Divisions

The Administrative Law Judge process formal filings, facilitate alternative dispute resolution, conduct hearings, develop an adequate administrative record, prepare timely proposals for Commission consideration, and prepare and coordinate Commission meeting agendas.

The ALJ Division administers the Commission's Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

Administrative Services provides finance, facilities, contracts, and other administrative functions to the entire CPUC. 

The Communications Division assists the CPUC in developing and implementing policies to promote competition in all telecommunications markets and to address regulatory changes required by state and federal legislation.

The Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED) supports Commission activities in passenger transportation, energy, and communications industries. CPED licenses privately-owned passenger transportation carriers such as rideshares (Uber, Lyft), limousines, tour buses, airport shuttles and ferries; enforces citation programs against utilities and service providers; establishes and ensures compliance with rules and regulations for utility companies and transportation carriers; and investigates allegations of carrier misconduct and utility waste, fraud, and abuse. CPED also conducts field operations with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify illegal and noncompliant transportation carriers. 

The Energy Division assists Commission activities in the electricity, natural gas, steam, and petroleum pipeline industries.

Our Executive Office ensures that procedural matters are handled in a timely manner and is also responsible for efficient internal operations.

The External Affairs Division assists customers with utility complaints and provides information and assistance to the media, local governments and community organizations, the public, and other stakeholders about the CPUC's many pioneering and innovative programs, policies, and proceedings.

The External Affairs Division encompasses four offices: News; Public Advisor's Office; Business and Community Outreach Office; and Consumer Affairs Branch (CAB). 

The Legal Division supports the General Counsel who is the attorney to the CPUC. The General Counsel, working with the legal staff, represents and appears for the People of the State of California and the CPUC in all actions and proceedings involving any question under the Public Utilities Code or under any order or act of the CPUC. 

The Office of Governmental Affairs (OGA) represents the CPUC before the State Legislature and Executive Branch and oversees representation of the CPUC and State of California before the United States Congress and federal agencies.

The Office of Internal Audit Services (IAS) provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the CPUC's operations, accountability, and transparency. The Chief Internal Auditor reports to the Commissioners, through the Audit Committee, and under general direction of the President. IAS operates under the internal audit charter approved by the Audit Committee on June 27, 2019. 

The Office of the Tribal Advisor is committed to incorporating Tribal concerns into the development of regulations, and policies through engagement in discussion and consultation with Tribes. We provide Tribes with information about up-coming forums, hearings and workshops.

The Public Advocates Office is an independent organization within the CPUC that advocates solely on behalf of utility ratepayers.

Please visit the Public Advocates Office at www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov.

The Rail Safety Division (RSD) has safety oversight of railroads, rail transit systems, and highway/rail crossings.

The Safety and Enforcement Division (SED) has safety oversight of electric and communications facilities, natural gas and propane gas systems. SED advocates for public safety through incident investigations and audits, development of proposed new safety rules, and taking enforcement actions to prevent violations of natural gas, electric, and telecommunications General Orders and statutory requirements. SED coordinates with California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and CALFIRE during wildfires, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) events and other emergencies. The Division also provides safety alerts and awareness to Commissioners and makes recommendations in CPUC safety rulemakings and investigation cases. SED has the authority to issue citations with penalties against utility operators for violations of public utility safety codes and requirements

The Safety Policy Division (SPD) provides advisory support to the CPUC on matters of utility safety policies. Safety is a high priority and SPD’s advice is used to enhance the CPUC’s policymaking capabilities. SPD’s focus includes safety-related policy development, analysis, and implementation of regulations by the CPUC affecting electric, gas, telecommunications, water, and transportation utilities. 

The Utility Audits, Risk and Compliance Division (UARCD) encompasses two branches: Utility Audits Branch (UAB) and Risk and Compliance Branch (RCB). The UAB performs audits on regulated utilities to ensure utilities implement ratepayer-funded programs in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and CPUC directives. The RCB manages the enterprise risk system by identifying, measuring, reporting, and monitoring risk that affect CPUC’s objectives.