CPUC Includes Communications in Utility Affordability Metrics
The California Public Utilities Commission should consider affordability metrics in the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and other communications proceedings, California Public Utilities Commissioner Cliff Rechtschaffen said Thursday. The CPUC voted 5-0 at a livestreamed meeting to apply an affordability…
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framework across its regulated utilities (docket R.18-07-006). Communications companies resisted adopting metrics for their sector (see 2207290007 and 2207110030). “Affordability in the communications context is a little bit different and a little bit more complicated because there are multiple providers and different types of communications services,” said Rechtschaffen. “We don’t regulate them the same way we regulate our gas and electric and water utilities, but it’s nonetheless an essential utility service in today’s society and economy, and we need to understand the affordability challenges faced by vulnerable, low-income communities … in this space.” Also, the CPUC voted 5-0 to adopt a consent agenda including a proposed order to allow AT&T to discontinue residential landline service in Frontier Communications territory (see 2207210010).