TEAM and CHANGES Programs
Telecommunications Education and Assistance in Multiple-Languages (TEAM) Program
The TEAM (Telecommunications Education and Assistance in Multiple-Languages) program provides services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) consumers with telecommunications issues by focusing on three service components – consumer education, care assistance, and program outreach. Assistance is provided statewide through community based organizations that work with LEP consumers in their preferred language and with cultural sensitivity.
Background
The TEAM Program stems from the CPUC’s Consumer Protection Initiative – CPUC Decision D.06-03-013, where the CPUC ordered protections for consumers and directed another proceeding to determine what, if any, protections or assistance should be provided for consumers with Limited English Proficiency.
In that subsequent proceeding, the CPUC directed the Consumer Service and Information Division (CSID), in D.07-07-043, to develop a program that would provide outreach, education and complaint resolution assistance to consumers with limited English proficiency (LEP).
In response to that direction, CSID recommended, and the CPUC approved in Resolution CSID-002, the TEAM program. TEAM provides assistance relating to telecommunications matters through a statewide network of community based organizations (CBOs). The resolution also specifies that although the program is designed for LEP consumers, English speaking consumers, seeking help at a CBO where TEAM services are provided, will not be turned away.
Resources
If you need help understanding your telecommunications services or with a complaint against your phone company, visit a community based organization (CBO) in your area from our CBO Roster.
TEAM Brochures
- Collection Agencies What to Do
- Consumer Guide to Telephone Service
- Do Not Use Your Cell Phone While Driving
- Take Charge of Your Phone Service
- Tips for Choosing Cell Phone Service
- Unauthorized "Third Party Charges"
TEAM and CHANGES Fact Sheets
TEAM Program Reports
TEAM 2022-2023 Annual Report covering June 2022 to May 2023
TEAM 2021-2022 Annual Report covering June 2021 to May 2022
TEAM 2020-2021 Annual Report covering June 2020 to May 2021
TEAM 2019-2020 Annual Report covering June 2019 to May 2020
TEAM 2018-2019 Annual Report covering May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019
TEAM 2017-2018 Annual Report covering May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018
TEAM 2016-2017 Annual Report covering May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017
TEAM 2015-2016 Annual Report covering May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016
TEAM 2014-2015 Annual Report covering May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015
TEAM 2013-2014 Annual Report covering May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014
TEAM 2012-2013 Annual Report covering September 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013
TEAM 2011-2012 Annual Report covering September 11, 2011 to August 12, 2012
TEAM 2010-2011 Annual Report covering September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011
TEAM 2009-2010 Annual Report covering February 16, 2009 to August 31, 2010
TEAM 2008-2009 Annual Report covering June 16, 2008 to February 15, 2009
Native Americans in Rural Northern California Phone Survey Report
Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electric Services (CHANGES) Program
CPUC's CHANGES (Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electric Services) program provides services to Limited English Proficient consumers who need help with energy issues. The program provides consumer education, case assistance, and program outreach. CHANGES was authorized by the CPUC as an ongoing program in Decision 15-12-047, adopted on December 15, 2015. CHANGES uses the same CBOs in the TEAM program, and this allows consumers a "one-stop shop" for education and assistance on telecommunications and energy services.
CHANGES Program Background
Decision 15-12-047, adopted on December 15, 2015, extended CHANGES as an ongoing program
Decision 14-08-030, adopted on December 14, 2014, extended the pilot program for further review.
Decision 12-12-011, adopted on December 20, 2012, extended the pilot program, and funding for it, to allow time for the CPUC to thoroughly review the program and ultimate funding for it, provided the CPUC decides to accept CHANGES as an ongoing program.
Resolution CSID-005 extended the duration of the CHANGES Pilot, and increased its budget through continued CARE funding.
Resolution CSID-004 authorized the CHANGES pilot program on November 19, 2010. The program was launched in February 2011.
CHANGES Program Reports
CHANGES Program Annual Report covering June 2022 to May 2023
CHANGES Program Annual Report covering June 2021 to May 2022
CHANGES Program Annual Report covering June 2020 to May 2021
CHANGES Program Annual Report covering June 2019 to May 2020
CHANGES Program Annual Report - May 1, 2018 - April 30, 2019
CHANGES Program Annual Report - May 1, 2017 - April 30, 2018
May 2018: Changes program Data Analysis Report for May 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017
CHANGES Program Annual Report - May 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017
CHANGES Trend Analysis Report for May 1, 2016 – Jan. 31, 2017
CHANGES Program Annual Report 2015
CHANGES Pilot Program 2014 Annual Report covering calendar year 2014
CHANGES Pilot Program 2013 Annual Report covering calendar year 2013
CHANGES Evaluation Reports
- Appendix F Documents: Survey Instrument English | Survey Instrument Spanish | Survey Instrument Cantonese | Survey Instrument Vietnamese | Survey Instrument Korean
- CBO Staff Interview Guide | CPUC Staff Interview Guide | IOU Staff Interview Guide | SHE Staff Interview Guide | Milestone Consulting Staff Interview Guide
2018 Evaluation of CHANGES by Level 4, an independent evaluator
2014 Evaluation of CHANGES Pilot Program by CPUC's Consumer Service and Information Division
2012 Evaluation of CHANGES Pilot Program by Level 4, an independent evaluator
CHANGES Fact Sheets
- Assistance Programs
- Avoiding Disconnection
- Choosing an Electricity Rate Plan
- Core Gas Aggregation Services
- Electric and Natural Gas Safety
- Energy Conservation
- High Energy Use
- Level Pay Plan
- Understanding Your Energy Bill
TEAM and CHANGES Events
2024
Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electric Services (CHANGES) Evaluation Pre-scoping Public Workshop
The CPUC will host a public pre-scoping workshop for the second evaluation of the Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electric Services (CHANGES) program. The CHANGES Evaluation Pre-Scoping Public Workshop will focus on sharing solicitation information and evaluation timeline, as well as collecting stakeholder feedback on potential evaluation topics for the second CHANGES program evaluation.
When: Feb. 14, 2024, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Remote access via WebEx or phone
- WebEx link: https://cpuc.webex.com/cpuc/j.php?MTID=m776ab059fde59e7fb18437a49cf4c7c4
- Webinar number (access code): 2489 132 1400
- Webinar password: 9sVpVJNhP26 (97878564 from phones and video systems)
- Phone: 1-855-282-6330 United States Toll Free or 1-415-655-0002 United States Toll
- Access code: 2489 132 1400
Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback during the workshop. Parties who have questions regarding the workshop may contact Love Asiedu-Akrofi at love.asiedu-akrofi@cpuc.ca.gov.
Related Documents
Contact
For additional information on the TEAM and CHANGES programs contact Love Asiedu-Akrofi, project manager, at Love.Asiedu-Akrofi@cpuc.ca.gov.