Introducing the Public Advocates Office Blog
I am excited to launch the Public Advocates Office’s blog that will showcase our latest thinking on ways to make bills more affordable for energy, water, and communications utility customers, while advancing California’s ambitious climate goals. As the only state entity mandated with this task, we represent and advocate for utility customers at the California Public Utilities Commission, the legislature, and in other forums.
You’ll hear directly from our staff on a range of issues that affect Californians. For example:
- How will new “income-based fixed charges” impact monthly electric bills?
- Why are we optimistic on a new community solar proposal?
- How can more underserved and rural communities receive access to broadband?
Our passionate team of engineers, analysts, and attorneys tackle these issues by recommending solutions and alternatives that minimize monthly utility bills while ensuring services are safe and reliable. We provide a voice for utility customers, especially low-income customers, in cases that affect rates before administrative judges at the California Public Utilities Commission and in other policy forums.
There is no denying that California still faces many challenges ahead. Last year, we participated in over 250 proceedings and filed over 750 filings at the California Public Utilities Commission to fight for affordable, safe, and reliable utility services. One of our top priorities is to ensure the clean energy transition is as affordable as possible for California households.
As the current director of the Public Advocates Office, and as a former Colorado utilities commissioner and former grassroots advocate, I understand the importance of community engagement to yield substantial and lasting change. During my time at the Public Advocates Office, we have expanded our outreach efforts and engaged with utility customers through media interviews, townhalls, and direct conversations with community-based organizations to better understand the needs of the people we serve.
Our office is continually looking for new and innovative ways to engage with relevant stakeholders and I hope this blog will serve as a tool to further these efforts.
Please send any feedback, questions, and topic suggestions for future posts to publicadvocatesoffice_press@cpuc.ca.gov.