The Consumer Services and Information Division (CSID) acts as the liaison between the community and the CPUC. It is the eyes and ears of the CPUC and includes two branches: the Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB), and Community Relations & Education Branch (CREB).
CAB staff helps consumers understand their utility services and bills, and attempts to assist consumers in resolving disputes with their utility company. Consumers may call, write, or file a complaint online with CAB. CAB also provides the CPUC with research and analysis of trends in utility consumer complaints.
CREB is divided into two sections.
- Public Advisor’s Office (PAO) provides procedural information, advice and assistance to individuals and groups who want to participate in CPUC proceedings. It keeps the CPUC and Executive staff informed of issues being raised by consumers, as well as informed of barriers that prevent effective public participation. It also provides consumer education on all CPUC issues and public programs and provides in-language translation and interpretation services.
- Business & Community Outreach (BCO) includes three important programs:
- The Small Business Program, which provides relevant information to the small business community regarding CPUC policies, and helps connect small businesses to utilities and government procurement specialists.
- The Supplier Diversity Program, which monitors procurement by utilities and oversees a clearinghouse database of women, minority and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.
- The Outreach Program, which serves California communities by holding informational presentations about how to prevent fraud, going green, and CPUC’s energy and telecommunications policies. The Program also works with local governments, Community Based Organizations, and other groups by providing and explaining relevant CPUC policy and positions.