The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held a technical working group meeting on June 11, 2025, to discuss the guidelines for the SB-884 program, focusing on the data template used by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). The meeting addressed several key questions raised by PG&E regarding the data reporting requirements for projects aimed at mitigating wildfire risks.

One of the primary discussions centered on the definition and reporting of circuit miles in relation to overhead and underground projects. PG&E sought confirmation on whether the total number of pre-mitigated circuit miles included in their reports should reflect overhead circuit miles removed at the end of project scoping. The response affirmed PG&E's assumption, clarifying that these figures should be maintained throughout the project's lifecycle.

The group also examined the structure of risk assessment tranches, with PG&E proposing an alternative approach to tranche definitions. It was noted that utilities could suggest different tranche structures, provided they align with the project’s mitigation goals. However, it was emphasized that any new proposals must be documented in writing for review.

Further discussions addressed the justification for undergrounding projects, where PG&E outlined their assumptions regarding primary and secondary justifications based on specific project thresholds. The CPUC clarified that justifications could be broader, encompassing cost efficiency and operational limitations, beyond the initial thresholds.

The meeting also tackled questions about data updates throughout the project lifecycle. PG&E inquired about which fields in their reporting could be updated and how to handle changes in project data. The CPUC reiterated that all data elements must be submitted in progress reports until the project is deemed "used and useful," ensuring that the latest data is always reflected.

Additionally, the group discussed the definitions of key terms such as "assets" and "systems" in the context of risk modeling. PG&E requested clearer definitions to ensure compliance with reporting requirements, particularly regarding new data inputs and the granularity of asset definitions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of clear communication and documentation in the data reporting process for wildfire mitigation projects. The CPUC encouraged PG&E and other stakeholders to provide written feedback on the guidelines as they finalize the data template, ensuring that all parties are aligned on expectations and definitions moving forward.