California regulators decision will ensure timely connections to grid for new customers

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Sept. 12 approved a decision to set new standards for the utility operations of the state’s three large electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and increase transparency and reporting to hold utilities accountable for providing timely electric services.

The decision sets targets and timelines for energization requests, starting from the date a customer requests energization, according to the CPUC.

“Electricity is the fuel of our future, and the utility grid must be ready to meet customer needs for energization without delay,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “This decision moves us forward by improving oversight, transparency, and accountability to serve the needs of EV charging stations, new housing developments, building electrification, and other customer requests for service.”

The CPUC’s decision implements the Powering Up Californians Act, State Senate Bill 410, and Assembly Bill 50, which direct the CPUC to define reasonable energization times for new or upgraded electrical loads and establish a process for reporting delays.

The commission said its approved decision will accelerate the electrical energization process for customers who request new or upgraded electrical service through new accountability standards for the three large electric IOUs and greater transparency for customers.

Additionally, the CPUC said its decision is an important component of its efforts to enhance the state’s electrification efforts and support economic development.

If targets are met by the IOUs, then the CPUC says that maximum timelines for grid connections could be reduced up to 49 percent compared to current operations. In turn, this will increase the speed of energization for new residential buildings, commercial businesses, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and other customer projects.

Streamlined energization targets also expedite electrical service upgrades that do not require upgrades to the electrical grid, including those needed for residential EV chargers, the commission said.

To ensure adherence to these new timelines, the CPUC will require biannual reports from utilities detailing completion times, analysis of any factors affecting energization, and the reasons for any delays. Utilities will also implement Customer Engagement Plans to increase outreach with customers, as well as provide real-time updates to those in the energization process, according to the decision.

“As we move further along in the energy transition, we must ensure that all customers have timely access to electric service,” said CPUC Commissioner Darcie Houck. “This decision is a positive step forward in helping to meet California’s ambitious clean energy goals while appropriately balancing customer needs and affordability with utility capabilities.”

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