California Public Utilities Commission Initiates Rulemaking to Explore Clean Energy Financing Options

Strategic Insights -

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has launched an investigation to design clean energy financing options for electricity and natural gas customers. This effort comes as part of Rulemaking 20-08-022, which commenced on August 27, 2020. The CPUC is seeking input from various stakeholders, including consumer advocacy groups, renewable energy companies, and utility providers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CPUC has initiated a rulemaking process to investigate and design clean energy financing options for electricity and natural gas customers.
  • The effort is part of Rulemaking 20-08-022, which was filed on August 27, 2020.
  • The CPUC is seeking comments from various stakeholders, including the Center for Accessible Technology, the Utility Reform Network, National Consumer Law Center, and National Housing Law Project.
  • Parties involved in the rulemaking process include utility companies such as Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Gas Company, as well as renewable energy companies like Enerncue Solar Energy Industries Association and Mitsubishi Electric US.
  • The CPUC is considering alternative financing mechanisms, including on-bill proposals, to support the transition to clean energy.
  • The Investigative Officer for the rulemaking process is identified as Jeanne B. Armstrong, and the rulemaking is being led by Matthias Kurwig, Senior Counsel.

Statistics:

  • The CPUC has filed multiple parties in the rulemaking process, including 31 individuals and 23 organizations.
  • The filing deadline for comments is May 13, 2025, and the CPUC is expected to issue a final order by August 27, 2025.
  • The rulemaking process involves a review of existing financing mechanisms and the potential for on-bill proposals.

Sources:

  • Comments: BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Order Instituting Rulemaking to Investigate and Design Clean Energy Financing Options for Electricity and Natural Gas Customers Rulemaking 20-08-022 (Filed August 27, 2020).
  • Certificate of Service: I certify that I have served a true copy of COMMENTS OF CENTER FOR ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY, THE UTILITY REFORM NETWORK, NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER, AND NATIONAL HOUSING LAW PROJECT ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE'S RULING SEEKING COMMENTS ON TARIFF ON-BILL PROPOSALS, dated May 14, 2025.
  • Service Lists Proceeding: R2008022 - CPUC - OIR TO INVEST Filer: CPUC