CPUC Mulls Closing Disaster Relief Docket

The California Public Utilities Commission should keep open its emergency disaster relief rulemaking to address unresolved issues for wireline and wireless communications providers, said the Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT). The CPUC received comments Friday on whether it should close docket R.18-03-011. The CPUC “should leave this proceeding open to consider issues of fines and citations and the communication providers’ transition from fossil fuel-based to clean energy-based backup generators,” said CforAT. The commission still needs the rulemaking to monitor communications provider compliance with 72-hour backup requirements, said the CPUC’s independent Public Advocates Office: And the CPUC could open a new phase to assess telecom needs for people with disabilities during disasters. The Utility Reform Network agreed outstanding issues remain. But the California Cable and Telecommunications Association said the commission “fully addressed its objectives” and should close the rulemaking.