California Public Utilities Commission Releases Proposal on Communication Service Provider Resiliency and Disaster Response Requirements

On March 6^th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released a proposal in the Emergency Disaster Relief Program Rulemaking Proceeding for maintaining resilient and dependable communications networks to help first responders and the public alike in being able to reliably communicate during de-energization events (also known as public safety power shutoffs or PSPS) or during emergencies such as wildfires. 

RCRC is a party to this proceeding and will be providing feedback by the CPUC’s March 27^th deadline. The proposal seeks to analyze sufficient backup power capabilities in order for communication service providers to maintain a minimum level of service. The CPUC intends to establish rules for communication resiliency prior to the upcoming fire season this summer.

The CPUC’s proposal can be found here. Public comments can also be made on this proposal here.