In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones.

On this webpage you will find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. 

CPUC Actions

As Californians are sheltering at home, residential electric usage has increased 15 to 20 percent in recent weeks compared to the same period last year. The CPUC is taking action to ensure that this does not become an added hardship for people who have lost their jobs or are otherwise suffering economically due to COVID-19, including, but not limited to:

Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) 
The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. Unlike AMP, utility customers do not need to apply to receive assistance under the CAPP program. If a customer account is eligible, a credit will be automatically applied to the customer bill. Energy utilities will apply for CAPP assistance on behalf of customers who incurred a past due balance of 60 days or more on their energy bill during the COVID-19 pandemic relief period covering March 4, 2020 through June 15, 2021. Please visit the CSD website for more information. 

Other CPUC Actions

  • Nov. 20, 2020: Draft Resolution M-4848 will be on the CPUC’s Dec. 17, 2020 Voting Meeting agenda to approve a moratorium on disconnection for non-payment and late payment fees for telephone service during the Governor’s declared State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • May 7, 2020: Free and affordable Internet access and devices are crucial for low income students as they transition to learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help bridge this divide, the CPUC approved a partnership with the Department of Education to fund $5 million in devices for students in need. This partnership was previously announced by the Governor on April 20th.
  • May 7, 2020: The CPUC temporarily modified rates for high energy use customers to minimize the impacts of electricity bills in the summer related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
  • April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. More Info
  • March 23, 2020: Sent a letter from CPUC Executive Director to IOUs requiring them to offer a 30-day advanced payment to ESA Contractors to help sustain the ESA workforce during work stoppage. 
    • April 7, 2020: Sent a letter from CPUC Executive Director to IOUs extending the advance payment program to 60-days and making further clarifications regarding assistance to ESA Contractors during the work stoppage. 
    • April 23, 2020: Published Draft Resolution E-5047, ratifying the March 23, 2020 and the April 7, 2020 letters, sent by the Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) to offer a 60-day advance payment to Energy Savings Assistance Program Contractors and recommending further actions.

Utility Business Continuity Plans and PSPS Preparation

Energy

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparation Plans

The electric utilities are responsible for operating their systems, including the decision to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. The CPUC’s oversight consists of ensuring that the utilities are clear about the rules they must adhere to, monitoring the utilities’ preparation, and evaluating their implementation.

Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. PG&E is submitting separate biweekly corrective action progress reports that can be found on the docket card of the CPUC’s Public Safety Power Shutoff rulemaking.

Southern California Edison Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage

San Diego Gas & Electric Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage

Bear Valley Electric Service Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage

Liberty Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Page

PacifiCorp California Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage

Small Business Resources

Small Businesses 

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website for small businesses  

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources

Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for SBA disaster assistance programs online or seek assistance from SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-569-2955/1-800-877-8339 (TTY). For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

SBA COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

For more information, please contact

External Affairs Division
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 703-1366
news@cpuc.ca.gov