Terence Shia, Director of the Water Division at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), outlined on March 20 key priorities and personal insights regarding water regulation in California as World Water Day approaches.
The interview highlights the importance of ensuring clean, safe, and reliable water service to Californians. Shia leads a team responsible for regulating both large and small investor-owned water utilities across the state, focusing on maintaining water quality and service standards.
Shia said, “Our mission for the Water Division is to assure our regulated water utilities provide clean, safe, and reliable service to ratepayers. This closely aligns with our value of stewardship as we are entrusted to maintain water quality and service as one of the most important natural resources California has to offer.”
Reflecting on his career path, Shia explained that he entered the field by chance after graduating during a recession in 2008. He described how working with small water utilities in remote areas helped him understand the challenges faced by operators who often hesitate to raise rates despite financial pressures. “My role as a regulator meant more after connecting with the people in the actual service of providing clean drinking water, and that’s when I knew I could carve out a longer career path in water, which led me to my current role as Director for the Water Division,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Shia identified several main areas of focus: continuing compliance monitoring for small utilities through the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP), completing efforts to streamline acquisitions of at-risk or failing utilities through the Water Acquisitions Proceeding, and beginning work on new rulemaking related to rate case plans and conservation policies. He emphasized collaboration with agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board to ensure all communities have access to safe drinking water.
Shia also discussed his commitment to mentorship within CPUC. “The most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of working at the CPUC is being able to serve as a mentor and walking newer staff through the many career paths at the CPUC,” he said. For those starting their careers, he advised seeking mentors within CPUC’s knowledgeable staff while remembering patience is essential given regulatory processes can be slow-moving.
