CPUC New Online Comment Portal Offers Opportunity to Provide Input Online and View Comments of Others
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in its commitment to increase transparency and accessibility, today announced that the public can now submit comments on CPUC matters electronically, as well as review the comments of others.
Members of the public can already make their voices heard at the CPUC in a variety of ways, such as emailing or mailing comments to the CPUC, speaking at a CPUC Voting Meeting, or attending public hearings and workshops.
With the release of the new online comment feature, members of the public can now read comments submitted to the CPUC through the new online portal, and can submit their comments directly through a proceeding’s docket card at www.cpuc.ca.gov/Docket.
The docket card shows all documents related to a specific proceeding underway at the CPUC, such as a proceeding evaluating a utility’s request for a rate change. This additional way to provide comment to the CPUC increases transparency and accessibility by making it easier for the public to provide their comments and allowing others to see the comments.
When submitting a comment electronically on the website, the public should keep a few guidelines in mind:
- There is a 4,000 word/2-page limit for each comment.
- When a comment is received, it will be made available to the public on the CPUC’s website. However, there is an option to make the comment private.
- The commenter must include first name, last name, city, state, zip code, and email address. This information, excluding the email address, will be publicly displayed with the comment unless the commenter chooses to make the comment private.
Public comments will still be accepted via email at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, via toll-free phone at 866-849-8390, or via written letter to CPUC Public Advisor, 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102.
To learn more about how to provide public comments to the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/written_informal_comments.
Get the fact sheet on providing comments to the CPUC here: http://bit.ly/2v0hw0w.
The new format is only for public comments on proceedings. Parties to proceedings must still formally file comments. Information about becoming a party to a proceeding is available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/Party_to_a_Proceeding.
The CPUC opens many proceedings on different issues that are of importance to Californians. As a regulatory agency, the CPUC uses hearings and meetings to gather information related to these proceedings. Comments from the public are important, as this input helps the CPUC reach an informed decision on proceedings.
Please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/documents to search for official CPUC-generated proceeding documents.
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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