CPUC to Hold Remote Public Forums to Receive Comment on Second Phase of PG&E Rate Case

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold two remote participation public forums to provide an opportunity for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to offer their perspective and input to the CPUC about the company’s rate allocation request, as follows:

Customers from all parts of PG&E’s 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 by toll free phone line. Those who would like to make a 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 https://cpuc.ca.gov/A1911019Comment.

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

On November 22, 2019, PG&E filed a 2020 General Rate Case (GRC) Phase II Application requesting CPUC approval to allocate new rates that were approved in its GRC Phase I. The purpose of Phase II of the GRC is to determine the already-approved costs each customer class is responsible for and to determine the rate schedules for each customer class. According to PG&E, the proposed rate changes sought in this application reflect and pass through to customers the costs PG&E incurs to own and maintain its natural gas and electric facilities and to enable PG&E to provide service to its customers.

On February 28, 2020, a Ruling was issued in this proceeding setting the schedule and venues for several public forums throughout PG&E’s service territory. In response to restrictions on public gatherings resulting from COVID-19, an email Ruling issued on March 18, 2020, cancelled all public forums until further notice. A Ruling issued on August 20, 2020, reestablishes the timing of the public forums and associated notice requirements.

The CPUC welcomes remote attendance and comment on PG&E’s request at these remote access 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:A1911019.

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