At its 23rd Annual Supplier Diversity En Banc, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) brought together commissioners, legislators, utility executives, and community advocates to discuss the progress and future of General Order (GO) 156. This order, established in 1986, sets requirements for utilities under CPUC jurisdiction to increase business opportunities for enterprises owned by minorities, women, disabled veterans, and LGBTQ individuals.
In 2024, utilities participating in the program reported a combined $13.1 billion spent with certified diverse suppliers. This spending is part of California’s larger $400 billion energy and utilities sector.
“Supplier diversity is not an add-on, it’s integral to how California builds resilience,” said Stephanie Green, Senior Program Manager for the CPUC’s Utility Supplier Diversity Program. “When we invest in diverse businesses, we’re investing in innovation, community stability, and ultimately in better value for ratepayers.”
The event highlighted that supplier diversity programs do more than affect procurement—they also impact local communities by creating jobs and supporting economic activity in underserved areas. CPUC President Alice Reynolds stated: “When local businesses thrive, they reinvest in their neighborhoods, which strengthens our economic fabric and keeps our utility systems more adaptive and responsive.”
Panelists at the event noted ongoing challenges such as certification hurdles and limited access to capital for small suppliers. Community leaders called for increased mentorship opportunities and clearer paths for emerging businesses to secure contracts. Green commented on these efforts: “We need to meet suppliers where they are,” adding that the CPUC is working with utilities to “simplify processes, improve transparency, and make sure that opportunity is not defined by scale.”
Utilities are making changes through initiatives like Southern California Edison’s Edison Edge mentorship program and SoCalGas’s Quick Pay initiative.
As California advances its clean energy goals—including grid modernization and electric vehicle charging—supplier diversity remains central. Opportunities are increasing for small firms in these areas as well as AI integration and wildfire mitigation.
“Clean energy transformation must be a collective effort,” said Green. “If we build a sustainable future without inclusivity, we’re missing the point, and missing out on talent and innovation that drive results.”
The En Banc concluded with recognition of California’s role as a national leader in equitable utility procurement practices. President Reynolds summarized: inclusive procurement supports innovation, reliability, and community prosperity.
For ratepayers across California, this approach aims to ensure benefits from clean energy projects are distributed equitably throughout the state.
