On January 7, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a Proposed Decision requiring wireline communications providers to increase system resiliency so they can remain operational during power outages.  The CPUC’s actions are in direct response to the widespread loss of communications service during the late 2019 public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events. This Proposed Decision helps ensure that rural wireline-dependent communities enjoy the same levels of communications resiliency as do those who have reliable access to wireless communications coverage.  

The Proposed Decision, which is expected to be adopted next month, largely tracks the new requirements recently imposed on wireless communications systems in D.20-07-011, and requires wireline communications providers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts to:

  • Maintain service for a minimum of 72-hours immediately following a power outage,
  • Maintain customer access to 9-1-1 service, emergency notifications, and basic internet browsing,
  • Submit waivers for facilities where it is unsafe or objectively impossible or infeasible to deploy backup power (and discuss actions to mitigate the resulting service loss).

The CPUC leaves the door open to extending these requirements beyond those areas in the future and orders providers to pay particular attention to those communities that rely primarily or exclusively on wireline communications.  The CPUC also notes that even with increased network resiliency, migration away from copper phone lines means that customers must have battery or generator power to use their wireline-based telephones during a power outage.

RCRC engaged extensively in this proceeding and many of our suggestions were incorporated in both D.20-07-011 and this Proposed Decision.  RCRC sincerely appreciates the assistance of Supervisors Ted Williams (Mendocino), Lynda Hopkins (Sonoma), David Griffith (Alpine), Lee Adams (Sierra), and Ryan Coonerty (Santa Cruz) and their staff in preparation of comments and testimony in this proceeding.  Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Legislative Advocate, with any questions or for more information.