The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has released its 2025 annual report on the Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) Action Plan 2.0, detailing progress in integrating ESJ principles into its regulatory activities.
According to the report, the CPUC has completed 85 percent of the 94 action items tied to nine strategic objectives set out in the plan. The ESJ Action Plan 1.0 previously established a framework for collaboration and accountability within the agency, while this year’s update includes case studies illustrating how these efforts have impacted communities.
“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.”
Efforts highlighted in the report include increased investments in clean energy aimed at improving air quality and public health in disadvantaged areas that face higher pollution exposure. The CPUC evaluated distributed energy plans and prioritized building decarbonization while working to streamline enrollment for low-income energy programs.
The commission also promoted workforce development by partnering with the California Workforce Development Board to raise awareness about utility sector job programs targeting underserved communities.
Community outreach was enhanced through partnerships with local organizations and targeted engagement strategies such as monthly newsletters from the External Affairs Division. Information materials were translated into multiple languages including Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
To expand access to essential services like water, communications, and transportation, broadband initiatives were supported on tribal rural lands where high-speed internet is less available. For example, through the California Advanced Service Fund Tribal Technical Assistance Program, $6 million was awarded to over 40 Tribes. In one instance, broadband deployment for the Yurok Tribe connected nearly 2,300 residents in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties with high-speed internet.
Metrics tracked by the CPUC show a 35% increase in participation for water utility customer assistance programs; a 13% rise in enrollment for California LifeLine telecommunications support; a 10% increase in device distribution through Cal Connect+; improved notifications during power shutoffs for about 400,000 medically vulnerable electric customers; more than $1 billion awarded in broadband grants across most counties including technical assistance reaching over 50 Tribal communities; and nearly $13 billion invested via supplier diversity initiatives supporting economic opportunity.
“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.
