The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) continues its efforts to modernize utility infrastructure in mobile home parks across the state through the MobileHome Park Utility Upgrade Program (MHP-UUP). The initiative aims to replace aging, privately owned gas and electric systems with new infrastructure that is owned, operated, and maintained by investor-owned utilities.
Many mobile home parks have relied on utility systems installed decades ago. These older systems often do not meet current safety standards and can pose risks of failure, particularly for gas distribution. The MHP-UUP seeks to address these issues by installing new gas and electric distribution systems that comply with today’s safety requirements. Ownership and maintenance responsibilities are transferred to local utilities, which reduces safety risks and improves reliability for residents.
Jason McMillan, Senior Utilities Engineer Supervisor, said: “The MHP Utility Conversion Program is bringing modern infrastructure into communities that a lot of people forget about. The residents now have the opportunity to install air-conditioning units, more efficient water heaters, and not worry about overloading the utility systems.”
The CPUC uses a risk-based prioritization model to determine which parks receive upgrades first. Park owners submit a “Form of Intent” during application windows. The Safety and Enforcement Division (SED) then evaluates each park’s risk level based on this information.
According to the SED Monthly Performance Report from October 2025, during the initial application period in 2021, 986 Forms of Intent were received. This led to a priority list including 1,557 parks representing about 171,000 home spaces. A second application window in early 2025 resulted in 390 applications; after confirmation of interest, 332 parks were added to the list for a total of approximately 168,400 home spaces.
Once selected for participation, utilities install new infrastructure up to each meter and often upgrade facilities serving individual homes as well.
Since its inception in 2015, the program has provided new electric service to nearly 44,700 spaces and new gas service to over 51,600 spaces statewide. As of January 1, 2025, utilities have invested $1.57 billion in construction and program management.
Recent annual reports filed by investor-owned utilities show continued progress:
– Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) reported upgrades for over 1,400 gas spaces and nearly as many electric spaces.
– Southern California Edison (SCE) upgraded more than 2,700 electric spaces.
– San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) improved both gas and electric services for thousands of spaces.
– SoCalGas completed upgrades at nearly 3,800 gas spaces.
– Southwest Gas made improvements at hundreds of locations.
These improvements give residents direct utility billing options while increasing transparency and access to energy-saving programs as well as low-income assistance rates.
Many mobile home park residents are seniors or low-income families who face higher risks from infrastructure failures. By focusing on high-risk parks first and ensuring professional oversight by regulated utilities rather than private owners or landlords alone—the CPUC aims to provide equitable safety enhancements without passing replacement costs onto homeowners or park owners.
Oversight is maintained through regular review of utility reports by the CPUC’s Safety and Enforcement Division. Priority lists are published publicly along with any changes; complaints are monitored; costs tracked; schedules reviewed; and implementation progress assessed regularly.
Looking ahead, the MHP Utility Upgrade Program remains central to California’s strategy for safer utility service delivery—especially in underserved communities—with additional parks scheduled for conversion in coming years. The CPUC will continue applying its risk-based approach while coordinating closely with all stakeholders throughout construction phases.
This ongoing work reflects the Commission’s commitment to public safety through modernization efforts intended to benefit communities statewide.
