CPUC To Hold Remote Public Forums on SCE’s Santa Catalina Water Rate Change Request

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold two remote public forums to provide an opportunity for customers of Southern California Edison (SCE) and its Santa Catalina Water utility to offer their perspective and input to the CPUC about the company’s rate request, as follows:

Customers from all parts of SCE and Catalina Water territory are encouraged to participate in either of the public forums.

In response to the Governor’s directive concerning restrictions on public gatherings to protect customers and community members during COVID-19, these public forums (formally called Public Participation Hearings) will not have in-person attendance. Members of the public can view the public forums via the Internet, or listen and make comment by toll free phone line. Those who would like to make public comment must participate by phone.

You can also make your voice heard in this proceeding, and read the comments of others, on our online Docket Card comment section at www.cpuc.ca.gov/A2010018comments.

The remote public forums will begin with a brief overview of SCE’s request; then public comments will be heard via phone.

On October 30, 2020, SCE submitted its General Rate Case application requesting CPUC approval to increase its rates for Catalina Water customers and recover costs from its water and electric customers. SCE seeks to recover $9.303 million from Catalina Water customers via phased-in increases from 2022-2026 in customer rates. If SCE’s rate request is approved by the CPUC, the average residential monthly bill for Catalina Water customers with a 5/8” meter using 1,466 gallons per month would increase by approximately $29.03 (or 40 percent) in 2022 and up to approximately $20.33 (or 13 percent) in 2026. Additionally, SCE seeks to collect $28.969 million from SCE electric customers. If SCE’s rate request is approved by the CPUC, the average electric residential monthly bill using 550 kWh per month would increase by approximately $0.23 (or 0.2 percent) per month in 2022. According to SCE, main contributors to the rate increases include increased operating expenses, routine capital infrastructure investment, the recent historic drought, and emergent environmental compliance issues.

SCE provides electricity throughout central and southern California, including approximately 200 incorporated communities as well as outlying rural territories. SCE also provides water service to Santa Catalina Island and natural gas service to the City of Avalon on Catalina.

The CPUC welcomes remote attendance and comment on SCE’s request at these public forums, as public comments will help the CPUC reach an informed decision. The Administrative Law Judge is scheduled to write a Proposed Decision in the case for CPUC Commissioner consideration within a year.

While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend these remote access public forums, no official action will be taken on this matter.

If specialized accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or 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 remote access public forum.

Further information is available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/pph.

Documents related to this proceeding are available at: https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:56:0::NO:RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:A2010018.

To receive electronic updates on CPUC proceedings, sign-up for the CPUC’s free subscription service at http://subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov.

The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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Press Release