Terence Shia, Director of the Water Division at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), outlined on March 20 the division’s key priorities and ongoing efforts to ensure clean, safe, and reliable water service across California.
The CPUC’s work is significant as it regulates both large and small investor-owned water utilities in the state, helping to maintain water quality for communities. Shia leads a team of 27 public servants who provide technical guidance to decision-makers and ensure compliance with CPUC rules.
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 after graduating during a recession in 2008. He described how his interest in water developed through field inspections and outreach with small utilities: “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.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Shia said priorities include continuing compliance monitoring for small utilities through the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP), wrapping up proceedings aimed at streamlining acquisitions of at-risk or failing utilities by larger companies, and beginning rulemaking on policy issues such as conservation and rate case timing. He emphasized collaboration with agencies like the State Water Resources Control Board to help utilities meet drinking water standards.
Shia also highlighted mentorship as an important part of his work: “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 encouraged new employees not to hesitate in seeking guidance from experienced colleagues.
As World Water Day approaches on March 22, Shia reaffirmed his commitment: “We must also hold ourselves accountable for the rates that are charged to customers and assess the reasonableness of these charges while conducting our work with open communication.”
