Policy
We represent people with disabilities before the California Public Utilities Commission on both telecommunications and energy policy.
Our Policy Work
Why we are at the CPUC
Phone, internet, and energy service are part of access. If those services are unavailable or unaffordable, technology cannot do its job.
We represent people with disabilities in the decisions that shape those essential services. We take part in proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), bringing the disability community's perspective directly to the regulators who set telecommunications and energy policy. And because so many people with disabilities live on low incomes, we advocate for services that are not only accessible, but affordable.
Why utility policy matters for access
The Center for Accessible Technology (C4AT) represents people with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and medical needs before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other public utility commissions on matters of telecommunications and energy policy. We work to ensure that these vital services are accessible, reliable, and affordable to the disability community. C4AT is the leading advocate representing the disability community.
Telecommunications and energy are vital to permit people with disabilities to live independently, make use of technology, and participate effectively in the activities of daily living. They influence health, comfort, and safety in times of emergency or crisis as well as everyday needs. Decisions made by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) have strong and enduring impacts on the disability community.
Where we advocate
- Telecommunications: ensuring that phone and internet services remain accessible and available to people with disabilities.
- Energy: advocating for utility policies that support independent living and daily participation.
Standing up for affordability
For the many people with disabilities who are low income, the CPUC's mandate to ensure affordable utility services is also vital. We bring the community's perspective directly into the proceedings that shape these essential services.