CPUC to Hold a Series of Training Sessions with the California Hispanic Chamber

The CPUC continues its effort to promote supplier diversity and encourage diverse suppliers to become certified and engage in utility programs that are geared for small and diverse businesses.

On April 29, 2011, in Long Beach the CPUC collaborated with the California Hispanic Chambers Southern Region to host a presentation about the CPUC and how the CPUC’s policies impact not only residential ratepayers, but also businesses. Additionally, the presentation informed the attendees, mostly small businesses, about what supplier diversity means and the need to get certified. The CPUC encourages its regulated utilities to purchase at least 21.5 percent of their goods and services from diverse suppliers and small businesses. Certification is free and there is no fee to apply or participate in the verification process. Qualified applicants are entered in a supplier database accessed by participating utilities throughout the state. Generally, certification is granted within two weeks of receiving an application and is valid for three years.

Another session on the CPUC and supplier diversity will be hosted by the California Hispanic Chambers Northern Region and is scheduled for July 15, 2011, in San Jose. The CPUC will also reach out to the Black Chambers, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and other groups to ensure that those who have not been certified have an opportunity to do so.

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CPUC Raises Awareness of Consumer Programs at Stockton Food Bank

On April 27, 2011, the CPUC hosted a table at the annual Spring Health and Nutrition Fair at the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton. More than 1,000 people attended this event in order to receive food from the Food Bank and access a variety of resources from the CPUC, CTAP, Catholic Charities, San Joaquin County Health Services, Children's Dental Surgery Center, and others.

Visitors to the CPUC’s table were happy to receive information on fraud-protection and low income programs that can help save them money in these difficult economic times.

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CPUC To Hold Public Participation Meetings on Gas Pipeline Safety

The CPUC will hold two Public Participation Hearings in May to hear public testimony related to gas pipeline safety and the CPUC’s regulation of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. Comments from the public can help the CPUC reach an informed decision and members of the public are encouraged to attend one of the following Public Participation Hearings:

- May 12, 2011, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
CalTrans Building, First Floor, Conference Room, 100 S. Main St., Los Angeles

- May 16, 2011, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Steele Lane Community Center, Auditorium, Dohn Room, 415 Steele Ln., Santa Rosa

Both public hearings are also available via listen-only audio webcast or toll-free at 888-790-2613, passcode 92105.

In order to set new rules for the safe and reliable operation of natural gas pipelines in California, the CPUC will obtain public input, and collect and analyze the data and conclusions from the investigations and reports of the Sept. 9, 2010, Pacific Gas and Electric Company pipeline rupture in San Bruno.

If special arrangements are needed for attendees, such as foreign language interpreters, please contact the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office at 866-849-8390 or 415-703-2074, or via email.

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CPUC Protects Consumers From Moving Companies and Passenger Carriers Operating Illegally

The CPUC, in its ongoing commitment to consumer protection, has recently taken a number of actions to protect consumers from moving companies and passenger carriers operating illegally.

In the first quarter of 2011, 47 passenger carriers (limousines, buses, and shuttles) were cited and fined a total of $65,250 for various illegal activities, including operating without insurance. In addition, 74 companies were issued a notice to stop operating for lack of permit.

In addition, the CPUC cited two moving companies a total of $4,000 for various violations, and 13 companies were issued a notice to stop operating for lack of permit.

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