Business and Community Outreach
The CPUC's Business and Community Outreach (BCO) program focuses on outreach to local stakeholders, the Supplier Diversity Program, and the Small Business Program. The BCO team plays an integral role in the CPUC’s efforts to assure Californians maintain access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services by engaging with Communities and fostering relationships. It is involved in the development of policies and programs that serve all ratepayers so that the work of the CPUC remains transparent, and the final product reflects the diverse views of California communities.
The Local Government and Community Outreach team is composed of dedicated Liaisons who serve as key partners to local governments and community-based organizations. Their mission is to inform, engage, and address concerns related to the CPUC’s programs, decisions, and initiatives. Liaisons work to elevate diverse perspectives in the CPUC’s decision-making process, helping ensure inclusive and representative outcomes for all Californians. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, CPUC Liaisons are available to assist stakeholders across every regulated industry.
The Supplier Diversity program promotes and monitors supplier diversity in procurement by utilities, electric service providers, community choice aggregators, and other entities and oversees a certification clearinghouse. The CPUC encourages participating entities to purchase goods and services from diverse suppliers: 15 percent from minority, 5 percent from women, 1.5 percent from disabled veteran business enterprises, and 1.5 percent for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) business enterprises.
The Small Business program focuses on two areas:
- Promoting procurement opportunities with the state and utilities;
- Providing education and outreach necessary to raise internal and external awareness of various regulatory and legislative policy issues impacting the small business community.
The CPUC also assists small businesses with utility related complaints, issues, and informs small businesses of CPUC contracting opportunities.
Useful Links
Contact
Questions about Outreach, Supplier Diversity or Small Business Programs?
If you have any questions about Business and Community Outreach's Programs, please contact Stephanie Green, Program and Project Supervisor, at 415-703-5245 or stephanie.green@cpuc.ca.gov.