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.