The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has released its 2025 annual report on the Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) Action Plan 2.0, documenting the agency’s efforts to integrate ESJ principles into its regulatory activities.
According to the report, the CPUC has completed 85 percent of its 94 action items across nine strategic objectives. This builds on the initial ESJ Action Plan, which established a framework for collaboration and accountability in policymaking.
“The CPUC made significant strides in integrating ESJ principles into its internal operations, decision-making processes, and external engagements,” said CPUC Executive Director Rachel Peterson. “We cultivated a culture committed to understanding the real challenges and lived experiences of ESJ communities, centering their feedback, and upholding our commitment to equity.”
The report outlines several achievements:
– The CPUC increased investments in clean energy aimed at improving air quality and public health in disadvantaged communities. The agency evaluated distributed energy plans and prioritized building decarbonization while streamlining enrollment for low-income energy programs.
– Workforce development initiatives were promoted through partnerships with the California Workforce Development Board. These programs focused on expanding career opportunities in utilities for underserved communities.
– Community outreach was enhanced by providing information through monthly newsletters and translating materials into multiple languages such as Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
– Access to lifeline utility services was expanded. The California Advanced Service Fund (CASF) Tribal Technical Assistance Program awarded $6 million to over 40 Tribes to support broadband access on tribal rural lands.
A specific example highlighted is broadband expansion for the Yurok Tribe, which connected nearly 2,300 previously unserved residents in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties to high-speed internet.
Metrics from the report show that participation in customer assistance programs for water utilities rose by 35 percent. Enrollment in California LifeLine grew by 13 percent, increasing affordable telecommunications options for low-income residents. Cal Connect+ distributed 10 percent more devices than previous years. About 400,000 medically vulnerable electric utility customers received improved notifications during Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Additionally, more than $1 billion in broadband grants were awarded across 52 counties—including $50 million in technical assistance reaching over 50 Tribal communities—and nearly $13 billion was invested through the Supplier Diversity Program.
“This is not a single moment. It is a shared, ongoing responsibility to ensure that all Californians have safe access to essential utility services. Our work must continue,” said Executive Director Peterson.
