On April 11, 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) convened a workshop to address critical issues surrounding Fast Trip outages, unplanned outages, and distribution reliability. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the impact of these outages on customers, particularly vulnerable populations.

The workshop began with a presentation from the Joint Party, revealing that over 700,000 unique customer accounts were affected by outages in 2022. This staggering figure underscored the real-life burdens imposed on customers, prompting discussions about the adequacy of Pacific Gas and Electric's (PG&E) Fast Trip program. Participants noted that the program's scope does not align with the wildfire risk reduction efforts reported by PG&E, as evidenced by the thousands of outages occurring despite a relatively low number of avoided ignitions.

Concerns were raised about PG&E's projection of only a 2% year-over-year reduction in Fast Trip outages, suggesting either an anticipated increase in outages or a lack of meaningful improvement. Stakeholders expressed strong support for further examination of the Fast Trip programs by the Commission and endorsed recommendations from the California Advocates for the Public Utilities Commission (Cal Advocate) for additional inquiries and stakeholder comments.

Public comments were also a significant part of the workshop. Connie Arnold, a disability rights advocate, emphasized the life-threatening implications of unplanned outages for individuals with disabilities and vulnerable seniors. She highlighted the dangers of sudden power loss, which can disrupt essential medical equipment and leave individuals without necessary support. Arnold criticized the current response to outages, calling for improved communication and accessibility for those affected.

Arnold further urged the Commission to simplify the application process for the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) to ensure that low-income individuals and renters can access backup power solutions. She called for a shift in focus from rewarding utility executives to addressing the pressing needs of Californians facing power outages.

The workshop concluded with a commitment from the Commission to continue addressing these critical issues, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and action to improve distribution reliability and protect vulnerable populations. The discussions underscored the urgency of reforming utility practices to enhance the safety and welfare of all Californians.