Cities should talk with investor-owned utilities about recent Rule 20 changes and work credits
On June 3, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision that revises their Electric Rule 20 program, which lays out guidelines and procedures for undergrounding overhead electric facilities.
The decision will have significant impacts for cities moving forward. This decision made a number of changes to the program, including:
- Discontinuing new work credit allocations for Electric Rule 20A projects
- Clarifying Electric Rule 20A project eligibility criteria and work credit transfer rules
- Enhancing program oversight
The decision also requires investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to contact cities within their service territory that participate in the Rule 20 program about their Rule 20 status, whether they are considered “active” or “inactive,” and what their remaining work credit balance is. Cities are encouraged to discuss these items with their appropriate IOU before the end of the year.
If you have any questions about the CPUC’s decision from a policy perspective, please contact Cal Cities Environmental Quality lobbyist Derek Dolfie or read our previous, in-depth story about CPUC’s tentative decision. All other questions about the decision should be directed to IOU representatives.