WEBVTT 00:00:06.099 --> 00:00:08.669 The feed for this streaming event brought to you by 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:12.108 adminmonitor.com will begin momentarily. Thank 00:00:12.118 --> 00:00:20.899 you for your patience. 00:00:20.899 --> 00:00:23.309 Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission 00:00:23.318 --> 00:00:28.019 Voting Meeting on the State, Thursday, April 27, 2023. 00:00:28.359 --> 00:00:31.048 Today's call is being recorded. If you have any objections 00:00:31.059 --> 00:00:33.520 you may disconnect at this time. President Reynolds, 00:00:33.529 --> 00:00:38.189 you may begin. Good morning. We need to start by establishing 00:00:38.200 --> 00:00:40.889 a quorum. Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll? 00:00:41.859 --> 00:00:49.020 Commissioner Douglas? Here. Commissioner John Reynolds? Here. Commissioner 00:00:51.130 --> 00:00:58.750 Houck? Here. Commissioner Shiroma? Here. President Alice Reynolds? Here. 00:01:00.009 --> 00:01:04.010 Okay, we have a quorum. Welcome everyone to the California 00:01:04.019 --> 00:01:07.239 Public Utilities Commission. I'm calling this meeting 00:01:07.250 --> 00:01:13.959 of April 27, 2023. Public Agenda No. 3526 to order. 00:01:14.790 --> 00:01:17.400 Uh, I'm just gonna start with some housekeeping matters. 00:01:17.409 --> 00:01:20.308 Um, reminding everyone that today we're meeting virtually, 00:01:20.558 --> 00:01:23.459 and that this meeting is also being live streamed. 00:01:24.069 --> 00:01:28.659 You can view the meeting at www.adminmonitor 00:01:28.668 --> 00:01:34.719 .com/ca/cpuc. Closed captioning 00:01:34.730 --> 00:01:38.000 is available in English and Spanish through the webcast. 00:01:38.278 --> 00:01:41.359 To view the closed captioning, click on the green button 00:01:41.370 --> 00:01:45.138 beneath the webcast video player, and follow the instructions 00:01:45.150 --> 00:01:49.308 that appear on screen. Spanish interpretation is also 00:01:49.319 --> 00:01:52.558 available during the Public Comment portion of today's 00:01:52.569 --> 00:02:01.620 meeting. For Spanish interpretation dial 1-800-857-1917, 00:02:01.629 --> 00:02:09.639 passcode 3799627, and follow the instructions to be 00:02:09.649 --> 00:02:13.419 connected to the Spanish line. I ask that my colleagues 00:02:13.429 --> 00:02:16.778 and today's speakers. Speak clearly and slowly to allow 00:02:16.788 --> 00:02:20.899 for interpretation. Public engagement is critical to 00:02:20.909 --> 00:02:24.080 the CPUC's process. And at today's meeting, the public 00:02:24.088 --> 00:02:26.379 will have the opportunity to make public comments by 00:02:26.389 --> 00:02:30.110 telephone. If you wish to make a public comment by 00:02:30.118 --> 00:02:37.838 telephone, please dial 1-800-857-1917, and enter passcode 00:02:37.960 --> 00:02:45.599 9899501#, and press *1. You will be placed in 00:02:45.610 --> 00:02:48.710 a queue, and the operator will take your name and information. 00:02:48.990 --> 00:02:51.520 You will then be called upon to speak, when we get to 00:02:51.528 --> 00:02:55.020 the Public Comment period in today's Agenda. Please 00:02:55.028 --> 00:02:57.538 note that if there are many callers, the wait to speak 00:02:57.550 --> 00:03:00.909 may be long. If you encounter difficulty calling into 00:03:00.919 --> 00:03:04.729 the public telephone line, please email: votingmeeting 00:03:04.800 --> 00:03:10.669 help@cpuc.ca.gov. For 00:03:10.679 --> 00:03:13.618 those of you who are not able to provide oral public 00:03:13.629 --> 00:03:16.710 comments at today's voting meeting or otherwise wish 00:03:16.719 --> 00:03:19.909 to provide more lengthy comments. I want to remind 00:03:19.919 --> 00:03:22.949 you of the option to submit written comments. Written 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:27.240 comments can be sent to us in two ways. One, via an 00:03:27.250 --> 00:03:31.189 online form found in each proceedings online docket 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:35.419 card. Or two, directly to our Public Adviser's Office 00:03:35.429 --> 00:03:40.058 at public.advisor@cpuc.ca 00:03:40.069 --> 00:03:44.020 .gov. More information about providing comments 00:03:44.028 --> 00:03:47.528 can be found on our website or you can email our Public 00:03:47.538 --> 00:03:50.490 Advisor's Office. And again, that email address is: 00:03:50.500 --> 00:03:54.679 public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov 00:03:54.689 --> 00:04:05.349 or you may call 1-866-849-8390. We will now go to 00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:08.979 the Public Comment portion of today's Agenda. If you 00:04:08.990 --> 00:04:11.629 wish to make a public comment by telephone, and you 00:04:11.639 --> 00:04:14.258 have already dialed into the public comment telephone 00:04:14.270 --> 00:04:18.730 line. Please press *1 and unmute your phone. 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:22.420 The public can make comments addressing items on the 00:04:22.428 --> 00:04:26.059 Consent and Regular Agenda, as well as items not on 00:04:26.069 --> 00:04:30.738 the Agenda. PUC rules do not allow for parties in proceedings 00:04:30.750 --> 00:04:34.769 to speak about open proceedings. All speakers will 00:04:34.778 --> 00:04:37.970 have one minute to speak. You will hear a bell sound 00:04:37.980 --> 00:04:40.988 when your time is up. Please be mindful of other speakers 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:44.069 waiting to speak and keep to your allotted time. As 00:04:44.079 --> 00:04:47.649 a reminder, please speak clearly and slowly to accommodate 00:04:47.660 --> 00:04:52.139 Spanish interpretation. With that guidance in mind, 00:04:52.149 --> 00:04:55.059 I welcome today's speakers, and will ask the operator 00:04:55.069 --> 00:04:58.269 to open the public comment telephone line. Operator? 00:05:00.528 --> 00:05:03.838 Thank you. The public comment telephone line is now 00:05:03.850 --> 00:05:07.139 open. Again, for those on the phone. If you wish to speak 00:05:07.149 --> 00:05:10.449 please unmute your phone. Press *1 and record 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:13.579 your first and last name slowly and clearly when prompted. 00:05:14.449 --> 00:05:17.220 Our first caller is Jessica Tovar, you may go ahead. 00:05:21.988 --> 00:05:27.889 Hi, can you hear me? Yes, we can. Great. This is Jessica 00:05:28.319 --> 00:05:31.309 Tovar, uh East Bay Clean Power Alliance. I'm calling in, I 00:05:31.319 --> 00:05:37.569 believe it's uh, Item 21. Um, in regards to um, allowing Stockton 00:05:37.579 --> 00:05:40.540 to join East Bay Community Energy. And I do see that 00:05:40.548 --> 00:05:45.569 there's another um, Community Choice uh program. Um, of 00:05:45.579 --> 00:05:50.439 which I believe you're allowing these programs to join 00:05:50.449 --> 00:05:53.759 uh, in 2025. I do think that they should be allowed 00:05:53.769 --> 00:05:57.720 to uh, join as soon as possible. And the intent of that 00:05:57.730 --> 00:06:00.600 is really so that the communities can benefit from 00:06:00.608 --> 00:06:04.540 their Community Choice programs, and the community benefits 00:06:04.548 --> 00:06:08.000 that they can offer those communities. Um, and I do 00:06:08.009 --> 00:06:12.439 hope that the CPUC would not actually hinder any 00:06:12.449 --> 00:06:15.639 community from joining Community Choice. Thank you. 00:06:17.189 --> 00:06:21.769 Thank you. Operator, next caller please. The next 00:06:21.778 --> 00:06:25.869 caller is Daniel Wright, you may go ahead. Thank you. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:28.608 Um, my name is Daniel Wright. I'm a City Council member 00:06:28.619 --> 00:06:31.230 from Stockton, California. And I'm a Board Member with 00:06:31.238 --> 00:06:35.738 the State Community Energy. And likewise the to the 00:06:35.750 --> 00:06:39.000 previous caller I'm, I'm uh referring to Item No. 00:06:39.009 --> 00:06:44.928 21. Just asking uh the, the Commission to allow for 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:48.160 the earliest start possible for, for the City of Stockton. 00:06:48.170 --> 00:06:53.238 Stockton um, past uh, their measure approving this 00:06:53.250 --> 00:06:57.028 plan in 2022. Um, we knew we were going to have to wait 00:06:57.040 --> 00:07:00.778 until 2024 to begin. Um, we're concerned about the delay 00:07:00.790 --> 00:07:05.119 in that. Um, Stockton will reap a lot of benefits from this 00:07:05.129 --> 00:07:09.199 process. Uh especially the, the rate savings to, to 00:07:09.209 --> 00:07:13.528 our ratepayers in the City of Stockton. And we're hoping 00:07:13.540 --> 00:07:17.139 that you can reconsider this, and move the date up to 00:07:17.149 --> 00:07:22.379 Quarter One or Quarter Two in 2024. Thank you. Thank 00:07:22.389 --> 00:07:26.850 you. Operator, next caller please. And before we go 00:07:26.858 --> 00:07:28.579 to the next caller. Again, if you would like to make 00:07:28.588 --> 00:07:31.809 a comment, please unmute your phone. Press *1 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:34.928 and record your first and last name slowly and clearly. 00:07:35.559 --> 00:07:38.709 Our next caller is Tyler Lalaguda, you may go ahead. 00:07:40.069 --> 00:07:43.500 Yeah, hello. This is Tyler Lalaguda, calling up from uh Zogg Fire 00:07:43.509 --> 00:07:46.858 zone. I'd just like to comment. That I cannot believe 00:07:46.869 --> 00:07:50.238 how lax the transparency has been and how the CPUC 00:07:50.250 --> 00:07:53.798 has been handling this Zogg Fire matter. Uh, we get 00:07:53.809 --> 00:07:56.959 a ruling from your enforcement division. The matter 00:07:56.970 --> 00:08:00.519 immediately goes into a stay and goes into confidential 00:08:00.528 --> 00:08:03.509 settlement negotiations. Then it comes right out of 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:06.439 those confidential settlement negotiations, and goes 00:08:06.449 --> 00:08:09.980 right into approval of the settlement. Without any input 00:08:09.988 --> 00:08:13.670 whatsoever. Then we see their joint resolutions come 00:08:13.678 --> 00:08:16.259 out with some particularly nice language in them for 00:08:16.269 --> 00:08:20.250 Zogg Fire folks. Such as the parties, the resolutions 00:08:20.259 --> 00:08:23.619 finds that the alleged offense was indeed severe. Considering 00:08:23.629 --> 00:08:26.048 the level of scope of the damages. And then all of 00:08:26.059 --> 00:08:30.139 a sudden we find that, that language gets struck. And 00:08:30.470 --> 00:08:34.460 I, I suppose fortunately it was struck so late. That this matter 00:08:34.469 --> 00:08:39.149 is going to get continued till May. But uh, not too excited 00:08:39.158 --> 00:08:41.690 to see what looks to be just a real quiet job to 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:45.109 get this approved and quietly. Looking forward to seeing 00:08:45.119 --> 00:08:51.558 it on the uh, calendar for May. 00:08:51.558 --> 00:08:56.308 Thank you. Operator, next caller please. 00:08:56.308 --> 00:08:58.649 And I have no additional callers in the queue at this 00:08:58.658 --> 00:09:00.820 time. But again, if you would like to make a comment 00:09:00.830 --> 00:09:04.149 please unmute your phone. Press *1 and record 00:09:04.158 --> 00:09:07.178 your first and last name slowly and clearly when prompted. 00:09:08.538 --> 00:09:11.369 Ok, we'll pause for a moment to see if anyone else 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:46.548 waiting to get in queue. 00:09:46.548 --> 00:09:49.000 And President Reynolds, we have no participants on 00:09:49.009 --> 00:09:52.908 the public comment telephone line. All right, there's 00:09:52.918 --> 00:09:56.519 no more callers on the line. The Public Comment period 00:09:56.529 --> 00:10:00.349 is now closed. Thank you to all of the callers who 00:10:00.359 --> 00:10:04.639 called in today. I'll now turn to the Public Agenda, 00:10:04.779 --> 00:10:08.649 and start with the following changes to today's Agenda 00:10:09.389 --> 00:10:19.700 Items 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, 16, 27and 39 are held to the May 18, 00:10:19.710 --> 00:10:25.058 2023, Voting Meeting. Items 18 and 20 have moved to 00:10:25.070 --> 00:10:29.889 the Regular Agenda. We'll start by taking up the Consent 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:33.869 Agenda, and I'm going to ask for a motion to approve 00:10:33.879 --> 00:10:39.969 the Consent Agenda. Do we have a motion? 00:10:39.969 --> 00:10:43.649 So moved. Motion by Commissioner Shiroma. Is there a second? 00:10:49.330 --> 00:10:53.830 Second. Second from Commissioner Douglas. Agenda Clerk, 00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:57.229 could you please call the roll? 00:10:57.229 --> 00:11:02.908 Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. 00:11:03.908 --> 00:11:06.590 Commissioner Houck? 00:11:06.590 --> 00:11:13.200 Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds? 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:20.759 Yes. The vote is 5-0. The Consent Agenda has been approved. 00:11:21.950 --> 00:11:26.649 I'll now turn to Item 18 on the Regular Agenda. Item 00:11:26.658 --> 00:11:34.979 18 is Resolution T-17773. Which approves, uh grant funding 00:11:34.989 --> 00:11:38.558 from the California Advanced Services Fund Broadband 00:11:38.570 --> 00:11:43.418 Adoption Account, for 11 projects to 9 applicants. 00:11:43.859 --> 00:11:48.399 Um, Broadband Adoption Account grants are awarded to 00:11:48.408 --> 00:11:52.250 three types of projects. Access projects that provide 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:56.080 direct public access to computers, call center projects 00:11:56.090 --> 00:11:58.788 that assist Californians with signing up for low cost 00:11:58.798 --> 00:12:02.219 internet service and digital literacy projects that 00:12:02.229 --> 00:12:05.158 provide instruction to the public regarding computer 00:12:05.168 --> 00:12:08.830 and internet use. The projects before us today will 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:14.320 provide digital literacy and training to 9,121 participants 00:12:14.590 --> 00:12:20.590 and broadband stipends, broadband subscriptions to 32,810 00:12:20.599 --> 00:12:23.710 participants. The recipients of these grants include 00:12:23.719 --> 00:12:27.389 the California Universities, counties, nonprofits and 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:31.408 community based organizations. The projects being considered 00:12:31.418 --> 00:12:35.019 today are in addition to 30 projects approved earlier 00:12:35.029 --> 00:12:38.308 this month by Commission Staff. Which will serve over 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:44.619 15,000 participants for a total of $2.6 million. 00:12:45.359 --> 00:12:47.969 And just wanted to note, that these projects are aligned 00:12:47.979 --> 00:12:50.649 with the state schools. To increase broadband access 00:12:50.658 --> 00:12:53.000 and digital equity in the communities with limited 00:12:53.009 --> 00:12:57.570 broadband adoption. Um, I wanted to turn first to uh, 00:12:57.580 --> 00:13:02.489 Commissioner Houck for her comments. Um uh, um Commissioner 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:06.219 Houck would you like to comment? Yes. Thank you, President 00:13:06.229 --> 00:13:10.969 Reynolds. Um, good morning. Um, I was really pleased to see 00:13:10.979 --> 00:13:14.058 this on the Agenda and all the progress that we're 00:13:14.070 --> 00:13:18.048 making in issuing awards through our CASF program. And working 00:13:18.058 --> 00:13:20.830 to close the digital divide. It's important to remember 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:23.869 that it's not enough to just build broadband infrastructure. 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:26.538 We also have to ensure that community members have 00:13:26.548 --> 00:13:30.075 the literacy to utilize what broadband can provide 00:13:30.085 --> 00:13:33.894 for them. The California Advanced Services Funds Adoption 00:13:33.904 --> 00:13:37.033 Accounts provide funds to support digital literacy. 00:13:37.043 --> 00:13:40.375 Through this fund, the PUC awards grants to increase 00:13:40.384 --> 00:13:44.154 public availability for afterschool broadband access 00:13:44.163 --> 00:13:47.489 and digital inclusion. This includes grants for digital 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:50.558 literacy training programs, public and public education 00:13:50.570 --> 00:13:53.798 to communities with limited broadband adoption. Including 00:13:53.808 --> 00:13:57.158 low-income communities, senior communities and communities 00:13:57.168 --> 00:14:00.739 facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. 00:14:01.119 --> 00:14:05.629 The grants we approved today go again, 11 projects working 00:14:05.639 --> 00:14:09.340 to close the digital divide in California. And um, I 00:14:09.349 --> 00:14:12.259 want to particularly call out grants that are provided 00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:15.700 to applicants that are new to this work. Um, including 00:14:15.769 --> 00:14:19.250 Insure the Uninsured Project, the Thai Community Development 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:22.928 Center, West Side Family Preservation Services Network 00:14:22.940 --> 00:14:26.918 and the Children's Movement. Um, I'm not gonna repeat all 00:14:26.928 --> 00:14:29.869 of the um, specific information that President Reynolds 00:14:29.879 --> 00:14:32.928 did. But um, I really appreciate all of the work that 00:14:32.940 --> 00:14:36.369 Communications Staff has done. In getting these um, grants 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:39.308 out and approving them quickly. So that we can move 00:14:39.320 --> 00:14:43.798 forward with our broadband for all efforts. And um, I 00:14:43.808 --> 00:14:47.798 encourage um, all of you to support this resolution. And 00:14:47.808 --> 00:14:50.330 I'm very pleased to be able to highlight it today. 00:14:53.340 --> 00:14:55.918 Wonderful. Would other uh Commissioners like to 00:14:55.928 --> 00:15:00.389 make comments? Commissioner Shiroma? 00:15:00.389 --> 00:15:03.219 Thank you, President Reynolds. I support this resolution. 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:08.190 And I'm so pleased to see that the 11 projects, uh that 00:15:08.200 --> 00:15:12.700 are poised to be approved. Uh, are wide ranging and all 00:15:12.710 --> 00:15:17.000 over the state. Whether, uh state university systems, 00:15:17.009 --> 00:15:20.899 cultural centers, community development, public health 00:15:20.908 --> 00:15:24.178 agencies, education organizations and workforce training 00:15:24.190 --> 00:15:29.859 programs. Uh, these projects to go a long way to bridging 00:15:29.869 --> 00:15:35.210 the digital divide for uh, people in California. The 00:15:35.219 --> 00:15:37.820 grants are doing exactly what the Legislature conditions 00:15:37.830 --> 00:15:42.000 and I'm gratified to see it. I do want to thank the 00:15:42.009 --> 00:15:46.460 Communications Division Staff, who worked on the resolution. 00:15:46.908 --> 00:15:50.129 And the Californians are surely going to benefit from 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:53.330 it. Thank you. 00:15:53.330 --> 00:15:58.000 All right, thank you. Uh, Commissioner Reynolds. 00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:01.700 Thank you, President Reynolds. I'd like to thank CD Staff, 00:16:01.710 --> 00:16:05.469 in particular William Goedecke. For answering my office's questions 00:16:05.479 --> 00:16:08.389 on this resolution. I'm pleased to also support this 00:16:08.399 --> 00:16:11.940 resolution. The Advanced Services Fund includes a few 00:16:11.950 --> 00:16:14.538 different accounts. And this Broadband Adoption Account, 00:16:14.548 --> 00:16:17.479 is incremental in providing digital literacy and digital 00:16:17.489 --> 00:16:20.340 inclusion for Californians. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:22.239 This funding will help a variety of communities throughout 00:16:22.250 --> 00:16:25.460 the state. It will fund several call centers and digital 00:16:25.469 --> 00:16:29.259 literacy projects. Focused upon children's digital inclusion, 00:16:29.599 --> 00:16:32.099 workforce development for English language learning 00:16:32.109 --> 00:16:34.840 and other important priorities. It's all in service 00:16:34.849 --> 00:16:39.239 of our ongoing implementation of AB1665. And with 00:16:39.250 --> 00:16:44.239 that, I will be supporting this resolution. President Reynolds. 00:16:44.239 --> 00:16:49.359 Great. Thank you. Um, let's see. Uh, Commissioner Douglas? 00:16:49.369 --> 00:16:53.899 Yeah, Commissioner Douglas. Thank you. Um, I just wanted 00:16:53.908 --> 00:16:57.058 to speak in support of this resolution as well. I think 00:16:57.070 --> 00:17:02.048 we all share the sense of urgency. About the importance 00:17:02.058 --> 00:17:06.130 of removing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:09.670 And this resolution takes some really important steps. 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:13.568 That help uh, move that goal forward and I'll be supporting 00:17:13.578 --> 00:17:16.337 it. Thank you. 00:17:16.337 --> 00:17:21.769 Great. Okay. Um with that, I'll ask if there is a motion 00:17:21.778 --> 00:17:31.049 on Item 18? 00:17:31.049 --> 00:17:36.160 Oh, I'll move to approve Item 18, sorry. 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:39.779 Um okay. Motion by Commissioner Houck on Item 18. Is there 00:17:39.789 --> 00:17:44.229 a second? 00:17:44.229 --> 00:17:49.799 I'm pleased to second. All right. Uh, Commissioner Shiroma. Um, let's see. We 00:17:49.809 --> 00:17:53.358 have a motion and a second on Item 18. Agenda Clerk, 00:17:53.368 --> 00:17:58.809 Could you please call the roll? Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner 00:17:58.818 --> 00:18:03.858 John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck? 00:18:03.858 --> 00:18:11.630 Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds? Yes. 00:18:11.959 --> 00:18:16.818 The vote is 5-0. The item passes. I'll now move to Item 00:18:16.828 --> 00:18:21.509 20. Uh, Item 20 is another resolution. This is Resolution 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:29.328 T-17785. Um, and it approves up to $1 million in Local 00:18:29.338 --> 00:18:33.250 Agency Technical Assistance for One Broadband Planning 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:38.910 Application. Um, a few comments on this uh, resolution. 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:43.160 Um, this program provides grants to local agencies and 00:18:43.170 --> 00:18:46.059 Tribal governments. To support planning efforts to deploy 00:18:46.068 --> 00:18:48.769 broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:52.650 communities. The application before us today will fund 00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:56.449 an environmental impact report, high level design engineering 00:18:56.459 --> 00:18:59.750 and the creation of a joint powers authority. For a 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:04.088 last mile fiber to the home network. To connect underserved 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:07.180 and unserved locations within Santa Barbara County. 00:19:07.848 --> 00:19:11.779 I look forward to continuing our partnership with local 00:19:11.789 --> 00:19:14.858 governments across the state over the coming months 00:19:14.868 --> 00:19:19.180 and years. To ensure that all Californians have access 00:19:19.189 --> 00:19:22.949 to future proof network to ensure equity affordability 00:19:22.959 --> 00:19:26.000 and reliable service. This application is part of that 00:19:26.009 --> 00:19:30.689 work. And so I am very pleased to support this resolution 00:19:30.699 --> 00:19:36.368 today. I'll now turn to Commissioner Houck again, to speak on this item. 00:19:36.368 --> 00:19:40.279 Thank you, President Reynolds. Um and yes, this resolution 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:44.068 is part of our Local Agency Technical Assistance Program. 00:19:44.078 --> 00:19:47.598 Granting up to the $1 million to the County of Santa 00:19:47.608 --> 00:19:51.049 Barbara. These grants are used to build technical capacity 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:54.094 among regional and local governments. To plan for the development 00:19:54.104 --> 00:19:56.894 of new broadband infrastructure. And this grant is 00:19:56.904 --> 00:20:00.275 going to help Santa Barbara County fund an environmental 00:20:00.285 --> 00:20:03.914 impact support, high level design and the creation of 00:20:03.924 --> 00:20:06.864 the joint powers authority that you just indicated. 00:20:06.904 --> 00:20:10.818 Um, to implement the county's broadband strategy. The grants 00:20:10.828 --> 00:20:13.439 are an essential component of building broadband networks 00:20:13.449 --> 00:20:16.390 across the state. Particularly in areas that have been 00:20:16.400 --> 00:20:19.140 historically left behind, in their access to broadband 00:20:19.150 --> 00:20:22.098 technology. I want to thank Staff that worked on the 00:20:22.108 --> 00:20:25.670 resolution including Angela Beane, Michael Ammermuller, 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:30.203 and Chris Poschl. I look forward to seeing how um, Santa Barbara County 00:20:30.213 --> 00:20:33.934 uses the grant to close the digital divide. And also, 00:20:33.943 --> 00:20:36.713 um look forward to working with counties, local governments 00:20:36.723 --> 00:20:40.233 and tribes across the state. To help eliminate the digital 00:20:40.243 --> 00:20:44.469 divide and we'll be supporting this resolution. 00:20:44.469 --> 00:20:47.279 Great. I'll now turn to other Commissioners for comments. 00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:52.039 Commissioner Reynolds? 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:55.019 Thank you, President Reynolds. I would like to thank 00:20:55.029 --> 00:20:57.539 Communications Division Staff for addressing this application 00:20:57.549 --> 00:21:00.328 in a timely manner. As well as for addressing my office's 00:21:00.338 --> 00:21:04.410 questions on the important solution. Delivering broadband access 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:07.098 to people in unserved and underserved community is 00:21:07.108 --> 00:21:10.598 a complex undertaking. I'd like to recognize that we 00:21:10.608 --> 00:21:14.088 as a state are quickly trying to implement Legislation. 00:21:14.098 --> 00:21:17.029 To get more entities involved in developing solutions 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:20.289 for broadband access throughout California. I'm excited 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:23.269 to see this grant funding, support for the development 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:26.318 of broadband in Santa Barbara County. Which joins a 00:21:26.328 --> 00:21:28.719 growing list of cities and counties that today have 00:21:28.729 --> 00:21:32.269 received over $40 million in local Location Technical 00:21:32.279 --> 00:21:35.640 Assistance Funds. This represents a clear win for all 00:21:35.650 --> 00:21:39.279 Californians and believe that we have the, at the Commission 00:21:39.368 --> 00:21:42.299 will strive to maintain the strong momentum. With that, 00:21:42.309 --> 00:21:45.279 I'll be supporting this item. Thank you. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:49.068 Thank you. Commissioner Shiroma. 00:21:49.068 --> 00:21:52.729 Thank you, President Reynolds. I also support this resolution. 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:56.559 Uh you know, the Local Agency Technical Assistance 00:21:56.568 --> 00:22:01.709 program is so important and essential. In order to uh, 00:22:01.719 --> 00:22:07.618 effectuate that last mild fiber installment. You have 00:22:07.630 --> 00:22:11.000 to in most cases you have to have an EIR, 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:14.699 environment impact report. You need to have engineering 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:20.009 uh, studies and designs. And here uh, the county uh is 00:22:20.130 --> 00:22:24.160 forming a joint powers agreement towards uh effectuating 00:22:24.209 --> 00:22:28.140 this effort. So I'm very pleased to see this effort. 00:22:28.729 --> 00:22:34.299 Uh, we still have underserved and unserved communities. 00:22:34.618 --> 00:22:39.078 Uh, and in this all across the state and we are tackling 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:45.209 those steps at a time and, and making progress on this 00:22:45.219 --> 00:22:48.660 effort. Thank you to the Communications Division Staff. 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:52.880 Uh, and I look forward to the success of this, this project. I 00:22:52.890 --> 00:22:56.868 support it, thank you. Thank you. Uh, Commissioner 00:22:56.880 --> 00:23:00.930 Douglas. Um, just briefly. I wanted to speak in support 00:23:00.939 --> 00:23:03.630 as well. I, I always like I, I think this is 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:07.328 an important item and issue. And I particularly like 00:23:07.338 --> 00:23:11.588 to see the local government partnership. So the close 00:23:11.598 --> 00:23:15.279 um, work and involvement of the Santa Barbara County 00:23:15.289 --> 00:23:17.650 Association of Governments in this. I think is just 00:23:17.660 --> 00:23:21.098 a really great thing to see and I'll be in support. 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:27.479 Great. Thank you. All right. Um I am pleased to ask 00:23:27.489 --> 00:23:31.670 for a motion on this item? 00:23:31.670 --> 00:23:35.588 A motion on Item 20? 00:23:35.588 --> 00:23:40.598 I'll give. Was that Commissioner Reynolds? 00:23:40.598 --> 00:23:43.358 All right, motion by Commissioner Reynolds. Uh, who 00:23:43.368 --> 00:23:46.818 would like to, is there a second? 00:23:46.818 --> 00:23:50.420 Second. Second from Commissioner Douglas. All right, 00:23:50.430 --> 00:23:53.368 with the motion and the second on Item 20. Agenda Clerk, 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:56.489 could you please call the roll? Commissioner Douglas? 00:23:56.900 --> 00:24:02.529 Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:04.618 Houck? 00:24:04.618 --> 00:24:14.019 Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote 00:24:14.029 --> 00:24:19.900 is 5-0. The item passes. Next, I will turn into 00:24:19.910 --> 00:24:25.390 um Item 40 and 41A, I'm calling these items together. 00:24:25.750 --> 00:24:29.459 Um, they both relate to a proposed decision from an 00:24:29.469 --> 00:24:33.000 order instituting investigation. Which directs Pacific 00:24:33.009 --> 00:24:37.608 Gas and Electric Company to convert the existing master 00:24:37.618 --> 00:24:42.420 metered gas service for community in Santa Nella. To direct 00:24:42.430 --> 00:24:46.269 metered service, um I am going to turn to Commissioner 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:49.390 Reynolds to present the item. Commissioner Reynolds? 00:24:50.549 --> 00:24:53.689 Thank you, President Reynolds. I'm very proud to bring 00:24:53.699 --> 00:24:57.959 this item before you for a vote today. Items 40 and 40A, 00:24:58.318 --> 00:25:01.519 are a proposed decision and alternate proposed decision 00:25:01.529 --> 00:25:05.160 or APD. Issued in an investigation that we opened 00:25:05.170 --> 00:25:07.838 last September. 00:25:07.838 --> 00:25:11.660 This proceeding is a unique and unusual one. It is 00:25:11.670 --> 00:25:14.209 in some ways smaller in scope than the ones that we 00:25:14.219 --> 00:25:17.189 often grapple with. Since it is focused on just a few 00:25:17.199 --> 00:25:21.150 100 households. But it's important to (inaudible) sized, not 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:24.459 just for what we can learn by approving a decision 00:25:24.469 --> 00:25:27.598 here. But also for what it means about our ability to 00:25:27.608 --> 00:25:31.318 be effective as an agency delivering results for a 00:25:31.328 --> 00:25:35.130 community at risk. 00:25:35.130 --> 00:25:38.809 The alternate proposed decision in this case approves 00:25:38.818 --> 00:25:42.680 new energy investments. For both natural gas and electric 00:25:42.689 --> 00:25:46.328 distribution infrastructure for a small subdivision 00:25:46.529 --> 00:25:50.410 in Santa Nella. Which is an unincorporated community located on 00:25:50.420 --> 00:25:53.680 the I-5 Freeway in Merced County. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:58.368 Subdivision consists of around 270 mobile homes. 47 00:25:58.380 --> 00:26:01.449 are within a registered mobile home park, while the 00:26:01.459 --> 00:26:05.199 rest are individually owned homes. We opened this proceeding 00:26:05.209 --> 00:26:08.598 after being informed by the local gas service provider 00:26:08.608 --> 00:26:12.439 a company called SNME Inc. That they intend to 00:26:12.449 --> 00:26:14.509 go out of business. 00:26:14.509 --> 00:26:16.858 The proceeding is focused on ensuring that this small 00:26:16.868 --> 00:26:19.140 community does not lose the energy service that they 00:26:19.150 --> 00:26:23.160 need to cook their food, heat their homes, and their water 00:26:23.318 --> 00:26:26.519 and dry their clothes. 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:29.289 Both proposals before us today. My ultimate and the 00:26:29.299 --> 00:26:33.309 proposed decision issued by ALJ Stevens, achieved those 00:26:33.318 --> 00:26:36.910 fundamental requirements. Both decisions direct 00:26:36.989 --> 00:26:40.650 PG&E to construct new gas (inaudible) infrastructure to serve the 00:26:40.660 --> 00:26:43.400 residents of Santa Nella. 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:45.739 The key difference between them is that the alternate 00:26:45.750 --> 00:26:48.769 also goes a step further. By giving residents a choice 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:52.949 to either receive new PG&E gas service or to forego gas 00:26:52.959 --> 00:26:55.769 service completely. And fully decarbonize their home with 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:59.088 an all electric solution. 00:26:59.088 --> 00:27:03.140 Residents will, would get information about both options 00:27:03.150 --> 00:27:06.180 including bill impact estimates. And those who choose to 00:27:06.189 --> 00:27:10.660 electrify, would receive new efficient electric appliances. 00:27:12.489 --> 00:27:16.118 Now I'll say as overall grounding here, in addition 00:27:16.130 --> 00:27:18.890 to the unprecedented nature of this case. We also have 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:23.180 before us, a limited set of options. Very few parties, 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:27.750 in very limited time. The unique nature of this situation, 00:27:28.299 --> 00:27:30.430 a community at risk of losing its energy service on 00:27:30.439 --> 00:27:33.150 a shortened timeline. Means that our decision about 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:36.439 the right outcome here should not be considered a precedent. 00:27:36.930 --> 00:27:39.660 That indicates a broader approach we should take in 00:27:39.670 --> 00:27:42.430 all disadvantaged communities or all mobile home communities 00:27:42.439 --> 00:27:46.459 throughout the state. This situation is urgent and 00:27:46.469 --> 00:27:50.239 we must act now. 00:27:50.239 --> 00:27:53.689 I attended a site visit to Santa Nella where we observed existing 00:27:53.699 --> 00:27:56.689 energy infrastructure in this community. 00:27:56.689 --> 00:27:59.828 Little gas infrastructure was visible other than the 00:27:59.838 --> 00:28:03.449 meter gas main which was above ground in a resident's 00:28:03.459 --> 00:28:05.670 backyard. 00:28:05.670 --> 00:28:08.979 We also observed several electric meter banks. While 00:28:08.989 --> 00:28:12.309 homes in Santa Nella are detached. There are typically 00:28:12.318 --> 00:28:15.848 sheds located in individual homes that contain banks 00:28:15.858 --> 00:28:18.699 of meters for that home and several neighborhood homes. 00:28:19.670 --> 00:28:23.049 Several residents at a community meeting, we held complained 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:27.098 of the need to replace blown fuses at these meter banks by 00:28:27.108 --> 00:28:31.439 entering a neighbor's lot. We also observed power lines 00:28:31.449 --> 00:28:35.039 passing directly over homes in this community. Instead 00:28:35.049 --> 00:28:40.140 of on a dedicated roadside right-of-way. 00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:43.390 While we don't have a record to evaluate the safety 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:47.059 of SMNE-owned gas and electric infrastructure. It 00:28:47.068 --> 00:28:50.380 is obvious from visual inspection, that this community's 00:28:50.390 --> 00:28:55.019 infrastructure is not modern. As both the PD and APD 00:28:55.029 --> 00:28:58.059 conclude it makes sense to take advantage of the 00:28:58.068 --> 00:29:01.640 trenching work needed. To build gas infrastructure but 00:29:01.650 --> 00:29:04.180 also build modern electric infrastructure in this community. 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:08.608 We have a big (inaudible) opportunity here. 00:29:08.608 --> 00:29:10.709 There are a few fundamental convictions that led me 00:29:10.719 --> 00:29:14.279 to the conclusion, that the APDs route providing these 00:29:14.289 --> 00:29:18.130 major upgrades. As well as a choice to electrify is 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:21.180 the best option before us. 00:29:21.180 --> 00:29:23.920 The first conviction is that a number of specific existing 00:29:23.930 --> 00:29:26.989 Commission programs clearly guide us to an outcome. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:29.769 That provides clean energy improvements including the 00:29:30.199 --> 00:29:32.279 community agencies choice. 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:34.789 The Mobile Home Utility Conversion program and the 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:36.890 San Joaquin Valley Disadvantaged Communities Pilot 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:40.598 program. Show clear statutory based guidance that we 00:29:40.608 --> 00:29:44.088 should invest in energy access and clean energy, for 00:29:44.098 --> 00:29:45.910 Santa Nella. 00:29:45.910 --> 00:29:49.108 Importantly, the community is on the list adopted by 00:29:49.118 --> 00:29:51.880 the Commission for the San Joaquin Valley program. 00:29:52.189 --> 00:29:54.858 And we also adopted specific commitments in our last 00:29:54.868 --> 00:29:58.219 environmental and social justice action plan. That we 00:29:58.229 --> 00:30:00.219 would spread the pilot learnings to other communities 00:30:00.229 --> 00:30:02.858 on the list. 00:30:02.858 --> 00:30:06.189 By directing PG&E to replicate existing approaches 00:30:06.199 --> 00:30:09.920 in Santa Nella, as PG&E proposed. Were not just in line 00:30:09.930 --> 00:30:13.578 with policy goals, but fulfilling specific action plan 00:30:13.588 --> 00:30:16.588 commitments to do so. 00:30:16.588 --> 00:30:19.828 Once more because there are many existing program 00:30:19.838 --> 00:30:23.459 funding sources, PG&E can seek to leverage here. And 00:30:23.469 --> 00:30:25.598 because learning from the results and approaches in 00:30:25.608 --> 00:30:29.189 this case, put feedback into ongoing policy efforts. 00:30:29.529 --> 00:30:33.000 But the policy direction and benefit here provide a 00:30:33.009 --> 00:30:35.559 strong opportunity. 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:38.900 The second broad conviction that guides the APD is 00:30:38.910 --> 00:30:41.759 an informed and engaged consent. Not only matters, but 00:30:41.769 --> 00:30:45.189 is essential to the success. Not only of the outcome 00:30:45.199 --> 00:30:47.838 in this case, but also for electrification efforts in 00:30:47.848 --> 00:30:50.650 general. 00:30:50.650 --> 00:30:52.818 The report from the community meeting that we held 00:30:52.828 --> 00:30:58.170 in Santa Nella in February. Demonstrates that residents had a wide 00:30:58.180 --> 00:31:02.420 range of opinions, questions and preferences about 00:31:02.430 --> 00:31:06.279 their energy solutions going forward. Many of these 00:31:06.289 --> 00:31:09.068 residents did not know that their service was in jeopardy. 00:31:10.219 --> 00:31:13.259 They looked to us not just to help them, but also to 00:31:13.269 --> 00:31:16.250 listen to them and to really value what they want. 00:31:17.910 --> 00:31:20.559 I can't stress enough how profoundly important this 00:31:20.568 --> 00:31:23.868 is as an expectation held by the public of a public 00:31:23.880 --> 00:31:28.519 agency. It's well known for many matters before us, there 00:31:28.529 --> 00:31:31.309 are inevitably tradeoffs in the decisions that we take. 00:31:31.469 --> 00:31:34.449 And we must make decisions based on competing needs. 00:31:35.170 --> 00:31:38.900 If there is real value in customer interests and options. 00:31:40.689 --> 00:31:43.328 This is why in light of all the considerations discussed 00:31:43.338 --> 00:31:46.029 in the APD. I was so committed to providing the 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:49.529 option for residents to make an informed decision about 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:53.449 whether to get new gas service or to electrify. Not 00:31:53.459 --> 00:31:56.910 only is providing a stay in the process, a great thing 00:31:56.920 --> 00:31:59.799 to do. But we tend to learn very useful things about 00:31:59.809 --> 00:32:03.140 other people and this situation will electrify. Which 00:32:03.150 --> 00:32:05.838 will help us better understand the barriers to electrification 00:32:05.848 --> 00:32:10.019 faced by disadvantaged communities in the state. 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:13.239 Third and perhaps most crucial is my conviction that 00:32:13.250 --> 00:32:16.430 providing this option is manageable and actionable. 00:32:17.769 --> 00:32:21.318 Yes, there is the potential for complications. Mainly 00:32:21.328 --> 00:32:24.459 because providing this option will require the utility 00:32:24.469 --> 00:32:27.959 to make contact with and get consent from several 100 00:32:27.969 --> 00:32:32.739 property owners. We built in a number of process efficiencies 00:32:33.130 --> 00:32:36.699 and we make clear that the default here is not to electrifier. 00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:40.439 We will need to develop its construction and engineering 00:32:40.449 --> 00:32:43.709 plans for the community's future gas and electric infrastructure. 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:47.430 Which can occur on a parallel path with the work needed 00:32:47.439 --> 00:32:51.390 to perform outreach and obtain informed consent. In 00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:54.380 short, we design the process such that providing this 00:32:54.390 --> 00:32:58.739 important choice will not cost away. But we are absolutely 00:32:58.750 --> 00:33:03.078 dependent on PG&E to rise to the occasion. The 00:33:03.088 --> 00:33:06.000 occasion here is not rocket science. This is bread 00:33:06.009 --> 00:33:08.660 and butter utility work. Combined with an outreach and 00:33:08.670 --> 00:33:11.739 education process that P&GE has already implemented 00:33:12.239 --> 00:33:15.630 in the San Joaquin Valley Pilot program. 00:33:15.630 --> 00:33:18.799 Overall, it became clear to me that we should dig once 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:22.519 and develop safe modern energy service to this community. 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:26.140 And that we can do good here by enabling informed customer 00:33:26.150 --> 00:33:29.019 decisions about getting their energy needs. And that 00:33:29.029 --> 00:33:31.380 we will learn from those customer choices. In a way 00:33:31.390 --> 00:33:34.539 that actually could yield more net benefits than everyone. 00:33:37.150 --> 00:33:40.769 I will also add that the most crucial element of success 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:43.568 here is the direction for PG&E. To permit a, 00:33:43.578 --> 00:33:49.019 a payment plan for SNME. Aiming to ensure 00:33:49.029 --> 00:33:52.019 that people in the community have gas service until 00:33:52.029 --> 00:33:54.969 the directed solution is in place. This element is 00:33:54.979 --> 00:33:57.410 the same in both the PD and the APD. 00:33:57.420 --> 00:34:00.400 And I urge your support for this direction specifically. 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:03.489 Because we are depending on PG&E to work mostly 00:34:03.500 --> 00:34:06.598 and in very good faith with this customer. To avoid 00:34:06.608 --> 00:34:12.148 any service interruptions for the Santa Nella community. 00:34:12.148 --> 00:34:14.858 Of course, must close by thanking the Commission Staff 00:34:14.867 --> 00:34:17.798 who got us here. This is truly an instance where teamwork 00:34:17.809 --> 00:34:20.340 makes the dream work. 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:23.519 ALJ Brian Stevens has been extremely dedicated in this 00:34:23.530 --> 00:34:27.289 case. And it is his efficiency and expertise in guiding 00:34:27.570 --> 00:34:30.938 a complicated and unique case through various procedural 00:34:30.949 --> 00:34:33.869 requirements. That made it possible for any proposal 00:34:33.878 --> 00:34:37.289 to be on the Agenda today. Just 7 months after opening 00:34:37.300 --> 00:34:41.500 the proceedings. Well, our end points diverge the foundation 00:34:41.510 --> 00:34:45.159 built here is his and we owe a great deal to his integrity 00:34:45.168 --> 00:34:47.628 and his hard work. 00:34:47.628 --> 00:34:50.099 Jack Mulligan in Legal Division. Has guided us with his 00:34:50.110 --> 00:34:52.188 trademark straight shooting and constructive advice. 00:34:55.099 --> 00:34:59.309 Leuwam Tesfai, Simon Baker and Bruce Kaneshiro in Energy Division. 00:34:59.320 --> 00:35:02.668 Provided instrumental and essential support, not least 00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:05.250 by assigning the tremendous Staff to this proceeding. 00:35:05.719 --> 00:35:08.780 Nick Zanjani and Alisa Cheung provided incredible brain 00:35:08.789 --> 00:35:12.769 power, dedication and a clear eyed focus on the real world 00:35:12.780 --> 00:35:17.389 impacts of the choices before us. Relentlessly dedicated 00:35:17.398 --> 00:35:19.909 to figuring out what the best option is and how best 00:35:19.918 --> 00:35:22.699 to get there. And we genuinely could not have done this 00:35:22.708 --> 00:35:24.918 without them. 00:35:24.918 --> 00:35:27.510 My office kept checking by the way. Because we could 00:35:27.519 --> 00:35:30.219 not believe that Alyssa just joined the Commission 00:35:30.228 --> 00:35:35.168 in November. Her expertise and uh, effectiveness within, 00:35:35.179 --> 00:35:39.599 within PC process really stood out. And finally, I would 00:35:39.610 --> 00:35:44.610 of course love to thank my Adviser, Maria Sotero. Who shouldered 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:48.179 considerable unique demands over the course of managing 00:35:48.188 --> 00:35:51.789 this case and the CPD on my behalf. And who 00:35:51.800 --> 00:35:55.019 is a committed and talented thought partner. For working 00:35:55.030 --> 00:35:58.418 through unique and challenging matters, as was presented 00:35:58.429 --> 00:36:01.010 before us in this case. 00:36:01.010 --> 00:36:04.418 With that I will close. And I will turn to uh, my colleagues on the dais. 00:36:04.869 --> 00:36:09.378 For any questions or comments. Thank you. Thank you 00:36:09.389 --> 00:36:12.750 very much, Commissioner Reynolds. Um, going to other 00:36:12.760 --> 00:36:17.519 Commissioners for comments. 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:21.530 Commissioner uh, Douglas. 00:36:21.530 --> 00:36:27.099 Thank you. Um, I looked closely at the options before 00:36:27.110 --> 00:36:30.760 us. The, the PD and, and uh Commissioner Reynolds 00:36:30.769 --> 00:36:34.820 APD. And I really wanna thank Commissioner Reynolds 00:36:34.829 --> 00:36:40.099 for the work that he did. To listen to the community 00:36:40.110 --> 00:36:46.219 to look really hard at, at the equities here. And um, 00:36:46.938 --> 00:36:50.938 and to move quickly to address a real world need. And 00:36:50.949 --> 00:36:55.619 ensure that this community continues to receive safe 00:36:55.628 --> 00:37:01.219 and reliable service. While getting real and practical 00:37:01.510 --> 00:37:10.070 opportunities to electrify. And um so I, I really 00:37:10.250 --> 00:37:13.869 appreciate the commitment that he voiced. And, and the 00:37:13.878 --> 00:37:18.228 importance that he recognized to informed consent and 00:37:18.239 --> 00:37:21.978 to really helping people understand. The options in 00:37:21.989 --> 00:37:26.300 front of them. I think the APD provides two very 00:37:26.309 --> 00:37:30.188 good options. Um, that residents in this community can 00:37:30.199 --> 00:37:36.530 learn about. And um I extending, you know, just providing 00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:43.128 the safe gas service with the future potential to electrify 00:37:43.139 --> 00:37:47.849 built in. And providing the opportunity now to get the 00:37:47.860 --> 00:37:52.510 assistant to choose electrification now. Um, I think 00:37:52.519 --> 00:37:58.000 we'll learn a lot from this process. But, you know 00:37:58.199 --> 00:38:02.179 more importantly, I think it really does what it needs 00:38:02.188 --> 00:38:05.708 to do to meet the needs of the community. And, and um 00:38:06.059 --> 00:38:10.099 meet people where they are and provide them with choices 00:38:10.110 --> 00:38:15.199 that are meaningful for them right now. As, as we uh 00:38:15.208 --> 00:38:19.239 help ensure that they, they have that safe, reliable 00:38:19.250 --> 00:38:24.168 service. So I'm in full support and just wanna appreciate 00:38:24.179 --> 00:38:27.159 Commissioner Reynolds ran through a long list of people. 00:38:27.168 --> 00:38:30.590 Who I know worked very hard and, and contributed here 00:38:30.599 --> 00:38:36.188 from the Staff. ALJ his office and I just, we 00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:40.760 join, so thanks. 00:38:40.760 --> 00:38:44.739 Great. Um, Commissioner Shiroma? 00:38:44.739 --> 00:38:48.269 Thank you, President Reynolds. Uh, I'll also be supporting 00:38:48.280 --> 00:38:52.438 the alternate proposed decision. I do want to thank 00:38:52.449 --> 00:38:55.769 uh, Commissioner John Reynolds. Uh, and your Chief of 00:38:55.780 --> 00:39:01.519 Staff, Suzanne Casazza and your Advisor, Maria Sotero. For all 00:39:01.530 --> 00:39:05.860 of your efforts, uh on the Alternate. And the, the extra 00:39:05.869 --> 00:39:09.978 efforts that you went through. To really um, assess 00:39:10.280 --> 00:39:14.300 you know, what options and choices and uh the, um the 00:39:14.309 --> 00:39:18.840 path forward for this community. I, I wanna thank uh 00:39:18.849 --> 00:39:22.978 Judge Brian Stevens, uh Assistant Chief Judge Anthony 00:39:22.989 --> 00:39:27.309 Colbert And from the Energy Division, Bruce Kaneshiro, Nick 00:39:27.320 --> 00:39:34.849 Zanjani and Alyssa Cheung. Uh, all very uh seasoned experienced, 00:39:34.860 --> 00:39:40.250 uh as you outlined Commissioner Reynolds. About that part, 00:39:40.260 --> 00:39:44.478 uh all problem solving. I really appreciate that uh, 00:39:44.489 --> 00:39:49.489 from this team. Uh and, and did I mention Legal 00:39:49.500 --> 00:39:54.510 Division's Jack Mulligan? He's in that same rubric. 00:39:54.510 --> 00:39:59.489 Uh, and I think that the Proposed Decision laid a solid 00:39:59.500 --> 00:40:03.750 foundation on which the Alternate built. I have initial 00:40:03.760 --> 00:40:07.239 questions about whether the Alternate would cause delays. 00:40:08.148 --> 00:40:11.280 In bringing safety and energy reliability to the community. 00:40:11.869 --> 00:40:15.869 I'm reassured that this will not be the case. And uh 00:40:15.878 --> 00:40:19.849 therefore, I conclude the actions that we are outlining 00:40:19.860 --> 00:40:23.378 for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. To garner approval 00:40:23.389 --> 00:40:26.320 from residents and gauge which residents want to fully 00:40:26.329 --> 00:40:30.559 electrify. Will proceed expeditiously in meeting the 00:40:30.570 --> 00:40:35.010 urgent needs of this vulnerable community. So I appreciate 00:40:35.019 --> 00:40:38.039 all the work that was done on both the PD and 00:40:38.050 --> 00:40:42.579 the APD. Uh, Proposed Decision, Alternate Proposed Decision, 00:40:42.590 --> 00:40:46.760 too many acronyms. Anyway, I do uh rise in support 00:40:46.769 --> 00:40:51.500 of the Alternate Proposed Decision. Thank you. Thank 00:40:51.510 --> 00:40:55.219 you. Commissioner Houck? 00:40:55.219 --> 00:40:59.090 Thank you. Um first, I want to thank and commend Commissioner 00:40:59.099 --> 00:41:01.769 John Reynolds and his office, particularly Maria Sotero 00:41:02.119 --> 00:41:05.300 and his Chief of Staff, Suzanne Casazza. For all of their 00:41:05.309 --> 00:41:08.289 leadership and thoughtfulness on this complex and difficult 00:41:08.300 --> 00:41:11.570 case. I also want to thank and recognize Administrative 00:41:11.579 --> 00:41:15.148 Law Judge um, Brian Stevens. For all of his work, expertise 00:41:15.159 --> 00:41:18.079 and careful consideration of the issues in the proceeding. 00:41:18.179 --> 00:41:22.789 As well as Energy Division Staff um Nick Zanjani, Alyssa Cheung, 00:41:22.800 --> 00:41:26.449 and Jack Mulligan. For all of their work in particular 00:41:26.458 --> 00:41:29.860 want to thank Judge Stevens and Energy Division Staff. 00:41:29.869 --> 00:41:34.300 For briefing my office and answering um, many questions 00:41:34.309 --> 00:41:37.329 that I, I put to them. So I appreciate all of their 00:41:37.340 --> 00:41:41.110 work on this. Um, this is a unique situation in Santa 00:41:41.148 --> 00:41:43.898 Nella. And it forces us to confront some of the most 00:41:43.909 --> 00:41:48.610 important tensions. As we uh, plan for our future clean 00:41:48.619 --> 00:41:51.760 energy goals here in California. I want to applaud 00:41:51.769 --> 00:41:54.889 both the PD and the APD's careful consideration 00:41:54.898 --> 00:41:57.728 of the issues here. Particularly given the urgency 00:41:57.739 --> 00:42:01.039 of the situation before us, both the PD and the 00:42:01.050 --> 00:42:03.708 APD recognize the tensions between the goals in our 00:42:03.719 --> 00:42:06.510 environmental and social justice action plan. And the 00:42:06.519 --> 00:42:09.369 necessity of moving towards an all electric future. 00:42:10.000 --> 00:42:12.898 California has set ambitious clean energy goals that 00:42:12.909 --> 00:42:16.148 call for energy decarbonisation. In order to meet our 00:42:16.159 --> 00:42:19.148 clean energy goals, we will need to expeditiously move 00:42:19.159 --> 00:42:21.889 towards decarbonization. And while we need to honor 00:42:21.898 --> 00:42:24.429 and respect communities who have been left out of energy 00:42:24.438 --> 00:42:27.898 policy decision making for decades. We also need to 00:42:27.909 --> 00:42:30.469 acknowledge that the cost of residential gas service 00:42:30.478 --> 00:42:33.728 is going to spiral upwards, as customers leave the system. 00:42:34.309 --> 00:42:37.780 Respecting this community's desires today, ties them 00:42:37.789 --> 00:42:42.000 to a fuel that will steadily um, be less affordable in 00:42:42.010 --> 00:42:44.719 the future. And I have concerns that while we're making 00:42:44.728 --> 00:42:47.829 a necessary decision today for this community based 00:42:47.840 --> 00:42:50.780 on its current situation. We may be setting them up 00:42:50.789 --> 00:42:55.039 to be the last of the gas system in the future, subject 00:42:55.050 --> 00:42:59.128 to higher rates. Therefore, creating um one of the situations 00:42:59.139 --> 00:43:02.559 we may be trying to avoid given the circumstances today. 00:43:02.849 --> 00:43:07.239 And at the same time, we also can't ignore the affordability 00:43:07.289 --> 00:43:10.478 and reliability issues that face the community today. 00:43:10.489 --> 00:43:13.898 Where there may not be capacity for electric, all electric 00:43:13.909 --> 00:43:16.750 for all of the homes and all electric options may be 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:20.349 less affordable today. So as we're moving forward in 00:43:20.360 --> 00:43:23.340 this transition, we're facing these tensions head on. 00:43:23.349 --> 00:43:28.269 And this is a perfect example of that and we're going 00:43:28.280 --> 00:43:31.119 to have to find ways to work through that. And I think 00:43:31.128 --> 00:43:34.378 Commissioner Reynolds has done an excellent job of 00:43:34.389 --> 00:43:39.228 trying to address these tensions and competing issues. 00:43:39.679 --> 00:43:42.929 Um, I don't think. And I believe and the Commission states 00:43:42.938 --> 00:43:45.849 the decision states. That this is not a precedential 00:43:45.860 --> 00:43:49.849 decision. Um, and we cannot consider it to be such as we 00:43:49.860 --> 00:43:52.429 intend to meet our clean energy goals in an equitable 00:43:52.438 --> 00:43:55.699 manner over the next decade. The decision must be 00:43:55.708 --> 00:43:59.280 considered for what it is, its unique circumstances. 00:43:59.449 --> 00:44:02.340 That said, I again appreciate that the decision will 00:44:02.349 --> 00:44:05.228 require direct outreach to customers. Regarding all 00:44:05.239 --> 00:44:08.780 electric options and provide the option for community 00:44:08.789 --> 00:44:11.860 members to choose all electric over a gas extension. 00:44:11.949 --> 00:44:15.789 I also appreciate and fully support the electrification 00:44:15.800 --> 00:44:18.300 work that will be done for the residences. So that they 00:44:18.309 --> 00:44:23.110 can choose to electrify at a later date and have the 00:44:23.119 --> 00:44:26.889 wiring and technology needed to do that. Decarbonizing 00:44:26.898 --> 00:44:29.769 the energy system means that we have to prioritize 00:44:29.780 --> 00:44:34.820 electrification. And um, this situation however presents 00:44:34.829 --> 00:44:38.659 unique facts and requires an immediate response. I 00:44:38.668 --> 00:44:42.059 believe the PD and the APD provide thoughtful options 00:44:42.070 --> 00:44:45.820 to address the situation. And after careful consideration, 00:44:45.829 --> 00:44:49.849 for many of the reasons that we so well articulated 00:44:49.860 --> 00:44:53.070 by Commissioner John Reynolds, and his comments. I will 00:44:53.079 --> 00:44:57.739 be supporting the APD, and will conclude my comments. 00:44:59.769 --> 00:45:04.280 Thank you, Commissioner Houck. I will also be supporting 00:45:04.289 --> 00:45:08.269 the Alternate Proposed Decision. And I wanted to start 00:45:08.280 --> 00:45:13.159 similarly to um, my colleagues. With a thanks to the extraordinary 00:45:13.168 --> 00:45:15.750 work of the team here. You heard the names of the 00:45:15.760 --> 00:45:18.949 individuals who worked on this. All of them really 00:45:19.030 --> 00:45:22.800 worked so quickly to find a solution to this very critical 00:45:22.809 --> 00:45:26.849 situation. And didn't sacrifice any attention to detail. 00:45:26.978 --> 00:45:29.728 And in particular, I just wanted to note Commissioner 00:45:29.739 --> 00:45:33.478 Reynolds' leadership on this issue. And the great work 00:45:33.489 --> 00:45:39.030 of his Adviser, Maria Sotero. Um, it's clear that this 00:45:39.039 --> 00:45:42.320 community, the Santa Nella community. Um, is a community 00:45:42.329 --> 00:45:45.628 in crisis with the risk of losing access to safe and 00:45:45.639 --> 00:45:49.659 affordable electricity. The solution put forward here 00:45:49.668 --> 00:45:53.228 in the Alternate Proposed Decision is a unique solution 00:45:53.728 --> 00:45:57.309 um, and it's tailored to a unique situation. But it's 00:45:57.320 --> 00:46:01.469 also right size to community needs. And I really appreciate 00:46:01.478 --> 00:46:04.559 that the Alternate Proposed Decision both allows for 00:46:04.570 --> 00:46:07.619 that, the customer choice at the individual household 00:46:07.628 --> 00:46:11.958 level. And is also very consistent with the policy direction 00:46:11.969 --> 00:46:15.929 that we are collectively headed as a state. California 00:46:15.938 --> 00:46:19.329 has clearly embraced electrification as a pillar of 00:46:19.340 --> 00:46:23.668 our climate change fighting strategy. And as an example 00:46:23.679 --> 00:46:28.750 we know our joint uh, landmark SP100 report. Identifies 00:46:28.760 --> 00:46:31.958 building decarbonization as a key strategy. To help 00:46:31.969 --> 00:46:36.239 us meet our 2040, 0 emission goals, 2040 Clean Energy 00:46:36.250 --> 00:46:39.590 Goals. And the California Air Resources Board has also 00:46:39.599 --> 00:46:42.228 identified it building electrification as a central 00:46:42.239 --> 00:46:47.039 strategy in the 2022 Scoping Plan. Further, the Governor 00:46:47.050 --> 00:46:49.989 outlined a goal of 3 million climate ready and 00:46:50.000 --> 00:46:55.208 climate friendly homes by 2030. So this Alternate PD, 00:46:55.219 --> 00:46:59.438 is in line with those goals that we've clearly articulated 00:46:59.449 --> 00:47:03.269 as a state. Additionally, given the physical trenching 00:47:03.280 --> 00:47:06.780 that will be happening her. It makes sense to me to 00:47:06.789 --> 00:47:10.199 offer community members the choice to electrify now, 00:47:10.329 --> 00:47:13.860 if they so choose. So that they can immediately improve 00:47:13.869 --> 00:47:16.820 indoor air quality with accompanying health benefits, 00:47:16.969 --> 00:47:20.570 and be part of the solution to climate change. I also 00:47:20.579 --> 00:47:23.909 see efficiencies in this approach since any customers 00:47:23.918 --> 00:47:26.668 that choose to electrify now versus in future years 00:47:26.679 --> 00:47:29.139 through another program. Will save rate payers the 00:47:29.148 --> 00:47:32.398 cost of extending a gas service line to the home that 00:47:32.409 --> 00:47:36.360 won't be necessary in the future. So with that, uh 00:47:36.369 --> 00:47:40.389 I would like to call for a vote. Given the discussion 00:47:40.398 --> 00:47:43.409 that we've had today, I'll call for a vote on Item 00:47:43.418 --> 00:47:48.800 40A, first. 40A is the Alternate Proposed Decision of Commissioner 00:47:48.809 --> 00:47:57.429 John Reynolds. Um, do we have a motion on Item 40A? 00:47:57.429 --> 00:48:02.219 I move to support 40, Item 40A. A motion by Commissioner 00:48:02.228 --> 00:48:08.340 Houck. Is there a second? 00:48:08.340 --> 00:48:12.590 Second. Second from Commissioner Douglas. Uh, with the 00:48:12.599 --> 00:48:16.309 motion and a second on Item 40A. Agenda Clerk, could 00:48:16.320 --> 00:48:20.269 you please call the roll? Commissioner Douglas? Aye. 00:48:21.539 --> 00:48:28.280 Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houk? Yes. 00:48:29.478 --> 00:48:36.860 Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The 00:48:36.869 --> 00:48:43.099 vote is 5-0. The Item passes. With the approval of Item 00:48:43.110 --> 00:48:47.679 40A, Item 40 is withdrawn. 00:48:47.679 --> 00:48:53.369 I'll now turn to Item 41. Item 41 is comments before 00:48:53.378 --> 00:48:56.619 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding 00:48:56.628 --> 00:49:01.159 interstate power line citing preemption. Item 41 is 00:49:01.168 --> 00:49:04.360 a request from Energy and Legal Divisions. Seeking Commission 00:49:04.369 --> 00:49:08.750 approval to comment on FERC's rulemaking. To advise regulations 00:49:08.760 --> 00:49:11.260 governing applications for permits. For the sighting 00:49:11.269 --> 00:49:14.389 of electric transmission facilities under the Federal 00:49:14.398 --> 00:49:17.119 Power Act. Um, 00:49:17.119 --> 00:49:20.760 Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy, 00:49:21.050 --> 00:49:25.208 Leuwam Tesfai. Will be presenting this Item, and I see you there 00:49:25.219 --> 00:49:30.000 Ms. Tesfai. And I will turn it over to you. 00:49:30.000 --> 00:49:32.929 Thank you. Good morning Commissioners and President 00:49:32.938 --> 00:49:36.260 Reynolds. Leuwam Tesfai, Deputy Executive Director for 00:49:36.269 --> 00:49:40.869 Energy and Climate Policy. Here uh, for Item 41. Energy 00:49:40.878 --> 00:49:44.829 and Legal Division Staff are jointly seeking authorization 00:49:44.840 --> 00:49:48.239 to provide comments on the Federal Energy Regulatory 00:49:48.250 --> 00:49:52.168 Commission's proposed rulemaking. Revising pre-existing 00:49:52.179 --> 00:49:56.648 regulations for backstop citing of electrical transmission. 00:49:57.228 --> 00:50:02.289 Uh, these are due by May 17, 2023. I will be 00:50:02.300 --> 00:50:05.898 summarizing the item but offering an augmented recommendation 00:50:05.909 --> 00:50:11.059 at the conclusion of my remarks. That supports streamlining 00:50:11.070 --> 00:50:14.369 transmission permitting and development and looks forward 00:50:14.378 --> 00:50:16.699 to working with our federal partners to further this 00:50:16.708 --> 00:50:21.938 goal. These regulations only apply to uh, pursuant to 00:50:21.949 --> 00:50:26.239 this notice of proposed rulemaking. Only apply to electrical 00:50:26.250 --> 00:50:30.760 transmission when it is within a national interest 00:50:30.769 --> 00:50:33.539 of Electric Transmission Corridor. Designated by the 00:50:33.550 --> 00:50:36.969 Department of Energy's triennial process which is scheduled 00:50:36.978 --> 00:50:41.510 to occur this year. Burke's backstop authority only 00:50:41.519 --> 00:50:45.289 applies when State Commissions deny or do not issue 00:50:45.300 --> 00:50:48.570 an approval on such electrical transmission projects 00:50:48.579 --> 00:50:52.769 within one year of receiving an application. Which is 00:50:52.780 --> 00:50:55.809 particularly challenging for states like California, 00:50:55.898 --> 00:50:58.500 who undertake meaningful and thoughtful consideration 00:50:58.510 --> 00:51:02.090 and analysis of electrical transmission permits. Consistent 00:51:02.099 --> 00:51:06.099 with the Commission's General Order 131D and a host 00:51:06.110 --> 00:51:09.639 of state laws and policies. 00:51:09.639 --> 00:51:12.458 forecast, proposed a number of changes to the regulations 00:51:12.469 --> 00:51:18.148 that fall generally into three categories. One, updates 00:51:18.159 --> 00:51:21.389 for consistency with amendments to the underlying statute. 00:51:22.168 --> 00:51:26.280 Two, updates to consideration of issues and organization 00:51:26.289 --> 00:51:29.360 of analyses from applicants for compliance with the 00:51:29.369 --> 00:51:34.090 National Environmental Policy Act. And three, discretionary 00:51:34.099 --> 00:51:37.320 policy changes regarding the timing of when the pre 00:51:37.329 --> 00:51:40.628 filing process could begin for the backstop citing 00:51:40.639 --> 00:51:44.918 process. Staff are primarily concerned with this last 00:51:44.929 --> 00:51:49.668 category, discretionary policy changes. Staff also 00:51:49.679 --> 00:51:52.820 offer minor suggestions to improve some of the NEPA 00:51:52.829 --> 00:51:58.050 reporting and oversight processes works. The FERC's acceleration 00:51:58.059 --> 00:52:01.340 of the backstop process by initiating its pre filing 00:52:01.349 --> 00:52:04.179 concurrently with the submittal of applications to 00:52:04.188 --> 00:52:07.429 state commissions. Is a de facto preemption of state 00:52:07.438 --> 00:52:11.429 authority to permit electrical transmission uh, infrastructure. 00:52:12.699 --> 00:52:15.780 This proposed revision could inhibit how transmission 00:52:15.789 --> 00:52:19.539 applicants work with the C P U C. Raising issues of 00:52:19.550 --> 00:52:22.300 the completeness of applications and how that affects 00:52:22.309 --> 00:52:25.070 applications that may be concurrently filed at FERC. 00:52:27.269 --> 00:52:29.989 Staff recommends that FERC provide greater leadership to 00:52:30.000 --> 00:52:32.780 accelerate transmission permitting. Particularly when 00:52:32.789 --> 00:52:36.539 other federal agencies are involved. Rather than preempting 00:52:36.550 --> 00:52:39.929 state decision making as coordination of joint environmental 00:52:39.938 --> 00:52:42.978 review with federal agencies is the source of frequent 00:52:42.989 --> 00:52:48.599 delays to CPUC permitting decisions. I do want to recognize 00:52:48.610 --> 00:52:50.909 the Staff, who have been working very hard on these 00:52:50.918 --> 00:52:54.938 issues. From Energy Division: Trevor Pratt, Christine 00:52:54.949 --> 00:52:58.079 Root, Elaine Sison-Lebrilla, 00:52:58.079 --> 00:53:02.250 and Pete Skala. And from the Energy Division: Jack Mulligan, 00:53:02.260 --> 00:53:06.570 Greg Heiden, Jason Regnier, Jonathan Knapp, Jeff (inaudible) 00:53:06.929 --> 00:53:11.019 and Christine Hammond, particularly on this item. As 00:53:11.030 --> 00:53:13.668 I mentioned earlier, we have been developing these 00:53:13.679 --> 00:53:16.148 comments. And we do think that there is a bit more work 00:53:16.159 --> 00:53:18.909 that we would like to be able to do. On our filing 00:53:18.918 --> 00:53:22.610 to hone our position. I would like to propose for your 00:53:22.619 --> 00:53:26.389 consideration, potentially withdrawing this item today. 00:53:26.760 --> 00:53:30.039 And your support of Staff submitting comments as Staff 00:53:30.050 --> 00:53:33.648 rather than on behalf of the Commission. This is because 00:53:33.659 --> 00:53:36.628 the timing of the comment deadline as I mentioned previously 00:53:36.639 --> 00:53:40.179 May 17th on this notice of proposed rulemaking. Is 00:53:40.188 --> 00:53:43.510 prior to the next voting meeting of the CPUC. 00:53:43.519 --> 00:53:45.760 So we would not have time to prepare a new version 00:53:45.769 --> 00:53:50.090 of our comments for a full Commission vote. 00:53:50.090 --> 00:53:52.119 Through this recommendation, it would allow Energy 00:53:52.128 --> 00:53:54.898 Division and Legal Division. Time to continue to develop 00:53:54.909 --> 00:53:58.340 these comments and get them submitted by FERC's deadline. 00:53:59.398 --> 00:54:01.510 So with that, I'll turn it back to you Commissioners. 00:54:01.519 --> 00:54:04.228 I appreciated the opportunity to present this Item 00:54:04.239 --> 00:54:08.579 and offer the augmented recommendation. Thank you very 00:54:08.590 --> 00:54:12.398 much, Ms. Tesfai. I want to start by thanking Staff 00:54:12.409 --> 00:54:16.228 as, as uh Ms. Tesfai indicated from the Legal Division 00:54:16.239 --> 00:54:19.099 and the Energy Division. For all of the hard work on 00:54:19.110 --> 00:54:24.159 this matter. Um it is a complex issue and an important 00:54:24.168 --> 00:54:28.208 one. Um I am inclined given the presentation that we 00:54:28.219 --> 00:54:33.659 heard today to take up the Alternative Recommendation. 00:54:33.909 --> 00:54:38.030 And ask for a motion to withdraw this Item. Which would 00:54:38.039 --> 00:54:41.449 give the Staff the ability to continue to consider 00:54:41.458 --> 00:54:45.728 the comments and submit comments from Staff. Uh, given the 00:54:45.739 --> 00:54:49.309 deadlines that the Federal government has in place. 00:54:49.958 --> 00:54:53.869 Um, so that will allow both continued work as and, and 00:54:53.878 --> 00:54:57.099 thought on this issue. As well as a timely submittal 00:54:57.110 --> 00:55:01.550 uh, by staff. Um so I, I would like to ask for 00:55:01.559 --> 00:55:04.478 a motion. And then also if any Commissioner has any 00:55:04.489 --> 00:55:07.500 comments on this, feel free to offer comments. So I'll 00:55:07.510 --> 00:55:11.378 I'll ask for a motion concurrently though. 00:55:11.378 --> 00:55:15.239 So I, I would um. I would, I would join in that. 00:55:15.250 --> 00:55:19.559 I would make the motion to accept Staff's recommendation 00:55:19.750 --> 00:55:21.929 to withdraw, to give them time. I do want to thank 00:55:21.938 --> 00:55:25.378 them. I know they've been working tremendously on this. 00:55:25.949 --> 00:55:28.590 Um, these issues and it's a complex and very long rule 00:55:28.599 --> 00:55:31.139 making. Just appreciate all of the work that Staff 00:55:31.148 --> 00:55:36.418 and Legal um have been, have been doing on this. Particularly 00:55:36.590 --> 00:55:41.938 the work that Pete Skala and Jonathan Knapp have been doing, 00:55:41.949 --> 00:55:46.750 over a long period of time. Um and with that, I will 00:55:46.760 --> 00:55:50.309 I encourage President Reynolds comments and would move 00:55:50.320 --> 00:55:52.199 to withdraw the item. 00:55:52.199 --> 00:55:56.050 Okay. So we have a motion uh, to withdraw Item 41. I 00:55:56.059 --> 00:55:59.760 saw uh, Commissioner Shiroma's hand. 00:55:59.760 --> 00:56:03.199 Yeah. I, I be pleased to second the motion. I think 00:56:03.208 --> 00:56:08.668 it's a um, uh excellent course of action. And, uh 00:56:08.878 --> 00:56:12.510 anticipate that President Reynolds, that you would be working 00:56:12.519 --> 00:56:17.478 closely with the team. Thank you. 00:56:17.478 --> 00:56:20.679 Thank you, Commissioner Shiroma. Um yes, absolutely. 00:56:20.688 --> 00:56:24.510 And um uh, so we now have a motion and a second 00:56:24.519 --> 00:56:27.340 to withdraw Item 41. Let me pause for a minute to see 00:56:27.349 --> 00:56:29.429 if any Commissioners have any additional comments. 00:56:32.179 --> 00:56:35.889 All right. Uh with that, I will ask the Agenda Clerk 00:56:35.898 --> 00:56:39.869 to call the roll on the motion to withdraw Item 41. 00:56:41.010 --> 00:56:47.289 Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. 00:56:48.000 --> 00:56:50.599 Commissioner Houck? 00:56:50.599 --> 00:56:56.829 Yes. Commissioner Shiroma? Aye. President Alice Reynolds? 00:56:57.809 --> 00:57:05.199 Yes. The vote is 5-0. Item 41 has been withdrawn. 00:57:05.199 --> 00:57:09.478 All right. I will now move to Item 42. Item 42 is 00:57:09.489 --> 00:57:12.739 management report on administrative actions and consumer 00:57:12.750 --> 00:57:15.320 protection and safety activities. There are no management 00:57:15.329 --> 00:57:19.070 reports today. So I will go directly to Commissioner 00:57:19.079 --> 00:57:24.119 Reports. Um, I will ask for a volunteer to go first 00:57:24.128 --> 00:57:30.760 with their Commissioner report. 00:57:30.760 --> 00:57:35.148 No volunteers today. Commissioner Houck? 00:57:35.148 --> 00:57:39.269 Guess it will be me. Um, so just a couple of things. 00:57:39.280 --> 00:57:42.820 I want to just um, call out and remind everyone that 00:57:42.829 --> 00:57:46.159 the, the BEAD rulemaking. Um, we are working with the California 00:57:46.168 --> 00:57:48.918 Department of Technology to do community engagement 00:57:48.929 --> 00:57:52.128 events across the state. There's going to be 20 events 00:57:52.139 --> 00:57:58.800 in 60 days. It's quite an effort. Uh, CETF is um working 00:57:58.809 --> 00:58:03.139 with CDT, as sort of the lead organizer for the 20 events. 00:58:03.148 --> 00:58:08.019 We are definitely coordinating and partnering um, with 00:58:08.030 --> 00:58:11.000 them. I had the opportunity to attend the event in 00:58:11.010 --> 00:58:14.590 San Diego last week and it was a full house. We've 00:58:14.599 --> 00:58:18.188 been getting really good turnout um, from a wide range 00:58:18.199 --> 00:58:21.760 of representatives in the communities. Um, uh the local 00:58:21.769 --> 00:58:24.010 governments are really helping get the word out. So 00:58:24.019 --> 00:58:26.599 I just want to encourage anybody listening that wants 00:58:26.610 --> 00:58:30.179 more information about our BEAD program or the work we're 00:58:30.188 --> 00:58:34.739 doing um, to further our broadband efforts. To attend 00:58:34.750 --> 00:58:36.878 one of these events. And again, they'll be throughout 00:58:36.889 --> 00:58:40.898 the state from the North Coast, all the way down to um, 00:58:41.409 --> 00:58:45.898 the Southern border in San Diego. We've got um, uh a 00:58:46.260 --> 00:58:49.898 meeting in Chico today, there's one in Santa Rosa tomorrow. 00:58:50.148 --> 00:58:53.228 Um I ask, just check our website out. It has all 00:58:53.239 --> 00:58:56.369 of the dates. We'll also be doing 3 Regional Tribal 00:58:56.378 --> 00:58:59.938 consultations, one in Northern California, one in Central 00:58:59.949 --> 00:59:03.360 and one in um, Southern. And we'll be doing other um, 00:59:03.369 --> 00:59:07.849 Tribal outreach events. Um, that we'll be trying to tie 00:59:07.860 --> 00:59:12.349 to the, the other engagement meetings. Um, I had the 00:59:12.360 --> 00:59:15.599 opportunity to attend an Indian Health Services um, 00:59:16.050 --> 00:59:19.780 event earlier this week. And sat on a broadband panel 00:59:19.789 --> 00:59:25.110 with Karen Eckersley, um Ken Holbrook, our Tribal Advisor, 00:59:25.228 --> 00:59:30.619 and um Matt Rantanen. Who's um, working with Golden State um 00:59:31.179 --> 00:59:35.168 Connect. And um, it was a great panel. There was a, 00:59:35.179 --> 00:59:38.989 a full room. Lots of questions, lots of um comments. 00:59:39.039 --> 00:59:41.349 So that was a great opportunity to get the word out 00:59:41.360 --> 00:59:44.429 as well. And I also met with local representatives 00:59:44.438 --> 00:59:47.309 from the Imperial Valley and the Palm Desert Coachella 00:59:47.320 --> 00:59:51.429 Valley area yesterday. Um had a, a round table with 00:59:51.438 --> 00:59:54.478 them to talk about our broadband efforts and the work 00:59:54.489 --> 00:59:58.668 that they're doing down in Coachella and Imperial areas. 00:59:58.679 --> 01:00:01.909 And learned a lot and really appreciated all of the 01:00:01.918 --> 01:00:05.070 work and effort that the local governments are doing. 01:00:05.079 --> 01:00:10.139 And how much um, that we work they're doing and how 01:00:10.148 --> 01:00:12.789 the work we're doing and our programs are supporting 01:00:12.800 --> 01:00:16.438 that work. It was really um, great to hear from them. How 01:00:16.449 --> 01:00:19.469 much um, our programs have been helping them move their 01:00:19.478 --> 01:00:24.579 efforts forward. Um next week, I will be joining um 01:00:24.590 --> 01:00:29.958 Director Patson on a Tehachapi Rail Safety trip. Um, Commissioner 01:00:29.969 --> 01:00:32.849 Douglas to see um how our rail teams are doing. And 01:00:32.860 --> 01:00:34.989 get a first hand, look at the work we do there. And 01:00:35.000 --> 01:00:38.918 I'm, I'm looking forward um to that, and engaging with 01:00:38.929 --> 01:00:42.458 our Rail Staff. And learning more about um, what they're having 01:00:42.469 --> 01:00:47.219 to do on a daily basis. Um in closing, I just want 01:00:47.228 --> 01:00:52.050 to um highlight. That, that next week is there's going 01:00:52.059 --> 01:00:55.139 to be a number of events. May 5th is Missing and Murdered 01:00:55.148 --> 01:00:59.409 Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Um, I encourage or 01:00:59.418 --> 01:01:02.449 invite everyone to, to wear red. To show solidarity 01:01:02.458 --> 01:01:06.168 with Indigenous communities and promote awareness. Around 01:01:06.179 --> 01:01:09.329 um missing and murdered Indigenous communities and 01:01:09.340 --> 01:01:13.019 the initiatives that are being proposed. Um, there's 01:01:13.030 --> 01:01:15.340 gonna be some activities going on in the Sacramento 01:01:15.349 --> 01:01:18.530 area this weekend. A prayer walk on Saturday and a 01:01:18.539 --> 01:01:21.938 candlelight vigil on Wednesday at the State Capitol. 01:01:22.219 --> 01:01:25.688 Um, and so I again, just wanted to bring awareness to 01:01:25.699 --> 01:01:31.110 that. It's um, a very real and and terrifying um circumstance 01:01:31.119 --> 01:01:34.938 for many people in Native communities. Um, that have 01:01:34.949 --> 01:01:39.929 loved ones or um know people. That do that, that are missing 01:01:39.938 --> 01:01:43.599 or have been murdered without follow-up. Um, for the 01:01:43.610 --> 01:01:47.599 circumstances um, that led to those tragedies. So I just 01:01:47.610 --> 01:01:50.719 wanted to, to highlight that with those events happening 01:01:50.728 --> 01:01:53.719 next week. And show solidarity with California's Native 01:01:53.728 --> 01:01:57.750 communities. And with that, I will close my report. 01:01:59.208 --> 01:02:04.780 Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Um, next up Commission Shiroma. 01:02:05.269 --> 01:02:08.219 All right. 01:02:08.219 --> 01:02:11.789 Thank you, uh President. Uh, I have 3 reports. I 01:02:11.800 --> 01:02:18.079 will start with. Uh, I'll be speaking at the 2023 Microgrid 01:02:18.329 --> 01:02:21.699 Knowledge Conference in Anaheim. Uh, the conference 01:02:21.708 --> 01:02:25.699 is bring together industry innovators and practitioners. 01:02:25.708 --> 01:02:29.269 It's scheduled for May 16-17. I'm speaking at the 01:02:29.280 --> 01:02:33.030 closing general session and awards presentation on 01:02:33.039 --> 01:02:38.449 May 17. The day before our voting meeting. And we'll share 01:02:39.289 --> 01:02:43.019 the accomplishments of the Commission's microgrid proceedings 01:02:43.030 --> 01:02:47.199 and efforts ahead. Uh, there will be sessions entitled: 01:02:47.208 --> 01:02:51.219 a New Era of Innovation Sweeps the Microgrid Industry, 01:02:51.599 --> 01:02:55.469 Microgrid and DER Markets, Planning and Forecasts. And 01:02:55.478 --> 01:02:59.148 How to Build a Nationwide EV Network with Microgrids. 01:02:59.728 --> 01:03:03.309 I appreciate the the opportunity to speak at the conference. 01:03:03.659 --> 01:03:07.418 Then this, I want to remind the everyday audience. That 01:03:07.429 --> 01:03:10.699 we are hosting the Western Conference of Public Service 01:03:10.708 --> 01:03:13.610 Commissioners at the Silverado Resort in Napa Valley 01:03:13.619 --> 01:03:17.010 this year. The annual education conference starts on 01:03:17.019 --> 01:03:21.760 Sunday, May 21st and ends at noon on Wednesday, May 01:03:21.769 --> 01:03:26.079 24th. Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners 01:03:26.090 --> 01:03:29.719 and the Regional Association with the National Association 01:03:29.728 --> 01:03:33.989 of Regulatory Utility Commissioners or NARUC. Our membership 01:03:34.300 --> 01:03:37.969 consists of state commissioners from Alaska, Arizona, 01:03:38.110 --> 01:03:43.369 California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, 01:03:43.378 --> 01:03:47.800 New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the 01:03:47.809 --> 01:03:51.708 territory of Guam. It's really very sizable. The conference 01:03:51.719 --> 01:03:54.579 will convene state commissioners, government officials, 01:03:54.590 --> 01:03:58.250 industry leaders. From not only the Western states but 01:03:58.260 --> 01:04:03.239 across the U.S. Speakers include FERC Chairman Willie 01:04:03.250 --> 01:04:06.750 Phillips and the Fiscal Secretary for Electricity from 01:04:06.760 --> 01:04:11.809 DOE, Jean Rodriguez. And each session will be moderated 01:04:11.820 --> 01:04:15.918 by our CPUC Commissioners and Commission colleagues 01:04:15.929 --> 01:04:19.139 from across the Western states. Uh, there will be sessions 01:04:19.148 --> 01:04:22.809 on energy reliability, impact of wildfires and extreme 01:04:22.820 --> 01:04:25.978 weather events, outreach to low income and hard to 01:04:26.000 --> 01:04:29.070 reach communities, transportation notification and 01:04:29.079 --> 01:04:32.969 much more. And the agenda is available at the Western NARUC 01:04:33.300 --> 01:04:39.519 website at western.naruc.org. And registration is 01:04:39.530 --> 01:04:46.739 open until May 12. Uh then, uh last but not least. 01:04:46.750 --> 01:04:49.668 I wanted to say a few words about the decision that 01:04:49.679 --> 01:04:53.539 we just approved today. Regarding the Phase 2C, Electric 01:04:53.550 --> 01:04:58.469 Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program. The administrative 01:04:58.478 --> 01:05:01.510 improvements lay out an important path for the next 01:05:01.519 --> 01:05:05.010 few years. To assure that the program is investing in 01:05:05.019 --> 01:05:08.188 research development and deployment projects that will 01:05:08.199 --> 01:05:12.360 produce tangible results. For ratepayers that align 01:05:12.590 --> 01:05:16.159 with state energy policy goals. I want to thank the 01:05:16.168 --> 01:05:20.228 team from the Energy Division: Judith Ikle, Cheryl 01:05:20.239 --> 01:05:25.570 Cox, Fred Beck and Amanda Krantz. From ALJ Division,: Judge 01:05:25.579 --> 01:05:30.860 Glegola and Assistant Chief Judge Colbert. From Legal: Carrie Pratt, 01:05:30.869 --> 01:05:35.878 Chris DeSalvo and Galen Lemei. And my Bagley-Keene partner uh, Commissioner 01:05:35.889 --> 01:05:41.668 John Reynolds and his Chief of Staff, Suzanne Casazza, Advisor Maria Sotero. From 01:05:41.679 --> 01:05:45.590 my office, my Chief of Staff Cheryl Wynn and Advisor Jack 01:05:45.599 --> 01:05:50.050 Chang. I also wanna thank the, our sister agency, the 01:05:50.059 --> 01:05:53.469 California Energy Commission. For their administration 01:05:53.478 --> 01:05:59.929 of approximately 80% of EPIC's annual $185 million budget. 01:06:00.800 --> 01:06:03.668 We look forward to continue to work with them closely 01:06:03.679 --> 01:06:07.510 and the investor-owned utility administrators. The 01:06:07.519 --> 01:06:10.469 Energy Commission has many years of experience bringing 01:06:10.478 --> 01:06:14.539 invaluable knowledge to the program and guiding overall 01:06:14.550 --> 01:06:18.119 state energy policy towards meeting our greenhouse 01:06:18.128 --> 01:06:22.340 gas reduction goals. Hence, I want to recommend that 01:06:22.349 --> 01:06:26.750 we schedule an interagency en banc. With our colleagues at 01:06:26.760 --> 01:06:30.300 the Energy Commission. To discuss energy innovation 01:06:30.309 --> 01:06:34.449 technology and federal funding with an eye to equity. 01:06:35.030 --> 01:06:38.820 At such, an en banc we can hear from leading technology experts 01:06:39.139 --> 01:06:43.869 and garner stakeholder views. Uh, a possible venue for 01:06:43.878 --> 01:06:48.539 such an en banc. Could be at one of our upcoming CPUC 01:06:48.550 --> 01:06:51.769 Emerging Trends Committee meeting. Which are routinely 01:06:51.780 --> 01:06:56.909 attended by all Commissioners. Uh as, as a normal routine 01:06:56.918 --> 01:07:00.309 um, a commitment and activity of the 5 Commissioners. 01:07:01.090 --> 01:07:05.219 Uh I do want to thank uh, uh all who have been 01:07:05.228 --> 01:07:11.619 involved in, in the overall effort. Uh and, and coordination 01:07:11.889 --> 01:07:18.110 with our administrators, uh in EPIC. This en banc uh, looks 01:07:18.119 --> 01:07:23.418 to be a broader um, sweep. In terms of looking at uh, 01:07:23.429 --> 01:07:27.989 innovation, technologies, the future funding, federal 01:07:28.000 --> 01:07:32.090 funding. And so will be a broader, a broader brush 01:07:32.099 --> 01:07:36.119 en banc. I think this effort will overall benefit Californians 01:07:36.309 --> 01:07:40.639 and strengthen our state. Thank you. Back to you President 01:07:41.728 --> 01:07:46.550 Reynolds. Thank you, Commissioner Shiroma. Um, let's see next. Turning 01:07:46.559 --> 01:07:50.780 to Commissioner Douglas. Thank you, President Reynolds. 01:07:50.789 --> 01:07:56.510 Um, just a couple reports from me. Uh, I had the opportunity 01:07:56.519 --> 01:08:00.250 to go to UCLA and speak at their symposium 01:08:00.260 --> 01:08:04.139 on remaking the power grid for renewable energy. Um, 01:08:04.148 --> 01:08:07.269 that was a lot of fun. It was nice to be in 01:08:07.280 --> 01:08:10.889 a room with students and alumni and, and community 01:08:10.898 --> 01:08:15.579 members in that area. And uh, really kind of speak to 01:08:15.590 --> 01:08:18.029 some of the challenges and opportunities in front of 01:08:18.039 --> 01:08:22.239 us. To get um, transmission built that we're gonna need 01:08:22.250 --> 01:08:26.689 to implement California's Clean Energy Goals and L. 01:08:26.699 --> 01:08:29.878 A's Clean Energy Goals and, and climate goals and, 01:08:29.890 --> 01:08:33.720 and so on. And so that was fun. I also um, uh 01:08:33.729 --> 01:08:39.918 with a timely prompt from Leuwam. Uh, succeeded in doing a little 01:08:39.930 --> 01:08:44.079 bit of um, PUC recruiting at UCLA. 01:08:44.088 --> 01:08:46.569 And so I hope something comes of it. There were a lot 01:08:46.579 --> 01:08:49.628 of people there who, who were very interested in energy 01:08:49.640 --> 01:08:56.858 and, and uh energy issues. Um, I wanted to mention just 01:08:56.957 --> 01:09:02.337 uh that I thought. I, I enjoyed participating in the 01:09:02.349 --> 01:09:06.519 Energy Commissions SB846 workshop. On Load shift 01:09:06.528 --> 01:09:10.698 goals. And, and um found that the discussion to be 01:09:10.707 --> 01:09:13.698 very informative. I'm looking forward to continuing 01:09:13.707 --> 01:09:20.608 to track that issue. Um, uh the Disadvantaged Community 01:09:20.618 --> 01:09:24.349 Advisory Group Meeting was in person in San Diego. 01:09:24.858 --> 01:09:29.738 Uh attended that uh, with Commissioner Houck. And, and we enjoy 01:09:29.748 --> 01:09:32.479 you know we, we had the opportunity to tour the Port 01:09:32.488 --> 01:09:37.788 of San Diego. And see some of their really remarkable 01:09:37.797 --> 01:09:43.988 leadership in port electrification. Uh, just very impressive 01:09:43.998 --> 01:09:48.119 and you can see the tremendous potential there. For 01:09:48.489 --> 01:09:52.838 uh, emissions reductions, both greenhouse gas and criteria 01:09:52.850 --> 01:09:56.439 pollutant. As they move forward on that trajectory. 01:09:56.449 --> 01:10:00.310 Um, and then. 01:10:00.310 --> 01:10:03.619 Uh, I'm also you know, I don't know how long I get 01:10:03.628 --> 01:10:06.189 to call myself the new Commissioner. Who's still learning 01:10:06.199 --> 01:10:08.319 about all of these new things, but hopefully a little 01:10:08.329 --> 01:10:13.208 bit longer. Uh Yesterday, I spent some time with the 01:10:13.350 --> 01:10:17.659 California Water Utility Executive Council in Sacramento. 01:10:17.668 --> 01:10:23.720 And that was a nice introduction, just to who they are 01:10:23.729 --> 01:10:26.449 and what they do. And just to meet um some of the 01:10:26.458 --> 01:10:29.159 senior leadership from some of these water utilities. 01:10:29.168 --> 01:10:32.689 It's not an area I've worked in before. I, I've worked 01:10:32.979 --> 01:10:35.279 and, and I'm familiar with a lot of things on the water 01:10:35.289 --> 01:10:38.560 supply side. But much less so on the water utility 01:10:38.569 --> 01:10:42.369 side. So that was good exposure for me. And, and likewise 01:10:42.378 --> 01:10:45.878 as Commissioner Houck mentioned. I, I'm very much looking 01:10:45.890 --> 01:10:51.298 forward to the rail safety tour. And just learning more 01:10:51.310 --> 01:10:54.970 about how the PUC carries out um some of its 01:10:54.979 --> 01:10:59.140 rail safety uh responsibilities. Uh, so I think I'll 01:10:59.149 --> 01:11:01.838 stop there. Thank you. Great. Thanks, Commissioner 01:11:01.850 --> 01:11:04.509 Douglas. Uh Commissioner Reynolds? Do you have a report 01:11:04.958 --> 01:11:08.939 No report for me, thank you. All right. Um well, I 01:11:08.949 --> 01:11:12.890 will close. I do have a few items today, uh to report. 01:11:13.409 --> 01:11:17.779 Um, I did want to start by um, adding on to Commissioner 01:11:18.009 --> 01:11:23.229 Shiroma's comments on EPIC. And sharing my support for 01:11:23.239 --> 01:11:27.500 uh an interagency en banc on energy, innovation, technologies. 01:11:27.509 --> 01:11:30.619 Including state and federal funding, um which is uh 01:11:30.628 --> 01:11:33.338 was mentioned by Commissioner Shiroma in her Commissioner 01:11:33.350 --> 01:11:36.789 Report. Um, and in particular. I just really want to 01:11:36.798 --> 01:11:40.918 highlight the California Energy Commission, CEC. For 01:11:40.930 --> 01:11:44.239 their extraordinary work in administering the EPIC 01:11:44.250 --> 01:11:48.958 program to-date. CEC has taken this on and made it 01:11:48.970 --> 01:11:53.859 truly a world class program. And included transparency 01:11:53.869 --> 01:11:57.699 and incredible public engagement. Um I know that CEC 01:11:57.708 --> 01:12:02.220 leadership is leading the charge here. And is supporting 01:12:02.229 --> 01:12:04.989 innovation and coordination. Including coordination 01:12:05.000 --> 01:12:08.640 with us and our Commission. Um, so I really appreciate 01:12:08.649 --> 01:12:11.310 that. And I think that the idea of creating a public 01:12:11.319 --> 01:12:15.338 forum for the PUC and CEC at the State's Energy Planning 01:12:15.350 --> 01:12:19.069 Agencies. Can facilitate information sharing and lessons 01:12:19.079 --> 01:12:22.369 learned on emerging energy, energy technologies. And 01:12:22.378 --> 01:12:26.060 I think it will be really fruitful. Uh, we do have ambitious 01:12:26.069 --> 01:12:30.409 climate goals and innovative early stage technologies. 01:12:30.699 --> 01:12:33.509 That can be successfully commercialized and scaled 01:12:33.520 --> 01:12:36.270 will be critical to fully decarbonizing the economy 01:12:36.279 --> 01:12:39.708 not just in California, but globally. So I look forward 01:12:39.720 --> 01:12:43.069 to enhancing our interagency coordination and cooperation 01:12:43.079 --> 01:12:47.729 through the en banc. And hearing from uh, technology experts 01:12:47.739 --> 01:12:51.449 and stakeholders on the topic. So I look forward to 01:12:51.458 --> 01:12:55.708 and support the idea of uh the Emerging Trends um, Subcommittee. 01:12:55.720 --> 01:12:59.649 And looking at this and, um look forward to continuing 01:12:59.659 --> 01:13:05.000 planning on that idea. Um so, on a separate note. I 01:13:05.009 --> 01:13:09.159 am also pleased to announce that on April 20th, uh 01:13:09.168 --> 01:13:12.668 the CPUC signed a joint statement of intent, with 01:13:12.680 --> 01:13:15.859 other state departments and agencies. To support the 01:13:15.869 --> 01:13:19.539 build out of EV charging infrastructure. And to guide 01:13:19.548 --> 01:13:23.699 planning for EV chargers and hydrogen stations. Um, this 01:13:23.708 --> 01:13:26.699 statement was signed by our Executive Director. And 01:13:26.708 --> 01:13:30.128 it outlines, how over half a dozen agencies are working 01:13:30.140 --> 01:13:35.649 together to transition vehicle sectors and equipment 01:13:35.699 --> 01:13:40.430 to zero emission technologies by 2045. Um, and significant 01:13:40.439 --> 01:13:43.548 progress on that is really, already underway. Governor 01:13:43.560 --> 01:13:46.699 Newsom announced last week that California achieved 01:13:46.708 --> 01:13:50.000 its goal of 1.5 million zero emission vehicles sold 01:13:50.009 --> 01:13:52.458 in the state two years ahead of schedule. So great 01:13:52.470 --> 01:13:56.479 accomplishment there. Um, and I look forward to collaborating 01:13:56.489 --> 01:14:01.079 uh, on with our sister agencies to ensure the state's uh, electric 01:14:01.088 --> 01:14:04.689 vehicle infrastructure is deployed affordably and equitably. 01:14:04.829 --> 01:14:08.949 This really is all of government effort and look forward 01:14:08.958 --> 01:14:14.659 to the CPUC's role in that effort. Um and then quickly, 01:14:14.668 --> 01:14:18.680 I wanted to uh, let everyone know about 2 upcoming 01:14:18.689 --> 01:14:22.009 events related to offshore wind. Another part of our 01:14:22.020 --> 01:14:26.208 clean energy future. Um, the first is the Pacific Offshore 01:14:26.220 --> 01:14:30.689 Wind Summit. Which is taking place on May 8- 01:14:30.699 --> 01:14:34.529 10 in Sacramento. Uh, the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit 01:14:34.539 --> 01:14:37.680 Summit is going to explore how California can become 01:14:37.689 --> 01:14:41.000 a global leader and hub, for floating offshore wind 01:14:41.009 --> 01:14:44.878 development. And the event sessions will discuss technical 01:14:44.890 --> 01:14:47.899 issues such as fighting permitting courts, procurement, 01:14:47.909 --> 01:14:51.949 transmission. As well as federal and state policy. Uh 01:14:51.958 --> 01:14:55.168 later that week, I'll be attending the Climate Leadership 01:14:55.180 --> 01:14:58.489 Conference in Los Angeles. And participating in a session 01:14:58.500 --> 01:15:01.989 titled delivering on offshore wind. This session will 01:15:02.000 --> 01:15:04.829 discuss barriers and opportunities to deploying offshore 01:15:04.838 --> 01:15:07.628 wind off the coast of California, and the partnerships 01:15:07.640 --> 01:15:11.539 needed. Um, and as many as you as you know. The PUC 01:15:11.548 --> 01:15:17.338 is working with CEC on implementation of AB525. And 01:15:17.350 --> 01:15:21.569 developing a strategic plan for offshore wind. Um, so 01:15:21.579 --> 01:15:25.458 that's related to uh, all of the activities on offshore 01:15:25.470 --> 01:15:29.399 wind really as a key part of our energy future. Um, 01:15:29.409 --> 01:15:31.548 so I'm looking forward to these events. And looking 01:15:31.560 --> 01:15:34.949 forward to showcasing California's progress on offshore 01:15:34.958 --> 01:15:40.529 wind. Um, 2 announcements regarding Staff. Um, the 01:15:40.539 --> 01:15:44.619 first one is really exciting, fantastic news. I'm delighted 01:15:44.628 --> 01:15:47.659 to report that Melanie Wallace, who is the CPUC's 01:15:47.668 --> 01:15:51.319 Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. Is being recognized 01:15:51.329 --> 01:15:54.119 with an award from the Asian Pacific State Employees 01:15:54.128 --> 01:15:58.819 Association. Uh Melanie is receiving the Member of 01:15:58.829 --> 01:16:03.609 the Year Award. Um, and it's this evening um at the 01:16:03.619 --> 01:16:08.539 APSEA um, scholarship reception. She was nominated and 01:16:08.548 --> 01:16:12.298 voted on by the APSEA Board, to receive 01:16:12.310 --> 01:16:15.418 the award. And it's based on her contributions, um to 01:16:15.430 --> 01:16:20.199 the planning of their recent EEO, uh symposium. Melanie 01:16:20.208 --> 01:16:23.020 volunteered her time during lunch hours and the evenings. 01:16:23.029 --> 01:16:26.220 Helping develop the curriculum to the, for the symposium. 01:16:26.458 --> 01:16:30.369 The president of uh, APSEA has told us 01:16:30.378 --> 01:16:33.890 that Melanie's involvement was critical to the success 01:16:33.899 --> 01:16:38.689 of the symposium. Um, Melanie has been at the CPUC as 01:16:38.699 --> 01:16:42.609 the EEO Officer since 2021. Carries out her EEO 01:16:42.619 --> 01:16:46.810 responsibilities at the CPUC in a really thorough 01:16:46.819 --> 01:16:50.128 and fair minded way. Um, she believes in the principle 01:16:50.140 --> 01:16:53.449 of equal employment opportunity. And is helping the 01:16:53.458 --> 01:16:57.189 CPUC ensure that we are a fair and equitable workplace. 01:16:57.899 --> 01:17:00.770 Um, I also just wanted to highlight a couple of other 01:17:00.779 --> 01:17:03.939 things that Melanie does while she's in the spotlight 01:17:03.949 --> 01:17:08.048 in addition to her EEO duties. Um, and some at 01:17:08.060 --> 01:17:11.729 the Executive Director's request and some as a volunteer. 01:17:12.029 --> 01:17:15.708 Uh, she's led our first in depth workforce analysis 01:17:15.720 --> 01:17:19.789 about the racial and ethnic makeup of the CPUC's workforce. 01:17:19.798 --> 01:17:22.918 Which is guiding our strategy about continually building 01:17:22.930 --> 01:17:26.310 a more diverse workforce. She's a participant in the 01:17:26.319 --> 01:17:31.259 capital, collaborative on race and equity or CCORE. She's 01:17:31.270 --> 01:17:34.750 the facilitator of our Disability Advisory Committee. 01:17:34.759 --> 01:17:38.088 And um just generally, if you know her. You know, she's 01:17:38.100 --> 01:17:41.409 an all around positive contributor to CPUC's workforce 01:17:41.418 --> 01:17:45.168 culture. Um I'm really happy that Melanie's efforts 01:17:45.180 --> 01:17:48.079 are being recognized. And I'm also pleased that Commissioner 01:17:48.270 --> 01:17:52.520 Shiroma is able to attend the dinner tonight in Sacramento. 01:17:52.619 --> 01:17:56.298 Or yeah, tonight in Sacramento. To celebrate her accomplishments 01:17:56.310 --> 01:17:59.899 in person. So please join me in congratulating Melanie. 01:18:02.628 --> 01:18:07.009 Um second, I am also happy to announce that I have 01:18:07.020 --> 01:18:09.439 a new Advisor. Who joined my office a couple of weeks 01:18:09.449 --> 01:18:13.850 ago. His name is Khaleel Johnson. Um, Khaleel comes to us 01:18:13.859 --> 01:18:16.100 from Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Where he worked 01:18:16.109 --> 01:18:19.649 on regulatory proceedings and strategies to advance 01:18:19.659 --> 01:18:22.779 building and transportation electrification. So related 01:18:22.789 --> 01:18:25.298 to some of the decarbonization issues that we've been 01:18:25.310 --> 01:18:29.259 talking about today. Um, he holds a BA in Environmental 01:18:29.270 --> 01:18:32.949 Analysis from Pitzer College and a Master's degree 01:18:32.958 --> 01:18:35.548 in Energy Systems Management from the University of 01:18:35.560 --> 01:18:39.350 San Francisco. Khaleel will be covering Energy, and uh 01:18:39.359 --> 01:18:43.970 Water issues in my office. So, um I'm really pleased 01:18:43.979 --> 01:18:47.829 to have Khaleel and welcoming um, join me in welcoming 01:18:47.838 --> 01:18:54.020 him. That concludes my report for today. And uh, that 01:18:54.029 --> 01:18:58.189 Commissioner Reports are the last item um, on the Agenda 01:18:58.199 --> 01:19:02.779 today. And so with that, this Public Meeting of the 01:19:02.789 --> 01:19:06.489 California Utilities Commission is now adjourned. Thank 01:19:06.500 --> 01:19:07.529 you very much, everyone.