CPUC Marks Earth Month with Progress Toward a Healthier Planet
CPUC Senior Energy Analyst Sahba Hafezi puts it best, “The CPUC protects both the planet and Californians by balancing environmental progress with reliability and affordability. This behind-the-scenes work empowers local communities to lead on clean energy, reduces emissions, improves air quality, and creates a more resilient grid for everyone. It’s a powerful example of how thoughtful regulation can drive meaningful climate action while serving the public interest.” Outside of the office, CPUC staff are also taking action to protect the planet and support sustainability in their own communities. Their efforts range from heat pump installations to goat grazing!
Behind the Scenes: The Critical Work of CPUC Staff
So, what exactly does the CPUC do behind the scenes to support a greener future?The CPUC’s Administrative Law Judge Division oversees proceedings, including the process of implementing state climate legislation. Manisha Lakhanpal, Administrative Law Judge, notes, “I help make and write decisions on policies adopted by the legislature to further the state's goals towards a carbon-free future.”
CPUC proceedings involve staff analysis, expert testimony, and public comment, all of which are documented for the public. Shannon Ross, Court Reporter, says, “I help make CPUC proceedings transparent and accessible to the public by ensuring every word is accurate in the public record.”
In the Energy Division, staff are working on specific policies and programs to benefit electric and natural gas utility customers. For example, Leanne Hoadley supervises the Planning and Forecasting section in the Energy Efficiency Branch. She says, “We oversee the efficiency programs that enable and encourage California's business customers to upgrade their facilities with more energy efficient options. This helps customers lower their monthly energy costs, increases reliability on the grid, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”
Energy Division staff also help ensure the financial foundation of California’s energy system is accurately tracked and fair for customers. Sahba Hafezi, Senior Energy Cost Reporting and Tracking Analyst, says, “I help track and validate electricity supply costs. By getting these numbers right, we support investments in clean infrastructure, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and help California meet its ambitious climate goals, all while keeping electricity reliable and affordable for families and businesses.”
As the state expands and modernizes its public transportation to provide Californians with more sustainable transit options, the CPUC’s Rail Safety Division plays an important role. “In Los Angeles, I oversee the safety certification process of public transportation projects as well as the safety of public transit operations,” says Utilities Engineer Madeline Ocampo.
The CPUC’s five Commissioners vote on decisions that drive forward the energy transition and shape the state’s climate future. They have teams of advisors to help handle proceedings, ex parte communications, and more. Erica Petrofsky, Advisor to Commissioner Darcie L. Houck, says, “I support Commissioner Houck in shaping CPUC programs and policies that help Californians save energy and use cleaner sources of energy.”
Behind it all, Mary Baver’s team in Human Resources makes this work possible by staffing the agency through a competitive process. “I hire qualified staff to support the CPUC’s mission,” she notes.
If one thing is clear, CPUC staff are dedicated to making California a better place. From tracking electricity supply data and reporting costs, to making it easier for Californians to adopt energy efficient technologies in their homes, to hiring the most qualified candidates to serve, CPUC employees are ushering in a healthier future for our state and the planet.
A Culture of Impact at Work and Beyond
CPUC staff dedication goes beyond the walls of agency offices. Outside of work, employees are maximizing their impact in their communities. “I went vegan because it massively reduces one's environmental impact,” says Ocampo. “To raise awareness about this subject, I've been a volunteer with Plant Based Treaty, a global campaign that fights climate change through the food system.”
Madeline Ocampo volunteers with Plant Based Treaty, a global campaign to fight climate change through the food system.
Ross promotes ecologically-friendly land-use. “We use goats to eat brush to create a fire safe zone on our property.”
What’s more, while the CPUC works to advance clean energy across the state, many CPUC employees are making the switch to clean energy technologies in their own lives. Baver has installed solar on her home. Hafezi says she drives an electric vehicle (and bikes whenever possible) to lower her transportation emissions, and has also switched to energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and a heat pump, in her home.
Like many Californians, CPUC staff are finding the transition to clean, electric technologies to be rewarding and beneficial for their communities. Petrofsky explains how installing an air to water heat pump has helped her reduce her home’s emissions. “I heat my home's air and water using a heat pump that's programmed to run during daytime hours as much as possible, and store heat for later. This shifts some of my electric usage toward hours when the electric grid is powered by the sun rather than by fossil gas.”
Hoadley notes that navigating the process of installing her own heat pump water heater has been a great learning experience. “I convinced my neighbor to switch as well. I have a better understanding of the process, and plan to help more of my neighbors!”
Left: Leanne Hoadley installed a heat pump water heater in her home.
Right: Erica Petrofsky’s cat perched on her heat pump HVAC unit.
Supporting a Healthy Planet This Earth Month and Every Month
From regulating major utilities to empowering individuals and communities, the CPUC and its staff play a critical role in shaping a cleaner, more resilient California. Lakhanpal reflects, “As public employees, CPUC teams are hardworking, dedicated, and passionate about making California a leader in every endeavor we work on.”
By Liza Martin, Public Information Officer