The feed for this streaming event brought to you by
adminmonitor.com will begin momentarily. Thank
you for your patience.
Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission
Voting Meeting on this day, Thursday May 18, 2023.
Today's call is being recorded, if you have any objections
you may disconnect at this time. President Reynolds,
you may begin.
Good morning, everyone. We need to start by establishing
a quorum. Agenda Clerk, could you please call the roll?
Commissioner Douglas? Here.
Commissioner John Reynolds? Here. Commissioner Houck?
Here. Commissioner Shiroma?
Here. President Alice Reynolds? Here. We have a quorum.
Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission.
I'm calling this meeting of May 18, 2023 Public Agenda
No. 3527 to order. We'll start with a few housekeeping
matters. Today, we're meeting virtually and this meeting
is also being live streamed. You can view the meeting
at www.adminmonitor.com/ca
/cpuc Closed captioning is available in English
and Spanish through the webcast. To view the closed
captioning, click on the green button beneath the webcast
video player. And follow the instructions that appear
on screen. Spanish interpretation is also available
during the Public Comment portion of today's meeting.
For Spanish interpretation dial 1-800-857-1917, passcode
3799627#, and follow the instructions to be connected
to the Spanish line. I ask that my colleagues and today's
speakers speak clearly and slowly, to allow for interpretation.
Public engagement is critical to the CPUC process.
And at today's meeting, the public will have the opportunity
to make public comment by telephone. If you wish to
make a public comment by telephone, please dial 1-800-
857-1917, and enter passcode 9899501#, and press *1.
You will be placed in a queue and the operator
will take your name and information. You will then
be called upon to speak when we get to the Public Comment
period in today's Agenda. Please note, that if there
are many callers the wait may be long. If you encounter
difficulties calling into the public telephone line.
Please email: votingmeetinghelp@cpuc.
ca.gov For those who are not able to provide oral
public comments at today's public voting meeting or
otherwise wish to provide more lengthy comments. I
want to remind you of the option to submit written
comments. Written comments can be sent to us in 2
ways. One, via an online form found in each Proceedings
online docket card. Or two directly to our Public Advisors
Office at public.advisor@cpuc.
ca.gov More information about providing comments
can be found on our website or you may email our Public
Advisors Office. And again, that email address is
public.advisor@cpuc.ca.
gov Or you may call 1-866-849-8390. All right, I did
want to start by taking a moment to recognize. That
last week, May 8 - May 12 was Public Service
Recognition Week. Designated to honor and recognize
those who work for state, federal and local government.
President Biden issued a Proclamation in commemoration.
Noting that there's an obligation to support our public
servants, and to recognize and value their commitment
and sacrifice. And here in California, the Governor
thanked California's dedicated public servants for
their work for all Californians. At the CPUC, Executive
Director Peterson sent a note of thanks and to, and
to celebrate public service. I wanted to take a moment
as well, to say thank you before we begin the meeting
today. Thank you to all of the CPUC employees.
For your tireless efforts, your dedication to your
work and your eagerness to serve the State of California.
There's so much going on. Whether it means ensuring
the safety of our transportation infrastructure, moving
towards our clean energy future, protecting consumers,
ensuring clean and reliable water or providing broadband
for all. And I do want to specifically thank the many
Staff across all our divisions. Who have been working
on Summer Reliability efforts. To keep the lights on
this Summer, and to ensure the health and safety of
Californians. Extreme weather and climate change have
put us to the test and our staff, Staff has stepped
up to the challenges before us. Often, very often putting
in extra hours on fast deadlines and service. As an
example later today our, in our management report.
We'll be reporting out on the cross cutting Summer
preparedness efforts we're undertaking. So to all the
Staff, your jobs are incredibly important and rarely
recognized. So thank you again.
And with that, we'll now go to Public Comment. Um, I
have a few instructions before we start and then the
operator will open up the public comment telephone
line. If you wish to make a public comment by telephone,
and you have already dialed into the public comment
telephone line. Please press *1 and unmute your
phone. The public can make comments addressing items
on the Consent and Regular Agenda, as well as items
not on the Agenda. CPUC rules do not allow for
parties in Proceedings to speak about Open Proceedings.
All speakers will have 1 minute to speak. You will
hear a bell sound when your time is up. Please be mindful
of other speakers waiting to speak and keep to your
allotted time. As a reminder, please speak clearly
and slowly to accommodate our Spanish interpreters.
With that guidance in mind, I welcome today's speakers.
And I will ask the Operator to open the public comment
telephone line. Operator?
Thank you. The public comment telephone line is now
open. For those on the phone, if you wish to speak during
the public comment period. Please unmute your phone,
press *1, and record your first and last name
slowly and clearly when prompted. Our first caller
is Richard Skaff. You may go ahead.
Thank you. Can you hear me? My name is Richard Skaff.
I'm the Executive Director of the 501(c)(3)
nonprofit called, Designing Accessible Communities.
I first want to say I resent the fact that we are
only allowed one minute. On issues that affect many
lives negatively. Um, we need to be, uh the public needs
to be heard and 1 minute isn't adequate for that.
You have a responsibility to protect ratepayers
in the areas of water, broadband, transportation and
electricity. And in almost all of those that I've been
following, um we are less than protected the public,
that you're supposed to be protecting. It is outrageous
that um, the um CPUC Commissioners are considering
using language. That will reduce the um, descriptive
responsibility PG&E has for the Zogg Fire. I
find it absolutely unacceptable, and am asking by
my comments. That you not um, take that step. But in fact,
hold PG&E fully responsible for starting the Zogg Fire.
I also ask that the PUC start doing what they have been
asked to do. And that is protect ratepayers in all aspects.
Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
Our next caller is Greg Morris, you may go ahead.
Hello, uh.
Hello, President and Commissioners. Thank you very
much for the opportunity today. My name is Greg Morris,
I'm the Director of the Green Power Institute. And I'm
actually calling in regards to SB1109. Legislation
that was passed and signed into law last year. It's
the uh, California Renewable Portfolio Standard Program
Bioenergy Projects. I just want to encourage you to
take steps to enact this important law. Thank you very
much. Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
And before we go to the next caller. Again, if you would
like to make a comment, please unmute your phone. Press
*1, and record your first and last name slowly
and clearly when prompted. Our next caller is Tyler
Lalaguda. You may go ahead.
Uh, good morning Commission. This is Tyler Lalaguda calling
once again, from the Zogg Fire zone up here in Shasta
County. Um, I would like to thank the Commission for
um, their uh resolve in moving forward with the resolutions
as offered before the Commission today. Um, and request
to get approval on the Consent calendar. Um, I believe there
may be a clerical error. With respects to the Agenda
Items that exhibits its mark. I'll probably anticipate
following up with a, a letter confirming a such clerical
error. And uh with that again, I would thank the Commission
and uh looking forward to seeing the approval on the
Consent calendar. Again, this is Tyler Lalaguda up here on the
Zogg Fire matter. Thank you. Thank you. Operator, next caller
please.
Our next caller is Brandon Ruderman, you may go ahead.
Yeah, hi. This is Brandon Rittiman. I'm a reporter with
ABC10 here in Sacramento. I had previously reached
out to the Communications Office for a comment on this
Zogg Fire settlement. And I just ask that you please
consider as you take your vote today. I know it's on
the Consent calendar and that's usually handled in
the batch, often with minimal discussion. Um, that you consider
answering the question that I sent into the Communications
Office. Which essentially is why does the Commission
believe that it is appropriate to settle the Zogg Fire, without
an admission of wrongdoing by PG&E? And I'm looking
for your thinking and/or why you think it is a just
or moral or whatever outcome you would like to describe
it as? Thank you so much. Thank you. Operator, next
caller please.
We have no additional callers in queue at this time.
But again, if you would like to make a comment, please
press *1.
All right, we'll pause for a moment to see if there's
anyone else waiting to get in the queue.
Our next caller is Walter Park, you may go ahead.
Uh, thank you. I'm Walter Park. I'm uh, consumer and
ratepayer in San Francisco. Uh, I read the ABC10 article
by Brandon Rittiman. I didn't see a line in there, that
wasn't true. Um, the Zogg Fire, you know, whether it's
vast incompetence. Which I don't believe it is or corruption
or flagrant neglect, criminal neglect. I don't know
what to call it, but there are 100 people who are dead
as a result of PG&E's failings, since the San
Bruno fire many years ago. You remember when they had
the rent the entire (inaudible) to try to find their
own records. And now we're hearing again oh, it was
a loss of recordkeeping. That we just lost track of
that tree, that then created the fire that then killed
4 more people. The public outrage about this is
palpable. And I think Commissioners, I would like to
see a majority of the Commissioners frankly resign
in protest. And if you don't resign in protest, that
forgiving another multi $100 million fee, fine. Then
you should be recalled. Thank you.
Thank you. Operator, next caller please.
And I show no additional callers at this time. But again
that is *1, if you would like to make a comment.
Our next caller is Michael Aguirre, you may go ahead.
Good morning. Um, PG&E is a criminal enterprise
engaged in a pattern of criminal behavior. Costing the
lives and property of Californians.
The CPUC's response at, not at the Staff level but
at the uh, officer level. Has been to weaken the law
and weaken enforcement. And now you are literally on
a downward death spiral. Each time, each time PG&E's conduct
is found to have killed and injured. You're weaker
and weaker in your response. Those members of the Board,
you may feel that you're above the law and you will
not be held accountable. But your day of reckoning
will come and you will eventually be held accountable.
If not in criminal court in some other capacity. For
those of the Staff, please speak out. Please reach
out to the media, help California.
And it appears Mr. Aguirre's line has disconnected. All right.
No additional callers, I'm sorry. We have no additional
callers in queue at this time. But again, *1 to make
a comment.
I think, I think is it true? Is there no one else
on the line, Operator?
Correct, no one else in queue at this time. Okay, great.
Um, with no one else on the line for public comment.
The Public Comment period is now closed.
Um, I will now turn to the Public Agenda. And these are
the the changes to today's Public Agenda. Items 2, 4
and 16 are held to the June 8, 2023 Voting Meeting.
Item 3 has been withdrawn. Item 5 has been held
to the June 29, 2023 Voting Meeting. Item 44 has
been moved to Consent. We'll now take up this Consent
Agenda and I'll start by asking for a motion on the
Consent Items.
So moved. Motion by Commissioner Reynolds. Um, is there
a second?
I'll second the motion. All right. We have a motion
and a second for the Consent Agenda. Agenda Clerk,
could you please call the roll? Commissioner Douglas? Aye.
Commissioner John Reynolds? Yes. Commissioner Houck? Yes.
Commissioner Shiroma?
Aye. President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 5-0. The
Consent Agenda has been approved. I'll now move to
Item 45 on the Regular Agenda. Item 45 is an order
instituting rulemaking which opens a proceeding to
update and amend GO 131-D. Pursuant to Senate Bill
529 related to electrical transmission facilities. GO
131-D was originally adopted by the commission in 1970,
and it was last updated in 1995. Since then, there have
been significant changes in technologies that connect
to the grid, the configuration of the grid and California's
climate goals. This new rulemaking would implement
changes mandated by SB529. And consider additional
modifications, to modernize the rules governing the
Commission's review of transmission and generation
projects. Pursuant to SB529, the OIR would propose
modifications to GO 131-D. To no longer require a certificate
of public convenience or necessity or CPCN. When
an investor and utility expands or upgrades an existing
transmission line or substation. Instead IOU's would
be authorized to use a more streamlined permit to construct
process or claim an eligible exemption. The OIR also
proposes to modify GO 131D to create a process for
permitting battery storage projects. Provide the Commission
with better information for electrical infrastructure
projects. Increase cost transparency for all projects
subject to GO 131-D, better align GO 131 with other Commission
orders. Um, the Commission's climate goals will require
a significant build up out of infrastructure at the
transmission and substation level. And updated rules
that streamline upgrades and modifications of the existing
transmission infrastructure. Will contribute to timely
construction of renewable generation resources. And
distributed energy resources, such as charging for electrical
vehicle fleets. This OIR will both fulfill a statutory
mandate and help to modernize GO 131-D. To facilitate
the achievement of California's climate goals, contribute
to reliability and control costs for customers. So
I do support the proposed OIR. And I will now
turn to my fellow Commissioners for comment. Uh, Commissioner
Houck? Thank you, President Reynolds. Um, so this new
electric transmission planning OIR, as you stated.
Is an important step to addressing issues such as cost,
permitting, battery storage projects, CEQA and local government
collaboration and coordination. As, as you indicated,
SB529 directs the Commission to update General Order
131-D. And authorizes investor-owned utilities to use
the permit. To construct, process ,to seek approval to
construct. An extension expansion upgrade or modification
of a transmission line or substation within existing
easements. SB529 provides that the investor-owned
utilities will not be required to obtain a certificate
of public convenience or necessity. When seeking approval
to construct. As is currently the case for transmission
facilities above um, 20KB for these modifications. The
Commission, um has been an active participant in NARUC.
And um as such, I am 1 of 10 Commissioners appointed
by FERC. That participates in the Federal State Transmission
Planning Task Force known as the FERC/NARUC Task Force. And um, I serve
as again, 1 of 10 Commissioners, 2 Commissioners
representing the West. And um, I'm very familiar with the
transmission constraints and needs and strategy that's
being discussed at both the national and state level
on how to address these constraints. And I believe
that the work of this new Proceeding is going to play
an important role in achieving those goals. In working
towards um, meeting our West wide needs particularly California
needs. And um, achieving the transmission that we're going
to have to have in order to um, meet our reliability needs.
Ensure that we can minimize cost for the transmission
upgrades that are going to be needed, and ensure that
we're able to meet our clean energy goals. And um, our
goal is to adopt um a new 131, uh GO 131-D. That will better
address the needs of the State of California and its
residents. Be consistent with SB529, other applicable
laws policies and federal regulatory Commission orders.
As well as provide clearer, more efficient and consistent
process um, for applicants and um parties participating in
our Proceedings. So I'm looking forward um, to seeing what
we're able to achieve through the rulemaking. I want
to thank Administrative Law Judge, Cathy Fogel and all
of the Staff that contributed to preparing the
rulemaking. And again, look forward to seeing how this
rulemaking will contribute to expediting transmission
authorization. In a manner that provides for new resources
to come online. Further our clean energy goals and lower
costs for ratepayers.
Thank you, Commissioner Houck. Uh, Commissioner Douglas?
Um thank you, President Reynolds. I just briefly wanted
to offer my thanks as well to Judge Fogel and Energy
Division Staff. Who developed the proposed decision
and the options for moving forward. And I also speak
in support of this item. Um, I like the preliminary
scope focusing on implementation of SB529, as well
as other important matters. Such as increasing transparency
around costs, permitting of battery storage projects
and the Commission's role as CEQA lead agency. And
I'm very hopeful that this Proceeding will result in
providing the Commission with more ability. To help
the state meet its ambitious climate and clean energy
goals and help support reliability over the long term.
As I think we all know the 2021 Joint Agency
SB100 Report. Developed jointly by the California Public
Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission
and the Air Resources Board. Presented a number of possible
scenarios for California's future. Um, including a scenario
that was, that formed the basis of the CAICO's first ever
20 year transmission outlook. And provided a real preview
of some of the longer term grid requirements and options.
For meeting the need for the build out of the clean
power sector here. Um, some of the takeaways that I
think um, many of us are familiar with. Are that to reach
the 2045 target with electrification of other sectors
in line with our climate goals. We'll need to roughly
triple our current electricity grid capacity. We'll
need to expand clean energy generation capacity at
a record breaking rate. Really year after year, um
for the foreseeable future. And on average, that's
looking like up to 6 gigawatts of new renewable and
storage resources annually. It's going it, of course
we all know transmission build out is what makes all
of that um, possible. It's, it's very important for
us to be looking ahead. Understanding what transmission
is most critically needed and then having the tools
to do our part. To move it forward in a responsible
way. And so I, I'm in support of this moving forward
and just appreciate it. Uh, being brought forward to
us today.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas. Commissioner
Reynolds?
Thank you, President Reynolds. I would like to recognize
Judge Cathy Fogel for leading the development of the
OIR. Along with AC, Kimberly Kim and Judge Sophia Park.
I would like to thank the whole team along with uh,
Jack Mulligan, John Forsythe and Elaine Sison-Lebrilla for briefing my
office earlier this week. This rulemaking is an important
step that recognizes the need to speed up permanent
processes. To support the resource and transmission
development. As has been noted that is required to
meet our state climate goals. Notably, it also scopes
in consideration of process for providing greater cost
transparency. And I see the prospect of this is a clear
win for all Californians. I will be supporting this
item.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Reynolds. Commissioner Shiroma?
Thank you, President Reynolds. I also support this
Order Instituting Rulemaking. As outlined by the other
Commissioners are strong environmental policies and
they must be very strong. Including increasing electric
generation uh, uh electrification opportunities, uh
renewable resources. All of these tools to meet greenhouse
gas is actually objective. This does create an unprecedented
need for grid modernization. Including expansions,
upgrades, modifications and creation of new lines. This
OIR will consider how we achieve our renewable goals
while supporting the streamlining of the construction
process, while also meeting CEQA standards. I look
forward to following the important issues that will
be considered in the OIR. And I also add my thanks
to Judge Fogel and the team. Uh, for this uh important work on
the OIR. I support it, thank you.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Shiroma. Okay. With that,
I would like to ask for a motion on Item 45. I
move that we adopt Item 45. Okay. We have a Commissioner,
a motion by Commissioner Houck. Is there a second?
Second. Second from Commissioner Douglas. Uh, with
a motion and a second on Item 45. Agenda Clerk, could
you please call the roll?
Commissioner Douglas? Aye. Commissioner John Reynolds. Yes.
Commissioner Houck? Yes. Commissioner Shiroma?
Aye. President Alice Reynolds? Yes. The vote is 5-0. The item
passes. We will now move to Agenda Item 46. Uh, Item
46 is Management Report on Administrative Actions and
Consumer Protection and Safety Activities. And today,
we do have a management report to be presented. So
I will turn to Executive Director, Rachel Peterson to
present on Reliability and Resilient Safeguards for
Extreme Climate Events. Ms. Peterson? Thank you very
much, President Reynolds. Quick sound check. I'm coming
through, okay? You sound great. All right, good morning
everyone. Thank you so much for the opportunity, President
Reynolds and Commissioners to present to you today.
It is May, we are just ahead of the Summer season. And
so I thought that it's a good time for us to provide
you with this briefing on our preparations here at
the Staff, by the Staff of the CPUC. For
what may be in store for California this Summer. Um,
so first slide, please.
So I have framed this in the form of safeguards and
I'll be talking about 5 safeguards today. First,
our preparedness for extreme heat. Second, for public
safety power shut offs. That are a mitigation tool to
reduce utility ignited welfare risk. The hazard of
this year that is unique, the risk of flooding. Then
a touch on all hazards preparation by all the industries
that we regulate. And then last our senior leaderships
emergency preparedness. Next slide, please.
So we at the CPUC are part of California's
all front mission. To ensure first and foremost that
we have enough power during extreme heat events. And
that is because losing power in and of itself creates
a public safety and a public health emergency. And
so a major part of what we are doing right now is
to work with our state partners to ensure that California
has enough electricity for summer of 2023. Next slide
please.
This means that right now we are working to increase
electricity supply through our procurement orders especially
generation and storage together. We're working with
the Energy Commission today to get customers enrolled
in load shifting programs that will operate during
emergency conditions. And we're working closely with
a number of state partners. As you can see on the slide
about how resources will be dispatched across the grid
in extreme conditions. Next slide, please.
We also have um, oversight over generation plants along
with new citation authority. And so another area of
ensuring sufficient electricity supply is that we are
working right now. To make sure that those generation
plants are getting ready to keep their plant operations
going, including when conditions are extreme. They're
checking their protocols and we're making sure that
they can address any unplanned outage as rapidly as
possible. Including giving the state that very important
piece of information, which is when can they bring
their plants back online when we're all experiencing
those extreme conditions? We're also making sure that
utilities are connecting with local governments and
emergency responders about the unplanned outages and
reliability issues that have been happening over the
last two summers. We held a workshop on March 17,
and you can see El Dorado County Supervisor Laurie
Parlin's quote there on the slide. Which I think really
encapsulates the public safety impact of losing electricity.
Next slide, please.
The next safeguard all addressed is ensuring that electric
utilities are prepared to safely execute public safety
power shut off. It is a wildfire risk mitigation tool
As I mentioned at the outset. But I want to equally
emphasize what the CPUC has emphasized to electric
utilities now across several years. That we have an
expectation that they must grasp and mitigate the public
safety impact of shutting off power. It is a tool that
is useful in terms of welfare, risk mitigation, but
it is in itself also a public safety impact at the
same time.
We did get a small reprieve in weather events in 2022
But we are also preparing now for 2023. If you'll go
to the next slide, please. And this slide lists a number
of actions that we're taking right now to ensure that
preparedness. The electric utilities briefed you Commissioners
about the 2022 season and their lessons learned on
April 18. And you heard from affected local governments
as well. Right now is the season of preparation. They
are conducting tabletop and full scale exercises. They're
monitoring extended weather forecasts, ensuring that
they have an understanding of where customers are,
especially medical baseline customers. Providing advanced
support like backup batteries and working with the
state wide access and functional needs leadership.
These are all pursuant to the public safety power shut
off guidelines and rules that we at the Commission
have set in place over the last several years. We've
also started our series of preparatory discussions.
We host monthly preparation meetings with Cal Fire
CAL OES, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety.
The electric utilities and telephone service providers
to ensure that everybody has open lines of communication.
And are preparing all the ways that they need to inform
particularly the Office of Emergency Services when
they begin to um, execute PSPS events.
All right. Next slide, please.
We also have a unique historical hazard facing us this
year in 2023. The historic snow pack that is at 300%
of average levels that brings with it a heightened
risk of flooding. Um you know, very well, the series
of Winter storms that brought up this snow pack. Which
is in many ways, a good news story for California.
But now in turn, it creates its own compound effect
of what happens when it starts to melt. Next slide
please.
All of the industries that we regulate have to be prepared.
Because what with that enormous snow melt, what we
might have are overstressed, water resource and water
conveyance conditions. Um, that can in turn, uh with that
water melting. Can in turn affect and disrupt the infrastructure
that we regulate. Next slide, please.
And so what we've done is in um, uh within our conversations
with the electric utilities in particular. Uh, really
been monitoring them as far as what they are doing
to both monitor and prepare. Five of them at the moment
have reported that they do view this as a hazard that
they're preparing for. They have um, identified priority
areas that might be subject in particular at risk of
flooding. Um, and they are conducting enhanced monitoring
and they're staying in close contact with the, um
agencies that themselves are doing forecasts of how
the snowpack is melting.
Next slide, please.
All right. And now kind of broadening out from those
more specific, uh, safeguards and risks that we're
facing. We are also um, we are a multi agency. We
regulate several industries and also we have been um
ourselves preparing and asking the regulated industries
to prepare for all hazards. And you know, just in our
very recent history. We in California have experienced
compound hazards that um really do play off of each
other and increase the public safety impact. Just in
August 2020, we experienced a heat wave, lightning induced
wildfire complexes, rotating electricity outages, the
air quality impact of wildfire smoke and all alongside
the significant public safety um situation of COVID-19.
Uh, so just in case anyone thinks that this, these are
uh too many hazards to think about, they have all happened
in very recent memory in California. Next slide, please.
And so some of the actions we're taking to prepare
and prepare the industries for all hazards. Um, specifically
with Tribal communities. You Commissioners participated
in the March 1st Smoke, Air, Fire and Energy Symposium
at Blue Link Rancheria. Where there was an interagency
discussion about um Tribal preparedness. And we are
continuing that discussion with some of our agency
partners to really focus on tribal resilience um in
their um in tribal areas around the state. We're also
reviewing the emergency response plans that all regulated
entities are required to have pursuant to our General
Order 166. We held a Spring preparedness seminar in
order to bring some state and federal experts into
contact with the electric utilities. Again, to make sure
that they are all aware of best practices in emergency
notification and emergency response. Next slide, please.
And this is just a little bit about the CPUC's own preparation
related to these all hazards events. We have really
built up our GIS, our geographic information systems
mapping and analysis uh, capabilities recently. In the
last couple of years, we've proposed some uh, increases
in those in that capability to the Legislature and
with the Legislature's approval. We've gotten new Staff,
new licenses and new capabilities in house. And so
one thing that we're doing is ourselves identifying
both infrastructure that can be impacted by one of
these catastrophes. And then also pursuant to our environmental
and social justice action plan. We are also mapping
climate vulnerable communities that can be impacted
by one of these disasters. That's all to understand
where these impacts can fall and then convey that information
internally. So that some of our programs can also consider
redirecting resources and helping prepare those communities
for that kind of um, climate driven disaster.
Next slide, please.
And over the next couple of slides, I'll speak a little
bit about how our other industries are also preparing
or we are preparing those industries for these different
events. On this slide, I'll actually talk about water
first. Our Water Division has ensured that all 9
large IOUs investor-owned utilities are enrolled
in Load reduction programs already so that they're
ready for the Summer. We're also because we regulate
um, 90 plus small and medium utilities. We are really
looking at their ability to mitigate risk including
their emergency preparedness. Um the scale of those
utilities can run from very small to medium. And so
it is definitely a um, an area where we really want
to make sure that they are as prepared as possible.
And so we've got those open lines of communication
between us and the utilities, the uh state Water Resources
Control Board. Um local government and the trade association
California Water Association. Then turning to communications.
The Commission adopted a 72 hour backup power requirement
for uh, telecommunications services providers who have
facilities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 high fire threat
districts. Um my PSA today, to any telecommunications
service provider who's listening. Is that, that remains
an active and very live expectation. Um, that you are
actively ensuring that your sites are backed up with
those generators. If you'll go to the next slide, we
wanted to show a photo of what a resilient site looks
like. So this is resilient because it has primary back
haul uh, technology using fiber. It has a secondary
backup with microwaves that's the circled in red uh
towards the top of the facility on the left. It has
a mobile generator that's circled in red towards the
right hand bottom corner of the left photo. And then
it also has a surveillance camera that's shown in the
other photo right there. So we just wanted to show
a demonstration of what this resilience looks like
on the ground. Next slide, please.
I'm not seeing the next slide yet. Can we move?
There we go. Thank you. Thank you. Our Rail and Passenger
Transportation Divisions have preparedness roles going
on right now. You can see from this uh the slide here
the photo on the slide that um we do worry a lot
about rail, um bending and curving. And so we have a
continuous welded rail regulatory standard. And our
rail team is out there making sure that, um the railroads
are abiding by that standard and fixing any problems
ahead of both hot weather and cold weather. They are
also out there ensuring that this is related to the
flooding risk as well. Ensuring that railroads are
clearing debris and vegetation from the culverts and
bridges around their tracks. Our Passenger Transportation
team has a significant role just in preparedness. They've
been ready over the last couple of Summers with a list
of active transportation providers that CAL OES could
call on if an emergency is needed to get people from
one place to another or get emergency responders from
one place to another. Next slide, please.
And then last, I just want to focus on the Senior Activation
Team within the CPUC. We have significantly expanded
our own emergency preparedness, skills and understanding
and capabilities. Um, and it's in the form of a Senior
Activation Team who is mobilized by me when we are
needed in order to respond in support of the California
Governor's Office of Emergency Services. I want to
point out that it is very important to know that we
are in support of CAL OES. We are going and
working and responding to where they call us during
an emergency. And that's just really important during
a catastrophe. For an agency that does have broad authority
like we do. To know that we are part of that overall
incident command hierarchy. Uh, having that open line
with OES, and um going where they direct us doing
what they direct us to do. Next slide, please. And I
just wanted to show here that our Senior Activation
Team, the really the goal is to make sure that lines
of communication inside the Commission are clear. That
what everybody is looking at is uh understood. So that
and then we have a common operating picture. So that
when everybody is communicating with each other, we're
all reporting back to each other on what we see, what
we know. And what we're being asked to look at and just
establishing that kind of common understanding. I have
found to be very helpful. I've activated the Senior
Team probably a dozen times in the last couple of years.
Because of the range of emergencies that California
has faced. That are affecting our regulated industries
And President Reynolds, you and deputy executive director
were at the heart of the emerge state's emergency response
last Summer. And I, we had the Senior Activation Team
supporting your role at the heart of that response.
So I hope it was a helpful and organized and clear
way for us to support your work. As you were there in
Sacramento helping the State respond to the heat wave.
Um that concludes my presentation. Thank you very much
for the opportunity to brief you today on everything
that's going on at the Staff level. To prepare for Summer
2023. Back to you, President Reynolds. Thank you very
much, Executive Director Peterson. Um, we will take
a moment just for brief comments or questions. Um, I
I wanted to reflect on, first of all, just the extent
of the work here. And I really appreciate everyone's
involvement in, uh their response efforts. And then
also recognizing the point that you made towards the
end of your presentation. That this is really part of
a larger effort. And so we think about our peace and
the peace of our regulated entities very carefully.
But it's also part of a larger landscape and in particular
the work that our the work with respect to reliability
of electrical services. The work are retail providers
do the CCAs, the electric service providers and the
utilities. To make sure they're procuring enough energy
to cover their load is also done together with the
state's strategic reliability reserve. Which is on
hand for it to be used in emergencies. Given that we
have experienced extreme events caused by climate change
in the past. We expect them to come again and we need
to be ready. Um so, and then I also appreciated the
point that you made on vulnerable communities and mapping
those communities. Because we know that when these events
occur, it's our most vulnerable who are hit the hardest.
And so I really appreciate the attention that you described
Director Peterson. On making sure that those communities
are front and center in the efforts of our regulated
entities and in our efforts as regulators. Um So let
me see if anybody has any comments? Okay. Uh, Commissioner
Shiroma, I'll go to you first. Thank you, President Reynolds.
Uh, thank you Rachel for the excellent presentation.
Uh, really laying out all of the activities and efforts
they are essential. Um, I know that in terms of being
prepared, there's been a lot of practice sessions that's
always very important. Uh, and uh as President Reynolds
(inaudible), it really was an eye to our most vulnerable
population. The Commission's um, representative on the
Low-Income Oversight Board which focuses in on the
energy and water, uh low-income customers. Uh, there's
al they also hear about the uh wifi, which is the discount
program for uh phone service. For uh, keeping in communication
when, when is needed, very dire and very important
for low-income customers. And I'm pleased that throughout
these years oversight board has also been kept in the loop
on these activities. And have, uh provided a feedback
as well. So, thank you and uh, look forward to working
together, uh to uh, uh, quote whether the, whether
the Summer and Fall. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Shiroma.
Um, Commissioner Houck?
Yeah I, I also just wanted to thank you for the presentation
and all the excellent work over the, the last two years.
I've done a number of site visits with um, some of
our utilities. And um, have been very impressed with
um, our Staff oversight and involvement. The work that
the IOUs are doing. And uh, the Senior Activation
Team that you reference. I felt really helped the Commissioners
informed when things were happening. There was a daily
report out. You were really great about responding
to questions. Just on top of everything and really impressed
with all of the divisions and all of the work that
you spearheaded. Along with the Deputy Directors, particularly
Leuwam Tesfai. And again, I also appreciated that the
presentation included some of the emergency issues
for Tribal communities. Because I think there's still
some work that needs to be done there. When emergencies
happen in some of those very rural Tribal communities.
that have limited resources. And it's, it's good to
see that we're, we're looking out for that. And trying
to address that as well. But just really want to commend
you and Staff for the excellent work that you've done.
And the priority that, that you've made this work.
Great. Thank you. Any other? Commissioner Douglas?
I don't have too much to add. But just to add on
to the, thanks for the tremendous amount of work for
getting ready for the Summer. It, it really does take
a lot of time, and a lot of effort, and a lot
of coordination and it's so important. Hopefully, we
we will have a great summer and it won't get, we won't
have any wild heat waves. And, and we won't need to
fall back on these strategies and, and this preparation.
But um, hope isn't a plan and so having a plan and
having the effort underway is important. And so I appreciate
you taking the time to do it.
And Commissioner Reynolds? Thank you. And I, I will
echo everyone. Thanks for uh, the presentation, the very
timely presentation from Executive Director Peterson.
As well as, all the work that's been going on throughout
the agency. To support Summer readiness and in partnership
with uh with our sister agencies. I really appreciate
the reminder. That, um, you know, we often are talking
about electric system reliability and the suite of
work that we're doing to support that. Um, Summer heat
waves and climate change are impacting all the industries
we regulate. And, and something like working of, of
train tracks is, is not necessarily something that
um, you know, we think about any heat wave of events.
In the way that we're, we're thinking about electric
system reliability. But it is every bit as much, um
you know, critical safety responsibility that we have.
To make sure that the um, the train companies we regulate
are prepared and maintain their track in such a way
as to prevent the incidents. Much like we expect, um
the electric industry to be prepared for the incidents
that we've recently seen. Thanks again for the presentation.
Thanks. All right. That concludes Commissioner Remarks.
Um, thank you very much um, Executive Director Peterson.
Now going to uh, the next agenda item which is Commissioner
Reports. Um, so let's see. I will ask for a volunteer
for someone who'd like to go first for their Commissioner
Report.
How about Commissioner Shiroma?
Thank you, President Reynolds. I have several, uh
reports today. Uh yesterday, I had the opportunity
to speak at the 2023 Microgrid Knowledge Conference in Anaheim.
It was very well attended with over 600 attendees.
I gave the closing key note. It brought together industry
innovators and practitioners. Uh, and I was able to
share the accomplishments of the Commission's Microgrid
Policy and Proceeding Initiative. Including equity through
our newly adopted Microgrid Incentive Program. I also
heard very positive feedback about the Microgrid
team uh and appreciation for uh the, uh in the Microgrid
Team. Uh, the conference wrapped up with the Greater
Goods Award, all awardees included a Microgrid in Nepal.
Providing energy to our children's housing and the
Redwood Coast Airport. That kept operating in the aftermath
of the earthquake last December. Uh, and uh the conference
will be in Baltimore next year. But I also, I want
to share that. Our Western Conference of Public Service
Commissioners is around the corner. We are anticipating
almost 400 attendees that doesn't include speakers.
Registration is closed and I have to say that um, we
are expecting double what we had anticipated. So that's
a good thing. I think the location in Napa and then
also our very uh good family topics that are up for
the conference. Uh We attracted folks not only from
California but all over the West and the U.S. The panels
will be ranging from topics dealing with wildfire um,
and mitigation of catastrophic events. We just heard
from Rachel, about what the CPUC is doing to prepare
learning from experiences uh over the past few years.
Also preventing water failure. We have talk about cybersecurity,
broadband and learning the (inaudible)of energy. Uh, the conference
will convene State Commissioners, governmental officials
and industry uh, representatives from across the West
and the U.S. Uh, the conference moderators include all
of our CPUC Commissioners and many Commissioners
from across the West. And uh now, uh our opening ceremony
uh session will include Governor Newsman's Travel Affairs
Secretary, Christina Snyder. And many thanks to Commissioner Houck for
facilitating that uh her, her um attending our opening
uh session and welcoming uh attendees. And also this
month May is Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month. Uh, and the it is uh, a time of year
but we, we celebrate our diversity all year round.
But it is um the time of year when we highlight the
diverse tapestry of Asian-Americans and Native Hawaiian,
Pacific Islanders. And celebrate their contributions
not only in California, but across the U.S. Uh later
this month, our employee resource group uh plans to
host two lunch and learns for our employees. Uh The
topics that are being worked on are: traveling experiences
in Asia or Hawaii, and the contribution of the Chinese
workers on the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Uh, wrapping it in May of 1869 a tremendous contribution,
and we have uh many Californians, employees of CPUC.
Who have of the workers who uh, were invaluable in building
the railroad. Uh, we have a wide range of Asian and
Pacific Islander. Um, uh
people here in California that bring a rich cultural
heritage. Uh there are still hate crimes occurring.
We've seen an increase in hate crimes, which is so
unfortunate and sad. Uh, it's important that we look
out for each other, uh for one another and look forward
to the future of healing and strength and appreciation.
My last report is that I'm pleased to announce that
I have a new advisor joining my team. Rita Mizell. Rita is
an attorney uh and joined the Commission in 2021. Where
she has worked in the legal division, litigating rate
case proceedings and transmission matters for the Public
Advocates. Prior to joining the Commission, Rita was
a policy and program manager at Los Angeles County's
Footheld transit and managed Zero Emission Bus programs.
To support uh California Air Resources Board Innovative
Clean Transit Mandate. Prior to that, Rita was in Illinois
serving as a legal and policy advisor for a Commissioner
at the Illinois Commerce Commission. And while there
she uh, worked on issues involving transportation rectification,
energy storage, renewable energy and gas line, uh gas
pipeline safety. Uh Rita obtained her Bachelor of Arts
degree in Political Science from the University of
Illinois in Chicago. And attended law school at DePaul
University College of Law. In her free time, Rita enjoys
hiking with her husband Michael and her dog buddy and
trying out new dessert recipes. So join me and welcoming
Rita. Thank you and back to you President Reynolds. Wonderful.
Thank you Commissioner Shiroma. Um, who would like to go next?
Uh Commissioner Houck?
Thank you. Um first, I just wanted to um commend Commissioner
Shiroma for her leadership and moving the decision that
was on our Consent Agenda today forward. Regarding the
process for creation of low-income customer concurrent
um applications for ESA forward. I, I just wanted to
recognize that. Um, the decision is critically important
to streamlining the customer application process, particularly
for low-income customers and creating equitable programs.
This is only one step in the effort to embed equity
into our programs and low-income customer participation.
And making sure that the application process is simple
and accessible is going to be important to the success
of our program. So although the decision adopted today
is the first step in moving us closer to achieving
these goals. It does put the process in motion and
I wanted to recognize that. And again, thank Commissioner
Shiroma and um all of the team. That that worked on getting
that across the finish line. Um, I also wanted to recognize
there was a number of MMIP or missing and murdered
indigenous people events. That occurred since our last
meeting. There was a prayer walk in Sacramento on April
29th, a vigil at the State Capitol on May 3rd. I think
it was the first State Capitol vigil of this kind. And
they lit the Capital up in red, in recognition of um
the families and victims of um, missing and murdered
indigenous people. So I wanted to acknowledge that
we also had a lunch and learn presentation from Morning
Star Deli. Who's the founder of Indigenous Justice.
And she presented on a number of issues including providing
some historical context for um,
California Native American, um circumstances, as well
as land back movements, MMIP. And also talked about
Tribal consultation and some important key factors
in conducting consultation. And she also mentioned
that there's going to be an MMIP event at San
Francisco City Hall on June 2, for anyone that wants
to participate in that. Um, I also want to note that
um at the beginning of the month. I had the honor and
privilege of participating in a rail safety visit down
in the Tehachapi area and got to see the loop. Um, I
joined Commissioner Douglas um, attended along with
one of her advisors. My chief of staff, Karen Sung
came with us. Deputy Director Pat Tsen and Roger Clugston led
the visit with his team. I really wanted to thank them.
They gave us an amazing visit. We got to go out and
see some of the things that they have to deal with
on a daily basis.
You know, examples of, you know, the trains are getting
longer and longer. Some of them they pointed out are
over three miles long. And when they get backed up
across railways, it's often in rural low-income areas.
And creates environmental justice concerns when people
can't cross those and they see people going under or
over because it can be a significant amount of time.
That those trains are blocking what may be the only
roadway across. So it was a really informative and
educational visit to see all of the critical things
that our Rail Division does every day. And how they
are really
the top notch team that are leading the way on Rail
Safety and really know what they're doing. And I just
want to commend them and thank them for the visit.
And it was just absolutely amazing to see the, the
Tehachapi loop and how that was constructed. And the work that
must have occurred to get that done is amazing. So
I would strongly encourage the other Commissioners
that have not gone to take that to make the time to
take that trip. It was great. And I just really want
to thank um Roger and Pat again for having us out
there. And um getting to see firsthand the amazing work
that our, our team, our team does. Um, and then um I
also just want to note the BEAD community engagement
events are continuing and ongoing. Um, I was able to
attend one in San Diego, uh last week in Sacramento.
I'll be in Los Angeles tomorrow and in Tulay on May
30. Please go to our website and see the list of
the remaining events, if you're interested and want
more information. There's been a tremendous turnout.
It was over 100 people at the Sacramento event. And
um we just had again, amazing turnout, lots of interest.
Um, and I just also want to thank and commend our, our
Communications Division Staff for the great work that
they're doing in partnership with California Department
of Technology. Um, and just um how pleased I am to see
these events being so successful. And then just last,
I want to note that, you know, last year CAISO set a
record with 100% renewable power generation on the
grid. Even though it was only for a short duration.
But we expected to see those durations and frequency
increase this year. On April 23, we again had a net
negative demand where wind and solar generation exceeded
100% of electric demand in California. And the duration
was longer than last year. And again, I think we should
expect to see these events continue in frequency and
duration as we move closer to our clean energy goals.
And just wanted to acknowledge that. And with that,
I will turn it back over to you President Reynolds.
Great. Thank you. Uh Let's see. Commissioner Reynolds?
Do you wanna go next? Yes. Um I had occasion a couple
of weeks ago to attend Stanford Energy Solutions Week.
Which brings together researchers in the sciences and
engineering disciplines who are focused on energy related
research. Primarily focused on um, moving from theory
to experiment and from the experimental stage uh with
an eye towards technologies. Um the research presented
was was wide ranging and fascinating. It was exciting
to see so many uh Science Engineering Researchers focused
on climate mitigation. We've heard about things from
uh, developing new algae. That have, uh easier
to harvest biofuels to techniques to reduce and reverse
the degradation of lithium ion batteries using heat.
All very exciting. And I, I hope that uh, we can see
some of these technologies come to fruition in the
future. And um, I will also just briefly note that I
have heard that the, it's great to hear again. I have
heard that the has to be uh real safety visit is a
wonderful one. I look forward to hopefully uh scheduling
a visit in the fall. Thank you. Great. Thank you, uh
Commissioner Douglas? Thank you, President Reynolds.
Um, I just briefly wanted to mention, first of all as
Commissioner Houck noted. Um, she and I and uh some of
our advisors took a really wonderful tour of the work
of the Rail Safety Division in um, in the Bakersfield
area. And we went to Tehachapi Pass and it was so amazing
to see just the level of really on the ground safety
work. That the PUC does. And to have a chance to meet
some of the Staff who oversee and do some of these
inspections. And um, just uh it's a very large effort.
There are so, so, so many miles of track in the State
of California and in the country. And they carry uh,
you know, obviously passengers but also cargo of all
kinds. And it's really important to keep those operations
running um safely. Uh, I had the opportunity also to
speak at the conference of California Public Utility
Council and that was in Santa Barbara. It was a nice
event and a nice opportunity for me to get to see a
lot of the practitioners who, who practice at the C
CPUC. Um took part in two Energy Commission workshops.
As did I know a number of you? Um, the um workshop
on Accelerating Clean Energy Interconnection to the
bulk grid and the one on summer reliability. And uh
also participated in a couple pre hearing conferences.
Um had the opportunity to participate or listen in
on a couple of the lunch and learn events that I find
quite valuable. I'm very much looking forward to this
next month um as well for the lunch and learn event.
And I think I think I'll, I'll kind of stop it there.
But um, thank you.
Great. Thank you, Commissioner Douglas. Um, I do have
a few items to report. Um, I want to start with um,
providing a report on the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit
that took place last week, May 8-10 in
Sacramento. Um, I have the honor of making the keynote
speech about the role of offshore wind in our State's
planning. And how it fits into our procurement landscape
and long term greenhouse gas reduction goals. There
was really a lot of excitement around how California
could become a global leader and a hub for offshore
wind development. Including development of new technologies
for floating offshore wind platforms. And there was
a great attendance at the conference with hundreds
of organizations, both local and uh, um individuals
or groups that traveled from overseas. Um, it really
was a recognition that offshore wind is becoming a
very real part of our future in California. So it was
an exciting summit. Um and then tomorrow, I will be
speaking at the California Community Choice Association's
Annual Conference called Powered By Community, and
that's in San Diego. It's a 3 day event that features
workshops on a variety of topics including state and
federal funding opportunities, offshore winds, the
role of hydrogen, infrastructure challenges and reliability
and affordability. So I'm looking forward to that event.
Um and then finally, I have some news that is very
exciting for me, a new advisor on my Staff. Um, so it's
wonderful news for me. Maybe not so wonderful for the
Energy Division. I wanted to announce that uh, Nick
Dahlberg, um who came from the Energy of Division. Joined
my office as an Energy Advisor. Uh, Nick joined the
CPUC's Energy Division in 2017 as an Analyst on the
Resource Adequacy and Procurement Oversight team. And
then in 2021 he joined the Retail Choice Team where
he served as the Lead Analyst on the power charge in
different adjustment proceeding. And he worked on a
number of issues, other issues while the CPUC including
resource adequacy compliance, retirement of coastal
natural gas power generators, PTIA market price benchmark
calculations, rules for community choice aggregation
and others. So he has a broad range of experiences
here at the CPUC. Prior to coming here to the Commission,
Nick worked for several years at the nonprofit Consortium
for Energy Efficiency and briefly at the Demand Response
firm uh Inner N. O. T. um or Innner Not. He holds a
Master of Science in Urban and Environmental Policy
and Planning and Economics from Tufts University and
a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis and Policy
and International Relations from Boston University.
So uh, please join me in welcoming Nick. And that concludes
my report. With that, that is the last item on our Agenda
today. And so it concludes the meeting. Uh, the public
meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission
is now adjourned. Thank you, everyone.
And this concludes today's conference. Thank you for
participating. You may disconnect at this time and
have.