California Public Utilities Commission Update: Center for Accessible Technology's Response to PG&E Motion for Modification of Proceeding Schedule

Strategic Insights -

The California Public Utilities Commission has issued a regulatory update in response to Pacific Gas and Electric Company's motion for modification of the proceeding schedule. The Center for Accessible Technology filed a response to the motion on June 27, 2025, addressing three requests made by PG&E. While CforAT supports two of the requests, it opposes the third request, which seeks to hold an evidentiary hearing remotely. Instead, CforAT advocates for an in-person hearing at the Commission's offices in San Francisco.

Key Takeaways:

  • CforAT supports PG&E's request to set specific dates for a potential evidentiary hearing and to clarify the dates for a required meet-and-confer among the parties.
  • CforAT opposes PG&E's request to hold an evidentiary hearing remotely, citing difficulties in following the hearing and limited ability to evaluate the demeanor and presentation of witnesses.
  • CforAT recommends an in-person hearing at the Commission's offices in San Francisco, stating that it is more efficient for the Commission and other stakeholders.
  • Citizens Energy Corporation, an out-of-state entity involved in the application, has sufficient resources and interest to appear in California in support of the application.
  • CforAT objects to PG&E's suggestion of holding a remote hearing, citing the need for a more efficient and effective hearing process.
  • The hearing process will need to accommodate witness schedules, and CforAT suggests working cooperatively with PG&E and other parties to set the order of witnesses.
  • CforAT supports PG&E's request to correct an apparent error in the Scoping Memo regarding the meet-and-confer process.

Statistics:

  • 3 requests made by PG&E in its motion for modification of the proceeding schedule.
  • 2 requests supported by CforAT.
  • 1 request opposing PG&E's suggestion to hold a remote hearing.
  • 2 distinct dates proposed for the meet-and-confer process: September 12, 2025, and September 22-October 17, 2025.
  • 2 proposed dates for potential hearings: September 22-October 17, 2025.

Sources:

  • Before the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California
  • Center for Accessible Technology's Response to PG&E Motion for Modification of Proceeding Schedule, filed on June 27, 2025 (Marginal File No. A.24-03-009).
  • PG&E Motion to Modify Schedule, filed on June 18, 2025.
  • Email Ruling Shortening Period to Respond, issued on June 20, 2025.
  • Assigned Commissioner's Scoping Memo and Ruling, issued on May 6, 2025.
  • Protest of The Utility Reform Network, filed on March 3, 2025.