:06:10.440 --> 00:06:13.010 of our collective spirits will help us 00:06:13.010 --> 00:06:14.653 weather this trying time. 00:06:15.720 --> 00:06:19.960 I'm especially proud, especially proud of all of the work 00:06:19.960 --> 00:06:23.530 we as a Commission have accomplished over this last year 00:06:23.530 --> 00:06:27.880 mostly working remotely with a core staff 00:06:27.880 --> 00:06:30.720 who have continued to provide essential services 00:06:30.720 --> 00:06:33.820 in the office and are all 00:06:33.820 --> 00:06:37.020 under such stressful circumstances. 00:06:37.020 --> 00:06:39.990 Thank you to all the CPUC staff who have worked 00:06:39.990 --> 00:06:44.940 so diligently to continue serving the people of California 00:06:44.940 --> 00:06:48.450 over the last year as we have all sheltered in place 00:06:48.450 --> 00:06:52.360 and learn to adapt to a new way of working. 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:55.260 Thank you all for what you have done 00:06:55.260 --> 00:06:57.490 and please keep up the good work. 00:06:57.490 --> 00:06:58.323 We're almost there. 00:06:58.323 --> 00:07:00.510 I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 00:07:01.470 --> 00:07:05.610 Okay, we will now turn to public comment. 00:07:05.610 --> 00:07:07.480 If you wish to make a public comment 00:07:07.480 --> 00:07:10.220 and you have already dialed 00:07:10.220 --> 00:07:13.260 into the public comment telephone line, 00:07:13.260 --> 00:07:17.413 please press star one to get into the public comment queue. 00:07:19.050 --> 00:07:21.310 CPUC rules do not allow for comments 00:07:21.310 --> 00:07:26.310 for parties in proceedings to speak about open proceedings. 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:28.660 The public can make comments addressing items 00:07:28.660 --> 00:07:31.670 on the consent and regular agenda 00:07:31.670 --> 00:07:34.713 and including items not on today's agenda. 00:07:35.730 --> 00:07:39.430 Please note that there will not be public comment 00:07:39.430 --> 00:07:44.430 on item 33 and all items on the closed session agenda. 00:07:44.930 --> 00:07:48.620 You will have two minutes to speak. 00:07:48.620 --> 00:07:50.300 You will hear a bell sound. 00:07:50.300 --> 00:07:54.260 You will hear a bell sound when your time is up. 00:07:54.260 --> 00:07:57.700 Please be mindful of other speakers in the queue. 00:07:57.700 --> 00:07:59.773 And please keep to your lot at time. 00:08:00.850 --> 00:08:04.940 With that guidance in mind, I welcome today's speakers. 00:08:04.940 --> 00:08:08.990 I will now turn to the operator for the public comments. 00:08:08.990 --> 00:08:09.853 Operator. 00:08:10.940 --> 00:08:13.210 The first comment is from Patrick Kerns. 00:08:13.210 --> 00:08:14.713 Your line is now open. 00:08:22.110 --> 00:08:24.190 The first comment is from Patrick Kerns. 00:08:24.190 --> 00:08:25.703 Your line is now open. 00:08:30.050 --> 00:08:32.163 Mr. Kerns, please check your mute button. 00:08:36.400 --> 00:08:37.800 I'm not on mute. 00:08:39.140 --> 00:08:41.513 We can hear you now Mr. Kerns, go ahead. 00:08:43.289 --> 00:08:46.163 Thank you, madam president and Commissioners. 00:08:48.337 --> 00:08:51.300 (indistinct) is grateful for the powerful leadership 00:08:51.300 --> 00:08:55.480 from the CPUC and highlighting the pandemic 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:59.960 and ways that we can protect our community. 00:08:59.960 --> 00:09:02.060 I am presenting the basis 00:09:02.060 --> 00:09:05.390 for South Bay Water Utility Repairs Assertion 00:09:05.390 --> 00:09:07.640 that the Commission's culture has been transformed 00:09:07.640 --> 00:09:10.800 to an adversarial for judicial process 00:09:10.800 --> 00:09:14.240 and anathema to a transparent rate payer friendly 00:09:14.240 --> 00:09:16.290 regulatory process. 00:09:16.290 --> 00:09:19.080 We do acknowledge the value and action 00:09:19.080 --> 00:09:22.260 of the executive director, Rachel Peterson 00:09:23.827 --> 00:09:27.840 in denying the extension of the deadline for application 00:09:27.840 --> 00:09:32.560 to set cost of capital for Class A water utility. 00:09:32.560 --> 00:09:37.190 Secondly, rate withes to compare the CPUC actions 00:09:37.190 --> 00:09:40.690 to follow up audit CT and D sailors perform 00:09:40.690 --> 00:09:43.680 Woodland maintenance to reduce fire danger 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:50.000 and requiring action based on that follow-up audit. 00:09:51.750 --> 00:09:55.020 Rates compares this to San Jose water company's compliance 00:09:55.020 --> 00:09:59.193 with Commission orders from the last year CRC 2018. 00:10:00.655 --> 00:10:04.730 And understaffed follow-up audit failed to reveal 00:10:04.730 --> 00:10:07.680 the slight of hand used by San Jose water 00:10:07.680 --> 00:10:09.820 to manipulate and subvert the intent 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:12.310 and understanding of the Commission's orders. 00:10:12.310 --> 00:10:17.087 The Commission ordered and authorized an increase of 4.55% 00:10:18.220 --> 00:10:20.823 in decision 1811025. 00:10:22.260 --> 00:10:27.260 Yet residential customers have ended up paying 15.3% 00:10:29.390 --> 00:10:34.390 based on selective charges to different categories. 00:10:35.260 --> 00:10:39.747 Residential customers have been assessed as 15.3% 00:10:40.710 --> 00:10:44.110 which subsidizes other categories. 00:10:44.110 --> 00:10:48.420 Other classes of customers for San Jose water company 00:10:48.420 --> 00:10:52.730 which have actually had a reduction rate 00:10:52.730 --> 00:10:56.453 of increase up to 13% reduction. 00:10:57.790 --> 00:11:02.790 The CPUC has been cited on it's lack of audit 00:11:03.710 --> 00:11:08.710 and rate is requesting a fiduciary audit 00:11:09.220 --> 00:11:13.270 be contemplated with any future requests 00:11:13.270 --> 00:11:18.270 for increase in funds to detect post-talk. 00:11:18.450 --> 00:11:20.400 Thank you very much. 00:11:20.400 --> 00:11:22.330 Thank you, Mr. Kerns. 00:11:22.330 --> 00:11:24.030 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:11:24.930 --> 00:11:27.330 The next caller is Dr. Jim Stewart. 00:11:27.330 --> 00:11:28.793 Your line is now open. 00:11:30.650 --> 00:11:33.470 Well, welcome Commissioner Houk. 00:11:33.470 --> 00:11:37.750 We are certainly depending on you to uphold equity 00:11:37.750 --> 00:11:40.670 and justice for all. 00:11:40.670 --> 00:11:45.300 And a part of that includes addressing the issue 00:11:45.300 --> 00:11:49.130 of our high electricity rates. 00:11:49.130 --> 00:11:52.790 They're the highest in the country, except for Hawaii. 00:11:52.790 --> 00:11:56.410 But as you know, Hawaii has much higher rooftop 00:11:56.410 --> 00:11:59.820 solar penetration than does California. 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:04.240 And part of the reason for that is that California 00:12:04.240 --> 00:12:07.960 almost uniquely among the states adds over 2 cents 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:11.440 a kilowatt hour transmission access charge 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:13.370 to every kilowatt hour, 00:12:13.370 --> 00:12:17.653 whether they use the transmission system or not. 00:12:18.620 --> 00:12:22.630 And this is expensive as last week's 00:12:22.630 --> 00:12:27.630 on bonk revealed was that there are billions of dollars 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:34.980 of investment by the utilities into these transmission lines 00:12:37.550 --> 00:12:42.480 and 60% of them or solar self approved. 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:46.490 So we don't even get you the Commissioners 00:12:46.490 --> 00:12:49.070 to approve whether or not they're adding 00:12:49.070 --> 00:12:51.720 excess transmission or not. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:53.270 This is inexcusable. 00:12:53.270 --> 00:12:57.750 And if you want to help the Governor 00:12:57.750 --> 00:13:02.750 in a potential recall election, you will address this issue 00:13:04.830 --> 00:13:08.690 of the fact that the transmission access charge 00:13:08.690 --> 00:13:12.540 and the whole transmission is way out of control 00:13:12.540 --> 00:13:15.010 and you need to reign it in. 00:13:15.010 --> 00:13:18.590 And a good example is just look at the municipal utilities. 00:13:18.590 --> 00:13:23.200 They don't add that charge to people who don't use it. 00:13:23.200 --> 00:13:25.580 So fix it now. 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:26.833 Thank you very much. 00:13:27.850 --> 00:13:29.103 Thank you, Dr. Stewart. 00:13:30.060 --> 00:13:31.913 Operators, the next caller, please. 00:13:33.518 --> 00:13:36.140 The next caller is resident 00:13:36.140 --> 00:13:38.030 of Palm Springs, California. 00:13:38.030 --> 00:13:39.493 Your line is now open. 00:13:40.920 --> 00:13:43.500 Good morning, my name is Joan Taylor. 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:45.200 I live in the desert Palm Springs. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:48.500 I would like to echo Dr. Stewart's comments 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:51.870 about the self approved projects, it's outrageous. 00:13:51.870 --> 00:13:55.460 Also the transmission costs are already extraordinarily high 00:13:55.460 --> 00:13:57.300 and will certainly spiral out of control 00:13:57.300 --> 00:14:01.160 in this energy efficiency and especially distributed energy 00:14:01.160 --> 00:14:04.920 resources are compensated fairly. 00:14:04.920 --> 00:14:07.070 Compensation for those resources 00:14:07.070 --> 00:14:10.370 should include the values of resilience, 00:14:10.370 --> 00:14:11.930 avoided transmission costs 00:14:12.900 --> 00:14:17.660 and also customers that are self-generating energy 00:14:17.660 --> 00:14:20.180 since stopped being charged the TAC. 00:14:20.180 --> 00:14:21.380 Thank you for your time. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:26.090 Thank you, Ms. Taylor. 00:14:26.090 --> 00:14:28.290 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:14:28.290 --> 00:14:30.160 The next caller, Claire Broom. 00:14:30.160 --> 00:14:31.553 Your line is now open. 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:35.390 Good morning, President Batjer 00:14:35.390 --> 00:14:38.143 and welcome to Commissioner Houk. 00:14:39.020 --> 00:14:40.550 My name is Claire Broom, 00:14:40.550 --> 00:14:43.010 I'm a professor of public health 00:14:43.010 --> 00:14:48.010 and I'm a resident of California, rate payer. 00:14:50.420 --> 00:14:55.340 I congratulate the Commission on last week's on bunk. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:59.600 It was a potential opportunity to be forward looking 00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:01.310 and visionary. 00:15:01.310 --> 00:15:04.870 As Anthony Kinslow told you in the final panel, 00:15:04.870 --> 00:15:08.970 the future is not centralized generation. 00:15:08.970 --> 00:15:13.700 The answer to affordable energy and we're talking energy, 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:16.830 we're talking electricity and methane gas 00:15:16.830 --> 00:15:21.830 and gasoline, affordable energy for households 00:15:22.280 --> 00:15:25.670 requires the Commission to look at flexible 00:15:25.670 --> 00:15:27.933 community-based solutions. 00:15:28.810 --> 00:15:31.700 Solar and storage in front of the meter, 00:15:31.700 --> 00:15:36.200 behind the meter and flexible demand management. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:41.200 That's the answer that also permits a focus on equity. 00:15:43.020 --> 00:15:47.240 Please compensate DERs fairly. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:51.280 You've heard about correcting the distortion 00:15:51.280 --> 00:15:54.610 of the transmission access charge which the CPUC 00:15:54.610 --> 00:15:56.870 has the power to do. 00:15:56.870 --> 00:16:01.680 Also compensating DERs for resiliency. 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:04.580 We all want reliable power. 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:07.700 Why don't we pay DERs to provide it 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:12.700 instead of encouraging use of diesel generators. 00:16:13.760 --> 00:16:18.760 And finally, please look at real answers 00:16:18.930 --> 00:16:22.170 to controlling costs of transmission, 00:16:22.170 --> 00:16:26.430 which was demonstrated to be the most rapidly 00:16:26.430 --> 00:16:29.283 rising part of our bills. 00:16:30.580 --> 00:16:35.580 Ignore the utilities campaign against rooftop solar. 00:16:37.380 --> 00:16:41.823 Their purported cost shift is a diversionary tactic. 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:49.960 So thank you for being visionary and looking ahead 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:54.860 to true solutions for reliable, affordable, clean energy 00:16:54.860 --> 00:16:58.570 which will prevent the climate crisis. 00:16:58.570 --> 00:16:59.403 Thank you. 00:17:00.470 --> 00:17:01.303 Thank you. 00:17:03.290 --> 00:17:04.903 Operator next, please. 00:17:06.151 --> 00:17:07.560 The next caller is Lee Miller. 00:17:07.560 --> 00:17:08.963 Your line is now open. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:13.750 I'm Lee Miller, a rooftop solar owner in Sacramento. 00:17:13.750 --> 00:17:16.690 California monopolies oppose rooftop solar 00:17:16.690 --> 00:17:19.720 for one reason, every electron I generate 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:21.870 is one they cannot sell me. 00:17:21.870 --> 00:17:25.680 The result is an aggressive spin campaign 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:27.720 to crush net metering. 00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:29.630 Utilities have been raising rates, 00:17:29.630 --> 00:17:33.800 destroying our environment and causing California wildfires. 00:17:33.800 --> 00:17:36.090 They blame rooftop solar, but the problem 00:17:36.090 --> 00:17:39.710 is they're overspending on power lines, 00:17:39.710 --> 00:17:41.550 failure to maintain those lines 00:17:42.925 --> 00:17:44.920 while getting a guaranteed profit. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:48.300 Last summer state officials begged us to share 00:17:48.300 --> 00:17:50.000 our battery power. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:54.150 Over 30,000 solar battery customers answered the call. 00:17:54.150 --> 00:17:58.120 We delivered as much as 310 megawatts of electricity 00:17:58.120 --> 00:18:00.743 to the grid on August 15th alone. 00:18:02.110 --> 00:18:06.290 Dr. Baker, deputy director of for energy justice 00:18:06.290 --> 00:18:10.140 at the U.S. Department of Energy said in a recent interview, 00:18:10.140 --> 00:18:12.470 rooftop solar isn't the insult, 00:18:12.470 --> 00:18:15.100 the insult is placing fossil fuel generation 00:18:15.100 --> 00:18:19.940 in communities of color, the insult is disproportionate 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:22.750 burden that the low and moderate income homes 00:18:22.750 --> 00:18:24.620 are paying for electricity. 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:27.800 Electricity rate design is regressive. 00:18:27.800 --> 00:18:30.430 That means poorest people are paying more 00:18:30.430 --> 00:18:34.130 of their overall income just to keep the lights on, 00:18:34.130 --> 00:18:36.060 that's the insult. 00:18:36.060 --> 00:18:39.890 The issue that the utilities should be tackling 00:18:39.890 --> 00:18:42.560 rather than trying to end rooftop solar, 00:18:42.560 --> 00:18:44.870 which actually lowers emissions 00:18:44.870 --> 00:18:47.830 in the very communities that they care about. 00:18:47.830 --> 00:18:49.930 The utilities are using their influence 00:18:49.930 --> 00:18:53.320 to derail beneficial aspects of net metering. 00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:56.840 This isn't the time to slow down rooftop solar, 00:18:56.840 --> 00:19:00.850 please resist the efforts, keep net metering and tac 00:19:02.376 --> 00:19:04.810 while strengthening it to help more middle 00:19:04.810 --> 00:19:09.170 and low income people get solar plus battery installations. 00:19:09.170 --> 00:19:10.003 Thank you. 00:19:11.060 --> 00:19:11.893 Thank you. 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:15.710 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:19:15.710 --> 00:19:17.400 The next caller is Bianca Tylek. 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:19.203 Your line is now open. 00:19:21.710 --> 00:19:23.890 Hello, my name is Bianca Tylek. 00:19:23.890 --> 00:19:26.360 I am the executive director at Worth Rises 00:19:26.360 --> 00:19:30.670 and representing here today Californians for jail 00:19:30.670 --> 00:19:33.180 and prison phone justice. 00:19:33.180 --> 00:19:34.630 Wanting to make a quick comment. 00:19:34.630 --> 00:19:37.470 Thank you very much to all the Commissioners 00:19:37.470 --> 00:19:40.894 regarding a public hearing that will be held 00:19:40.894 --> 00:19:45.894 on April 28th and 29th that is regarding the rates of prison 00:19:50.690 --> 00:19:55.660 and jail phone calls and perhaps regulatory efforts 00:19:55.660 --> 00:19:57.000 that might be taken there. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:59.670 We really wanna commend the Commission 00:19:59.670 --> 00:20:04.670 for making an intentional effort to have incarcerated people 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:07.550 who are actually directly impacted 00:20:07.550 --> 00:20:10.080 by whatever regulation the Commission takes 00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:13.750 voices heard during the actual hearing. 00:20:13.750 --> 00:20:15.320 But we do have some concerns 00:20:15.320 --> 00:20:18.630 that we would like to Commissioners to consider 00:20:18.630 --> 00:20:21.060 and the staff at the Commission to consider. 00:20:21.060 --> 00:20:23.670 And that is really twofold. 00:20:23.670 --> 00:20:25.770 One is about privacy. 00:20:25.770 --> 00:20:30.770 There are serious concerns among the incarcerated advocates 00:20:31.060 --> 00:20:34.240 about retaliation or retribution for speaking up 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:36.030 during the public hearings. 00:20:36.030 --> 00:20:37.860 So there's questions about whether or not 00:20:37.860 --> 00:20:42.860 anonymity can be guaranteed, can people the perhaps recorded 00:20:44.950 --> 00:20:48.640 offline but without their names actually being stated 00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:50.510 during the public hearing. 00:20:50.510 --> 00:20:54.410 Various different options that might be available, 00:20:54.410 --> 00:20:56.830 we understand this is a completely new thing. 00:20:56.830 --> 00:20:59.810 So just wanting to make sure we really think 00:20:59.810 --> 00:21:03.520 about people's safety as we ask people 00:21:04.624 --> 00:21:06.920 to participate in the hearings. 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:11.410 Secondly, is that the logistical aspect 00:21:11.410 --> 00:21:13.680 of actually having people from inside call 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:15.920 is not very straightforward. 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:17.397 Folks from inside have to call 00:21:17.397 --> 00:21:21.020 and that call has to be accepted by a person. 00:21:21.020 --> 00:21:23.810 It actually will not work for somebody 00:21:23.810 --> 00:21:26.750 from inside a prison or jail facility to call 00:21:26.750 --> 00:21:30.480 in a number that is answered by an automated message. 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:35.480 And not somebody has to actively accept the call. 00:21:35.960 --> 00:21:38.130 So just thinking about how that is, 00:21:38.130 --> 00:21:40.400 like how these calls are gonna be accepted 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:43.300 and if there's a way to prioritize those 00:21:43.300 --> 00:21:45.720 because there are long lines inside 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:48.004 and they only have a few minutes. 00:21:48.004 --> 00:21:49.400 So just wanted to raise those two things. 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:51.560 Thank you very much for your time. 00:21:51.560 --> 00:21:53.510 Thank you for calling. 00:21:53.510 --> 00:21:55.210 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:21:56.350 --> 00:21:58.280 The next caller is Fatima Malik, 00:21:58.280 --> 00:21:59.763 your line is now open. 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:03.420 Good morning Commissioners. 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:05.670 My name is Fatima Malik and I'm a resident 00:22:05.670 --> 00:22:08.200 of a disadvantaged community of Del Paso Heights 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:09.653 in North Sacramento. 00:22:10.830 --> 00:22:14.550 I became a solar customer in 2016 00:22:14.550 --> 00:22:18.060 and I became an electric vehicle driver in 2018. 00:22:18.060 --> 00:22:20.800 My desire to save the planet from the devastating impacts 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:23.340 of climate change recognize the value and benefits 00:22:23.340 --> 00:22:26.190 that our natural world provide to all life 00:22:26.190 --> 00:22:28.990 and living things, plants, people, and animals. 00:22:28.990 --> 00:22:32.940 Today, I asked the CPUC to support the variety of benefits 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:35.440 provided by solar and keep rooftop solar 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:38.370 and battery storage growing in California. 00:22:38.370 --> 00:22:41.040 Last year, California suffered from record shattering 00:22:41.040 --> 00:22:43.620 climate change induced extreme heat waves, 00:22:43.620 --> 00:22:46.110 over 800,000 people without power. 00:22:46.110 --> 00:22:49.110 This is preventable and can be avoided in the future 00:22:49.110 --> 00:22:50.890 by strengthening net metering 00:22:50.890 --> 00:22:53.410 so that millions of California can make, store 00:22:53.410 --> 00:22:55.530 and share solar energy. 00:22:55.530 --> 00:23:00.200 Please do not slow down so rooftop solar or net metering, 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:02.450 I request that you continue to support 00:23:02.450 --> 00:23:06.170 and strengthen the benefits and value of net metering. 00:23:06.170 --> 00:23:09.640 And I encourage you to promote more virtual net metering. 00:23:09.640 --> 00:23:12.730 In summary, I urge you to promote more net metering 00:23:12.730 --> 00:23:13.730 not less. 00:23:13.730 --> 00:23:18.730 to address climate change resiliency and social equity, 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:21.570 net metering is a valuable tool and resource 00:23:21.570 --> 00:23:24.840 to further advance your mission of increasing safe, 00:23:24.840 --> 00:23:29.340 reliable and affordable access to services in California. 00:23:29.340 --> 00:23:32.870 As the president mentioned, it's been a year since COVID 00:23:32.870 --> 00:23:35.040 and this is a new reality. 00:23:35.040 --> 00:23:38.240 Many people are on the verge of having their lights 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:41.290 turned off on April 1st if they are not able 00:23:41.290 --> 00:23:43.070 to pay up their bills. 00:23:43.070 --> 00:23:45.680 And so I really encourage to think 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:48.080 about how we must continue to change 00:23:48.080 --> 00:23:51.720 the way we do business that is better for the planet, 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:54.890 people and especially in disadvantaged communities 00:23:54.890 --> 00:23:58.220 so that all living plants and animals can thrive. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:24:00.050 I encourage you to support equity 00:24:00.050 --> 00:24:03.680 and justice for all, especially for vulnerable populations 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:05.500 and disadvantaged communities. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:07.990 I echo the sentiment that has already been shared 00:24:07.990 --> 00:24:09.683 around a lot of different funds. 00:24:11.170 --> 00:24:13.130 And I thank you very much for your time 00:24:13.130 --> 00:24:14.743 and consideration today. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:18.060 Thank you for your call. 00:24:18.060 --> 00:24:20.470 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:24:20.470 --> 00:24:22.790 The next caller is Leslie Sal. 00:24:22.790 --> 00:24:24.253 Your line is now open. 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:28.250 Hi, can you hear me? 00:24:28.250 --> 00:24:30.360 Yes, we can please go ahead. 00:24:30.360 --> 00:24:31.640 Great, thank you. 00:24:31.640 --> 00:24:33.690 I'm calling from Ventura 00:24:33.690 --> 00:24:37.680 and I would just like to support the last speaker. 00:24:37.680 --> 00:24:41.870 I thought she was very eloquent in her delivery 00:24:41.870 --> 00:24:43.770 in the points that she made. 00:24:43.770 --> 00:24:47.103 So as well as some of the earlier speakers. 00:24:48.650 --> 00:24:52.380 I think we need to look at distributed energy resources, 00:24:52.380 --> 00:24:55.040 local energy production. 00:24:55.040 --> 00:24:59.940 We certainly experienced the Thomas fire now here 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:04.380 that was a real issue for our power 00:25:04.380 --> 00:25:08.910 and having a lot more local production micro grids 00:25:10.350 --> 00:25:14.550 could benefit the communities all up and down California. 00:25:14.550 --> 00:25:18.730 And we have a lot more available now 00:25:18.730 --> 00:25:22.460 in terms of battery storage, reliability. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:25.850 And we have community choice energy here 00:25:25.850 --> 00:25:30.850 that we've voted to have at 100% as our basic default. 00:25:36.270 --> 00:25:40.170 So we need we need to facilitate more rooftop, 00:25:40.170 --> 00:25:44.000 more commercial, more parking lot, solar, 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:45.050 municipal buildings. 00:25:45.050 --> 00:25:48.190 There are any number of ways this could be done 00:25:48.190 --> 00:25:53.060 very quickly if the will and the structure, 00:25:53.060 --> 00:25:55.963 the economic structure was made available. 00:25:56.970 --> 00:25:59.420 So I hope you all will work in that direction. 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:01.340 I just wanted to mention that film I saw 00:26:01.340 --> 00:26:04.380 yesterday evening, 2040. 00:26:04.380 --> 00:26:05.980 It was very interesting. 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:08.860 The filmmaker went around to different parts of the world 00:26:09.760 --> 00:26:14.200 and demonstrated these local solar, 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:18.810 even very very small grids that were producing energy 00:26:18.810 --> 00:26:21.720 for people in different parts of the world. 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:26.720 And Paul Hawkin was also featured, and he mentioned 00:26:26.930 --> 00:26:30.670 that during one of the Northern California wildfires, 00:26:30.670 --> 00:26:34.430 the only people that had energy was a local tribe 00:26:34.430 --> 00:26:36.610 that had a micro grid. 00:26:36.610 --> 00:26:40.710 So I would like to put that out there too 00:26:40.710 --> 00:26:44.600 that these micro grids are in the local production 00:26:44.600 --> 00:26:46.198 is where we need to go. 00:26:46.198 --> 00:26:47.420 Thank you. 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:48.940 Thank you for calling. 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:51.380 Operator, next caller, please. 00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:53.530 The next caller is Barry Toronto. 00:26:53.530 --> 00:26:55.063 Your line is now open. 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:58.850 Yes, hi, I'm Barry Toronto. 00:26:58.850 --> 00:27:03.850 I am a taxi driver and want to refer to item number 11 00:27:05.110 --> 00:27:08.700 on the consent calendar regarding the wheelchair 00:27:08.700 --> 00:27:10.380 accessible vehicles. 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:14.790 I see a lot of contradictions in the documents 00:27:14.790 --> 00:27:19.390 and the filing, a colleague of mine who drives 00:27:19.390 --> 00:27:23.960 a ramp taxi regularly named Jessica Felix. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:26.840 She mentioned that the entire reason for the regulation 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:30.410 and the fund was established to create on-demand service 00:27:30.410 --> 00:27:32.410 for wheelchair users. 00:27:32.410 --> 00:27:35.610 The ramp taxis in San Francisco the only on demand service 00:27:35.610 --> 00:27:36.750 in San Francisco. 00:27:36.750 --> 00:27:39.030 If you're gonna make it a requirement 00:27:39.030 --> 00:27:43.420 that only CPUC permitted vehicles are allowed, 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:45.710 then there are a lot of questions to be asked. 00:27:45.710 --> 00:27:47.110 What do you charge? 00:27:47.110 --> 00:27:50.090 If you're gonna use the TNC method, 00:27:50.090 --> 00:27:52.970 then you're using a soft meter 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:56.300 and what are they using a flat rate? 00:27:56.300 --> 00:27:59.460 Because TCP carriers are supposed to have 00:28:01.060 --> 00:28:04.620 particular listed rates and not go by a meter. 00:28:04.620 --> 00:28:09.620 So is there any way that ramp taxis can have access 00:28:09.730 --> 00:28:12.010 to a CPUC permit? 00:28:12.010 --> 00:28:15.400 Because in San Francisco they provide the service 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:17.260 and they also get the proper training 00:28:17.260 --> 00:28:19.200 and the proper inspections. 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:23.040 And so it's kind of ludicrous to leave out ramp taxis 00:28:23.040 --> 00:28:24.910 and not have access to this fund 00:28:25.860 --> 00:28:28.230 in order to provide the service to the people. 00:28:28.230 --> 00:28:31.410 They buy their own vehicles, they get the proper training 00:28:31.410 --> 00:28:35.070 and they develop relationships with the wheelchair users. 00:28:35.070 --> 00:28:37.470 And all of these wheelchair users are not able 00:28:37.470 --> 00:28:41.300 to use an app or use an app on a smartphone 00:28:41.300 --> 00:28:44.430 due to their disabilities. 00:28:44.430 --> 00:28:48.630 So I'm very much concerned about how this was written 00:28:48.630 --> 00:28:52.780 and how this was set up to block ramp taxis 00:28:52.780 --> 00:28:55.183 from being able to take advantage of the fund. 00:28:56.050 --> 00:29:01.050 I appreciate that maybe you misinterpreted SB 1376 00:29:01.060 --> 00:29:03.980 and I'm hoping that this one of the Commissioners 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:06.060 can take this out of consent calendar 00:29:06.060 --> 00:29:10.150 and have further exploration as to what is going on here. 00:29:10.150 --> 00:29:12.020 Thank you very much. 00:29:12.020 --> 00:29:13.220 Thank you for calling. 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:15.940 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:19.560 The next caller is Paul Briley. 00:29:19.560 --> 00:29:21.113 Your line is now open. 00:29:23.260 --> 00:29:25.040 Hello, my name is Paul Briley. 00:29:25.040 --> 00:29:27.600 I'm a regional coordinator for All of Us or None. 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:29.700 We advocate for the civil and human rights. 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:33.020 So formerly and currently incarcerated individuals. 00:29:33.020 --> 00:29:36.200 I would like to echo one of the callers earlier, 00:29:36.200 --> 00:29:37.940 and I just would like to know how is the Commission 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:40.960 planning to handle issues of privacy 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:43.290 right by incarcerated people and their families 00:29:43.290 --> 00:29:47.400 who are experiencing some fear of retaliation or retribution 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:49.800 for speaking up at public hearings, 00:29:49.800 --> 00:29:54.150 specifically the hearing scheduled on April 28th and 29th. 00:29:54.150 --> 00:29:57.550 And secondly, how is the Commission prepared to identify 00:29:57.550 --> 00:30:00.800 and prioritize calls coming from incarcerated people 00:30:00.800 --> 00:30:03.950 who have limited time and access to communication 00:30:03.950 --> 00:30:06.340 joining the public participation hearings 00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:09.090 on April 28th and April 29th. 00:30:09.090 --> 00:30:12.030 Lastly, how does the Commission plan to notice 00:30:12.030 --> 00:30:14.300 incarcerated people and their families 00:30:14.300 --> 00:30:17.530 of the privacy protocols that would be put in place 00:30:17.530 --> 00:30:19.670 as well as the participation protocols 00:30:19.670 --> 00:30:21.770 for incarcerated and detained people 00:30:21.770 --> 00:30:24.840 to speak up at the public participation hearings. 00:30:24.840 --> 00:30:26.460 Thank you. 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:28.780 Thank you for your call. 00:30:28.780 --> 00:30:30.630 Operator, the next caller, please. 00:30:30.630 --> 00:30:33.600 The next caller is Laura Rosenberger Hyder. 00:30:33.600 --> 00:30:34.863 Your line is now open. 00:30:41.648 --> 00:30:45.648 This is Laura, a recent LA Times story 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:51.480 repeated that she thinks national greenhouse gas goals 00:30:52.420 --> 00:30:55.980 with a grid that strategically increased 00:30:55.980 --> 00:31:00.980 distributed energy resources would be $473 billion 00:31:01.360 --> 00:31:06.000 cheaper than relying on central generation 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:09.300 that would avoid transmission costs. 00:31:09.300 --> 00:31:12.967 And the Commission should also scrutinize 00:31:12.967 --> 00:31:15.900 the transmission projects that they think 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:18.700 they're paying too much for those projects 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:21.343 and maybe some mismanagement of money there. 00:31:22.850 --> 00:31:24.580 All right, thank you. 00:31:24.580 --> 00:31:26.860 Thank you for your call. 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:29.350 Operator, next caller please. President Batjer. 00:31:29.350 --> 00:31:30.183 Yes. 00:31:30.183 --> 00:31:31.460 I'm sorry to interrupt the flow. 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:34.440 I just wanted to encourage the callers 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:38.100 related to the incarcerated people workshop 00:31:38.100 --> 00:31:39.640 to reach out to our office. 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:43.130 Our contact information is on our website. 00:31:43.130 --> 00:31:45.670 And just to note that we are looking at these issues 00:31:45.670 --> 00:31:48.320 and we'll welcome a follow-up conversation with them. 00:31:49.517 --> 00:31:50.350 Thank you. 00:31:50.350 --> 00:31:51.190 Thank you Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:31:51.190 --> 00:31:52.780 That's very helpful information 00:31:52.780 --> 00:31:54.967 for the two callers that have called in 00:31:54.967 --> 00:31:56.120 and those that are listening. 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:57.770 Thank you for that clarification. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:02.553 Okay, operator next caller, please. 00:32:03.430 --> 00:32:04.590 There are no more speakers 00:32:04.590 --> 00:32:07.093 on the public comment telephone line. 00:32:09.210 --> 00:32:11.063 Okay, thank you operator. 00:32:12.730 --> 00:32:14.860 With no more callers on the line, 00:32:14.860 --> 00:32:17.860 the public comment period is now closed. 00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:20.760 Thank you all who called in, appreciate it. 00:32:20.760 --> 00:32:25.760 Before I read the whole list for today from the agenda, 00:32:26.350 --> 00:32:29.140 I understand that Commissioner Guzman Aceves 00:32:29.140 --> 00:32:31.962 would like to make a motion to hold an item. 00:32:31.962 --> 00:32:34.109 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:32:34.109 --> 00:32:35.431 Thank you, President Batjer. 00:32:35.431 --> 00:32:38.343 I would like to request a hold on item 12, 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:41.333 the microgrid proceeding. 00:32:43.630 --> 00:32:48.630 Okay, we will need a motion and a second. 00:32:51.901 --> 00:32:52.803 So moved. 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:57.200 Okay, Martha yours was a motion, correct, 00:32:57.200 --> 00:32:58.100 in your statement? 00:32:59.590 --> 00:33:00.550 Yes, thank you. 00:33:00.550 --> 00:33:01.610 Okay, thank you. 00:33:01.610 --> 00:33:05.420 We have a motion and a second to hold item number 12, 00:33:05.420 --> 00:33:07.180 and I believe you wanna hold it, 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:10.110 we will hold it for one meeting under our rules. 00:33:10.110 --> 00:33:13.530 That would be March 18th of 2021. 00:33:13.530 --> 00:33:15.680 Will the agenda court please call the roll. 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:19.550 Commissioner Houk. 00:33:19.550 --> 00:33:20.383 Yes. 00:33:21.850 --> 00:33:23.790 Commissioner Shiroma. 00:33:23.790 --> 00:33:24.623 Aye. 00:33:25.540 --> 00:33:27.866 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 00:33:27.866 --> 00:33:28.699 Yes. 00:33:29.670 --> 00:33:31.911 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:33:31.911 --> 00:33:32.744 Aye. 00:33:33.754 --> 00:33:34.587 President Batjer. 00:33:34.587 --> 00:33:35.420 Yes. 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:38.920 The vote to hold item number 12 00:33:38.920 --> 00:33:43.920 to the March 18th, 2021 meeting is approved unanimously. 00:33:46.030 --> 00:33:50.247 Okay, I will move now onto those changes 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:54.923 to the agenda items. 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:58.480 These are the following changes. 00:33:58.480 --> 00:34:03.153 Item two will be held until the March 18th, 2021 meeting. 00:34:04.030 --> 00:34:08.343 Item seven, we will take up with a regular agenda today. 00:34:09.210 --> 00:34:14.050 Item 28 will be held until 18th 2021 meeting 00:34:15.580 --> 00:34:20.580 and item 12 will be held until the March 18th, 00:34:21.150 --> 00:34:22.083 2021 meetings. 00:34:24.050 --> 00:34:27.520 Okay, we will now take up the consent items. 00:34:27.520 --> 00:34:28.673 Is there a motion? 00:34:30.650 --> 00:34:32.100 So moved. 00:34:32.100 --> 00:34:33.440 And second 00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:34.892 Thank you. 00:34:34.892 --> 00:34:37.690 We have a motion and a second on the Consent Agenda items. 00:34:37.690 --> 00:34:39.840 Will the agenda clerk please call the role? 00:34:41.090 --> 00:34:42.870 Commissioner Houck. 00:34:42.870 --> 00:34:43.703 Yes. 00:34:44.670 --> 00:34:46.430 Commissioner Shiroma. 00:34:46.430 --> 00:34:47.263 Aye. 00:34:48.160 --> 00:34:50.090 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 00:34:50.090 --> 00:34:50.923 Yes. 00:34:52.210 --> 00:34:54.592 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:34:54.592 --> 00:34:55.425 Aye. 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:57.812 President Batjer. 00:34:57.812 --> 00:34:58.645 Aye. 00:34:58.645 --> 00:35:03.645 The Consent Agenda has been approved unanimously 00:35:04.180 --> 00:35:05.620 Commissioner Guzman Aceves, 00:35:05.620 --> 00:35:08.933 I believe you have a remark to make on item 13. 00:35:10.530 --> 00:35:12.480 Yeah, thank you President Batjer. 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:16.000 Just to highlight and thank all of the team 00:35:16.000 --> 00:35:19.090 that's been working on the California Ground Service Fund. 00:35:19.090 --> 00:35:21.820 As you know, this is our largest infrastructure fund 00:35:21.820 --> 00:35:25.470 for broadband and we had a couple of provisions 00:35:25.470 --> 00:35:26.800 in this decision. 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:31.500 One really improving some of the data requirements 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:35.720 for actually knowing the state of hairs in our areas 00:35:35.720 --> 00:35:39.600 of being unserved and some of the investments 00:35:39.600 --> 00:35:41.810 that some of the carriers are actually making. 00:35:41.810 --> 00:35:45.430 So this is really a transparency provision 00:35:45.430 --> 00:35:48.650 that I'm glad to have received your support on today. 00:35:48.650 --> 00:35:51.120 And the other very important provision 00:35:51.120 --> 00:35:55.500 was actually something that was in place previously 00:35:55.500 --> 00:35:59.180 and reinstated here of an open access requirement 00:35:59.180 --> 00:36:02.280 with these publicly funded infrastructure projects. 00:36:02.280 --> 00:36:05.550 And I can't tell you how much, how important this is 00:36:05.550 --> 00:36:07.930 particularly for the middle mile investments 00:36:07.930 --> 00:36:11.330 to have this non-discriminatory provision. 00:36:11.330 --> 00:36:13.673 Sorry, my son is yelling at our new puppy. 00:36:15.310 --> 00:36:19.630 but it really has led to successful projects 00:36:19.630 --> 00:36:20.803 throughout the state. 00:36:21.741 --> 00:36:23.320 I wanna just highlight the city of Gonzalez 00:36:23.320 --> 00:36:26.210 being one that actually provides universal service 00:36:26.210 --> 00:36:27.253 to the entire town. 00:36:28.220 --> 00:36:30.930 Largely far more than town only made possible 00:36:30.930 --> 00:36:33.470 because they have this non-discriminatory access 00:36:33.470 --> 00:36:34.860 to the middle mile. 00:36:34.860 --> 00:36:37.975 So I thank you for your support on that. 00:36:37.975 --> 00:36:41.440 Again, also wanting to thank this incredible team 00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:45.690 that I had the privilege of working with for four years 00:36:45.690 --> 00:36:48.040 under the leadership of Celina Juan 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:51.750 and all the great legal contribution 00:36:51.750 --> 00:36:56.750 particularly from (indistinct) and I can go on and on 00:36:57.260 --> 00:36:59.940 with all the folks in the communications division. 00:36:59.940 --> 00:37:04.720 So for this particular decision, Lou Fisher and James Tang 00:37:04.720 --> 00:37:07.640 and of course our judge Joanna Guvman. 00:37:07.640 --> 00:37:10.680 I wanna thank them for this and I wanted to just share 00:37:10.680 --> 00:37:15.680 that after this decision, and of course, President Batjer, 00:37:16.030 --> 00:37:18.360 your partnership, your Bagley King partnerships 00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:21.423 and particularly your staff, Michael Malaney. 00:37:22.410 --> 00:37:24.810 But as we finish up this decision, 00:37:24.810 --> 00:37:27.210 this proceeding will be now in the hands 00:37:27.210 --> 00:37:31.450 of Commissioner Houck, which I have complete confidence in. 00:37:31.450 --> 00:37:35.310 She will be doing much more to expand all the work 00:37:35.310 --> 00:37:37.830 under this proceeding and getting further 00:37:37.830 --> 00:37:40.640 on our universal broadband access goals. 00:37:40.640 --> 00:37:42.960 So thank you for letting me share that 00:37:42.960 --> 00:37:45.420 and for your support on this item today 00:37:47.260 --> 00:37:49.450 Thank you, Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:37:49.450 --> 00:37:51.210 I believe that Commissioner Shiroma 00:37:51.210 --> 00:37:54.413 will make a remark on item 11. 00:37:56.290 --> 00:37:58.845 Yes, thank you, President Batjer. 00:37:58.845 --> 00:38:03.520 I wanted to take a moment to highlight the track three 00:38:03.520 --> 00:38:06.040 wheelchair accessible vehicles decision 00:38:06.040 --> 00:38:07.440 that we just voted out. 00:38:07.440 --> 00:38:08.283 Thank you. 00:38:09.120 --> 00:38:13.580 I would like to note for our commentary today 00:38:13.580 --> 00:38:18.580 that the legislature saw fit or a few years ago 00:38:19.410 --> 00:38:24.410 to have a taxis regulated by local jurisdictions 00:38:27.240 --> 00:38:30.163 rather than the CPUC. 00:38:31.090 --> 00:38:34.660 But meanwhile the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Program 00:38:34.660 --> 00:38:38.320 was created by the TNC Assets For All Act 00:38:38.320 --> 00:38:41.983 NC 1376 by Senator Hill in 2018. 00:38:43.993 --> 00:38:47.540 At this time there are TNC companies 00:38:47.540 --> 00:38:50.930 providing wheelchair accessible service, 00:38:50.930 --> 00:38:54.270 but this decision works towards ensuring 00:38:54.270 --> 00:38:59.270 that that service receives continuously improved 00:38:59.363 --> 00:39:03.130 reliable and available service. 00:39:03.130 --> 00:39:06.260 And this decision we have created refinements 00:39:06.260 --> 00:39:09.160 to the requirements for wheelchair accessible 00:39:09.160 --> 00:39:13.840 vehicle service providers to receive a financial offsets 00:39:13.840 --> 00:39:17.280 for the incremental cost they incurred that are grounded 00:39:17.280 --> 00:39:20.670 in improving service and expanding access. 00:39:20.670 --> 00:39:23.510 And this includes benchmarks to ensure that transportation 00:39:23.510 --> 00:39:27.900 that were companies that are providing services 00:39:27.900 --> 00:39:31.330 continues to grow and also improve 00:39:31.330 --> 00:39:35.060 in terms of response times and so forth 00:39:35.060 --> 00:39:38.753 that are similar to non wheelchair users. 00:39:39.700 --> 00:39:43.280 Mission to the TNC is providing these services 00:39:43.280 --> 00:39:47.950 with this position is also creating opportunities 00:39:47.950 --> 00:39:50.800 for other regulated transportation providers 00:39:50.800 --> 00:39:53.750 such as (indistinct) transit to be able to access 00:39:53.750 --> 00:39:56.940 these funds to safely expand access 00:39:56.940 --> 00:40:00.230 to wheelchair accessible vehicles for more Californians. 00:40:00.230 --> 00:40:03.920 Now having what did out this track three decision, 00:40:03.920 --> 00:40:07.440 I anticipate issuing a stopping memo very soon 00:40:07.440 --> 00:40:12.010 for our track four, where we will continue to expand 00:40:12.010 --> 00:40:15.200 transmission access to those with access 00:40:15.200 --> 00:40:18.930 and functional needs beyond wheelchair access. 00:40:18.930 --> 00:40:22.280 I do wanna thank the team that has been working on this, 00:40:22.280 --> 00:40:25.200 Administrative Law Judge, Debbie Shift, 00:40:25.200 --> 00:40:29.320 Supervisor Jared Curtis, analysts Anna Chu, 00:40:29.320 --> 00:40:32.440 Reagan Rocksford, our trainee Tricia Buckley, 00:40:32.440 --> 00:40:35.200 my former advisor, Karen Schia who is now 00:40:35.200 --> 00:40:37.140 the water division director 00:40:38.160 --> 00:40:38.993 and my chief of staff (indistinct). 00:40:40.000 --> 00:40:41.700 Again, thank you for your support. 00:40:42.700 --> 00:40:44.900 Thank you very much, Commissioner Shiroma. 00:40:45.820 --> 00:40:49.480 Okay, no other comments on the consent calendar, 00:40:49.480 --> 00:40:52.423 we'll move on to the regular agenda item. 00:40:53.510 --> 00:40:57.147 The first item is number seven (indistinct). 00:40:58.880 --> 00:41:01.463 Item to discuss and present. 00:41:03.020 --> 00:41:03.990 Thank you. 00:41:03.990 --> 00:41:08.990 This item and the resolution is the culmination 00:41:09.130 --> 00:41:14.130 of a several year effort to revise the PUC's rules 00:41:14.810 --> 00:41:17.160 of procedure and practice. 00:41:17.160 --> 00:41:22.160 Our goal has been to achieve greater transparency, 00:41:22.410 --> 00:41:23.690 greater effectiveness 00:41:24.570 --> 00:41:27.733 and more accessibility in our proceeding. 00:41:28.752 --> 00:41:30.930 And of course, these rules of practice and procedure 00:41:30.930 --> 00:41:34.320 will govern how utilities advocacy groups 00:41:34.320 --> 00:41:39.103 and others participate in our decision-making process. 00:41:39.990 --> 00:41:44.860 So this resolution actually is the last step in our process 00:41:44.860 --> 00:41:48.810 before the state office of administrative law 00:41:48.810 --> 00:41:51.133 reviews the proposed rules. 00:41:51.970 --> 00:41:55.130 We adopted by Commission vote an earlier version 00:41:55.130 --> 00:41:58.780 of these rules changes in September 00:41:58.780 --> 00:42:01.340 and this resolution contained some relatively 00:42:01.340 --> 00:42:06.340 minor revisions to improve the clarity of the rules. 00:42:06.370 --> 00:42:08.100 So I'll just take a step back and highlight 00:42:08.100 --> 00:42:11.930 a few of the big changes that this rules reform 00:42:11.930 --> 00:42:14.863 package accomplishes. 00:42:16.070 --> 00:42:18.370 We've integrated through these rules 00:42:18.370 --> 00:42:23.170 the new catastrophic wildfire proceeding category 00:42:23.170 --> 00:42:27.220 and it's expedited schedule throughout the rules. 00:42:27.220 --> 00:42:31.840 This is of course mandated by the legislature in AB 1054. 00:42:31.840 --> 00:42:34.860 We've also created a new rule 00:42:34.860 --> 00:42:37.400 for other expedited proceedings 00:42:38.240 --> 00:42:42.310 establishing a streamlined process 00:42:42.310 --> 00:42:45.190 for a limited category of applications 00:42:45.190 --> 00:42:49.760 Those that concern exceptionally time-sensitive matters 00:42:49.760 --> 00:42:53.793 with a public safety or financial impact. 00:42:54.970 --> 00:42:57.370 We want to improve accessibility to do that, 00:42:57.370 --> 00:42:59.860 the rules provide that our proceedings 00:42:59.860 --> 00:43:03.410 should include the option for remote participation 00:43:03.410 --> 00:43:04.700 whenever possible. 00:43:04.700 --> 00:43:06.890 We want to extend the lessons we've learned 00:43:06.890 --> 00:43:10.253 through the pandemic to the post pandemic period. 00:43:11.490 --> 00:43:15.910 We revised the structure of a subset of our proceedings, 00:43:15.910 --> 00:43:18.420 quasi legislative proceedings 00:43:18.420 --> 00:43:20.030 so that they're better defined 00:43:20.030 --> 00:43:22.510 and so that we can distinguish these matters 00:43:23.400 --> 00:43:26.453 from other types of Commission proceedings. 00:43:28.032 --> 00:43:30.850 The rules go on to identify the tools 00:43:30.850 --> 00:43:32.740 that we should presumptively use 00:43:32.740 --> 00:43:36.850 in quasi legislative proceedings for engaging the public. 00:43:36.850 --> 00:43:41.100 And these include tools like staff reports, workshops 00:43:41.100 --> 00:43:43.320 and public outreach. 00:43:43.320 --> 00:43:48.220 We've also clarified how members of the public 00:43:48.220 --> 00:43:51.420 who are not formal parties to our proceedings 00:43:51.420 --> 00:43:54.600 can nonetheless comment on these formal proceedings 00:43:54.600 --> 00:43:58.270 and we've indicated how their comments may be reflected 00:43:58.270 --> 00:43:59.510 in our decisions. 00:43:59.510 --> 00:44:03.520 So those are just some of the highlights of this package. 00:44:03.520 --> 00:44:05.040 Next steps. 00:44:05.040 --> 00:44:06.760 The office of administrative law 00:44:08.201 --> 00:44:09.930 will review the proposed changes, 00:44:09.930 --> 00:44:12.440 which hopefully we'll adapt today. 00:44:12.440 --> 00:44:14.750 And if they're approved, the normal schedule 00:44:14.750 --> 00:44:16.640 would be for them to go into effect 00:44:16.640 --> 00:44:19.690 by July 1st of this year. 00:44:19.690 --> 00:44:23.380 We intend to request an earlier effective date 00:44:23.380 --> 00:44:27.243 of May 1st so that we can get these rules in place. 00:44:28.230 --> 00:44:30.700 I gave a lot of thanks the last time 00:44:30.700 --> 00:44:33.790 these rules were before us, but I wanna reiterate. 00:44:33.790 --> 00:44:37.260 My many thanks to the numerous stakeholders 00:44:37.260 --> 00:44:39.220 who've engaged throughout this process, 00:44:39.220 --> 00:44:42.250 including our workshops and public hearings 00:44:42.250 --> 00:44:46.830 and to the mini Commission staff members who worked on this. 00:44:46.830 --> 00:44:51.720 I wanna especially single out judges Park and Yacktman 00:44:51.720 --> 00:44:53.660 for their institutional knowledge 00:44:53.660 --> 00:44:57.450 and for very skillfully managing our filings 00:44:57.450 --> 00:45:00.140 with the office of administrative law. 00:45:00.140 --> 00:45:03.330 I wanna give a shout out to former Commissioner 00:45:03.330 --> 00:45:04.510 Leanne Randolph. 00:45:04.510 --> 00:45:08.650 She co-led this initiative during her term 00:45:08.650 --> 00:45:13.440 and her chair and co-chair stints 00:45:13.440 --> 00:45:15.870 on the policy and governance committee, 00:45:15.870 --> 00:45:19.330 as well as the many staff who worked on this 00:45:19.330 --> 00:45:24.330 in our offices, Sean Simon, and Sydney George in my staff 00:45:24.570 --> 00:45:29.490 and in conditional Randolph Staff, Suzanne Kasasa 00:45:29.490 --> 00:45:30.487 and Annan Basila. 00:45:32.550 --> 00:45:35.003 So with that, I asked for your support. 00:45:36.710 --> 00:45:38.287 Thank you very much Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 00:45:38.287 --> 00:45:41.690 And I just want to add my voice to that of yours 00:45:41.690 --> 00:45:42.920 in thanking the staff. 00:45:42.920 --> 00:45:45.260 This was an incredible undertaking 00:45:45.260 --> 00:45:50.260 and people talk all the time about our archaic processes 00:45:50.492 --> 00:45:52.311 and that we need to streamlining 00:45:52.311 --> 00:45:55.360 and we need to be more accessible and indeed more effective. 00:45:55.360 --> 00:46:00.360 And all of the hard work that you and Commissioner Randolph 00:46:00.430 --> 00:46:03.830 put in along with the staff was really quite tremendous 00:46:03.830 --> 00:46:06.110 and really moved our meter forward. 00:46:06.110 --> 00:46:08.040 So I wanna thank you very much, 00:46:08.040 --> 00:46:12.030 and I'm excited about these changes. 00:46:12.030 --> 00:46:16.300 And as you mentioned in the post pandemic era, 00:46:16.300 --> 00:46:19.130 we've really made strides during the pandemic 00:46:19.130 --> 00:46:21.300 and these changes will continue 00:46:21.300 --> 00:46:25.927 and it's a positive thoughtful approach 00:46:27.300 --> 00:46:28.960 to doing some streamlining 00:46:28.960 --> 00:46:30.690 and making our processes more effective. 00:46:30.690 --> 00:46:34.083 So thank you and I certainly will have my support. 00:46:36.310 --> 00:46:38.773 Any other comments on item number seven? 00:46:40.970 --> 00:46:43.760 Okay, see none, will the agenda clerk please call the role. 00:46:43.760 --> 00:46:45.874 President Batjer, sorry. 00:46:45.874 --> 00:46:46.707 Unfortunately-- 00:46:46.707 --> 00:46:48.706 (distorted sound) 00:46:48.706 --> 00:46:49.539 Sorry, Martha, I can't see you. 00:46:49.539 --> 00:46:52.480 So either way everybody just speak up if you want. 00:46:54.497 --> 00:46:56.500 Mrs. Guzman Aceves. 00:46:56.500 --> 00:46:59.750 Thank you Commissioner Rechtschaffen 00:46:59.750 --> 00:47:04.563 has been a tremendous amount of work and interesting, 00:47:06.020 --> 00:47:09.230 some of the clarifications I think no language 00:47:09.230 --> 00:47:11.090 are even clear. 00:47:11.090 --> 00:47:16.090 I want to maybe go back to an item on page 17, 00:47:16.870 --> 00:47:20.640 the striking of the reference to the tribal land policy 00:47:20.640 --> 00:47:23.830 and implementing guidelines and request 00:47:23.830 --> 00:47:27.243 if it's not a issue with any the timing, 00:47:29.860 --> 00:47:34.080 a friendly amendment here to strike that provision. 00:47:34.080 --> 00:47:36.980 I know at the time we had assessed 00:47:36.980 --> 00:47:41.980 that given that we had yet to adopt the guidelines, 00:47:43.140 --> 00:47:48.140 it was like many of these changes, you said something 00:47:48.170 --> 00:47:51.000 and we miss an opportunity for a new change. 00:47:51.000 --> 00:47:56.000 So just to see your thoughts on the ability to strike that 00:47:56.100 --> 00:47:58.850 now that the guidelines have been formally adopted. 00:48:03.810 --> 00:48:06.410 I'm gonna try to pull up the reference. 00:48:06.410 --> 00:48:10.380 Unfortunately, what I'm worried about is that any change 00:48:10.380 --> 00:48:14.240 at this slight late date might disrupt our process 00:48:14.240 --> 00:48:16.540 since we have been working closely 00:48:16.540 --> 00:48:18.680 with the office of administrative law 00:48:18.680 --> 00:48:23.630 to make sure that we're copacetic with their suggestions. 00:48:23.630 --> 00:48:28.630 I'm leery about even introducing anything even minor 00:48:28.700 --> 00:48:33.260 because if we delay the time of submission, 00:48:33.260 --> 00:48:35.450 we get off their six month calendar, 00:48:35.450 --> 00:48:37.080 we might have to start from scratch. 00:48:37.080 --> 00:48:40.910 So, that's my concern. 00:48:40.910 --> 00:48:43.660 I'm a little bit worried about doing anything. 00:48:43.660 --> 00:48:45.270 I'm risk averse. 00:48:45.270 --> 00:48:49.050 Yeah, I share that concern, Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 00:48:49.050 --> 00:48:51.290 I take your point well, Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:48:51.290 --> 00:48:55.480 However a minor change can put us back off calendar 00:48:55.480 --> 00:48:59.550 as well as back out for a 15 day comment if not 45, 00:48:59.550 --> 00:49:04.550 depending on how the office of administrative law 00:49:05.300 --> 00:49:06.467 sees the change. 00:49:13.940 --> 00:49:16.110 Maybe it's another additional, 00:49:16.110 --> 00:49:18.940 I mean, we will continue reforms, 00:49:18.940 --> 00:49:20.340 we must continue reform. 00:49:20.340 --> 00:49:24.830 So perhaps we can take that particular concern up 00:49:24.830 --> 00:49:29.830 in our next processes of change and reform. 00:49:34.156 --> 00:49:35.210 Well, we certainly can do that. 00:49:35.210 --> 00:49:39.570 And as you say, we've grouped a bunch of changes 00:49:39.570 --> 00:49:42.630 in this package, but it's not the end of the story. 00:49:42.630 --> 00:49:44.983 And there are things we never got to 00:49:44.983 --> 00:49:46.943 that we hope to get to going forward. 00:49:54.450 --> 00:49:57.760 President Batjer, I did have some comments for this item. 00:49:57.760 --> 00:50:00.010 I'm gonna defer to Commissioner Rechtschaffen 00:50:00.010 --> 00:50:03.240 on the issue regarding the tribal land policy 00:50:03.240 --> 00:50:04.380 so that it's not delayed. 00:50:04.380 --> 00:50:06.740 And I don't think that it prevents us 00:50:06.740 --> 00:50:11.260 from further considering it or implementing the policy 00:50:11.260 --> 00:50:13.093 with the current regulations. 00:50:14.040 --> 00:50:16.120 But I did have some brief comments. 00:50:16.120 --> 00:50:17.383 Sure, go ahead please. 00:50:20.120 --> 00:50:21.750 So I wanted to thank Commissioner Rechtschaffen 00:50:21.750 --> 00:50:23.720 and former Commissioner Randolph for all the work 00:50:23.720 --> 00:50:26.150 and leading this effort to revise the rules of practice 00:50:26.150 --> 00:50:27.153 and procedure. 00:50:28.010 --> 00:50:30.690 The amendments will ensure consistency 00:50:30.690 --> 00:50:32.250 with the statutory requirements 00:50:32.250 --> 00:50:34.280 and enhanced transparency and effectiveness 00:50:34.280 --> 00:50:36.820 of the process and echo Commissioner Rechtschaffen's 00:50:36.820 --> 00:50:39.730 thanks to everyone that was part of this initiative 00:50:39.730 --> 00:50:42.540 including the stakeholders, ALJ and legal divisions 00:50:42.540 --> 00:50:45.480 and the many PUC staff who worked on the project, 00:50:45.480 --> 00:50:47.780 specifically recognizing the contributions 00:50:47.780 --> 00:50:49.990 of the lead drafters and ALJ division 00:50:49.990 --> 00:50:53.470 Judge Jackman and Judge Park, as well as Christine Powell 00:50:53.470 --> 00:50:57.430 my interim chief of staff and my advisors, Suzanne Kasasa 00:50:57.430 --> 00:50:59.870 who supported Commissioner Randolph in this effort. 00:50:59.870 --> 00:51:02.653 And I'm supporting moving this forward. 00:51:05.140 --> 00:51:09.280 Okay, I'm going to ask Anne if we need to take 00:51:09.280 --> 00:51:13.370 any formal action on Commissioner Guzman Aceves' 00:51:13.370 --> 00:51:16.483 suggestion on a friendly amendment. 00:51:17.600 --> 00:51:21.870 Do we need to literally have a motion for that 00:51:21.870 --> 00:51:23.323 and then vote on it? 00:51:24.830 --> 00:51:28.010 President Batjer, you don't need a motion. 00:51:28.010 --> 00:51:30.480 You could consider it as part of the discussion 00:51:30.480 --> 00:51:34.330 unless Commissioner Guzman Aceves wants to make a motion 00:51:34.330 --> 00:51:36.300 and then you would vote separately 00:51:36.300 --> 00:51:39.763 on the proposed amendment and then on the main item. 00:51:40.680 --> 00:51:43.166 Thank you for that clarification. 00:51:43.166 --> 00:51:46.420 Commissioner Guzman Aceves, did you want something 00:51:46.420 --> 00:51:49.080 It didn't sound like Commissioner Rechtschaffen 00:51:49.080 --> 00:51:50.050 wants to risk that. 00:51:50.050 --> 00:51:52.810 So I will no make a motion. 00:51:52.810 --> 00:51:55.440 Okay, thank you Commissioner. 00:51:55.440 --> 00:51:58.060 Okay, with that, I will ask the agenda clerk 00:51:58.060 --> 00:52:01.413 to please call the roll in this item number seven. 00:52:04.040 --> 00:52:05.690 Commissioner Houck. 00:52:05.690 --> 00:52:06.523 Yes. 00:52:08.460 --> 00:52:09.720 Commissioner Shiroma. 00:52:09.720 --> 00:52:10.553 Aye. 00:52:12.070 --> 00:52:13.890 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 00:52:13.890 --> 00:52:14.723 Yes. 00:52:16.020 --> 00:52:18.309 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 00:52:18.309 --> 00:52:19.142 Aye. 00:52:20.085 --> 00:52:21.150 President Batjer. 00:52:21.150 --> 00:52:21.990 Aye. 00:52:21.990 --> 00:52:23.870 The vote is unanimous. 00:52:23.870 --> 00:52:25.000 Thank you. 00:52:25.000 --> 00:52:29.100 We're moving on now to item number 27, 00:52:29.100 --> 00:52:32.160 the order instituting rulemaking to update 00:52:32.160 --> 00:52:35.203 the surcharge mechanism for the public purpose program. 00:52:36.140 --> 00:52:39.610 Director Rob Osborn and Felix Robert 00:52:41.749 --> 00:52:44.983 from the communications division will give the presentation. 00:52:46.210 --> 00:52:48.533 We will take a vote after the presentation. 00:52:51.481 --> 00:52:52.620 Thank you, President Batjer. 00:52:52.620 --> 00:52:53.810 Can you hear me? 00:52:53.810 --> 00:52:55.793 Yes, we can hear you fine, Rob. 00:52:57.210 --> 00:52:59.900 Thank you for your time today, Commissioners 00:52:59.900 --> 00:53:00.960 in allowing me to present. 00:53:00.960 --> 00:53:02.177 I'm joined by Felix Roblis, 00:53:02.177 --> 00:53:05.020 the program and project supervisor of the high cost 00:53:05.020 --> 00:53:07.970 fund A and B and surcharge collection. 00:53:07.970 --> 00:53:10.840 I have four slides to present and falling that, 00:53:10.840 --> 00:53:13.730 Felix and I are available for questions. 00:53:13.730 --> 00:53:16.330 The purpose of this OIR and maybe we could pull 00:53:16.330 --> 00:53:20.123 the slides up or the presentation. 00:53:21.300 --> 00:53:24.070 If we could go back to the first line before we go on this, 00:53:24.070 --> 00:53:25.640 thank you. 00:53:25.640 --> 00:53:27.900 The purpose of this OIR is to address the need 00:53:27.900 --> 00:53:31.570 for sustainable and cost-effective methods for funding 00:53:31.570 --> 00:53:35.470 the state's universal service, public purpose programs. 00:53:35.470 --> 00:53:37.760 The current funding mechanism is based 00:53:37.760 --> 00:53:39.980 on a percentage surcharge applied 00:53:39.980 --> 00:53:43.990 to intrastate telecommunication services revenue 00:53:43.990 --> 00:53:46.860 and it's not sustainable due to the continuing decline 00:53:46.860 --> 00:53:49.640 of interest state revenue billing base 00:53:49.640 --> 00:53:52.160 reported by service providers. 00:53:52.160 --> 00:53:55.190 This rulemaking seeks to implement a straightforward 00:53:55.190 --> 00:53:57.030 and flexible structure for providers 00:53:57.030 --> 00:53:59.190 to collect and remit surcharges 00:53:59.190 --> 00:54:01.490 to support the public purpose programs 00:54:01.490 --> 00:54:03.690 while also collecting user fees. 00:54:03.690 --> 00:54:06.770 We see very significant upsides for consumers, 00:54:06.770 --> 00:54:08.730 carriers and the state. 00:54:08.730 --> 00:54:11.020 For consumers, it's more equitable 00:54:11.020 --> 00:54:13.330 because there will no longer be differences 00:54:13.330 --> 00:54:17.060 based on technology where a traditional landline customer 00:54:17.060 --> 00:54:20.350 pays two to 10 times more than a wireless 00:54:20.350 --> 00:54:22.560 or a VIP customer. 00:54:22.560 --> 00:54:25.064 For carriers, a flat rate mechanism or a per connection 00:54:25.064 --> 00:54:28.900 surcharge is easier to calculate and remit 00:54:28.900 --> 00:54:31.170 than calculating interest state revenue. 00:54:31.170 --> 00:54:33.610 And for the state, a per connection surcharges 00:54:33.610 --> 00:54:36.940 is easier to track and audit and it provides a more reliable 00:54:36.940 --> 00:54:39.500 and predictable revenue base for the PUC to plan 00:54:39.500 --> 00:54:42.250 and fund universal service programs. 00:54:42.250 --> 00:54:45.480 This OIR would be separated into two phases. 00:54:45.480 --> 00:54:48.630 Phase one would consider reforming the surcharge mechanism 00:54:48.630 --> 00:54:51.240 as it is today and the user fee 00:54:51.240 --> 00:54:53.100 from the existing revenue based approach 00:54:53.100 --> 00:54:56.500 to a per access line flat rate and user mechanism 00:54:56.500 --> 00:54:59.170 by January, 2022. 00:54:59.170 --> 00:55:01.650 Phase two would review the reasonableness 00:55:01.650 --> 00:55:04.120 of the surcharges and user fees, 00:55:04.120 --> 00:55:06.700 the telecommunications service providers impose 00:55:06.700 --> 00:55:08.820 on end-users as well as additional taxes 00:55:08.820 --> 00:55:11.420 fees and surcharges assessed by federal state 00:55:11.420 --> 00:55:13.310 and local governments. 00:55:13.310 --> 00:55:18.100 Governor Newsome's 2021/2022 budget highlights the effect 00:55:18.100 --> 00:55:21.970 of hidden fees and surcharges on broadband service. 00:55:21.970 --> 00:55:24.960 It said even for those with an available connection 00:55:24.960 --> 00:55:26.840 broadband service can still be out of reach 00:55:26.840 --> 00:55:28.710 because it is on affordable. 00:55:28.710 --> 00:55:30.610 Hidden fees and expensive devices 00:55:30.610 --> 00:55:32.980 can make access unattainable. 00:55:32.980 --> 00:55:36.280 An estimated 31% of Californians with internet access 00:55:36.280 --> 00:55:39.770 have not adopted broadband had benchmark speeds. 00:55:39.770 --> 00:55:40.900 And the national model review 00:55:40.900 --> 00:55:43.110 stated that the federal universal service fund 00:55:43.110 --> 00:55:48.070 contribution factor which 31.8% for the first quarter 00:55:48.070 --> 00:55:51.380 of 2021 and the widespread recognition 00:55:51.380 --> 00:55:53.010 of broadband as an essential service, 00:55:53.010 --> 00:55:55.350 particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic 00:55:55.350 --> 00:55:57.130 may prove to be the tipping point 00:55:57.130 --> 00:55:59.890 on universal service contribution reform. 00:55:59.890 --> 00:56:00.943 Next slide, please. 00:56:02.410 --> 00:56:05.810 The billing base is the total of interest state revenue 00:56:05.810 --> 00:56:08.007 reported by all the authorized carriers 00:56:08.007 --> 00:56:10.750 and the data is collected and maintained 00:56:10.750 --> 00:56:13.500 through the Commissions telecommunication 00:56:13.500 --> 00:56:17.780 user fee filing system, otherwise known as TUFS. 00:56:17.780 --> 00:56:21.040 This graph shows the declining reported intrastate 00:56:21.040 --> 00:56:23.450 billing base against which the state's universal 00:56:23.450 --> 00:56:25.940 service program surcharges are assessed. 00:56:25.940 --> 00:56:27.560 You can see there's a downward trend 00:56:27.560 --> 00:56:30.770 that has been continuing since 2012. 00:56:30.770 --> 00:56:32.720 In a later slide, I'll show some examples 00:56:32.720 --> 00:56:35.880 of how the surcharges vary by technology. 00:56:35.880 --> 00:56:39.460 You can see the yellow up above the wireless 00:56:40.410 --> 00:56:42.570 is declining rather rapidly. 00:56:42.570 --> 00:56:44.760 And there's several reasons for that. 00:56:44.760 --> 00:56:48.200 So for wireless, which is also mobile service, 00:56:48.200 --> 00:56:50.400 text messaging and data are classified 00:56:50.400 --> 00:56:55.052 as information services effective December 12th, 2018 00:56:55.052 --> 00:56:59.150 pursuant to the FCC and are not subject to CPC surcharges. 00:56:59.150 --> 00:57:01.730 This contributed to an immediate and sizable decline 00:57:01.730 --> 00:57:04.640 in wireless intrastate revenue reporting. 00:57:04.640 --> 00:57:06.780 Also competition amongst cellular providers 00:57:06.780 --> 00:57:09.670 have driven down the cost of retail monthly service plans 00:57:09.670 --> 00:57:12.410 for end users resulting in decreased intrastate 00:57:12.410 --> 00:57:14.196 revenue reporting. 00:57:14.196 --> 00:57:16.790 Voicemail services are also classified 00:57:16.790 --> 00:57:18.090 as information services. 00:57:18.090 --> 00:57:21.520 So that's not no longer included in intrastate revenue. 00:57:21.520 --> 00:57:24.560 And then finally, as we're all aware the subscribership 00:57:24.560 --> 00:57:27.630 for plain old telephone service for your land line 00:57:28.667 --> 00:57:29.500 is declining gradually as well. 00:57:29.500 --> 00:57:31.050 And you'll see that on the blue graph 00:57:31.050 --> 00:57:33.290 in the reported revenue intrastate revenue 00:57:33.290 --> 00:57:35.470 for wireline is declining. 00:57:35.470 --> 00:57:36.583 Next slide, please. 00:57:38.220 --> 00:57:41.700 The graph at the center shows how the Commission 00:57:41.700 --> 00:57:43.900 has had to raise surcharges over time 00:57:43.900 --> 00:57:48.020 as the reported intrastate revenue has declined. 00:57:48.020 --> 00:57:51.190 So you can see in 2012, the total surcharges 00:57:51.190 --> 00:57:55.050 for all six programs was 2.27% 00:57:55.050 --> 00:57:59.930 and it has gone up to 7.749% in 2020. 00:58:00.800 --> 00:58:03.710 The table at the top shows the current surcharges 00:58:03.710 --> 00:58:07.970 and just going from the left, we have the ULTS, 00:58:07.970 --> 00:58:10.230 which is the Universal Lifeline Telephone Service, 00:58:10.230 --> 00:58:14.010 4.75 DDTP is Deaf and Disabled Program. 00:58:14.010 --> 00:58:17.013 That surcharge is set in statute at 0.5%. 00:58:18.360 --> 00:58:20.550 High cost fund aid, California High Cost Fund A, 00:58:20.550 --> 00:58:24.700 CHCF A is 0.7, High Cost Fund B is currently zero. 00:58:24.700 --> 00:58:29.100 And that we reduced that to zero back in 2014 00:58:29.100 --> 00:58:32.260 because we had an abundance of money in that account 00:58:32.260 --> 00:58:34.930 and we wanted to spend down the balance. 00:58:34.930 --> 00:58:38.020 California Teleconnect CTF is 0.78%, 00:58:38.020 --> 00:58:42.610 and the California Events Services Fund is 1.019% 00:58:42.610 --> 00:58:44.513 totaling 7.749%. 00:58:46.170 --> 00:58:47.093 Next slide please. 00:58:48.970 --> 00:58:51.290 So this slide shows specific examples 00:58:51.290 --> 00:58:54.070 of how public purpose program surcharges are assessed 00:58:54.070 --> 00:58:56.560 on different kinds of telephone service. 00:58:56.560 --> 00:58:59.490 At the top, we have an example from a traditional AT&T 00:58:59.490 --> 00:59:02.830 of landline bill, and this bill is from 2018. 00:59:02.830 --> 00:59:04.840 So you'll see that the surcharge total 00:59:04.840 --> 00:59:09.130 which is in the first, sorry, just to the left 00:59:09.130 --> 00:59:13.730 of the first red box, which says 6.94%. 00:59:13.730 --> 00:59:17.610 That's below the current rate of 7.749. 00:59:17.610 --> 00:59:19.180 And that's because the the surcharges 00:59:19.180 --> 00:59:23.080 were lower back in 2018, so we're using older bill. 00:59:23.080 --> 00:59:25.720 But even back then you can see how the total surcharge 00:59:25.720 --> 00:59:28.030 amount collected for that wireline bill 00:59:28.030 --> 00:59:31.470 is significantly larger than the one right below it. 00:59:31.470 --> 00:59:36.470 So the $2.89 cents for the ATT plain old telephone service 00:59:36.760 --> 00:59:39.648 is the amount collected for that customer. 00:59:39.648 --> 00:59:43.260 And then the AT$T mobile right below that is only 29 cents. 00:59:43.260 --> 00:59:45.850 And this kind of underscores the difference 00:59:45.850 --> 00:59:47.970 in how the surcharges are assessed 00:59:47.970 --> 00:59:50.720 against different technologies. 00:59:50.720 --> 00:59:53.380 So I've spoken a little bit about why the difference 00:59:53.380 --> 00:59:55.760 between wireline and wireless. 00:59:55.760 --> 00:59:58.070 If you think about your wire line 00:59:58.070 --> 01:00:00.310 on your plain old telephone, all you're using that for 01:00:00.310 --> 01:00:01.240 is telephone service. 01:00:01.240 --> 01:00:05.950 You're not going on to YouTube, or you're not doing 01:00:05.950 --> 01:00:08.010 all sorts of other activities like surfing the web, 01:00:08.010 --> 01:00:09.150 it's simply for telephone. 01:00:09.150 --> 01:00:11.380 And that's why it's significantly higher 01:00:11.380 --> 01:00:14.033 in terms of reported intrastate revenue. 01:00:14.900 --> 01:00:15.803 Next slide please. 01:00:17.370 --> 01:00:19.220 So according to near route 20 states 01:00:19.220 --> 01:00:21.280 have already transitioned from an intrastate 01:00:21.280 --> 01:00:22.740 revenue based funding mechanism 01:00:22.740 --> 01:00:24.960 to a per connection charge. 01:00:24.960 --> 01:00:27.000 And you can see the list of states here. 01:00:27.000 --> 01:00:29.510 And just as an example, New Mexico, 01:00:29.510 --> 01:00:31.820 they had a per connection surcharge 01:00:31.820 --> 01:00:36.330 that was $1.17 per month per subscriber in 2018. 01:00:36.330 --> 01:00:38.750 That was based on roughly 3 million connections. 01:00:38.750 --> 01:00:42.570 And that monthly fee pays for the state's rural universal 01:00:42.570 --> 01:00:43.403 service fund. 01:00:43.403 --> 01:00:45.250 It's essentially like our high cost fund aid 01:00:45.250 --> 01:00:48.860 paying for rural telephone service in high cost areas. 01:00:48.860 --> 01:00:52.410 And just then for other state comparisons, 01:00:52.410 --> 01:00:54.210 there's 33 states that are collecting 01:00:54.210 --> 01:00:57.860 for our equivalent of DDTP the deaf and disabled 01:00:57.860 --> 01:00:59.680 telephone program. 01:00:59.680 --> 01:01:03.110 Lifeline, there's 17 states collecting surcharges 01:01:03.110 --> 01:01:06.940 for lifeline and there's also broadband programs 01:01:06.940 --> 01:01:07.773 that are collected. 01:01:07.773 --> 01:01:09.780 And again, all of that is included 01:01:09.780 --> 01:01:11.720 in a single per connection surcharge 01:01:11.720 --> 01:01:14.860 as opposed to based on intrastate revenue. 01:01:14.860 --> 01:01:16.760 So I know we've gone through a lot 01:01:16.760 --> 01:01:19.400 and I wanted to open it up for questions. 01:01:19.400 --> 01:01:21.770 And as I said earlier, Felix and I are available 01:01:21.770 --> 01:01:23.743 to answer any questions you may have. 01:01:26.860 --> 01:01:29.510 Thank you, Director Osborne for your presentation 01:01:29.510 --> 01:01:31.220 very helpful information. 01:01:31.220 --> 01:01:34.600 This truly is becoming a dire situation. 01:01:34.600 --> 01:01:37.760 It was concerning to me when we voted just a few months ago 01:01:37.760 --> 01:01:40.697 to double the surcharge rate for CASF 01:01:42.141 --> 01:01:43.820 and the high cost fund programs. 01:01:43.820 --> 01:01:47.040 And that was just to maintain and not even increase 01:01:47.040 --> 01:01:48.380 in the same amount of revenue 01:01:48.380 --> 01:01:49.930 those programs were collecting. 01:01:51.080 --> 01:01:54.920 Looking forward, I'm most concerned that the deaf 01:01:54.920 --> 01:01:56.870 and disabled telecommunications programs 01:01:56.870 --> 01:01:58.523 will become insolvent. 01:01:59.720 --> 01:02:02.460 It's been eye opening to see the discrepancies 01:02:02.460 --> 01:02:05.910 between how much users of different services 01:02:05.910 --> 01:02:08.210 they in surcharges. 01:02:08.210 --> 01:02:10.300 There are even significant discrepancies 01:02:10.300 --> 01:02:13.130 in what different companies are offering 01:02:13.130 --> 01:02:15.663 the same service charge customers. 01:02:17.400 --> 01:02:20.930 It seems that the system is a little broken 01:02:20.930 --> 01:02:23.860 and I'm looking forward to this proceeding 01:02:23.860 --> 01:02:27.540 to fix these issues and set our public policy programs 01:02:27.540 --> 01:02:29.590 on a solid and equitable foundation. 01:02:29.590 --> 01:02:31.490 That is of course those areas 01:02:31.490 --> 01:02:35.952 that we have the authority to fix. 01:02:35.952 --> 01:02:40.430 So thank you again, and I will be supporting this OIR. 01:02:40.430 --> 01:02:42.850 I'm going to ask my fellow Commissioners, 01:02:42.850 --> 01:02:46.870 if any of them have comments on this item, 01:02:46.870 --> 01:02:48.393 which is item 27. 01:02:52.960 --> 01:02:54.710 Yes, thank you, President Batjer. 01:02:54.710 --> 01:02:56.030 Yes, thank you. 01:02:56.030 --> 01:02:58.460 Commissioner Shiroma, please, go ahead. 01:02:58.460 --> 01:02:59.293 Thank you. 01:02:59.293 --> 01:03:02.550 Yes, I'm also in support of opening this rulemaking 01:03:02.550 --> 01:03:07.550 and I want to thank communications division staff. 01:03:09.710 --> 01:03:12.440 Thank you, Rob, for your presentation 01:03:12.440 --> 01:03:15.780 to the administrative division on the work 01:03:15.780 --> 01:03:17.973 on putting together this proposed OIR. 01:03:19.470 --> 01:03:22.660 The CPUP six public purpose programs 01:03:22.660 --> 01:03:25.610 provide essential services and assistance 01:03:25.610 --> 01:03:27.620 to me as a household. 01:03:27.620 --> 01:03:30.850 And for example, the lifeline program 01:03:30.850 --> 01:03:35.495 currently provides free or discounted phone 01:03:35.495 --> 01:03:38.917 and broadband service to about 1.7 million 01:03:40.180 --> 01:03:42.310 California households. 01:03:42.310 --> 01:03:44.593 This is essential services. 01:03:45.427 --> 01:03:48.770 However, even in providing that service, 01:03:48.770 --> 01:03:53.590 that is only about 40% of the eligible households 01:03:53.590 --> 01:03:55.840 that could be enrolled in the program. 01:03:55.840 --> 01:03:59.590 Now that is actually one of the highest rates 01:03:59.590 --> 01:04:01.653 for lifeline programs in the nation. 01:04:03.630 --> 01:04:06.520 But from our standards that's still considered 01:04:06.520 --> 01:04:08.700 a low enrollment. 01:04:08.700 --> 01:04:11.360 So as a CPUC works to increase that enrollment, 01:04:11.360 --> 01:04:14.250 we must also work to make sure the funding 01:04:15.629 --> 01:04:17.220 is adequate and sustainable. 01:04:17.220 --> 01:04:20.823 And all the more that is why is OIR is needed. 01:04:21.770 --> 01:04:24.240 We're fortunate to be living in a time of rapid 01:04:24.240 --> 01:04:25.210 technological developments, 01:04:25.210 --> 01:04:29.190 where new methods of communication make it easier to connect 01:04:29.190 --> 01:04:30.950 and its essential to connect. 01:04:30.950 --> 01:04:35.950 Yet, we need to align our public purpose programs funding 01:04:36.060 --> 01:04:36.980 for this shift. 01:04:36.980 --> 01:04:40.554 So otherwise we risk the future 01:04:40.554 --> 01:04:43.800 of these vital services for so many Californians. 01:04:43.800 --> 01:04:47.010 So thank you to everyone who worked on this proposed OIR 01:04:47.010 --> 01:04:48.750 and I'm pleased to support it. 01:04:48.750 --> 01:04:49.583 Thank you. 01:04:50.610 --> 01:04:52.930 Okay, thank you. 01:04:52.930 --> 01:04:54.383 Are there any other comments? 01:04:55.600 --> 01:04:58.730 Yes, President Batjer, this is Commissioner Houck. 01:04:58.730 --> 01:05:01.640 Just a brief comment, I wanted to thank the communications 01:05:01.640 --> 01:05:04.790 division staff for presenting the item and ALJ fortune 01:05:04.790 --> 01:05:06.930 for preparing the order. 01:05:06.930 --> 01:05:09.040 Our public purpose programs are important tools 01:05:09.040 --> 01:05:11.740 for increasing access to phone and internet services 01:05:11.740 --> 01:05:14.710 for all Californians and the communications industry 01:05:14.710 --> 01:05:17.080 and related technologies have changed drastically 01:05:17.080 --> 01:05:19.800 since the inception of these programs. 01:05:19.800 --> 01:05:21.460 This rulemaking will provide the Commission 01:05:21.460 --> 01:05:23.630 a forum to hear from stakeholders and a vehicle 01:05:23.630 --> 01:05:27.200 to modernize the public purpose program funding mechanisms. 01:05:27.200 --> 01:05:29.183 I'm also mindful that the surcharges 01:05:29.183 --> 01:05:31.007 are out up on customer bills, and in particular 01:05:31.007 --> 01:05:34.064 out up on customer bills, and in particular 01:05:34.064 --> 01:05:36.239 for those customers that rely on wireline service. 01:05:36.239 --> 01:05:38.340 And with that, I will be supporting the decision 01:05:38.340 --> 01:05:40.760 Thank you, Commissioner Houck. 01:05:40.760 --> 01:05:41.860 Any other comments. 01:05:41.860 --> 01:05:44.020 Yes, Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:05:44.020 --> 01:05:47.320 I wanna echo what my colleagues have said. 01:05:47.320 --> 01:05:50.460 This is an extremely important 01:05:50.460 --> 01:05:54.140 and very very timely rulemaking. 01:05:54.140 --> 01:05:58.370 It's way past debate that access to communication 01:05:58.370 --> 01:06:01.672 is essential in today's world. 01:06:01.672 --> 01:06:04.351 that access to communication is essential in today's world. 01:06:04.351 --> 01:06:08.060 We've seen dramatically during the pandemic 01:06:08.060 --> 01:06:12.723 our surcharge to keep up with the changing market. 01:06:13.903 --> 01:06:18.211 And it is critical that we have a sustainable 01:06:18.211 --> 01:06:21.033 And it's critical that we have a sustainable 01:06:21.033 --> 01:06:23.756 and predictable source of funding 01:06:23.756 --> 01:06:25.030 programs that Rob and Commissioner Shiroma described. 01:06:26.927 --> 01:06:31.177 programs that Robyn Commissioner Shiroma described. 01:06:32.953 --> 01:06:34.860 Thank you Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:06:34.860 --> 01:06:37.238 Yes, Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:06:37.238 --> 01:06:38.850 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:06:38.850 --> 01:06:40.450 for finally bringing this forward. 01:06:40.450 --> 01:06:42.780 It's so long overdue a forum, and I look forward 01:06:42.780 --> 01:06:43.893 to a quick PD. 01:06:46.489 --> 01:06:48.243 overdue a forum, and I look forward to a quick PD. 01:06:50.020 --> 01:06:51.870 Thank you Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:06:53.594 --> 01:06:54.427 Thank you. 01:06:56.774 --> 01:06:59.273 And I just wanna say again, thank you, 01:06:59.273 --> 01:07:03.174 Rob and Felix, for all your hard work 01:07:03.174 --> 01:07:04.007 and those of your colleagues on this effort. 01:07:04.007 --> 01:07:08.640 So with that, I'm going to ask the agenda clerk 01:07:08.640 --> 01:07:11.233 to please call the roll on item number 27. 01:07:13.430 --> 01:07:15.241 Commissioner Houck. 01:07:15.241 --> 01:07:17.091 Commissioner Houck. 01:07:17.091 --> 01:07:18.217 Commissioner Guzman, excuse me. 01:07:18.217 --> 01:07:19.616 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:07:19.616 --> 01:07:22.195 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:07:22.195 --> 01:07:24.041 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:07:24.041 --> 01:07:24.874 Yes. 01:07:26.275 --> 01:07:28.064 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:07:28.064 --> 01:07:29.610 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:07:29.610 --> 01:07:30.747 President Batjer. 01:07:30.747 --> 01:07:32.070 Aye. 01:07:32.070 --> 01:07:35.430 Thank you very much, item 27 is passed unanimously. 01:07:35.430 --> 01:07:38.197 Moving on now to item 29 01:07:38.197 --> 01:07:42.900 Item 27 is passed unanimously moving on now to item 29 01:07:42.900 --> 01:07:45.528 which is Commissioner Rechtschaffen to present. 01:07:45.528 --> 01:07:47.945 This is an extension order. 01:07:49.199 --> 01:07:51.200 This proceeding relates to the proposed acquisition 01:07:51.200 --> 01:07:54.360 by California American Water Company. 01:07:54.360 --> 01:07:57.930 by California American water company. 01:07:59.290 --> 01:08:02.770 and it was subsequently withdrawn 01:08:02.770 --> 01:08:04.880 as we decided to reopen the record 01:08:04.880 --> 01:08:07.180 to take additional evidence 01:08:07.180 --> 01:08:09.037 take additional evidence 01:08:09.990 --> 01:08:13.780 of the Bellflower Water System. 01:08:13.780 --> 01:08:17.280 As directed by the assigned judge Callahan, 01:08:17.280 --> 01:08:19.430 has submitted a list of contractors 01:08:19.430 --> 01:08:23.102 qualified to conduct the evaluation. 01:08:23.102 --> 01:08:26.066 of contractors qualified to conduct the evaluation. 01:08:26.066 --> 01:08:28.933 The water division is reviewing that list 01:08:28.933 --> 01:08:33.218 in extension of the deadline until next March, 01:08:33.218 --> 01:08:35.906 March 15th, 2022, is needed to allow sufficient time 01:08:35.906 --> 01:08:39.013 for the evaluation to be completed 01:08:39.013 --> 01:08:42.315 for the parties to respond to the evaluation 01:08:42.315 --> 01:08:45.470 and for a proposed decision to be issued in and voted on. 01:08:45.470 --> 01:08:46.935 Okay, thank you. 01:08:46.935 --> 01:08:47.768 Thank you. 01:08:52.020 --> 01:08:53.990 Okay, seeing none, will the agenda clerk 01:08:53.990 --> 01:08:55.040 please call the roll. 01:08:56.801 --> 01:08:58.228 Commissioner Houck. 01:08:58.228 --> 01:08:59.710 Commissioner Houck. 01:08:59.710 --> 01:09:01.260 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:09:02.177 --> 01:09:03.010 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:09:04.841 --> 01:09:06.640 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:09:06.640 --> 01:09:07.473 Yes. 01:09:08.550 --> 01:09:10.817 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:09:10.817 --> 01:09:11.750 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:09:11.750 --> 01:09:13.390 President Batjer. 01:09:13.390 --> 01:09:14.860 Aye. 01:09:14.860 --> 01:09:15.693 Thank you. 01:09:15.693 --> 01:09:18.760 Item 29 is passed unanimously, thank you. 01:09:18.760 --> 01:09:22.223 Moving on now to item 30, Commissioner Guzman Aceves 01:09:22.223 --> 01:09:23.306 will present. 01:09:24.151 --> 01:09:24.984 on now to item 30 Commissioner Guzman Surveys will present. 01:09:24.984 --> 01:09:25.984 Thank you. 01:09:28.336 --> 01:09:31.052 This item is the order extending the statutory deadline 01:09:31.052 --> 01:09:33.190 for the direct access proceeding. 01:09:33.190 --> 01:09:36.969 We are in phase two of this proceeding 01:09:36.969 --> 01:09:41.907 and we've been considering the legislative mandates 01:09:41.907 --> 01:09:42.740 under SPC 37, and particularly to provide a recommendation 01:09:47.978 --> 01:09:50.916 on how potentially to reopen the direct access cap. 01:09:50.916 --> 01:09:53.630 but since the deadline is March 15th, 01:09:53.630 --> 01:09:56.630 but since the deadline is March 15th 01:09:58.695 --> 01:10:00.620 I wanted to extend the deadline to June 30th of this year. 01:10:00.620 --> 01:10:02.024 Thank you. 01:10:02.024 --> 01:10:06.717 Are there any questions on item number 30 or comments?. 01:10:07.790 --> 01:10:09.780 Okay, seeing none, will the agenda clerk, 01:10:09.780 --> 01:10:10.830 please call the roll? 01:10:13.696 --> 01:10:15.487 Commissioner Houck. 01:10:15.487 --> 01:10:16.895 Commissioner Houck. 01:10:16.895 --> 01:10:19.078 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:10:19.078 --> 01:10:20.636 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:10:20.636 --> 01:10:22.761 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:10:22.761 --> 01:10:24.188 Michelle Rechtschaffen. 01:10:24.188 --> 01:10:25.021 Yes. 01:10:26.422 --> 01:10:27.520 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:10:27.520 --> 01:10:29.572 President Batjer. 01:10:29.572 --> 01:10:30.405 President Batjer. 01:10:30.405 --> 01:10:31.238 Thank you. 01:10:31.238 --> 01:10:33.510 Item number 30 is passed unanimously. 01:10:33.510 --> 01:10:37.981 Moving on now to item 31, which is assigned to me. 01:10:37.981 --> 01:10:40.557 to item 31, which is assigned to me. 01:10:40.557 --> 01:10:41.437 This decision extends the statutory deadline 01:10:41.437 --> 01:10:43.020 for the proceeding. 01:10:45.591 --> 01:10:48.351 Reviewing the application of prop SF, a ferry service 01:10:48.351 --> 01:10:50.931 operating in the San Francisco Bay area. 01:10:50.931 --> 01:10:53.401 For additional authority to change their rates 01:10:53.401 --> 01:10:55.980 and modify their service territory. 01:10:55.980 --> 01:10:59.113 Additional time was necessary to provide appropriate 01:10:59.113 --> 01:11:02.396 due process to the parties that filed protests. 01:11:02.396 --> 01:11:05.600 A proposed decision is expected imminently 01:11:05.600 --> 01:11:10.310 and therefore a short extension to June 7th, 2021 01:11:10.310 --> 01:11:14.173 is necessary to allow the parties to and deliberate. 01:11:15.077 --> 01:11:18.040 allow the parties to and deliberate. 01:11:18.040 --> 01:11:20.693 I ask for your support for this extension. 01:11:20.693 --> 01:11:21.526 Thank you. 01:11:26.350 --> 01:11:29.200 Seeing none, will the agenda clerk, please call the roll? 01:11:30.970 --> 01:11:32.470 Commissioner Houck. 01:11:32.470 --> 01:11:34.220 Commissioner Houck. 01:11:35.160 --> 01:11:36.971 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:11:36.971 --> 01:11:39.490 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:11:39.490 --> 01:11:41.349 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:11:41.349 --> 01:11:43.766 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:11:44.974 --> 01:11:46.987 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:11:46.987 --> 01:11:48.802 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:11:48.802 --> 01:11:50.626 President Batjer. 01:11:50.626 --> 01:11:51.643 President Batjer. 01:11:51.643 --> 01:11:52.580 Aye. 01:11:52.580 --> 01:11:55.500 Item 31 is passed unanimously. 01:11:55.500 --> 01:11:59.060 Item 32 is also assigned to me, 01:11:59.060 --> 01:12:01.640 this order extending statutory deadline 01:12:01.640 --> 01:12:05.533 is for the consolidated proceeding to consider PG&E 2018 01:12:07.530 --> 01:12:12.440 nuclear deCommissioning POS triennial application 01:12:12.440 --> 01:12:16.194 and authorization to establish the Diablo Canyon 01:12:16.194 --> 01:12:20.020 application and authorization to establish the Diablo Canyon 01:12:20.020 --> 01:12:23.430 In joint motion for adoption of a settlement agreement 01:12:23.430 --> 01:12:27.380 was filed by the majority of the parties in the proceeding 01:12:27.380 --> 01:12:29.130 in 2020. 01:12:29.130 --> 01:12:32.565 The Administrative Law Judge has reviewed the terms 01:12:32.565 --> 01:12:35.423 in 2020. The Administrative Law Judge has reviewed the terms 01:12:35.423 --> 01:12:39.121 of the settlement and is currently drafting a proposed 01:12:39.121 --> 01:12:41.290 An extension of the statutory deadline 01:12:41.290 --> 01:12:44.860 to September 13th, 2021, is necessary 01:12:44.860 --> 01:12:47.320 in order to allow enough time for the judge 01:12:47.320 --> 01:12:50.380 to issue a proposed decision and to allow the Commission 01:12:50.380 --> 01:12:54.836 enough time to deliberate and issue its final decision. 01:12:54.836 --> 01:12:56.286 and issue its final decision. 01:12:58.520 --> 01:13:00.437 I ask for your support. 01:13:01.928 --> 01:13:03.044 Any questions or comments? 01:13:03.044 --> 01:13:04.377 Okay, thank you. 01:13:08.564 --> 01:13:10.470 Commissioner Houck? 01:13:10.470 --> 01:13:11.660 Commissioner Houck? 01:13:11.660 --> 01:13:13.793 Commissioner Shiroma? 01:13:13.793 --> 01:13:15.700 Commissioner Shiroma? 01:13:15.700 --> 01:13:18.008 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:13:18.008 --> 01:13:19.937 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:13:19.937 --> 01:13:22.120 Commissioner Guzman Aceves? 01:13:22.120 --> 01:13:24.139 Commissioner Guzman Aceves? 01:13:24.139 --> 01:13:26.071 President Batjer? 01:13:26.071 --> 01:13:27.176 Aye, thank you. 01:13:27.176 --> 01:13:28.593 Aye. Thank you. 01:13:31.150 --> 01:13:34.253 Commissioner Rechtschaffen that is yours to present. 01:13:35.350 --> 01:13:38.540 This extension order concerns our investigation 01:13:38.540 --> 01:13:42.520 into California 1 million new internet users 01:13:42.520 --> 01:13:47.123 coalitions misuse of CASF funds. 01:13:47.960 --> 01:13:50.840 The parties engaged in ADR last year 01:13:50.840 --> 01:13:52.990 through 2019 to 2020 rather, 01:13:54.584 --> 01:13:57.334 through 2019 through 2020 rather, 01:14:00.801 --> 01:14:03.886 and a partial settlement was reached with several parties. 01:14:03.886 --> 01:14:07.595 A one party community union declined to settle 01:14:07.595 --> 01:14:11.158 and has not been dismissed from the investigation. 01:14:11.158 --> 01:14:14.566 It was an evidentiary hearing held last August. 01:14:14.566 --> 01:14:15.689 That party filed the motion to disqualify me 01:14:15.689 --> 01:14:18.022 as the assigned Commissioner 01:14:19.500 --> 01:14:21.570 We need to extend the proceeding deadline 01:14:21.570 --> 01:14:23.410 to address the party's motion 01:14:23.410 --> 01:14:26.299 and resolve the remaining claims of this one party 01:14:26.299 --> 01:14:28.277 that has not settled. 01:14:28.277 --> 01:14:30.702 of this one party that has not settled. 01:14:30.702 --> 01:14:35.236 I request your support to extend the deadline 01:14:35.236 --> 01:14:36.392 to September of this year. 01:14:36.392 --> 01:14:38.216 Thank you. 01:14:38.216 --> 01:14:41.730 Are there any comments or questions 01:14:41.730 --> 01:14:43.620 Okay, seeing none, will the agenda clerk 01:14:43.620 --> 01:14:44.670 please call the roll? 01:14:46.583 --> 01:14:48.512 Commissioner Houck? 01:14:48.512 --> 01:14:50.445 Commissioner Houck? 01:14:50.445 --> 01:14:52.304 Commissioner Shiroma. 01:14:52.304 --> 01:14:53.984 Commissioner Schannoma. 01:14:53.984 --> 01:14:55.866 Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:14:55.866 --> 01:14:57.420 Commissioner Rechtschaffen.. 01:14:57.420 --> 01:14:59.013 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:15:00.128 --> 01:15:02.093 Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:15:02.093 --> 01:15:03.933 President Batjer. 01:15:03.933 --> 01:15:04.766 President Batjer. 01:15:04.766 --> 01:15:05.815 Aye. 01:15:05.815 --> 01:15:06.648 Thank you. 01:15:08.394 --> 01:15:11.034 Item 33 has passed unanimously. 01:15:11.034 --> 01:15:13.730 That completes our regular agenda items. 01:15:13.730 --> 01:15:16.730 There is no report for item 34, 01:15:16.730 --> 01:15:19.920 report and discussion on recent consumer protections 01:15:19.920 --> 01:15:23.018 and discussion on recent consumer protections 01:15:23.018 --> 01:15:26.266 and safety activities management report. 01:15:26.266 --> 01:15:29.879 And there is no report on item 35, 01:15:29.879 --> 01:15:33.530 which is the management report on administrative activities. 01:15:33.530 --> 01:15:38.280 We are now at the Commissioner reports on the agenda, 01:15:38.280 --> 01:15:39.330 Commissioner reports. 01:15:46.245 --> 01:15:47.495 Mission reports? 01:15:47.495 --> 01:15:48.541 President Batjer. 01:15:48.541 --> 01:15:49.374 Yes. 01:15:50.458 --> 01:15:52.625 I have one announcement. 01:15:55.175 --> 01:15:59.008 This is an announcement in of an IRP workshop. 01:16:00.170 --> 01:16:03.460 March 10th in the afternoon, from 2:00 to 4:30 01:16:03.460 --> 01:16:08.460 we'll be holding a workshop on the ALJ's ruling 01:16:08.530 --> 01:16:13.458 that was issued last month on midterm reliability analysis 01:16:13.458 --> 01:16:16.041 on midterm reliability analysis 01:16:16.990 --> 01:16:19.970 The ruling proposes requiring load serving entities 01:16:19.970 --> 01:16:23.213 to procure 700 megawatts 01:16:23.213 --> 01:16:24.963 procure 700 megawatts 01:16:27.905 --> 01:16:28.738 of new net qualifying capacity for 2024 to 2026. 01:16:30.386 --> 01:16:34.297 Now that's nameplate capacity is much harder than that. 01:16:34.297 --> 01:16:36.591 So it's a lot of new megawatts of clean energy. 01:16:36.591 --> 01:16:38.830 And the ruling asked the parties to weigh in 01:16:38.830 --> 01:16:43.480 These include revising our planning reserve margin, 01:16:43.480 --> 01:16:47.450 the amount of capacity that we propose over and above 01:16:47.450 --> 01:16:51.460 expected demand to cushion against unexpected events. 01:16:51.460 --> 01:16:55.410 The types of resources load serving entities should procure, 01:16:55.410 --> 01:16:57.990 which load serving entities should be responsible 01:16:57.990 --> 01:17:02.069 for that procurement, how cost allocation 01:17:02.069 --> 01:17:05.410 should be carried out among the different entities, 01:17:05.410 --> 01:17:08.130 among other issues. 01:17:08.130 --> 01:17:09.939 out among the different entities among other issues. 01:17:09.939 --> 01:17:11.077 So this is a workshop. 01:17:11.077 --> 01:17:14.345 This workshop is a very good opportunity 01:17:14.345 --> 01:17:17.428 for our staff to explain the proposal 01:17:18.786 --> 01:17:21.880 and the underlying data and analysis that went into it. 01:17:21.880 --> 01:17:26.430 of the comments that they will be filing later this month 01:17:26.430 --> 01:17:27.623 and early next month. 01:17:28.722 --> 01:17:30.726 this month and early next month. 01:17:30.726 --> 01:17:34.108 This is really where the rubber hits the road 01:17:34.108 --> 01:17:36.810 while strengthening electric reliability. 01:17:36.810 --> 01:17:39.410 So we encourage as many people as possible 01:17:39.410 --> 01:17:41.310 to join in the workshop. 01:17:41.310 --> 01:17:45.812 I wanna also extend my welcome to Commissioner Houck. 01:17:45.812 --> 01:17:48.383 I want to also extend my welcome to Commissioner Houck. 01:17:48.383 --> 01:17:50.761 We've already given her an internal welcome 01:17:50.761 --> 01:17:53.916 and President Batjer gave a very gracious introduction 01:17:53.916 --> 01:17:56.172 at the start, but we're delighted to have you back 01:17:56.172 --> 01:17:58.044 and to have you here working with us. 01:17:58.044 --> 01:18:00.461 And we very much look forward 01:18:05.001 --> 01:18:06.840 to your leadership and collaboration. 01:18:06.840 --> 01:18:10.041 Thank you, Commissioner Rechtschaffen. 01:18:10.041 --> 01:18:12.208 Who would like to go next? 01:18:13.093 --> 01:18:14.735 Okay, yes Commissioner Shiroma. 01:18:14.735 --> 01:18:15.568 Yes, thank you President Batjer. 01:18:16.607 --> 01:18:19.524 I have a number of reports to share 01:18:22.483 --> 01:18:25.814 and I also want to welcome Commissioner Houck 01:18:25.814 --> 01:18:27.913 back to the desk and to returning back to the Commission. 01:18:27.913 --> 01:18:30.663 Look forward to working with you. 01:18:32.630 --> 01:18:36.501 So I wanted to take a moment to thank my advisor 01:18:36.501 --> 01:18:40.857 Terrence Schia for his time, working in my office 01:18:40.857 --> 01:18:43.453 and to congratulate him and his new role as a CPCU 01:18:43.453 --> 01:18:45.453 water division director. 01:18:48.285 --> 01:18:52.118 Terrence served in my office almost two years, 01:18:54.272 --> 01:18:58.595 helped me on water, telecommunications, transportation. 01:18:58.595 --> 01:19:02.409 Provided leadership on our Commission initiatives 01:19:02.409 --> 01:19:05.232 related to greater water affordability, 01:19:05.232 --> 01:19:07.929 bringing broadband to the lifeline program, 01:19:07.929 --> 01:19:09.945 intimating access to transportation 01:19:09.945 --> 01:19:12.179 for users of wheelchairs, 01:19:12.179 --> 01:19:15.142 greater deployment of autonomous vehicles. 01:19:15.142 --> 01:19:17.095 So I want to thank him for his contributions 01:19:17.095 --> 01:19:18.848 to team Shiroma. 01:19:18.848 --> 01:19:20.733 And I look forward to working with Terrance 01:19:20.733 --> 01:19:23.316 as the water division director. 01:19:24.560 --> 01:19:26.976 I also want to welcome Gerald Kelly to my office 01:19:26.976 --> 01:19:29.400 as an interim advisor. 01:19:29.400 --> 01:19:32.980 in the Administrative Law Judge division since 2015. 01:19:34.608 --> 01:19:37.981 in the administrative watch judge division since 2015. 01:19:37.981 --> 01:19:42.118 As the ALJ, he has worked on a wide spectrum of matters, 01:19:42.118 --> 01:19:45.539 including a right making across the industries, 01:19:45.539 --> 01:19:46.595 the enforcement transportation emergency preparedness 01:19:46.595 --> 01:19:48.595 and consumer protection. 01:19:52.608 --> 01:19:55.951 Gerald began his legal career as a deputy attorney general 01:19:55.951 --> 01:19:57.766 working on toes in implement litigation defense 01:19:57.766 --> 01:20:00.099 for the state of California. 01:20:02.086 --> 01:20:06.919 And he joined my team as an interim advisor on Monday. 01:20:06.919 --> 01:20:11.054 I also want to take a moment to reflect on our CPUC 01:20:11.054 --> 01:20:13.801 race on mars we hosted last week Wednesday 01:20:13.801 --> 01:20:16.925 and a companion white paper that was released 01:20:16.925 --> 01:20:20.617 by our energy division for comments 01:20:20.617 --> 01:20:22.838 which are due by March 19th. 01:20:22.838 --> 01:20:24.974 All the Commissioners along with the Commissioners 01:20:24.974 --> 01:20:26.328 from the California energy Commission, 01:20:26.328 --> 01:20:29.283 the Governors from the California 01:20:29.283 --> 01:20:32.077 independent system operator, 01:20:32.077 --> 01:20:36.336 Matt Baker from the natural resources agency 01:20:36.336 --> 01:20:39.049 and assemblyman Holder of central Queso attending this 01:20:39.049 --> 01:20:41.549 and working in a timely event. 01:20:42.771 --> 01:20:45.530 And he heard that we should expect rates to continue to rise 01:20:45.530 --> 01:20:48.950 over the next 10 years on constant living 01:20:48.950 --> 01:20:51.785 and that affordability is essential to California 01:20:51.785 --> 01:20:54.118 achieving its climate goals. 01:20:55.721 --> 01:20:59.440 The impact of the energy burden on California today 01:20:59.440 --> 01:21:01.453 is something we need to pay attention to, 01:21:01.453 --> 01:21:04.203 first providing for affordability 01:21:05.150 --> 01:21:07.286 and meeting those very important climate goals. 01:21:07.286 --> 01:21:10.925 We've heard ideas from utilities right here, 01:21:10.925 --> 01:21:14.665 advocates and academia on opportunities 01:21:14.665 --> 01:21:15.498 to reduce utility costs towards assessing our business 01:21:18.885 --> 01:21:21.577 as usual and garnering savings for taxpayers. 01:21:21.577 --> 01:21:24.877 I found it insightful to hear the research 01:21:24.877 --> 01:21:28.533 on how dollar spent on utility bills to fund things 01:21:28.533 --> 01:21:31.929 like wildfire mitigation also create jobs 01:21:31.929 --> 01:21:34.227 and economic benefits for California customers 01:21:34.227 --> 01:21:36.537 towards helping to lift households. 01:21:36.537 --> 01:21:38.112 But that we also need to be strategic 01:21:38.112 --> 01:21:38.945 to ensure that we are raising wages 01:21:42.422 --> 01:21:44.915 and appropriate workforce training is available 01:21:44.915 --> 01:21:47.363 to get people ready to participate 01:21:47.363 --> 01:21:50.304 in the next phase of our clean economy. 01:21:50.304 --> 01:21:51.877 And finally, we heard that while here here's the Commission, 01:21:53.341 --> 01:21:57.734 we are hard at work leveraging rate per dollars 01:21:57.734 --> 01:22:00.947 to fund wildfire mitigation, climate change initiatives 01:22:00.947 --> 01:22:04.368 and so forth through our general rate cases and proceedings, 01:22:04.368 --> 01:22:07.801 there may be opportunities to really think outside 01:22:07.801 --> 01:22:11.075 of the current box, look at restructuring rates 01:22:11.075 --> 01:22:13.491 and seek other funding sources as well. 01:22:13.491 --> 01:22:14.893 So it would be interesting to see the path forward 01:22:14.893 --> 01:22:15.976 that we take. 01:22:19.380 --> 01:22:22.630 I wanna thank the team for this effort. 01:22:24.529 --> 01:22:27.862 Alphonse Chang, David Bismore, Julia ND, 01:22:29.342 --> 01:22:33.214 Oncate Jane, Bridget Sharon Smith, Nathan Barsik, 01:22:33.214 --> 01:22:35.297 Elaine Sisi Libria, Nate. 01:22:37.297 --> 01:22:40.827 I'm sorry, Gene Spencer, Elizabeth Lapur, 01:22:40.827 --> 01:22:44.910 Christopher Wrestling, Paul Phillips, Sonny Baker 01:22:46.549 --> 01:22:50.760 Terry Fosper, Mary Claire Brown and the (indistinct). 01:22:50.760 --> 01:22:52.903 Terry Prosper, Mary Claire Brown and the (indistinct). 01:22:53.998 --> 01:22:57.742 It's a team that covers a wide spectrum 01:22:57.742 --> 01:22:59.825 of energy across our CTC. 01:23:01.029 --> 01:23:04.279 Everything from breaks to transmission, 01:23:07.560 --> 01:23:12.060 in affordability and reaching our clean climate goals. 01:23:14.373 --> 01:23:17.404 in affordability and reaching are our clean climate goals. 01:23:17.404 --> 01:23:19.263 I also wanna highlight that we have a couple meetings 01:23:19.263 --> 01:23:20.096 coming up. 01:23:21.730 --> 01:23:24.550 quarterly meeting of the Universal Lifeline 01:23:24.550 --> 01:23:29.173 Telephone Service Trust Administrative Committee or ULTSTAC. 01:23:30.192 --> 01:23:34.273 telephone service trust administrative committee or ULTSTAC. 01:23:34.273 --> 01:23:38.440 It will be held next week, Wednesday on March 10th 01:23:40.633 --> 01:23:42.710 from 1:30 to 4:30 on WebEx, that committee advises us 01:23:42.710 --> 01:23:44.710 on the lifeline program. 01:23:45.732 --> 01:23:47.982 At the meeting, we'll be... 01:23:49.977 --> 01:23:51.337 Well, I'm not asking as official member for the charter. 01:23:51.337 --> 01:23:55.225 I have a Commissioner, that's a member 01:23:55.225 --> 01:23:57.756 but I am the sponsor of this committee. 01:23:57.756 --> 01:24:00.033 They will be voting on new board members 01:24:00.033 --> 01:24:03.033 and officers and receiving an update 01:24:04.249 --> 01:24:08.891 on the status of a boost mobile care pilot program. 01:24:08.891 --> 01:24:12.719 And the iFoster pilot that we voted out in 2019 01:24:12.719 --> 01:24:15.516 and hearing what they're doing connects with customers 01:24:15.516 --> 01:24:18.683 enrolled in our low-income NG programs 01:24:20.412 --> 01:24:21.852 and how those programs are doing 01:24:21.852 --> 01:24:23.987 in progress of its planning. 01:24:23.987 --> 01:24:26.599 Again, these are pilot programs. 01:24:26.599 --> 01:24:30.658 We do have a few vacancies on the committee. 01:24:30.658 --> 01:24:33.991 We need a few more members and alternate 01:24:35.052 --> 01:24:36.360 that needs to be dominated by other organizations 01:24:36.360 --> 01:24:39.550 We need some community-based organization members. 01:24:40.719 --> 01:24:44.054 Weed some community-based organization members. 01:24:44.054 --> 01:24:47.304 We need some consumer advocate members. 01:24:48.879 --> 01:24:49.712 And so I'm intending to work with the committee 01:24:51.304 --> 01:24:54.313 towards filling those vacancies. 01:24:54.313 --> 01:24:58.063 They are appointed by our executive director. 01:24:59.795 --> 01:25:03.644 So anyone who is interested to take a look at our website 01:25:03.644 --> 01:25:04.477 and also our daily calendar gets for the details 01:25:04.477 --> 01:25:05.727 in the meeting. 01:25:07.065 --> 01:25:09.187 And then the next day on March 11th, 01:25:09.187 --> 01:25:12.354 the low income oversight board meeting 01:25:13.337 --> 01:25:16.445 is holding its first quarterly meeting of 2021. 01:25:16.445 --> 01:25:20.528 The board advises Commission on low income energy 01:25:21.381 --> 01:25:23.432 and water issues and programs and served as a liaison 01:25:23.432 --> 01:25:25.411 to our low income communities. 01:25:25.411 --> 01:25:29.228 And the focus of this courting meeting 01:25:29.228 --> 01:25:32.645 is to hear the energy and water utilities 01:25:34.425 --> 01:25:36.234 on their transition plans in anticipation of a moratorium 01:25:36.234 --> 01:25:38.167 for emergency consumer protections 01:25:38.167 --> 01:25:40.173 that are expiring on June 30th. 01:25:40.173 --> 01:25:41.006 It hurts my comments today saying April 1st, 01:25:42.656 --> 01:25:45.235 but actually June 30th. 01:25:45.235 --> 01:25:48.540 and 48/49 and we voted out at our January voting meeting 01:25:48.540 --> 01:25:53.540 to extend the moratorium and to provide very clear guidance 01:25:54.822 --> 01:25:58.096 to extend the Moratorium and to provide very clear guidance 01:25:58.096 --> 01:26:00.967 to the utilities on how to prepare. 01:26:00.967 --> 01:26:03.367 I understand that all the Commissioners planted 10 01:26:03.367 --> 01:26:05.517 to hear those presentations, which will be in the morning. 01:26:05.517 --> 01:26:09.383 Again, the meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. 01:26:09.383 --> 01:26:12.133 And that should be a good insight 01:26:14.874 --> 01:26:18.175 to how utilities are planning. 01:26:18.175 --> 01:26:19.008 The goal again, is to assure that the customers 01:26:22.218 --> 01:26:25.699 who are experiencing urges and experiencing problems 01:26:25.699 --> 01:26:29.019 and being able to pay the utility bill to guide them 01:26:29.019 --> 01:26:33.498 on what happened when the Moratorium is rested 01:26:33.498 --> 01:26:36.368 and how the utilities will be working with those customers 01:26:36.368 --> 01:26:38.868 on payment plans and so forth. 01:26:40.800 --> 01:26:43.690 They are on the LIOB website. 01:26:43.690 --> 01:26:48.690 They are on the LAOB website. 01:26:49.162 --> 01:26:53.331 through the venue of the lower income oversight board 01:26:53.331 --> 01:26:57.331 through the venue of the Rowan's oversight board 01:26:58.519 --> 01:27:00.659 and then provide their finalized and replies responses 01:27:00.659 --> 01:27:01.742 by April 1st. 01:27:04.347 --> 01:27:07.011 I'm sorry, there are comments due by... 01:27:07.011 --> 01:27:09.178 Let me look at this again. 01:27:11.419 --> 01:27:14.967 Okay, they have to file their arise plan cycle first 01:27:14.967 --> 01:27:17.298 and responses and the process are due April 21st. 01:27:17.298 --> 01:27:19.938 All of this information is on our website. 01:27:19.938 --> 01:27:24.938 So I just wanna thank a little and some oversight board 01:27:25.335 --> 01:27:29.835 for providing the venue for hearing about these plans. 01:27:30.890 --> 01:27:35.142 And again, more can be seen at the CTC website, 01:27:35.142 --> 01:27:37.392 NFC LIOB website, liob.org. 01:27:38.720 --> 01:27:41.677 our very own President Batjer on her recent appointment 01:27:42.989 --> 01:27:45.840 our very own President Batjeron her recent appointment 01:27:45.840 --> 01:27:49.840 to the executive board of a National Association 01:27:53.452 --> 01:27:57.027 of Regulatory Utility Commissioners or NARUC. 01:27:57.027 --> 01:27:59.283 NARUC is a nationwide organization 01:27:59.283 --> 01:28:01.030 and best practices towards improving the quality 01:28:02.714 --> 01:28:06.768 and best processes towards improving the quality 01:28:06.768 --> 01:28:10.685 and effectiveness of public utility regulation. 01:28:12.230 --> 01:28:17.230 Commissioners from all of the 50 states and territories 01:28:17.344 --> 01:28:19.696 and water, communications. 01:28:19.696 --> 01:28:21.779 and water communications. 01:28:25.367 --> 01:28:27.760 Each of us serve on various NARUC committees. 01:28:27.760 --> 01:28:30.195 And with president Badtjer's appointment 01:28:30.195 --> 01:28:33.869 to the governing board, this will provide 01:28:33.869 --> 01:28:37.093 an even greater opportunity to ensure that lessons learned 01:28:37.093 --> 01:28:41.365 and innovation arising from our California work 01:28:41.365 --> 01:28:43.910 But congratulations President Batjer. 01:28:43.910 --> 01:28:46.993 But congratulations President Badger. 01:28:51.112 --> 01:28:52.112 Thank you. 01:28:53.981 --> 01:28:54.814 Okay, yes, Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:28:54.814 --> 01:28:55.814 Thank you. 01:28:56.726 --> 01:28:58.809 And yes, congratulations. 01:29:01.238 --> 01:29:04.218 You needed another governing body to be a part of. 01:29:04.218 --> 01:29:07.530 I'm very glad that you have accepted that role. 01:29:07.530 --> 01:29:11.117 I really do think it's gonna lead to much more 01:29:11.117 --> 01:29:12.867 of a California policy influence discussion 01:29:12.867 --> 01:29:14.752 at the national level. 01:29:14.752 --> 01:29:18.064 And I did wanna acknowledge also Commissioner Shiroma 01:29:18.064 --> 01:29:21.578 I, and I did wanna acknowledge also Commissioner Shiroma 01:29:21.578 --> 01:29:23.995 and just the tremendous boost 01:29:25.347 --> 01:29:28.669 that you have given to these public advisory bodies. 01:29:28.669 --> 01:29:31.994 It's really tremendous and how you succeeded 01:29:31.994 --> 01:29:35.343 in integrating them into our direct policymaking, 01:29:35.343 --> 01:29:37.931 most evidently with these transition plans 01:29:37.931 --> 01:29:40.657 that will be presented at the LIOB. 01:29:40.657 --> 01:29:44.280 So thank you for that and thank you for your consciousness 01:29:44.280 --> 01:29:46.981 and intention in ensuring that there's community 01:29:46.981 --> 01:29:50.814 representation on these bodies in particularly 01:29:52.353 --> 01:29:55.770 some of the lifeline advisory committees. 01:29:57.115 --> 01:30:00.534 I also wanted to acknowledge Commissioner Rechtschaffen 01:30:00.534 --> 01:30:04.987 in your workshop on the IRP and just the utter importance 01:30:04.987 --> 01:30:08.840 and timeliness of that forthcoming decisions. 01:30:08.840 --> 01:30:10.818 I did wanna share that I also am looking forward 01:30:10.818 --> 01:30:12.235 to that workshop. 01:30:14.229 --> 01:30:16.530 And in particular would like as you evolve 01:30:16.530 --> 01:30:20.169 in your consideration of all the input, 01:30:20.169 --> 01:30:24.033 that we really take into account Aliso 01:30:24.033 --> 01:30:27.945 and all the scenarios that we're looking at with Aliso, 01:30:27.945 --> 01:30:32.012 really the ability to replace some of the gas generation 01:30:32.012 --> 01:30:34.677 with a non gas dependent generation in the LA basin 01:30:34.677 --> 01:30:36.844 is a very timely priority. 01:30:39.212 --> 01:30:41.551 And I hope you consider frankly augmenting 01:30:41.551 --> 01:30:43.916 what you're looking at now to accommodate 01:30:43.916 --> 01:30:44.749 in any of the scenarios that we're currently deliberating 01:30:46.857 --> 01:30:47.690 on Aliso. 01:30:49.472 --> 01:30:53.516 And in addition, I also wanted to announce 01:30:53.516 --> 01:30:56.915 as you mentioned the CASF program that Commissioner Houck 01:30:56.915 --> 01:30:58.160 as you mentioned the CASF program that Commissioner Houck 01:31:00.263 --> 01:31:02.520 will now be leading up does have a mandated annual workshop. 01:31:02.520 --> 01:31:05.960 And we will be holding this one March 30th 01:31:05.960 --> 01:31:08.546 from 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. and very excited to announce 01:31:08.546 --> 01:31:13.490 that STC, interim chair, woman Jessica Rosenworcel 01:31:13.490 --> 01:31:15.970 has accepted our invitation to participate 01:31:17.823 --> 01:31:19.930 and we also, yes, very excited about that. 01:31:19.930 --> 01:31:23.035 She would like to have a fireside chat, 01:31:23.035 --> 01:31:25.630 so expect a really good dialogue with her. 01:31:25.630 --> 01:31:30.630 And also the legislative leadership Senator Gonzalez 01:31:30.890 --> 01:31:33.750 and hopefully concerning student Aggie Curry 01:31:33.750 --> 01:31:35.970 who both in the leaders on the CSS 01:31:37.063 --> 01:31:41.330 So hopefully you can put that on your calendars, 01:31:41.330 --> 01:31:44.280 March 30th 10:00 to 1:00. 01:31:44.280 --> 01:31:48.370 In addition, as you know in our adoption 01:31:48.370 --> 01:31:51.840 of the tribal land policy guidelines 01:31:51.840 --> 01:31:55.480 and we committed to doing in that resolution 01:31:55.480 --> 01:31:57.840 and implementation workshop 01:31:57.840 --> 01:31:59.360 and also just to hold 01:31:59.360 --> 01:32:01.740 on your calendars, that will be April 14th 01:32:02.780 --> 01:32:04.623 for all of you interested in that 01:32:04.623 --> 01:32:07.168 More details to come. 01:32:07.168 --> 01:32:09.970 And I wasn't going to mention so early 01:32:09.970 --> 01:32:12.218 the incarcerated people workshop 01:32:12.218 --> 01:32:13.980 And since the public didn't mention it, 01:32:13.980 --> 01:32:16.320 as you know we are working really 01:32:16.320 --> 01:32:18.977 as unique circumstance here. 01:32:18.977 --> 01:32:19.810 as unique circumstance here. 01:32:19.810 --> 01:32:21.440 And as you heard from the public today, 01:32:21.440 --> 01:32:23.780 there was an interest in seeing if there's a way for us 01:32:23.780 --> 01:32:26.440 to hear directly from the incarcerated people. 01:32:26.440 --> 01:32:28.690 We'll see if we meet that challenge. 01:32:28.690 --> 01:32:32.680 For sure, we hope to obviously have friends and family 01:32:32.680 --> 01:32:36.540 as an advocates as we have been engaged with them. 01:32:36.540 --> 01:32:40.590 But that will be a new frontier for us on public engagement. 01:32:40.590 --> 01:32:43.550 So open to any ideas on that front, 01:32:43.550 --> 01:32:46.040 but we will be obviously Commissioner Shiroma 01:32:46.040 --> 01:32:50.460 and myself working together on seeing how much 01:32:50.460 --> 01:32:51.990 of that engagement we can get. 01:32:51.990 --> 01:32:54.720 So that will be a later age in April, 01:32:54.720 --> 01:32:59.720 April 28th and 29th, but more to come on details for that. 01:32:59.940 --> 01:33:00.773 Thank you. 01:33:01.770 --> 01:33:03.770 Thank you, Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:33:04.910 --> 01:33:07.240 Commissioner Houck, did you have some comments 01:33:07.240 --> 01:33:09.350 you'd like to make today. 01:33:09.350 --> 01:33:11.930 Yes, thank you President Batjer. 01:33:11.930 --> 01:33:13.860 I would like to, again, just thank everyone 01:33:13.860 --> 01:33:15.670 for welcoming me back to the Commission 01:33:15.670 --> 01:33:19.060 and helping me get acclimated to my new role. 01:33:19.060 --> 01:33:22.687 I'd like to first think you again, President Batjer 01:33:22.687 --> 01:33:25.600 and your staff, and also congratulate you 01:33:25.600 --> 01:33:26.993 on the NARUC appointment. 01:33:27.900 --> 01:33:30.770 Thank Commissioner Guzman Aceves, Commissioner Rechtschaffen 01:33:30.770 --> 01:33:33.690 and Commissioner Shiroma, the office of the Commission, 01:33:33.690 --> 01:33:36.570 our executive director, Rachel Peterson and her staff, 01:33:36.570 --> 01:33:38.630 particularly Douglas Wilson. 01:33:38.630 --> 01:33:42.320 And my transition team who I'll introduce in just a moment. 01:33:42.320 --> 01:33:44.740 I also wanted to thank the Commission's IT 01:33:44.740 --> 01:33:46.800 and HR departments for assisting me 01:33:46.800 --> 01:33:50.430 in getting everything set up and with all the paperwork. 01:33:50.430 --> 01:33:52.720 As many of you know, I'm not new to the Commission, 01:33:52.720 --> 01:33:56.090 I'm really excited to be back and working with everyone. 01:33:56.090 --> 01:33:58.990 Prior to my return, again as was mentioned earlier, 01:33:58.990 --> 01:34:01.570 I was chief counsel of the California Energy Commission 01:34:01.570 --> 01:34:05.393 and I wanted to also say thank you to chair Hawkshield 01:34:05.393 --> 01:34:07.970 and all the Commissioners at the energy Commission, 01:34:07.970 --> 01:34:10.647 Drew Bowen, the executive director and my former team 01:34:10.647 --> 01:34:13.790 and the chief counsel's office for the opportunity 01:34:13.790 --> 01:34:16.170 to serve as their chief counsel and all of the support 01:34:16.170 --> 01:34:18.540 everyone at the energy Commission provided to me 01:34:18.540 --> 01:34:19.670 during my transition 01:34:19.670 --> 01:34:22.540 back to the public utilities Commission. 01:34:22.540 --> 01:34:26.450 And I would now like to introduce my transition team. 01:34:26.450 --> 01:34:30.520 First is Christine Powell, who is my interim chief of staff 01:34:30.520 --> 01:34:32.640 and has just absolutely been amazing. 01:34:32.640 --> 01:34:35.440 She's so organized and on top of everything. 01:34:35.440 --> 01:34:40.440 I just appreciate her more than I can say. 01:34:40.470 --> 01:34:42.970 Christine joined the Commission in 2018 01:34:42.970 --> 01:34:44.150 and most recently served 01:34:44.150 --> 01:34:46.950 as former Commissioner Randolph chief of staff. 01:34:46.950 --> 01:34:50.260 Prior to that, she served as an ALJ here at the PUC 01:34:50.260 --> 01:34:52.960 and as an attorney at the office of the general counsel 01:34:52.960 --> 01:34:53.930 at FERC. 01:34:53.930 --> 01:34:55.740 She also worked as a public accountant 01:34:55.740 --> 01:34:58.290 for Price water house Coopers and an international 01:34:58.290 --> 01:35:00.730 internal auditor for Abbott laboratories. 01:35:00.730 --> 01:35:04.240 She holds a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law 01:35:04.240 --> 01:35:07.500 and a BBA and accountancy from Howard University. 01:35:07.500 --> 01:35:10.270 Again, Christine is just absolutely amazing 01:35:10.270 --> 01:35:14.190 and I just can't thank her enough for everything she's done 01:35:14.190 --> 01:35:15.240 since I've been here. 01:35:16.230 --> 01:35:18.410 Next is Mary Claire Brown who's serving 01:35:18.410 --> 01:35:21.390 as one of my interim energy policy advisors. 01:35:21.390 --> 01:35:25.530 Mary Claire joined the PUC in 2014 and previously served 01:35:25.530 --> 01:35:28.840 as an energy advisor to Commissioner Shiroma for two years 01:35:28.840 --> 01:35:32.400 focusing on rate design and low-income assistance programs. 01:35:32.400 --> 01:35:35.270 She also served as an analyst in energy division 01:35:35.270 --> 01:35:37.670 on behind the meter energy storage incentives 01:35:37.670 --> 01:35:41.160 rule 21 interconnection and demand response. 01:35:41.160 --> 01:35:43.860 And as an advisor to the executive director. 01:35:43.860 --> 01:35:46.700 Mary Clara holds a master's degree in public policy 01:35:46.700 --> 01:35:49.080 from the university of California at Berkeley, 01:35:49.080 --> 01:35:52.320 Goldman School of Public Policy and an undergraduate degree 01:35:52.320 --> 01:35:55.173 in mathematics and physics from Middlebury. 01:35:55.173 --> 01:36:00.173 And Mary Claire has also just been great support for me 01:36:01.843 --> 01:36:03.060 in the last week. 01:36:03.060 --> 01:36:06.490 Next to Suzanne Kasasa, who will serve as my interim legal 01:36:06.490 --> 01:36:08.000 and energy advisor. 01:36:08.000 --> 01:36:11.650 Suzanne joined the PUC in 2015 and previously served 01:36:11.650 --> 01:36:14.540 as a legal and policy advisor for Commissioner Randolph 01:36:14.540 --> 01:36:17.000 and as an analyst in the energy division 01:36:17.000 --> 01:36:18.560 in her role as an advisor. 01:36:18.560 --> 01:36:20.900 Suzanne focused on energy issues 01:36:20.900 --> 01:36:23.020 including integrated resource planning, 01:36:23.020 --> 01:36:25.620 electricity procurement, climate adaption, 01:36:25.620 --> 01:36:28.850 general rate cases, COVID impacts to customers, 01:36:28.850 --> 01:36:32.460 gas policy and community choice aggregator initiative. 01:36:32.460 --> 01:36:35.289 Suzanne holds a JD from the University of California 01:36:35.289 --> 01:36:36.497 and a BA from the University of California Irvine. 01:36:36.497 --> 01:36:40.060 and a BA from the university of California Irvine. 01:36:40.060 --> 01:36:43.920 And she has set up a number of briefings for me 01:36:43.920 --> 01:36:45.270 that have just been really helpful. 01:36:45.270 --> 01:36:49.140 And I appreciate all of Suzanne's work. 01:36:49.140 --> 01:36:51.850 Next is Eileen Odell who will serve as my intern 01:36:51.850 --> 01:36:54.363 water and telecommunications advisor. 01:36:55.270 --> 01:36:59.130 Eileen joined the PUC public advocate's office in 2014 01:36:59.130 --> 01:37:01.090 And has since served as a public utilities 01:37:01.090 --> 01:37:03.390 regulatory analyst in the communications 01:37:03.390 --> 01:37:05.170 and water policy branch. 01:37:05.170 --> 01:37:08.120 Eileen has worked on telecommunications and water, 01:37:08.120 --> 01:37:11.370 utility general rate cases and mergers and acquisitions 01:37:11.370 --> 01:37:14.200 focusing on revenues, rate design and the impacts 01:37:18.970 --> 01:37:21.846 Eileen holds a JD from the University of California Hastings 01:37:21.846 --> 01:37:22.720 Eileen holds a JD from the university of California Hastings 01:37:25.405 --> 01:37:27.821 from the University of California, San Diego. 01:37:27.821 --> 01:37:28.654 from the university of California, San Diego. 01:37:28.654 --> 01:37:30.640 And she is working to help me get up to speed 01:37:30.640 --> 01:37:33.420 on the CASF proceeding that was mentioned earlier 01:37:33.420 --> 01:37:35.187 by Commissioner Guzman Aceves. 01:37:36.090 --> 01:37:38.910 Sarah Thomas will serve as my interim legal 01:37:38.910 --> 01:37:41.790 transportation and safety policy advisor. 01:37:41.790 --> 01:37:46.790 Sarah joined the PUC in 1999, and served as a lawyer 01:37:46.830 --> 01:37:49.840 in the legal division and ALJ and a legal advisor 01:37:49.840 --> 01:37:51.690 for Commissioner Mark Barron. 01:37:51.690 --> 01:37:54.120 She has deep experience in wildfire mitigation, 01:37:54.120 --> 01:37:56.700 climate adaption, greenhouse gas reduction, 01:37:56.700 --> 01:38:00.230 the renewable portfolio standard, storage and solar energy, 01:38:00.230 --> 01:38:03.680 electric vehicles and transportation electrification. 01:38:03.680 --> 01:38:08.680 Among many other areas, Sarah's knowledge is invaluable. 01:38:09.360 --> 01:38:11.350 She's worked on telecommunications 01:38:11.350 --> 01:38:14.483 also early in her (indistinct) during her time, 01:38:15.488 --> 01:38:18.090 early on as a Commission and she holds undergraduate 01:38:18.090 --> 01:38:21.430 and law degrees from the University of California Berkeley. 01:38:21.430 --> 01:38:23.660 And finally, I wanna recognize the support 01:38:23.660 --> 01:38:26.540 provided by Elena Venus and Daisy Yi 01:38:26.540 --> 01:38:30.660 who have graciously provided intern support for my office 01:38:30.660 --> 01:38:32.240 while meeting the responsibilities 01:38:32.240 --> 01:38:34.580 of their current assigned offices. 01:38:34.580 --> 01:38:37.860 So Christine, Mary, Claire, Suzanne, Eileen, Sarah, Elena 01:38:37.860 --> 01:38:40.540 and Daisy have all provided exceptional support 01:38:40.540 --> 01:38:41.510 since I've arrived. 01:38:41.510 --> 01:38:44.087 And I'm very lucky to have such a great intern team 01:38:44.087 --> 01:38:46.390 and appreciate all of them. 01:38:46.390 --> 01:38:49.540 And just in closing, I wanted to just comment 01:38:49.540 --> 01:38:52.020 that my first week back I was able to participate 01:38:52.020 --> 01:38:54.151 in the PUC rates and cost on bonk. 01:38:54.151 --> 01:38:57.043 And I was very impressed with the event, 01:38:57.980 --> 01:39:00.700 which included presentations from IOUs, staff 01:39:00.700 --> 01:39:02.300 and other stakeholders on a number 01:39:02.300 --> 01:39:05.100 of critical subject matters before the Commission. 01:39:05.100 --> 01:39:06.760 I wanna thank everyone who prepared 01:39:06.760 --> 01:39:09.760 the informative white paper and participated in that event 01:39:09.760 --> 01:39:12.180 particularly Commissioner Shiroma's office 01:39:13.270 --> 01:39:15.510 who was instrumental in putting this together. 01:39:15.510 --> 01:39:18.600 Mary Claire Brown, who emceed the event at Randolph 01:39:18.600 --> 01:39:22.270 and his team for the excellent work that they did 01:39:22.270 --> 01:39:24.360 and all of the presenters during the workshop. 01:39:24.360 --> 01:39:27.890 This was a really great way to start my term 01:39:27.890 --> 01:39:29.400 as a Commissioner. 01:39:29.400 --> 01:39:30.760 And I appreciated getting all of that information 01:39:30.760 --> 01:39:32.720 so early on, and with that 01:39:32.720 --> 01:39:34.130 I will conclude my report. 01:39:34.130 --> 01:39:34.963 So thank you. 01:39:37.830 --> 01:39:39.450 Thank you, Commissioner Houckin. 01:39:39.450 --> 01:39:41.160 Again, we welcome you. 01:39:41.160 --> 01:39:44.900 This is terrific and you do have an all-star team. 01:39:44.900 --> 01:39:46.530 Very impressive. 01:39:46.530 --> 01:39:49.656 So that's terrific. 01:39:49.656 --> 01:39:53.544 I have a number of items to report on the day. 01:39:53.544 --> 01:39:56.341 and I'm sure you all join me in this, 01:39:56.341 --> 01:39:58.600 and I'm sure you all join me in thi, 01:39:58.600 --> 01:40:00.820 of our staff who planned our interim 01:40:00.820 --> 01:40:02.730 black history month events. 01:40:02.730 --> 01:40:04.890 We were able to have insightful discussions 01:40:04.890 --> 01:40:07.590 with a number of California's African-American leaders 01:40:07.590 --> 01:40:09.080 and educators. 01:40:09.080 --> 01:40:12.130 Thank you to the African American coalition for sponsoring 01:40:12.130 --> 01:40:15.349 and thank you to the members of the planning committee 01:40:15.349 --> 01:40:19.667 Janine Long Mona D Gostova, Savan Martin, 01:40:23.920 --> 01:40:28.920 Janine Long Mona D (indistinct) Savan Martin, 01:40:30.520 --> 01:40:35.000 Pasha Thompson, Patricia Miles, Deseret Lamar, 01:40:35.000 --> 01:40:39.983 Nicole Cropper and my advisor am Nico Michelle. 01:40:41.120 --> 01:40:44.750 I would like also to echo the comments 01:40:44.750 --> 01:40:47.260 of Commissioner Shiroma and Commissioner Houk 01:40:47.260 --> 01:40:51.650 on the on-body and particularly say Commissioner Shiroma 01:40:51.650 --> 01:40:52.623 and her staff. 01:40:55.252 --> 01:40:57.450 I express my enormous gratitude to everyone 01:40:57.450 --> 01:41:00.560 who helped to put together such a well-organized 01:41:00.560 --> 01:41:01.950 and thought provoking event 01:41:01.950 --> 01:41:04.220 as my fellow Commissioners have said. 01:41:04.220 --> 01:41:07.120 The on vamp and the white paper, both emphasized 01:41:07.120 --> 01:41:10.560 our agency's collective mandate to ensure Californians 01:41:10.560 --> 01:41:13.980 are served by the reliable electric grid, 01:41:13.980 --> 01:41:16.260 a reliable electric grid. 01:41:16.260 --> 01:41:19.160 And that over time it is decarbonized 01:41:19.160 --> 01:41:22.310 at a rate needed to reach our clean energy goals. 01:41:22.310 --> 01:41:25.800 And at a cost that Californians can afford. 01:41:25.800 --> 01:41:27.970 As discussed at the on vamp, the CPUC 01:41:27.970 --> 01:41:31.270 is working to implement policies to mitigate climate change 01:41:31.270 --> 01:41:34.340 at an affordable cost while we are also in the midst 01:41:34.340 --> 01:41:37.430 of experiencing and adapting to the effects 01:41:37.430 --> 01:41:38.593 of climate change. 01:41:39.820 --> 01:41:42.370 Last month, the country experienced 01:41:42.370 --> 01:41:45.650 yet another extreme weather related disaster. 01:41:45.650 --> 01:41:47.410 Our thoughts continue to be with those 01:41:47.410 --> 01:41:50.210 who endured the impacts and suffered personal loss 01:41:50.210 --> 01:41:51.760 due to the blackouts. 01:41:51.760 --> 01:41:55.290 As a situation in Texas and the experience 01:41:55.290 --> 01:41:58.400 here in California last summer have shown us 01:41:58.400 --> 01:42:01.230 we must prepare the grid for more frequent 01:42:01.230 --> 01:42:03.470 and extreme weather events. 01:42:03.470 --> 01:42:06.970 A changing climate means that the level of reliability 01:42:06.970 --> 01:42:10.140 that we require of the power system will likely come 01:42:10.140 --> 01:42:14.560 an increasingly higher costs, which will be one more factor 01:42:14.560 --> 01:42:17.423 putting upward pressure on our rates. 01:42:18.260 --> 01:42:22.670 The question the on and the white paper articulated so well 01:42:22.670 --> 01:42:25.220 is how do we as a state continue 01:42:25.220 --> 01:42:27.600 with our essential de-carbonization work 01:42:27.600 --> 01:42:31.130 while ensuring that the communities who are more sensitive 01:42:31.130 --> 01:42:33.913 to rate increases are not unduly burdened. 01:42:35.150 --> 01:42:38.960 I'm very much looking forward to continuing the conversation 01:42:38.960 --> 01:42:41.360 and exploring additional ways that the CPUC 01:42:41.360 --> 01:42:45.103 can promote more equitable outcomes in our decision-making. 01:42:46.230 --> 01:42:48.840 Thank you again, Commissioner Shiroma and your staff 01:42:48.840 --> 01:42:52.010 and the energy division for your tireless work 01:42:52.010 --> 01:42:54.760 steering us in the right direction. 01:42:54.760 --> 01:42:56.200 Well done. 01:42:56.200 --> 01:42:58.710 And finally, I have a couple of staffing updates 01:42:58.710 --> 01:43:00.080 to provide today. 01:43:00.080 --> 01:43:02.650 First, I wanted to share that my energy advisor 01:43:02.650 --> 01:43:06.610 Dave Peck has a wonderful opportunity to lead a team 01:43:06.610 --> 01:43:09.040 in the Commission's public advocate's office 01:43:09.040 --> 01:43:11.840 and will be joining that office this month. 01:43:11.840 --> 01:43:14.860 I wanted to thank Dave so much for his service. 01:43:14.860 --> 01:43:17.480 Dave was such a tremendous help to me 01:43:17.480 --> 01:43:19.410 when I first joined the Commission. 01:43:19.410 --> 01:43:23.190 Helped me get up to speed, he kept me up on a pace of things 01:43:23.190 --> 01:43:25.210 and he has truly been a steady hand 01:43:25.210 --> 01:43:27.040 and a calm and warm presence. 01:43:27.040 --> 01:43:31.360 I very much have appreciated his insight and his understated 01:43:31.360 --> 01:43:33.110 and right sense of humor. 01:43:33.110 --> 01:43:35.910 Dave, you will be missed and I'm excited for you 01:43:37.100 --> 01:43:40.317 as you open up your next chapter at the PUC. 01:43:41.450 --> 01:43:44.420 On a related note I am very pleased to announce 01:43:44.420 --> 01:43:47.180 that Nora Hawkins is joining our office 01:43:47.180 --> 01:43:49.290 as an energy policy advisor. 01:43:49.290 --> 01:43:53.067 Nora joined the Commission in 2018 and previously worked 01:43:53.067 --> 01:43:57.090 in the Commissions energy division on customer sited 01:43:57.090 --> 01:43:59.980 renewable energy and storage programs. 01:43:59.980 --> 01:44:02.080 Before joining the Commission nor worked 01:44:03.098 --> 01:44:08.098 for the Washington DC, in Washington DC, excuse me 01:44:08.590 --> 01:44:11.340 on the income qualified solar programs 01:44:11.340 --> 01:44:14.640 and at the U.S. office of management and budget 01:44:14.640 --> 01:44:17.760 on the federal clean energy R and D policies. 01:44:17.760 --> 01:44:20.730 She received a master's of environmental management 01:44:20.730 --> 01:44:24.300 from a Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies 01:44:24.300 --> 01:44:28.170 and a bachelor of arts degree from Whitman College. 01:44:28.170 --> 01:44:31.070 I am so pleased to have Nora join our team. 01:44:31.070 --> 01:44:33.383 And so welcome, Nora, thank you so much. 01:44:34.529 --> 01:44:36.740 And I also want to thank my fellow Commissioners 01:44:36.740 --> 01:44:41.740 for your kind remarks of me being appointed 01:44:41.850 --> 01:44:46.850 nominated to the NARUC executive board. 01:44:47.460 --> 01:44:50.260 I'm just gonna say it's gonna take a village guys. 01:44:50.260 --> 01:44:51.983 I'm gonna depend on all of you. 01:44:53.510 --> 01:44:58.360 I do appreciate Commissioner Guzman Aceves' comment 01:44:58.360 --> 01:45:02.480 about one more assignment, but I do welcome it. 01:45:02.480 --> 01:45:05.470 We have not been represented on the executive board 01:45:05.470 --> 01:45:08.650 since Commissioner Carla Peterman left the Commission. 01:45:08.650 --> 01:45:12.520 So this is a welcome opportunity for us. 01:45:12.520 --> 01:45:14.950 And so I thank you for your comments, 01:45:14.950 --> 01:45:17.243 but I said it's gonna depend on y'all. 01:45:18.500 --> 01:45:21.523 So with that, that's an issue. 01:45:22.560 --> 01:45:26.230 Our Commission reports and this public meeting 01:45:26.230 --> 01:45:27.310 is now adjourned. 01:45:27.310 --> 01:45:28.840 Thank you all. 01:45:28.840 --> 01:45:31.370 So we need to be logging off and moving on 01:45:31.370 --> 01:45:33.080 to our next agenda. 01:45:33.080 --> 01:45:33.913 Thank you.