CPUC Celebrates LifeLine Awareness Week

The CPUC is planning a number of public events throughout the state for National Telephone Discount LifeLine Awareness Week, September 14-20, 2009.

LifeLine Awareness Week is a state and federal campaign to encourage qualified consumers to take advantage of California LifeLine, which provides discounted home phone service. Consumers enrolled in the program pay a fraction of the regular cost of home telephone service from their phone company. Our list of events will be continuously updated on our website.

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Assistance on the Web

Consumers can visit our Consumer Information Center for assistance with energy, telephone, water, moving company, limousine, and rail issues. Consumers with utility complaints can call our Consumer Affairs Branch at 1-800-649-7570.

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CPUC Clamps Down on Illegal Moving and Transportation Companies

The CPUC works hard to ensure that moving companies and passenger carriers (limousines, shuttles, tour buses) are operating legally in the state.

During the second quarter of 2009, the CPUC cited 31 passenger carriers and levied fines totaling $73,950 for violation of state operating rules.  The CPUC also cited and fined various moving companies for a total of $11,250.  In addition, the CPUC worked with city officials to prosecute companies that operate without a license. Read our passenger carrier press release or our moving company press release for more information and lists of companies.

The CPUC also participated in nine multi-agency strike force operations on passenger carriers during the second quarter of 2009. These operations were conducted to ensure that companies are properly licensed with the CPUC. Strike force locations included airports in Oakland, Palm Springs, Sacramento, and San Francisco, as well as the Pala and Viejas Indian casinos. Read more in our press release.

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Renewable Contracts Approved for PG&E

The CPUC approved two renewable energy contracts for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), furthering the state’s progress towards its renewable energy goals.

The CPUC approved two solar thermal contracts between PG&E and BrightSource Energy, Inc., based in Oakland, Calif.  BrightSource’s solar thermal technology has demonstrated the capability of producing high temperature steam and pressure, while requiring relatively low water use. Read more in our press release.

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CPUC Considers Policies Related to Alternative Fueled Vehicles

The CPUC, in anticipation of the introduction of more alternative-fueled vehicles to the state’s roadways during the next five years, will examine the impacts electric and natural gas vehicles may have on our state’s energy infrastructure, while at the same time recognizing the benefits of these vehicles to California’s climate change goals.

The CPUC intends to develop consistent statewide policies and standards to guide and encourage development of electric vehicle metering, home electric vehicle charging infrastructure, commercial and public charging infrastructure, tariff schedules, and, if advisable, incentive programs.

These efforts will be undertaken consistent with CPUC and state policy goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Assembly Bill 32, reducing petroleum consumption, improving and optimizing electricity system asset utilization, expanding the use of renewable energy as a charging fuel for electric vehicles, and ensuring electric service reliability. Read more in our press release.

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Save the Date

Don’t miss the CPUC’s annual diversity public hearing on Nov. 2, 2009: Celebrating Diversity in GOING GREEN, California’s New Gold Rush.

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