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Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission
Voting Meeting on this day Thursday, January 12,
2023. Today's call is being recorded. If you have any
objections, you may disconnect at this time. President
Reynolds, you may begin.
Thank you, and good morning. We need to start by establishing
a quorum. Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll?
Commissioner John Reynolds? Here. Commissioner Houck?
Here. Commissioner Shiroma? Here. President Alice Reynolds?
Here. We have a quorum. Welcome to the California Public
Utilities Commission. I'm calling this meeting of January
12, 2023, Public Agenda No. 3521, to order. Today,
we are meeting virtually. This meeting can also be livestreamed
on the CPUC's website. You can view the meeting at www.
adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
Closed captioning is available in English and
Spanish through the webcast. To view the closed captioning,
click on the green button beneath the webcast video
player and follow the instructions that appear on screen.
Spanish interpretation is also available during the
public comment portion of today's meeting. For Spanish
interpretation, dial 800-857-1917, passcode 3799627#.
And follow the instructions to be connected to the
Spanish line. I asked that my colleagues and today's
speakers. Remain mindful and speak clearly and slowly
to allow for interpretation. Public engagement is critical
to the CPUC process. And at today's meeting, the public
will have the opportunity to make public comment by
telephone. If you wish to make a public comment by telephone,
please dial into 800-857-1917 and enter passcode 9899501#,
and then press *1. You will be placed into a
queue and the operator will take your name and information.
You will then be called upon to speak when we get to
the public comment period in today's agenda. Please
note that if there are a large number of callers, the
wait to speak maybe long. If you encounter difficulty
calling into the public telephone line, please email
votingmeetinghelp@cpuc.ca.gov. For those
of you who are not able to provide oral public comments.
At today's public voting meeting or otherwise wish
to provide more lengthy comments. I want to remind
you of the option to submit written comments. Written
comments can be sent to us in two ways. One, via an
online form found in each proceedings online docket
card. Or two directly to our Public Advisor's Office
at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov. More
information about providing comments can be found on
our website or you can call our Public Advisor's Office.
At and again, that email address is public.advisor@
cpuc.ca.gov or you may call 1-866-849-8390.
With that I would like to welcome everyone to the CPUC's
First Voting Meeting of 2023. I want to start by recognizing
that although we accomplished a great deal in 2022.
There is so much more to be done on California's Clean
Energy Climate Policy Broadband for All. And ensuring
that our utility services are safe, reliable, affordable
and equitable. So challenging, I'm very much looking
forward to working together with my fellow Commissioners,
Staff and stakeholders on these critical issues. Also,
posing a challenge right now is the weather battering
California. As we enter the third week of severe
winter storms, I want to urge everyone to stay safe
and vigilant. Stay informed and sign up for emergency
alerts, including warnings and evacuation notices at
calalert.org. Attention to weather advisories
and warnings and calls, for evacuations and drive safely.
And please be ready for power outages. Change batteries
and other essential items in case of an outage and
have flashlights ready.
And uh, turning to another very important subject.
I also wanted to take a moment to recognize the upcoming
holiday um, next week. Um, and this holiday is meant
to recognize the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Martin
Luther King. Dr. Martin Luther King, was one of our
most prominent civil rights leaders. Whose messages
of nonviolence, equality and perseverance have inspired
generations of Americans. To challenge the status quo,
and seek racial justice. In the 11 year period between
1957 and 1968, Dr. King traveled over 6 million miles
and spoke over 2,500 times to spread his message of
nonviolent resistance, in the quest for equality. At
the age of 35, Martin Luther King, Jr was the youngest
man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. And while
he was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39. His teachings
words and actions continue to inspire, motivate and
drive all those seeking equality and justice. In his
words, I will end my comments as we head into 2023,
with a quote from Dr. King. "We must walk on in the
days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."
With that, I will now turn to public comment.
I'm gonna start with some instructions and ground rules.
If you wish to make a public comment by telephone and
you have already dialed into the public comment telephone
line. Please press *1 and unmute your phone, to
enter the public comment queue. CPUC rules do not allow
for parties and proceedings to speak about open proceedings.
The public can make comments addressing items on the
consent and regular agenda, as well as items not on
the agenda. All speakers will have one minute to speak.
You will hear a bell sound when your time is up. Please
be mindful of other speakers, speakers in the queue,
and keep to your allotted time. As a reminder also, please
speak clearly and slowly to accommodate Spanish interpretation.
And with that guidance in mind, I want to welcome today's
speakers. And I will now ask the operator to open the
public comment telephone line. Operator?
Thank you. The public comment telephone line is now
open, for those on the phone. If you wish to speak during
the public comment period, please press *1.
Unmute your phone and clearly record your first and last
name when prompted. Our first caller is Mark Heckles,
you may go ahead. Hello, hello. I'm kind of surprised that
you've got to me so soon. I just want to speak to
the nature of the beast that we're dealing with. And
uh, I've been a resident of Pacifica for 30 years.
And part of that, at I one time I lived in Felton. And
this is uh, the first time around we were trying to uh,
public by uh Cal Am. They paraded a woman from Felton
saying what a bad deal it was. Well, if anyone goes
to Felton they will tell you. That it was the best
thing they could have done. And we are in the same
position here. And we are faced with a three-legged
stool of Cal Am lies like a (inaudible) woman. Delay of
an obstruction and a propaganda, that leads to civil
divisiveness. And we are in a long prolonged fight
to uh, was really against an assault upon democracy.
So I wish you to think deeply about what they've done
and how they conduct themselves. As compared to the
civil servants like they've told in (inaudible) quite
a difference. And uh we need, thank you very much.
Bye. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
Our next caller is Yona Young, you may go ahead.
Thank you. Um yes, my name is Kiana Young. I live in
Marina, and I've opposed the desal plant by Cal Am.
To be built in Marina because it is wrong for Marina,
and wrong for the Monterey Peninsula. The Pure Water
Monterey Expansion is absolutely what needs to be started
now. And Cal Am must be required to sign the water purchase
agreement. Cal Am states it is not opposed to the expansion,
but they are lying and stonewalling the project. Please
require Cal Am to sign. They're holding this county
hostage by their greed. Thank you for listening to
our concerns and opinions.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please. Our next caller
is Melody Chrislocke, you may go ahead.
Melody Chrislocke, Carmel. As a Cal Am ratepayer, I am
outraged that Cal Am refuses to sign, the water purchase
agreement for the Pure water Monterey Expansion. Cal Am's
refusal is unreasonable and irresponsible. They are
willing to starve our community of water to justify
their profit driven desal dreams. The $60 million
that you have authorized for the Pure Water Monterey Expansion infrastructure, is more
than adequate. I hope you realize what Cal Am is doing.
They have been blocking this public agency project
for 3 years. Refusing to sign is just Cal Am's latest
strategy. You have a bad actor here. Holding a community's
water supply hostage, should not be tolerated. If you
don't force Cal Am to sign, the Monterey Peninsula could
face severe water scarcity within a year or two. Please
force Cal Am to sign the water purchase agreement. Thank
you.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
Our next caller is Jim Gagnon, you may go ahead.
Good morning, my name is Jim Gagnon. I'm the co-chair
of the Comptche Broadband Committee. We would like to thank
the CPUC, for its consideration of draft Resolution
T17769. Which will approve AT&T California's advice
letter 49018A. We urge approval of consent Agenda Item
18 today. So that we can bring modern and reliable telecommunications
to Comptche. This up, this upgrade will greatly improve
the safety and economic vitality of our little community.
Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
Our next caller is Susan Schiavone, you may go ahead.
Hi Susan Schiavone, Seaside ratepayer. Please exert
your oversight powers. To make Cal Am sign the agreed
upon a water purchase agreement for expansion of Pure
Water Monterey. They are again delaying this process.
Attempting to get even more reimbursement for which
there is no evidence. Disregarding the all party agreement
set forth by this agency. They have boldly stated they
will over pump the adjudicated Seaside basin. If they
don't get their way. An irresponsible and dangerous
threat that must not be allowed. They are acting like
mob bosses threatening revenge. If they don't get their shakedown
ransom. This expansion process project is needed now.
We must have additional water within the next couple
of years or face severe shortages. They are directly
responsible for delaying this water supply. Please
make them sign the water purchase agreement now. Thank
you very much. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
And before we go to the next caller again, if you would
like to make a comment. Please unmute your phone, press
*1 and record your first and last name when prompted.
Our next caller is Robin Radzinsky, you may go ahead.
Hi. Um, thank you for taking my call. I'm calling in
regards to the water purchase agreement. Um, Cal Am
needs to be forced to sign that agreement. They have
been stalling and delaying and using all kinds of awful
tactics. Um, they are just a for profit company from
the other side of the country. That has no interest
in this area and what the damage that'll do. Um, if
they get their way with the desal plant, which I hope
they don't. So please use your powers and force them
to sign the water purchase agreement deal. And they
can get this much needed project done. Thank you. Thank
you. Operator, next caller please.
Our next caller is Anna Bragantino, you may go ahead.
Okay, thank you very much. Um, please compel Cal Am
to sign the water purchase agreement for the Pure Water
Monterey Expansion. This expansion has been ready to
go and desperately needed for 3 years. Cal Am's
refusal to sign the WPA, puts the public good
at great risk. The longer the delay, the greater the
chance for a calamity. As we won't be prepared, as we
can be for the next round of drought. Which we know
is a part of this feast or famine precipitation cycle.
Thank you very much. Thank you. Operator, next caller
please.
Our next caller is on Ana Thompson, you may go ahead.
Yes. Um, thank you for taking my call. I am a Cal Am
ratepayer on the Monterey Peninsula. Please compel
Cal Am to sign the water purchase agreement for the Pure
Water Monterey Expansion. Cal Am has been stalling
and blocking this urgently needed water project for
over 3 years actually. And you already have authorized
Cal Am to collect $60 million for the infrastructure.
Requested additional funding, claiming that it's cost
to an excess of the PUC allowance, without providing
any evidence. The Commission has already reviewed and
denied Cal Am's request for the additional funding. But
Cal Am still refuses to sign the revised uh, I mean the
water purchase agreement for Pure Water Monetary Expansion.
Cal Ams refusal to sign the water purchase agreement
is unreasonable and irresponsible. Cal Am could sign
the water purchase agreement and continue to negotiate
with the Commission for the additional funding. In
hostages. Please support uh, the Monterey Peninsula
(inaudible) District petition to compel Cal Am to sign the
water purchase agreement for the expansion. Thank you
very much. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
And again, before we go to the next caller. If you
would like to make a comment, please unmute your phone
press *1. And record your first and last name
when prompted. Our next caller is Jennifer Haydu,
you may go ahead.
Again, Jennifer were not able to hear you. Please check
your mute button.
Can you hear me now?
Yes, we can. Great thank you for taking my call. And
I just wanted to call to reiterate and reinforce all
the previous comments. And really encourage the agency
to do their job. Which is to take the ratepayers and
the public as their um, their constituents. And we're
speaking with a voice very clear and strong. That we
are really set up with not just, not being able to find
solutions for our water issues on the peninsula. But
not having honest players in the conversation. Cal Am
has proven that over and over again. I spent 13 hours
at the Coastal Commission meeting previous to this
listening to them. They over and over again, that they
had a three-legged stool for their water solution process.
Which was the rivers, recycled water and desal. But
that, that argument was clearly made so that they could
get the desal project approved through the Coastal
Commission. And as soon as that happened, they refused
to sign the water purchase agreement. So there goes
one of their three legs of their stool. It was really
clear that, that was
and we're really fed up with this. It's time for us
to move forward with more sustainable solutions. We
have them, they're proven. Let's move forward. Please
compel Cal Am to do the right thing, and sign that water
purchase agreement.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
We have no additional callers in queue at this time.
But again, if you would like to make a comment, please
press *1. Unmute your phone and record your name
clearly. Thank you, operator. We'll pause for a couple
of minutes to see if there's anyone else who needs
to get in the queue.
And President Reynolds, we have no additional callers
on the public comment telephone line. Okay, thank you
for checking. Thank you very much, operator. With no
more callers on the line. The public comment period
is now closed. I will now turn to the public agenda.
And start with the following changes to today's agenda.
Items 2, 3, 6, 7, 31, 41, 41A and 42 are held to the
February 2, 2023 voting meeting. Item 16 and 25 have
been moved to the regular agenda. We will now take
up the consent items. Is there a motion on the consent
items? Um, I move to adopt the consent items.
Motion by Commissioner Houck. Thank you. Is there a second?
I second. Thank you. Second by Commissioner Shiroma.
With a motion and a second. Agenda Clerk, could
you please call the roll? Commissioner John Reynolds?
Yes. Commissioner Houck? Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Yes.
President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 4-0. The consent
agenda items have been approved. I will now move to
Item 16 on the regular agenda. Item 16 is Resolution
T-17778. And it approved grant funding totaling uh,
$10,333,173 from the California Advanced Services
Fund Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia
Grant Account for 15 projects. I will now ask Robert
Osborne, Director for the Communications Division to
introduce this item.
Thank you President Reynolds and Commissioners. For
Agenda Item 16 - Communications Division Resolution T-
17778. Staff recommend the Commission approve 15 applicant
requests for California Advanced Services Fund Consortia
Account Grant for $10,333,173. The Regional
Consortia Grant, Consortia Account Grant funds are
used to facilitate the deployment of broadband services.
By assisting infrastructure grant applicants in the
project development or grant application process or
assisting broadband deployment projects. The consortia
account has a competitive grant process based on established
criteria, to ensure responsible use of public funds.
Decision 2205029, the Commission made changes to the
California Advanced Services Fund, Public Housing, Adoption
and Regional Consortia sub-accounts. As well as to the
program budget and sub-account budget allocations for
fiscal year 2022-23. And that decision, the Commission
made several key changes to the consortia account.
First allowable consortia activities. The consortia
account rules limited eligible consortia activities,
to assistance with CSF infrastructure applicants. And
the decision expanded the allowable activities to include
those directly related to and in support of federal
funding account applicants. MCSF infrastructure applicants
and other programs including middle mile broadband
loan loss, reserve and local agency technical assistance.
Which were created under Senate Bill 156ab
164. The second change the funding caps. The decision
increased the annual funding cap from 150,000 per year
to 200,000 per year. Finally, the consortia boundaries
the Commission Awards grants to one consortia per
geographic region. And the decision allowed the possibility
for consortium regions not aligned exactly with county
boundaries. Although the Commission prefers that applications
serve an entire county or several entire counties as
opposed to a portion of the county. The consortia
account awards grants for a period of 2 to 3 years.
Without the need for annual review, renewal. Staff reviewed
all applications according to the guidelines requirements
and criteria. Adopted Decision 220529, which
considers regional consortia representation and endorsements.
Regional consortia members experience work plan and
performance metrics plan and budget. Applications from
previously funded regional consortia were also considered
in the context of past performance in implementing
their action plan and work plan. Detailed work plan
and performance metrics plan for each consortia are
available on the California Events Services Fund Consortia
Account website. There are 15 consortia included in
this resolution. And I won't list them all in the interest
of time, but I'm happy to have requested. Thank you.
Thank you, Director Osborne. I'll now turn to comments
from Commissioners. Um Commissioner Houck, would you like
to go first? Thank you, President Reynolds. Um first,
I want to recognize all of the amazing people and
organizations that have served consortia groups since
the program began. Consortia groups um, serve a pivotal
role in our broadband programs, and contribute to so
much more. Than just the basic statutory mandate of
assisting infrastructure applicants in the project
development or grant application process. Since I was
assigned to the California Advanced Services Fund Rulemaking.
I've seen firsthand how dedicated consortia groups
make a difference. Groups like the Inland, and the Inland
Empire Regional Broadband Consortia, and LA Deal
contribute to our programs by doing extensive research
and submitting party comments and our rulemakings.
Consortia also directly advocate for and build broadband
solutions for constituents. As we saw the Central Coast
Broadband Consortia do. In its efforts to help bring
broadband to the San Gerardo Cooperative Farm Worker
Housing Development. Consortia groups serve as a backbone
for the intense local and regional coordination. That
closing the digital divide requires. And I'm very happy
to support this resolution today, which will ensure
funding for 15 consortium groups for the next 3 to
5 years. I also want to thank all of our dedicated
staff that worked on the resolution including Andrew
al Abadi, Grace Liu, Elena de Guzman, Stacey Castro.
From our legal department Supervisor James Tang, Manager
Selina Wong, and of course Director Rob Osborne. For
all of their work in um, moving these grants and programs
forward. So um, I will definitely be supporting this
resolution.
Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Comments from other Commissioners?
Commissioner Shiroma? Thank you, President Reynolds. Uh, I will
also be supporting Item 16. Thank you to the team uh,
that processed the review of the 15 grants. Thank you
Director Osborne for the presentation. Also want to
thank our colleague Commissioner Houck for your leadership.
And providing the necessary updates through the California
Advanced Services Fund program. Right to comport with
Senate Bill 156 and the Assembly Bill 164. And voting
yes on the resolution, these grants will facilitate
the deployment of broadband services. Assisting with
infrastructure grant applicants in the project development.
And the grant application process is very important
to take the mystery how to qualify for these important
steps towards garnering the infrastructure itself.
Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Shiroma. Commissioner
Reynolds. Thank you, President Reynolds. And I will
echo the thanks of my colleagues to Director Osborne
for introducing this item. As well, thanks to the communications
division staff that is implementing this program and
approving grants. Um, this is another great example
of the work that we're doing to expand broadband access
to underserved communities. By assisting advance to
respond to applicants in the project development phase.
Um I'd like to highlight that. This is, this is a great
tool for the development of projects that will be subject
to future consideration. Um, as we see applicants propose
to allocate significant funds towards future applications.
Um the consortia can play a pivotal role in helping
to um, make sure that those those projects are developed
in ways that best serve their communities. This funding
is a critical step to bridging the digital divide. By
providing the resources needed to successfully develop
these projects. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner
Reynolds. Um, I am also happy to support this resolution.
That will support the operations of 15 of our regional
broadband consortium for years to come. I did want
to recognize the work of the consortia to, to promote
the CPUC broadband deployment programs. Um, they engage
local government officials, ISPs, stakeholders and consumers.
Better understand and identify regional broadband needs
and solutions. They facilitate the identification of
potential projects, assist potential applicants and
provide technical support. This local engagement is
invaluable and will assist the state and meeting its
broadband for all objectives. The consortia ensure
that local communities are aware of the state's programs.
And help identify the unique needs of each region of
the state. And in addition, they provide really vital
assistance to prospective grant applicants in developing
um, grant applications. So I look forward to the continued
partnership with the consortia over the coming years.
To bridge the digital divide in the state. And I also
wanted to know that I echo the thanks of the other
Commissioners for the great work of Staff on this item.
Um, with that I will ask for a motion.
(inaudible) the item. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner
Shiroma. So we have a motion on Item 16. Uh, do we
have a second? I'll second. Okay, we have a motion by Commissioner
Shiroma and a second by Commissioner Randall, Reynolds.
Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll? Commissioner John Reynolds?
Yes. Commissioner Houck? Yes. Commissioner Shiroma?
Yes. President Alice Reynolds? Yes.
The vote is 4-0. The item passes. I will now turn to
Item 25. Item 25 is Resolution T-17779. And it is to
approve 6 local agency technical assistance applications.
Um turning again, to Director Rob Osborne who will present
this item to you. Director Osborne. Thank you, President
Reynolds and Commissioners. For Agenda Item 25 - Communications
Division Resolution T-17779. Staff recommend the Commission
approve 6 applicant requests for local agency technical
assistance grants for $3,273,094. Technical
assistance grants to local agencies and tribal governments
in California. Reimburse preconstruction expenses in
advance broadband deployment. To provide at a minimum
100 megabits per second, symmetrical broadband service.
In decision 2202026, the Commission granted
the Communication Division Staff the authority to approve
requests for local agency technical assistance grants.
If the applications met the criteria for ministerial
review. If an applicant service area overlaps with
another applicant and/or the request exceeds $500,000.
Communications Division Staff are required to prepare
a resolution to resolve the applicants request. Of the
6 grantees, 4 grants are 2 local agencies whose
service territories overlap with another applicant
or grantee. All 4 applicants agree to coordinate
and avoid duplicating efforts. The other 2applicants
submitted requests that exceed the $500,000 ministerial
threshold cap. Specifically, Gateway City's Council
of Government service area overlaps with Lynwood Unified
School District Service. But each of the 2 requests
will serve distinct populations. The city of Lancaster's
request is to serve the entire Antelope Valley. Which
overlaps with the service area of the city of Palmdale,
Palmdale. But the two requests will target different
geographical areas. Finally, the county of Inyo requests
a million dollars in funding and the Yurok tribe requests
$684,750 both exceeding the $500,000 cap. Thank you
for your consideration.
Thank you, Director Osborne. Turning now to Commissioner
comments. Again, Commissioner Houck would you like to
go first? Thank you, President Reynolds. The awards
to local governments and tribes before us today. Are
crucial components of our efforts to close the digital
divide. Technical assistance grants support local
leaders that have a clear understanding of the needs
for their communities. And the desire to develop local
solutions. And traveling to different areas across the
state. To learn about what's needed from our programs
and the barriers different locations have to assessing
our programs. A crucial theme emerged. Closing the
digital divide is going to require local broadband
champions. And these awards lay a foundation for broadband
champions. To build the networks that will improve economic
development and health and safety in their communities.
So I am wholeheartedly in support of the resolution
before us. And I'd like to thank Staff that process
the applications and develop the recommendations for
the Commission. Including John Baker, Angela Bean, Brewster
Fong, Lahia Cerpas, Stacy Castro from our legal division,
Supervisor Chris Patial, Manager Jonathan Magrittes
and um again, Director Rob Osborne. For all of their
excellent work and moving these grants forward quickly.
Um, I appreciate again all the work that went into
this item and will very much be supporting adoption
of it. Thank you. Thank you Commissioner Houck. Um comments
from other Commissioners?
Commissioner Reynolds?
Thank you, President Reynolds and I'll again echo the
thanks of Commissioner Houck. And for Director Osbourne's presentation
of this topic. As well as to the Communication Division
team that is preparing the resolution and um, managing
this program. Last year it was one of my, my first voting
meetings. That we adopted Decision 2202026, which established
guidelines for the local technical, local agency technical
assistance grant program. And authorized a total of
$50 million dollars in funding. This resolution implementing
that program and awarding grant funding to local agencies
and governments. For work that will advance the goals
of the Advanced Services Fund is tremendous to see.
And to see it come along so quickly. Um, these grants
will provide technical assistance to local governments
and providers. That lead to or are likely to lead to
equitable high speed last mile connections. It's gratifying
to see the progress that's been made here in less than
a year. Thank you again to the Communications Division
for all of the work performed in making this grant
program possible. I look forward to seeing these investments
in action and I will be supporting this item today.
Wonderful. Thank you, Commissioner Reynolds. Turning
now to Commissioner Shiroma.
Thank you, President Reynolds, I will also be supporting
Item 25. My thanks to Director Osborne, your team and the
overall team. That has brought forward uh, this proposal
today. As Commissioner Reynolds uh, indicated. Very gratifying
to see today's grant to be approved by us. Uh, they
support the design and engineering plans for last mile
broadband development and deployment, broadband feasibility
studies, digital equity studies, and comprehensive mapping
of unserved locations. I'm very pleased to see the
Commission through these grants to support local entities.
Extract to bring the development of broadband closer to
rural communities, including local government, school
districts and tribes. Very pleased to support the resolution.
Thank you.
Thank you. Um, I also wanted to note that I am happy
to support this item. This program is a catalyst for
public broadband in the state. And while we are approving
6 more of these complex applications. I also wanted
to note that the PUC has already awarded 69 applications.
Um, out of the impressive 111 applications that we
have received to-date, since the program rules were
adopted about a year ago. The majority of the county's
numerous cities, tribes and local planning organizations.
From across the state have all applied for these grants.
Local governments are eager to play a role in improving
the essential services their constituents receive.
And um, there are hundreds of public networks across
the country. Many of which provide future proof services
to ensure quality, affordability and access for the
entire community they serve. My hope is that the grants
we're giving out today, uh, will help to foster a new
generation of public network throughout the state. To
target unserved and underserved households and businesses.
I look forward to partnering with local governments
over the coming months and years. To help launch these
networks and ensure success. I'm happy to support the
resolution today. And I also wanted to acknowledge
the hard work of Staff on this item With that um, I
will ask for a motion on Item 25.
Um, I move that we support item 25. Okay, so we have
a motion by Commissioner Houck. Do we have a second?
I'll second the motion. Second from Commissioner Shiroma.
Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll? Commissioner
John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck? Yes. Commissioner
Shiroma? Yes. President Alice Reynolds? Yes The vote
is 4-0. The item passes. We'll now move to Item 43. Um,
Item 43 is management report on administrative actions
and consumer protection and safety activities. Today,
we have a management report on administrative actions
regarding employee recognition. I am pleased to turn
to Executive Director Petersen, to tell us about our
CPUC employees who are being recognized.
Good morning, thank you President Reynolds. Um and Commissioners
thank you for the opportunity to present to you today.
Um, I'm Rachel Peterson. I'm the Executive Director
and this is of course one of my favorite presentations.
These are for to recognize CPUC employees for
accomplishments during the 3rd quarter of 2022. As
you all know, our mission is to empower Californians
through access to clean safe and affordable utility
services and infrastructure. Next slide, slide please.
Our employees are working to further that mission every
day. And we also ask that they adhere to our core, our
core values: accountability, excellence, integrity,
open communication and stewardship. Next slide, please.
In this employee recognition program, once per quarter
we open the floor for nominations from all CPUC
employees. Of their colleagues who they believe merit
recognition in the categories of building morale, core
values, pardon me. Customer service, quality improvements,
leadership, innovation, and outstanding achievements.
We also asked for volunteers each quarter to read the
nominations and reach consensus about the awardees.
All right onto the awards, next slide please. Okay.
Um, the first recognition for collaboration goes to
James Cho, and Mustafa Abou-Taleb from the Safety Policy
Division. During the heat wave emergency, around before
and during and after Labor Day, last Fall. The Commission
was asked to embed Staff at the California Office of
Emergency Services, State Operations Center or SOC.
To support the state's response to the heat event.
This call came midway through the Labor Day weekend.
Mustafa deployed to the SOC for 12 hour operational
shifts. To support coordination efforts across the
CPUC and with the CAL OES. He served in this role
through the Labor Day weekend and beyond, until the
heat wave ended. At the CPUC front, Jim stepped
up to support daily coordination calls with Commission
Senior Staff leaders. To ensure that we were coordinated
and could provide you detailed summaries. On key events
and the status of our efforts to monitor and mitigate
the impact. I was on those calls with about 20 or so
other leaders from across the agency. And I can say
that Jim and Mustafa provided the background collaboration
and support. That made us better able to handle all
of the multiple, fast moving, fast changing priorities
and impacts of that emergency. Congratulations and
thank you.
For core values, we have an award for Melanie Wallace.
Melanie is our Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
here at the CPUC. Who upholds and embodies our core
values every day at work. Melanie is an excellent collaborator
and morale builder. She constantly expresses appreciation
for the work of her peers, and she maintains tax when
she needs to offer constructive feedback. Melanie further
embodies the core values of the CPUC.
In that she genuinely cares about diversity, equity,
and inclusion. And shares her thoughts, information
and ideas about equity with all of us. She shares it
with management and employees alike. And that embodiment
of her, of our core values. Is making the CPUC both a
better workplace and helping us all better serve the
people of California.
For leadership, our recognition goes to Maria Masha
Vorobievova in the Utility Audit Risk and Compliance
division. Masha frequently exhibits numerous leadership
quality. She cares deeply about improving operations
in our Audits Division. And exhibits a positive attitude
during her work. Back in Q3 of 2022, Masha volunteered
to conduct an external peer review at another state
agency with other state audit staff. This review required
being out in the field performing testing and collaborating
to prepare audit working papers. This is actually a
collegial aspect of the auditing profession that I
quite appreciate. But it definitely requires additional
work, time and effort on the part of anyone like Masha
who volunteers for it. So for Masha the volunteer peer
review, provided her with some new knowledge and experience
which she then brought back to the CPUC. And
has been making improvements in our own quality control
systems, as a result. Her dedication to improving the
Utility Audits, Risk and Compliance division. And her
leadership style is infectious. Encouraging others
within our division to, within that division to also
lead by example. Congratulations Masha. Next slide
please.
For customer service, we have two awardees. First, Jorge
de Ocampo in the, in the IT Division. Jorge works in the
Help Desk at IT. And this nomination I was really
delighted to learn was submitted by a happy recent
customer of his. Jorge helped this customer with some
IT needs. And during that service he demonstrated
friendly, seamless, and customer focused attention. Jorge
regularly helps people around the CPUC. With computer
equipment setup and troubleshooting. He's always eager
to take on extra assignments. His politeness and helpful
attitude positively contribute to CPUC Staff experiences
with IT. Jorge's frequent demonstration of exemplary
customer service is honorable, appreciated, and clearly
from this customer's nomination does not go unnoticed.
Thank you Jorge and congratulations. Bridget Davis
in the Human Resources Division is also being recognized
for customer service. Bridget is the space of H.R.'s
Office in Sacramento. In our, in this era when most of
(inaudible) teleworking most of the time. Bridget goes
into the office several times a week. To provide centralized
and in-person support within H.R. She's one of the first
people that new employees meet when they join the
CPUC, in the Sacramento area. She aids in completing
portions of the onboarding process for new Staff face-
to-face. And provides significant support to H.R. Sacramento
leadership. She's always willing to lend a helping
hand and does all of these things with a positive attitude
and a smile on her face. H.R. could not successfully
do some of what they do without her. Bridget is the
definition of exceptional customer service. Thank you
and congratulations Bridget. Next slide please. Quality
improvement. This recognition is going to the Quality
Assurance Unit within the News and Outreach Office.
The team is Mary Seki-Appiah, Felicity Wood, Chee Lewis Ng,
Bradley Branon, Sadoniah Sta Cruz, Elizabeth Reese,
Abu Adam Jamil, and Brittany Berry. The Quality Assurance
Unit recently implemented a process improvement that
brought 18 cases of consumer complaints against utilities.
Down from 407 at the start of July 2022 to 289 at
the end of September 2022. That's a 41% drop achieved
in one quarter. This happened because the QA unit produced
a report for consumer affairs branch management called
the Aging Cases Report. An aging case is one that has
been open for 60 days or more with no activity for
two weeks. In comparison, our standard closing time
for cases is 45 days. And for context this was 407 cases
out of the 2,800. That are Cavs team handled and closed
in that same time period. So having this report allowed
CAV to focus in on those 407 aging cases. Figure out
what was not happening, such as the response that was
needed from the utility or more information needed
from the consumer. Allowed them to resolve the issue
and close the case. Thanks to the QA unit and this quality
improvement. The CPUC has been able to achieve improved
outcomes for customers with complaints against utilities.
Recognition for Innovation goes to the Client Solutions
team within IT. This is Abdallah Mohammed, Patrick
Wong and Brendan Fong. Since the Adoption of Service
Now Act, the IT Service Now team and Client Solutions
team has made great strides achieving considerable
innovation. And thereby quality improvements for the
CPUC. Specifically this team has successfully transitioned
paper and manual processes to service now for automation.
For example the team built the back end process. So
that emails or voicemails to the IT Service desk,
are now automatically generated into incidents. This
has reduced missed follow-ups and ensured faster response
times the CPUC employees with an IT issue. I can
say I myself have used the voice mail system when my
password expires. And I'm unexpectedly locked out of
the system and need to make a phone call to the IT
Desk. It's this team who responds with prompt follow
up. Thank you very much to this team who works every
day. On innovating new processes for the benefit of
all CPUC employees. Alright and last slide please.
We have two awards for building morale. First to Shuhua
Lin within Administrative Services Division. Shuhua is
a senior accounting officer. And she applies regular
consistent effort to accomplish many tasks in our Accounting
group. The CPUC manages numerous accounts and revenue
streams. And our stewardship of these accounts and revenues
relies on the people who perform our accounting processes
and procedures. Shuhua is central to that effort. She records,
tracks, and reports revenue that is due to the Commission.
Which is the fiscal backbone of our ability to perform
our regulatory mission. Shuhua approaches each day with
a willingness to help, help others. Which builds morale
within the CPUC. She helps research numerous pending
accounts receivable items. She keeps track of employee
accounts receivable and works with HR to ensure that
employees are paid. Shuhua tracks the fines that you Commissioners
um, impose on utilities through your formal decisions.
And ensures that those are paid on time and in full.
As she performs all of these duties, Shuhua will never
turn colleagues down when asked for help. No matter
how challenging her day or week has been. She always
has a positive attitude when speaking with everyone.
Shuhua's hard work and dedication is a frequent influence
on building positive morale for all those who work
with her. Congratulations and thank you so much Shuhua.
The second recognition for Build Morale goes to Kyle
Mavis in the Public Advocate's Office. Kyle started
working in Public Advocates around the beginning of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Immediately, we saw that he approached
all of his work with curiosity and enthusiasm. Bringing
a significant and welcomed level of energy. Specifically
using Webex, Kyle set up a water cooler chat group for
all of the employees in the electricity policy and
planning branch. Providing a platform for Staff to discuss
questions about work. But more importantly about themselves
and how they were faring in the pandemic. Through Kyle's
efforts, the water cooler was a welcome return to workplace
camaraderie, fun and human connection. While uh, pivoting
and then working in the virtual environment. Thank
you so much Kyle, congratulations to you as well. And
thank you again Commissioners. Um, for the opportunity
to present some of the truly um uh, dedicated and enthusiastic
work that our employees perform day in and day out
at the CPUC. Back to you, President Reynolds.
Thank you very much. Um, that was an extremely impressive
report. Um, I really appreciate hearing about the great
work of all of these employees. And um, it's really a
fantastic way to start the year. So um, thank you Executive
Director Peterson. Um, so now um, that is the conclusion
of the management report. Um, so I will now turn to
the Commissioner reports. Um, let's see who would like
to go first with their Commissioner report.
I'm gonna call on Commissioner Shiroma. Alright, thank
you Commissioner Shiroma. Okay. Thank you, President Reynolds.
But that was very inspiring, Director Peterson. Okay
I have three brief reports. The first one is that next
Friday, January 20, at 10 am. I'll be hosting an all-
party meeting to discuss the Electric Program Investment
Charge or EPIC program. It is our research and development
program that drives investment in new and emerging
energy technologies and solutions. That provide benefits
to California. We have noticed relevant proceedings
so I invite all Commissioners, if you were able to to
join us. We are currently in Phase 2c of the proceedings.
And the topics we're covering at the all-party meeting,
include efforts, strategic goals and objectives. Uh,
the policy and innovation coordination group, uh and
equity. We will hold a roundtable discussion. And anticipate
representatives from our program administrators which
are Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California
Edison Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company and the California
Energy Commission. If you'd like a copy of a bit, of
the agenda. Please reach out to my advisor, Andrew Dickinson
or you can access the daily calendar. What I want to
recognize that January 22 is Lunar New Year. Uh, it
is celebrated substantially by people of Asian descent
around the world, and many friends of the Asian community.
In Chinese culture, each year corresponds to one of
12 zodiac animals and one of five elements. So for
2023, it is the year of the water rabbit.
And the rabbit is said to represent peace and prosperity.
While the water element is said to represent wisdom.
In the spirit of the water rabbit, I wish everyone
a year of tranquility, success and self-reflection.
As we strive towards our goals, both at work and in
our personal lives. And then my final report is uh,
I have been invited to give a keynote address at the
2nd Annual Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
West Coast Conference. It will be held on January 25
and 26 in Burlingame, near the San Francisco Airport.
Conference will highlight plans, opportunities, challenges
and solutions. For developing a resilient, equitable
and customer friendly charging infrastructure in the
Western states. I'll be speaking on the first day.
I will have the opportunity to highlight California
suite of electric vehicle policies and investments.
Including the recent work from this Commission. Uh,
Commissioner Patty Monahan from the Institution. Will also be
a keynote speaker. Overall, the panel speakers are a wide
range of individuals from government, industry and
nonprofit sectors. I'll be pleased to represent the
Commission at this conference. Thank you.
Wonderful, thank you Commissioner Shiroma. Turning now
to other Commissioners for reports.
Commission Houck? Thank you, President Reynolds. Um,
I just want to recognize as we're going into the new
year. All of the great work that our Staff have um.
done over the last year. And I appreciate the employee
recognition announcements today at this first meeting
for 2023. And I'm really looking forward to working
with our amazing Staff as we move forward um, with the
challenges of the upcoming year. As well as all of
the opportunities that, that we have. And with um, my
fellow Commissioners including um, our soon to be new
Commissioner um, Commissioner Douglas. So just looking
forward to this year and continuing to work with everyone.
Um, also just recognizing um the holiday on Monday, Martin
Luther King Day. And the importance of continuing to
strive to ensure equity in our work. Both inside the
Commission as well as our work um, with constituents
outside the Commission. Um and including to engage
and ensure that our um, the ESJ action plan is meaningful.
And applied um throughout our work. Uh and then I just
wanted to note three events. We've got our Disadvantaged
Communities Advisory Committee Meeting for January.
Set for um, the 20th at 1pm. We also have a
California Broadband Council Meeting at 930 on January
25th. And then my I will be meeting um, with the Round
Valley Tribe on February 1st to talk about our Tribal
OIR and the Tribal Land Transfer Policy. Um, and again
Happy New Year everyone. Looking forward to working
with all of you.
Thank you Commissioner Houck. Um, Commissioner
Reynolds, do have a report? No report from me. Thank
you, President Reynolds. Okay, great. Um, for my Commissioner
report today, I would first like to comment on a very
concerning situation in the natural gas market. Um,
concurrently with the Storm Commission, storm conditions
impacting California's electrical infrastructure, over
the past few weeks. Our energy system is also being
impacted by a less, in a less visible way. By a dramatic
increase in natural gas prices. Natural gas price to
natural gas price cost paid by utilities. Are passed
through a cost directly to utility customers. Causing
residents throughout the state to be faced with higher
energy bills this winter. And these high costs could
continue if market conditions persist. Additionally,
given the role that natural gas plays in electricity
production, especially during winter weather conditions.
Um, that impact the availability of renewable resources.
Higher gas prices, impact electricity bills as well.
Every year we closely track natural gas prices in preparation
for the winter. And this year, prices have tripled since
early December. Upon seeing these price spikes in December.
We promptly communicated with the investor and utilities
to enhance customer communications via email. Social
media, customer calls, bill inserts, community based
organizations, television spots, and even text messages
to those enrolled in text communications. The Commission
has been amplifying these messages through our social
media channels, channels. These messages include information
on enrolling in income qualified programs like (inaudible)
vera, enrolling in seasonal billing plans to stabilize
monthly bills. Opting into rate forecast tools and strategies
to safely conserve. While retaining health comfort and
safety during the holidays. Unfortunately, these spikes
in gas prices have persisted and actually increased
in January. These prices could be caused by several
factors. Including gas pipelines serving Southern California
from the Permian basin that are under repair. Cold
temperatures hitting the West earlier than usual. And
coal plant retirements outside the state creating
increased competition for natural gas. While the PUC
does not regulate gas prices or gas producers. Given
the impact of these high prices on ratepayers. We will
be taking additional actions starting with the convening
of an en banc meeting where the Commission will consider
this issue. The date will be announced soon. And we'll
be using this to bring in market experts to highlight
publicly. What what we're seeing with gas price spikes
and, and impacts on electric prices. And examining all
the possible drivers behind the gas price spikes and
exploring potential actions that can be taken. Our
Staff will also be reaching out to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission. To request that their market
surveillance and enforcement staff take a serious look
at what is going on in the gas and electric markets
in the West. Given that this is the West wide issue.
We have also already started communications with Western
States. On opportunities to work together on this issue
to bring stability to customers. In addition, we'll
be considering shifting the disbursement of the California
Climate Credit, which is usually distributed in April.
To instead provide bill credits as soon as possible
for immediate relief to customer bills.
And uh finally, I wanted to end on a more positive
note. Um with the recognition of my Chief of Staff to
Carrie Fleischer. I'm extremely pleased to report that
Carrie started as my new Chief of Staff on January 3rd.
Many of you know, Carrie from previous positions at
the Commission. She served as my interim Energy Policy
Advisor in 2022. And she's also held multiple positions
before that, including advisor to Commissioner (inaudible)
Senior Analyst in the Energy division. Carrie was a
senior program associate at the U.S. Energy Foundation
before coming to the Commission. And she was a program
coordinator at SF Community Power from 2007 to 2009.
She has a Master in City Planning, a Master of City
Planning degree from University of California-Berkeley.
So please join me in welcoming, welcoming Carrie as
she takes on this new role. I'm looking forward to
a busy year and I'm very grateful to have her support.
And her leadership in my office. That concludes my Commissioner
report. And with that, we have concluded that section
of the agenda. That is the last thing on our agenda
for today. And so I am going to now adjourn this public
meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission.
Thank you.