AFN Support for PSPS Annual Plans

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates and monitors how investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and small and multi-jurisdictional utilities (SMJUs) assist AFN communities during PSPS. CPUC requires these utilities to develop and implement plans to ensure AFN communities receive communications and can access critical services. CPUC reviews these plans to confirm they meet regulatory requirements.

AFN communities include individuals enrolled in Medical Baseline Program who rely on electricity to maintain their health, safety, and independence. For example, electricity may be needed to power medical equipment, refrigerate medications, or operate mobility and breathing devices. More than 400,000 customers of IOUs and SMJUs are enrolled in the program. AFN communities also include individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, limited English proficiency, older adults, and transportation disadvantaged (Government Code Section 8593.3).

Before PSPS, IOUs and SMJUs focus on customer education, preparedness training, and community engagement. The IOUs maintain the Prepare For Power Down website, a centralized resource for wildfire and PSPS readiness. This site includes individual and family preparedness resources and links to enroll in the Medical Baseline Program.  

During PSPS, IOUs and SMJUs deliver notifications, coordinate support through community-based organizations, and enhance AFN services. 

After PSPS, IOUs and SMJUs conduct customer surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of their AFN support. These surveys measure key performance indicators, such as resource use and customer satisfaction. 

Annual Development and Reporting of AFN Plans:

CPUC requires IOUs and SMJUs to submit AFN plan annually, by January 31 (CPUC Decision 20-05-051).

Each utility must develop and update its AFN plan using the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s planning process (CPUC Decision 21-06-034).