Senate Bill 350 (DeLeon, 2015) requires that California’s investor owned utilities (IOUs) support the widespread adoption of transportation electrification (TE) under the oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC directed Energy Division (a division of the CPUC that provides expert analyses) to create a framework to better coordinate IOU TE programs in California. In response, the Energy Division proposed a draft Transportation Electrification Framework (TEF) that offered an overall strategy for addressing how the IOUs will support the State’s clean transportation and climate goals. UCAN has been involved in this proceeding since February 2019 offering comments and recommendations to the Energy Division as a final framework is developed. Most recently (June 1, 2021), the Commission issued a Proposed Decision (precursor to a final decision) adopting guidance and a streamlined advice letter process for electricity providers regarding near-term transportation electrification investments and also addressing issues of equity as the relate to transportation electrification. UCAN focuses on reasonable costs for ratepayers who are being asked to pay for TE investments as well as ensuring that ratepayers receive benefits from these investments including cleaner fuel, cleaner air and future lower rates.

 

Jason Zeller has over thirty years of professional experience in public utility regulation, including experience in all of the industries regulated by the CPUC. Previously he served as an Assistant General Counsel at the Commission for twelve years and was a staff counsel for six years. Jason is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and New York Law School. He also holds a Master’s in Urban Affairs and Policy Analysis from The New School. He is an active member of the California State Bar Association.