The core directive of the CPUC ruling states that:
"This decision takes steps to ensure the energy utilities we regulate are prepared to upgrade their infrastructure, operations and services to adapt to climate change, and to ensure safe and reliable energy service to all Californians—including those most vulnerable and disadvantaged. At its essence, climate change adaptation for California’s investor-owned energy utilities (IOUs or energy utilities) focuses on incorporating the best available climate science into utility infrastructure, operations and services for the long-term to help ensure provision of resilient and reliable service to all customers.
Vulnerability assessments will focus on climate risks to operations and service as well as to utility assets over which IOUs have direct control. Assessments should identify areas in need of extra funding, outreach and education, and parties may weigh in on such areas. The vulnerability assessments will provide the information the Commission and stakeholders need to determine whether infrastructure or service changes will be needed as a means of climate adaptation."
To achieve this, SoCal Gas is reaching out to community-based organizations and residents in our service areas to encourage their participation—at any level and at any time during this process.
Examples of participation may include:
- Goal development—Identifying and developing goals for the vulnerability assessment process and outputs
- Scope analysis—Determining the overall scope of the vulnerability assessment, such as which climate hazards, timeframes, and scenarios should be considered
- Data gathering—Gathering data from communities to help identify critical vulnerabilities and priority adaptation needs
- Implementation—Developing plans on how to integrate SoCal Gas’ vulnerability assessment data into adaptation plans and support regional climate resilience initiatives
- Administration—Ongoing engagement with SoCal Gas throughout the process, such as being part of a stakeholder advisory group
- Review—Providing feedback on the findings and outputs from the vulnerability assessment.