CaliforniaPUC

About me:

The California Public Utilities Commission regulates privately owned telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies, and authorizes video franchises. Our five Governor-appointed Commissioners and our staff are dedicated to ensuring that consumers have safe, reliable utility service at reasonable rates, protecting against fraud, and promoting the health of California's economy. The CPUC plays a key role in making California a national and international leader on a number of clean energy related initiatives and policies designed to benefit consumers, the environment, and the economy. The CPUC is also at the forefront of communication issues and has developed a Consumer Protection Initiative to empower consumers and prevent fraud.

In 1911, the CPUC was established by Constitutional Amendment as the Railroad Commission. In 1912, the Legislature passed the Public Utilities Act, expanding the Commission's regulatory authority to include natural gas, electric, telephone, and water companies as well as railroads and marine transportation companies. In 1946, the Commission was renamed the California Public Utilities Commission.

The Governor appoints the five Commissioners, who must be confirmed by the State Senate, for six year staggered terms. The Governor appoints one of the five to serve as Commission President. The CPUC employs economists, engineers, administrative law judges, accountants, lawyers, and safety and transportation specialists. The Commission is currently organized into several advisory units, an enforcement division, and a strategic planning group. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates is an independent arm of the CPUC that represents consumers in Commission proceedings, pursuant to statute. The Commission also has a Public Advisor who assists the public in participating in Commission proceedings, and a unit that is charged with informally resolving consumer complaints.

California Public Utilities Commission



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