CPUC to Hold Public Forums on Bear Valley Electric’s General Rate Case
SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold one virtual and two in-person Public Forums to gather public input on Bear Valley Electric Service’s (BVES) request to increase rates for electric service beginning in 2027. The Public Forums provide BVES customers with an opportunity to communicate directly with the CPUC regarding the issues being considered in the proceeding.
When:
- Tue., Oct. 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. (Virtual)
- Tue., Oct. 27, 2026 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (In-Person)
What:
The CPUC will hold virtual and in-person Public Forums to hear from customers regarding BVES’s 2027 General Rate Case. In its application, BVES is requesting an increase in revenues of 14.25 percent in 2027, followed by increases of 5.24 percent in 2028, 4.74 percent in 2029, and 7.66 percent in 2030, totaling 31.89 percent over the four-year period.
Where:
- Remote (Oct. 13):
- Live video broadcast with English or Spanish captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
- Participants who choose to view via webcast will have audio and video but will not be able to make verbal comments. If you would like to make a comment, refer to the phone-in information below.
- For captions, after clicking on the name of the meeting, click the green button below the video for captions. Then select captions by clicking on the white icon next to the word “live” at the bottom of the video.
- The Public Forums will be recorded and archived for future viewing.
- Live video broadcast with English or Spanish captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
- In- Person (Oct. 27): City of Big Bear Lake City Hall, 39707 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: #1673482
- Participants will have audio and will be able to make comments. To make a comment, after entering the passcode, when prompted press *1, unmute your phone, and record your name.
- Wait times depend on the number of speakers in the public comment queue. During times of high call volumes, wait times will be longer. The operator will call on you when it is your turn to speak.
A quorum of Commissioners may attend but no decisions will be made or voted on at the events.
Specialized Accommodations
If specialized accommodations are needed to attend the Public Forums (formally called Public Participation Hearings), such as non-English or American Sign Language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll free at 866-849-8390 at least five business days in advance of the Public Forum you plan to attend.
Background
BVES filed its 2027 General Rate Case application with the CPUC on Jan. 30, 2026. The application seeks authority to increase rates, energy supply charges and other charges, implement additional programs and capital projects, and address issues related to return on equity, cost of debt, and balancing accounts. The CPUC anticipates issuing a proposal for party and public review and comment in January 2027, with a final decision anticipated in February 2027.
More Information
- Fact Sheet
- Public Forums Notice
- Public Forum Webpage
- Ruling Setting the Public Forums
- Proceeding Documents and Public Comment Portal (Docket Card)
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.