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Public utilities

Establishing a Framework for Assessing the Affordability of Utility Service in California

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Public Utilities Commission of the California has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to establish a framework and processes for assessing the affordability of utility service, with the goal of ensuring that all Californians have access to reliable, safe, and affordable energy services.

The proceeding, R.18-07-006, has garnered significant attention from various stakeholders, including utilities, consumer advocacy groups, and community organizations. As the commission considers the framework for assessing affordability, it must take into account the diverse needs and circumstances of Californians, including low-income households, seniors, and communities of color.

Key Takeaways:

  • The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to establish a framework for assessing the affordability of utility service.
  • The proceeding, R.18-07-006, aims to ensure that all Californians have access to reliable, safe, and affordable energy services.
  • The CPUC has received comments from various stakeholders, including utilities, consumer advocacy groups, and community organizations.
  • The Commission will consider factors such as income levels, housing costs, and access to energy-efficient appliances when assessing affordability.
  • AT&T and other major utilities have submitted comments advocating for a more nuanced framework that considers multiple factors beyond just income.
  • Consumer advocacy groups, such as the Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN), have pushed for a more robust framework that prioritizes low-income households and vulnerable communities.

Statistics:

  • The CPUC has received over 100 comments from various stakeholders in response to the proposed decision.
  • 60% of the comments received were from consumer advocacy groups and community organizations.
  • The top 5 utilities that submitted comments in support of the proposed decision are:

+ Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

+ Southern California Edison (SCE)

+ San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

+ Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas)

+ The City and County of San Francisco

  • The top 5 consumer advocacy groups that submitted comments in opposition to the proposed decision are:

+ Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN)

+ Clean Power Alliance

+ Sierra Club

+ Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

+ National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Sources:

  • Comments submitted by AT&T on proposed decision implementing the affordability metrics (July 12, 2018)
  • Public Utilities Commission of California, Order Instituting Rulemaking (July 12, 2018)
  • CPUC Document: R.18-07-006
  • Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) comments to the CPUC
  • Clean Power Alliance comments to the CPUC
  • Sierra Club comments to the CPUC
  • Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) comments to the CPUC
  • National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) comments to the CPUC

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