Public Advocates Office

Public Advocates Office's Mission

The Public Advocates Office is an independent organization within the CPUC that advocates solely on behalf of utility ratepayers. Our Director is appointed by the Governor and has its own independent operating budget. Our statutory mission is to obtain the lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels. As the only State entity charged with this responsibility, we have a critical role in ensuring that consumers are represented at the CPUC on matters that affect how much consumers pay for utility services and the quality of those services.

• How to Use this Site

  The Public Advocates Office's website contains useful information on the Office's policy positions and advocacy efforts to protect California customers in the areas of Energy, Water, and Communications regulation related to California's Investor Owned Utilities (IOU).  For each of these areas, the Office maintains a portal page that provides an overview of the issues and guides you to the Office's current policy work representing customers.  Each issue page will provide you with Background, the Office's Positions, access to the Proceeding's docket, and additional relevant Resources.

   

• Our Name Has Changed!

  The Office of Ratepayer Advocates Is Now The Public Advocates Office

  We are excited to continue to provide a strong voice for California public utility consumers under our updated name – the Public Advocates Office.  Our new name better conveys our public interest mission and is more understandable to the people we serve.  We look forward to continuing to advocate for the lowest possible utility rates consistent with safety, reliability, and the state's environmental goals.