Understanding CPUC Energy Inspections and Staff Investigations
The CPUC works year-round to help protect communities by overseeing the safety of the energy infrastructure that Californians rely on every day.
This work includes regularly scheduled safety inspections as well as staff investigations of specific incidents.
Regularly Scheduled Safety Inspections
CPUC staff perform regular safety inspections of equipment that generates and delivers energy across California. This energy infrastructure includes:
- Power plants
- Energy Storage Systems
- Electric transmission lines
- Electric substations
- Electric distribution lines
- Natural gas pipelines
These inspections are planned in advance and are designed to identify potential safety issues, verify compliance with state and federal regulations, and help prevent incidents before they occur.
- Electric and Communication Facilities Audit Reports
- Substation Inspection Reports
- Natural Gas Audits
- Audit Schedule
Staff Investigations
Staff investigations are separate and distinct from regularly scheduled safety inspections.
A staff investigation typically occurs after an outage, incident, or safety event that meets specific reporting requirements. CPUC staff may initiate an investigation into other incidents when circumstances warrant further review.
The purpose of a staff investigation is to understand what happened, determine whether safety rules were followed, and identify steps needed to reduce the risk of similar events in the future.
What Happens During a Staff Investigation
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During an investigation, CPUC staff may:
- Collect and review data, records, and reports
- Conduct site visits or field inspections
- Interview utility personnel and other relevant parties
- Evaluate whether laws, regulations, or safety standards were violated
If an issue is identified that requires immediate action, it is corrected right away. Other issues must be resolved by a specified deadline, and the CPUC verifies that the corrective actions have been properly completed.
Enforcement and Accountability
CPUC staff have the authority to issue citations to utilities for certain types of violations found during inspections or investigations.
In more serious cases, staff may ask the CPUC Commissioners to vote to open a formal investigation, which can lead to penalties being assessed against a utility.
CPUC Commitment to Safety
Through inspections, investigations, and enforcement, the CPUC works to hold utilities accountable and support the safe, reliable delivery of energy throughout California.