Energy

What the CPUC oversees

The CPUC oversees state energy policy, which is going through major shifts as California works to move to a cleaner system that provides reliable and affordable energy to all customers. The work to improve affordability and move away from polluting fossil fuels impacts the state's infrastructure, environment, and community structure. The broad policy questions under review at the CPUC will affect the way customers obtain and pay for energy. Our advocacy is vital to ensure that customers whose health and safety depend on reliable and affordable access to energy that powers medical devices and home support systems are given direct consideration in the course of decision making. This includes efforts to ensure that education on the changes in the energy environment can reach those whose disabilities prevent them from using standard forms of outreach, and that all options for customer choices on energy service are accessible.

The CPUC oversees multiple energy programs, including subsidy programs for low-income customers (including CARE, FERA, and ESA), a Medical Baseline program that provides additional energy at the lowest rate for qualifying customers with medical conditions that require increased use of electricity (such as charging a power wheelchair or using various home medical devices), and programs that provide battery backup power for customers with medical needs to provide support during power outages. C4AT also works before the Commission to fight rate increases by energy utilities, support equitable access to clean energy resources that support community and public health, and address wildfire risk.