Last week, RCRC joined a new rulemaking at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to examine the telecommunications emergency preparedness and network resiliency program. This existing program includes 72-hour backup power requirements as well as network redundancy, hardening and other preparedness planning strategies to maintain a sufficient level of service for customers to access 9-1-1 and 2-1-1, and to ensure infrastructure can distribute emergency notifications to customers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts.
This rulemaking will explore improvements such as stronger enforcement of providers for noncompliance; clearer definitions of “feasibility” (a broad term that some providers have used to justify not implementing required resiliency upgrades); enhanced data transparency to benefit local governments; and potential expansion of resiliency requirements beyond designated high fire threat areas. For example, 38% of Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) events from 2021-2023 affected jurisdictions outside of the current Resiliency Program’s requirements and, therefore, protections.
RCRC previously participated in the prior CPUC proceeding that established these resiliency rules, and is continuing this important work to strengthen and update the program in light of ongoing implementation challenges. RCRC’s continued engagement ensures the unique infrastructure needs of rural communities are elevated, particularly given how extended power outages and limited high-quality telecommunications infrastructure create critical gaps in public safety communications and impact emergency response.
For more information, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocates Leigh Kammerich and Tracy Rhine.