Informational Webinars
Webinar: Keeping Water Affordable, Safe and Accessible
April 3, 2024 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Water Division staff will explain their role in providing affordable and reliable water service including the development of water rates, implementation of consumer assistance programs, and the Division’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program. CPUC priorities such as water quality and affordability, improving access to Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) communities, and water conservation will be reviewed. Staff will also explain how it coordinates with other State agencies during periods of drought and emergencies, the implementation of legislative mandates, and the acquisition of small water systems by larger utilities.
There will be a Q and A session after the presentation providing attendees an opportunity to share opinions and ask questions on the various issues discussed.
A Discussion of CPUC Rail Safety Oversight, Accident Investigations, Trespassing, and Public Safety
October 18, 2023 | 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Local government representatives and elected officials who have rail lines in their jurisdictions and community-based organizations who work in communities adjacent to rail infrastructure will benefit from hearing from Roger Clugston, CPUC Rail Safety Division Director.
Topics covered:
- CPUC's Role in Rail Safety
- Rail Crossing Funding Programs (Sections 130 and 190, Maintenance Fund)
- Rail Accidents
- Trespassing Issues
- Maintenance Near Rail Lines
- Community Development Around Rail
The Q&A sessions will provide attendees with an opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions on the issues discussed.
Funding Opportunities for Broadband Projects – Closing California’s Digital Divide
June 28, 2023 | 10 a.m. - noon
CPUC Communications Division staff will explain how California is closing the state’s digital divide through federal and state funding opportunities for local agencies and community-based organizations. CPUC will unpack the following: Broadband, Equity, and Access Deployment (“BEAD”) program, Federal Funding Account, California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), broadband maps, and Digital Equity Plan program.
Creating a Low Carbon Future for California Communities: Benefits of Electrification and How To Get There
March 22, 2023 | 10 a.m. - noon
CPUC Energy Division staff will explain how California is leading the way in decarbonizing our communities, discussing current and upcoming programs and policies, including some from other state agencies. Invited speakers will share information on the benefits of building electrification in California communities and local governments, the health and cost benefits for residents, and how to get started on the path to decarbonizing your own community. Speakers will also share information regarding financing options for residents looking to electrify their homes. Finally, a cooking demonstration will be geared towards busting myths regarding cooking with induction stoves.
Presenters:
-
Abhilasha Wadhwa, CPUC, Building Decarbonization and Renewable Gas Section
-
Beckie Menten, Building Decarbonization Coalition
-
Rachelle Boucher, Building Decarbonization Coalition
-
Kelley Delaney, Ca State Treasurer, Ca Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority
Agenda
10 - 10:05 a.m.: Introduction - CPUC Business and Community Outreach
10:05 - 10:20 a.m.: Building Decarbonization Presentation - CPUC Building Decarbonization & Renewable Gas Section
10:20 - 10:33 a.m.: Building Decarbonization Coalition, Reach codes and individual impact - Guest speaker
10:33 - 10:45 a.m.: - Q&A Session 1
10:45 - 10:58 a.m.: California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation, financing available - California State Treasurer guest speaker
10:58 - 11:11 a.m.: Building Decarbonization Coalition, Cooking Demonstration - Guest speaker
11:11 - 11:23 a.m.: Q&A Session 2
11:23 - 11:30 a.m.: Closing Remarks - Program Manager for CPUC Building Decarbonization & Renewable Gas Section
Equity Initiatives and Clean Energy Access Grant Program
February 15, 2023 | 10 a.m. - noon
AB 179 (Ting) signed by Governor Gavin Newsom appropriates $30,000,000 in funding to expand the scope of public participation to includetribes and community-based organizations that have not historically engaged with matters before the California Public Utilities Commission.
The purpose of the funding is to increase the breadth and depth of voices providing input on issues affecting state residents, especially those in diverse and low-income communities, hard to reach customers, individuals with access and functional needs, and frontline communities experiencing the impact of climate change.
CPUC staff will provide an overview of the draft grant program and a Q&A session will provide attendees with an opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions on the issues discussed.
Comments on the draft grant program may be submitted to outreach@cpuc.ca.gov until 5 p.m. on February 27, 2023.
Webinar: Understanding and Interacting with the CPUC
September 21, 2022 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Please join us on September 21, 2022 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. for an informational webinar on understanding and interacting with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
How to effectively get your voice heard
The CPUC hopes you can join us for a webinar that will help you better understand and effectively engage with our decision-making process.
CPUC staff will explain how decisions are reached at the CPUC and the formal and informal channels that you and your organization can use to make your voice heard.
We will be joined by a very special guest, Brian Weisel, Legal Counsel for State Council on Developmental Disabilities, who will talk about his experiences advocating for the access and functional needs community before the CPUC.
The Q&A session will provide attendees with an opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions on the issues discussed.
ASL interpretation will be provided.
Local Agency Technical Assistance Program Webinar
August 2, 2022 | 10-11 a.m.
Local and sovereign tribal governments interested in learning about the CPUC’s Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) program are invited to a one-hour live webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m.
The webinar will introduce the program and highlight eligibility requirements, acceptable uses, and the application process.
Agenda
- Intro (5 minutes)
- Program Overview (10 minutes)
- Q&A (10 minutes)
- Break (5 minutes)
- Grant Application Demo (15 minutes)
- Q&A (10 minutes)
- Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Last Mile Broadband - CPUC Funding Programs to Close the Digital Divide
June 1, 2022 | 10 - 11 a.m.
Please join us on June 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. for an informational webinar to review broadband funding programs at the CPUC.
Substantial funding opportunities to close the digital divide will be available later this year to local governments, non-profits, and tribes.
CPUC Communications Division Director Rob Osborn will present on the goals of the funding programs and when applications are likely to be accepted. These programs include:
- Broadband Technical Assistance - $50 Million
- Loan Loss Reserve - $750 Million
- Federal Funding Account - $2 Billion
- California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) – up to $150 Million per year
The Q&A session will provide attendees with an opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions on the issues discussed.
Natural Gas 101 and Policies for a Just Transition Webinar
March 16, 2022 | 10 a.m. - noon
This informational webinar will cover the basics of the gas system, how it is regulated, and CPUC’s Long-Term Gas Planning Rulemaking in the context of other state efforts.
State and local climate policies may have substantial long-term implications for our natural gas infrastructure. This webinar is intended for local governments and community-based organizations (CBOs) that are concerned with the equity, affordability, and reliability implications of these policies and will help provide a working knowledge of how to engage with the CPUC and other state agencies.
The Q&A session will provide attendees with an opportunity to help us better understand the communities we are trying to reach as well how we should adjust our future engagement efforts to meet their needs.
Presentations
CPUC Environmental and Social Justice Action Plan Webinar
November 10, 2021 | 10 - 11:45 a.m.
Registration: https://cpuc.webex.com/cpuc/j.php?RGID=r7891b25a7d2b2f2cbb865e340d7ed0c8
Join the CPUC for a webinar to learn about and provide feedback on the latest revision of the CPUC’s Environmental and Social Justice Action Plan.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental policies that impact their lives and surroundings. The Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) Action Plan identifies ways the CPUC can use its regulatory authority to address health and safety, consumer protection, and enforcement concerns across the energy, telecommunications, and water utilities, as well as the railroads and transportation companies CPUC regulates.
The ESJ Action Plan also highlights how the CPUC can engage directly with communities, build supportive relationships, and gather more information about the concerns Californians face and the ways they are best able to communicate those concerns to the CPUC.
This online forum will discuss the latest proposed revisions to this living document and give stakeholders an opportunity to provide input and influence the course of the draft revision. A draft will be posted on the Environmental and Social Justice Action Plan prior to the webinar.
Questions: outreach@cpuc.ca.gov
More information on the ESJ webpage
Managing Utility Bills: Reducing Disconnections and Improving Affordability
August 26, 2021 | 10 a.m. - noon
Learn about and provide feedback on recent work in the CPUC’s Affordability and Disconnections Proceedings.
Participation from community-based organizations (CBOs), local governments, and others working with communities experiencing high utility bill burdens are encouraged to participate.
The CPUC has developed a suite of metrics for utility affordability (R.18-07-006). These metrics will help the CPUC, CBOs, and local governments understand how much of a burden utility bills are for households and communities, and allow for objective comparison between different communities.
For the Disconnections Proceeding (R.18-07-005), CPUC staff will discuss a pilot program that aims to assist households experiencing repeated disconnections due to bills that far exceed their income. The CPUC is interested in feedback on how to structure a program that will establish payment plans based on a percentage of a household’s income.
Agenda
- Introduction and Overview (Chris Moore, Local Government and Community Liaison) - 5 minutes
- Disconnections Program Presentation and Q&A (Ben Menzies, Energy Division) - 30 minutes
- Affordability Metrics Presentation and Q&A (Jefferson Hancock, Water Division) - 30 minutes
- Affordability as Framework for Decision-making and Q&A (Ankit Jain, Energy Division) - 30 minutes
- Q&A and Discussion (20 minutes)
- Wrap-up (5 minutes)
Watch the recording on YouTube.
Questions: outreach@cpuc.ca.gov