Customers who rely on life support equipment, or those who have life threatening illnesses or compromised immune systems can enroll in a program which will lower costs for electricity and gas used over a certain level. The extra allowances are called Medical Baseline.
"Life support equipment" includes all types of respirators, iron lungs, hemodialysis machines, suction machines, electric nerve stimulators, pressure pads and pumps, aerosol tents, electrostatic and ultrasonic nebulizers, compressors, IPBB machines and motorized wheelchairs.
Also, in consideration of their increased heating and cooling needs, the Medical Baseline allowance is available to paraplegics and quadriplegics, multiple sclerosis patients, scleroderma patients, and people being treated for a life threatening illness or who have a compromised immune system.
California offers three programs which help the deaf and disabled with telephone equipment and service.
- Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf
- This program provides telecommunications devices for the deaf on a loan basis to certified deaf and hearing-impaired telephone subscribers, to any school or organization representing the deaf or hearing-impaired and state agencies having significant contact with the public.
- California Relay Service
- This program was implemented to improve communications potential for the deaf and hearing-impaired by providing them direct access to California's public switched telephone network. The California Relay Service uses third-party intervention to provide 24-hour contact with any other telephone subscriber.
- Supplemental Telecommunications Devices for the Disabled
- This program provides specialized telecommunications equipment to consumers with hearing, vision, mobility, speech and cognitive disabilities. Examples of this equipment are amplifying devices, telephone ringer signals, speakerphones and cordless phones.
Find out how to enroll in California’s Deaf & Disabled telephone programs
The Public Advisor's Office provides procedural information and advice to individuals and groups who want to participate in formal CPUC proceedings. Staff can help answer your questions, help you locate information, or refer you to an appropriate staff person.
The CPUC maintains a strong committment to helping small businesses reach the state's utilities for opportunities.
The CPUC monitors supplier diversity in procurements by participating utilities and oversees a clearinghouse of women, minority and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.
CPUC Commissioners, Directors, and staff experts speak at a number of conferences, community events, and other forums throughout the state, the nation, and internationally.
Our speakers provide valuable information on a number of issues, including electric and natural gas matters, climate change, telecommunications, water, transportation, and more. Speakers are also available to discuss the CPUC's consumer programs and how consumers can get involved in CPUC issues.