California Public Utilities Commission Issues Regulatory Update on California Water Service Company's Request to Revoke Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

The California Public Utilities Commission has issued a regulatory update regarding California Water Service Company's (Cal Water) request to revoke its certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for its Millerton District and related relief. This decision stems from Cal Water's application filed on January 28, 2025, seeking authority to voluntarily revoke its CPCN for constructing and operating public utility water and wastewater systems in the Millerton District located near Friant, CA, in Madera County.

The regulatory update outlines the issues to be determined, including whether Cal Water may voluntarily revoke its CPCN, how this impacts existing ratepayers, and the need for an evidentiary hearing. The assigned Commissioner, Matthew Baker, and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Jamie Ormond, have determined that there are no material disputed facts, making an evidentiary hearing unnecessary.

Key Takeaways:

• The California Public Utilities Commission has issued a regulatory update regarding California Water Service Company's request to revoke its certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Millerton District.
• The request to revoke the CPCN was filed on January 28, 2025, seeking authority to voluntarily relinquish public utility responsibilities for the Millerton District.
• The issues to be determined include whether Cal Water may revoke its CPCN, the impact on existing ratepayers, and the necessity for an evidentiary hearing.
• The assigned Commissioner, Matthew Baker, and the ALJ, Jamie Ormond, have determined that an evidentiary hearing is not necessary due to the lack of material disputed facts.
• The proceeding will follow the electronic service protocol, and parties must serve documents and pleadings using electronic mail whenever possible.
• The Commission has also confirmed that this proceeding is a ratesetting case, which means ex parte communications are restricted and must be reported pursuant to Article 8 of the Rules.

Statistics:

• The California Public Utilities Commission received no protests to the application.
• The Commission granted Cal Water's request for a CPCN to provide public utility service to customers in a new development called the Preserve at Millerton on August 8, 2021.
• The proposed decision is expected to be filed no later than 90 days from the date of submission of the case.
• A customer who intends to seek an award of compensation must file and serve a notice of intent to claim compensation by June 7, 2025.

Sources:

• Application of California Water Service Company (U60W) for authority to voluntarily revoke its certificate of public convenience and necessity for its Millerton District and related relief.
• Resolution ALJ 176-3559, filed February 20, 2025.
• Decision 21-08-007, issued August 9, 2021.
• Public Utilities Code Section 1701.1 and Article 7 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules).