CPUC to Hold Public Forums on Designating Neighborhood Decarbonization Zones
SAN FRANCISCO– The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold two virtual Public Forums to gather input from the public on how the CPUC should designate geographic areas where utilities may bring forward pilot projects transitioning entire neighborhoods from natural gas service to cost-effective, zero-emission alternatives.
WHEN: Thu., Aug. 7, 2025, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
WHAT: Two virtual Public Forums to gather input on the designation of priority neighborhood decarbonization zones as part of the CPUC’s implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 1221. These zones may become sites for pilot projects that transition customers off the natural gas distribution system to zero-emission energy services.
WHERE: Remote access via webcast or phone:
- Live video broadcast with English or Spanish captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
- Participants who choose to view via webcast will have audio and video but will not be able to make verbal comments. If you would like to make a comment, refer to the phone-in information below.
- For captions, after clicking on the name of the meeting, click the green button below the video for captions. Then select captions by clicking on the white icon next to the word “live” at the bottom of the video.
- The Public Forums will be recorded and archived for future viewing.
- Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 6032788#
- Participants will have audio and will be able to make comments. To make a comment, after entering the passcode, when prompted press *1, unmute your phone, and record your name.
- Wait times depend on the number of speakers in the public comment queue. During times of high call volumes, wait times will be longer. The operator will call on you when it is your turn to speak.
SPECIALIZED ACCOMMODATIONS
If specialized accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or American Sign Language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll free at 866-849-8390 at least five business days in advance of the Public Forums.
BACKGROUND
SB 1221, signed by Governor Newsom in 2024, directs the CPUC, by January 1, 2026, to designate priority neighborhood decarbonization zones, and by July 1, 2026, to establish a voluntary program of up to 30 pilot projects to help transition customers in those zones from natural gas service to cost-effective, zero-emission alternatives, such as electric appliances. To support this effort, utilities submitted to the CPUC maps of their natural gas distribution systems, planned pipeline replacements, and recommended decarbonization zones. The CPUC may only approve pilot projects in zones where at least 67 percent of natural gas customers provide written consent. If approved, natural gas service would be replaced with zero-emission alternatives, and utilities would no longer be obligated to provide natural gas service in that area.
On June 6, 2025, the CPUC notified the Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group (DACAG) of its effort to implement SB 1221 and the Public Forums. The DACAG reviews CPUC programs and policies to ensure that disadvantaged communities, including tribal and rural communities, benefit. The CPUC is also working closely with the California Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board.
While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend the Public Forums (formally called Public Participation Hearings), no official action will be taken on this matter during the Public Forums.
More Information
- Ruling Setting the SB 1221 Public Forums
- Proceeding Documents / Leave a Written Comment
- Public Forum Webpage
- More Information
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.