Energy, environment & water

Commissioner, Public Utilities Commission

Utility rates and service: power, gas, water, telecom. The Deputy Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission, listed under the California Environmental Protection Agency, provides senior administrative and operational leadership supporting the Commission's regulation of privately owned utilities in California, including those providing electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications services. This role oversees key divisions, manages cross-departmental initiatives, and assists the Executive Director in executing the Commission's statutory responsibilities. The position engages with commissioners, regulated entities, and intervenors to ensure effective implementation of Commission orders and proceedings. Substantial experience in public utility regulation, energy policy, or public administration is typical for this senior role.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: Fixed 6-year term, staggered
Compensation: Salaried
Availability: Fixed, staggered 6-year terms (Const. art. XII sec. 1); roughly one seat expires each January; expect at most one 2027 expiration plus departures. President designated by the Governor from the members.
Statutory requirements: No statutory education/license/residency requirements. Hard negative qualifications: PUC 303(a) - a commissioner may not hold an official relation to, or have a financial interest in, any person or corporation subject to CPUC regulation (if acquired involuntarily, must divest within a reasonable time or seat becomes vacant); PUC 303(b) - no executive of a public utility may serve as commissioner within two years after leaving the utility's employment. Full-time office.

Statute-verified

Sources

Cal. Const. art. XII sec. 1; Pub. Util. Code 301 et seq.; research memo Aug 2026; Statute research 2026-09-12: Cal. Const. art. XII, sec. 1; Pub. Util. Code secs. 301, 302, 303; Gov. Code sec. 11553.5 (member salary); Gov. Code sec. 19825.5(a)(2) (President salary set by CalHR); Gov. Code sec. 87200 (Form 700 filer with FPPC) | https://law.justia.com/constitution/california/article-xii/section-1/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/public-utilities-code/puc-sect-301/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/public-utilities-code/puc-sect-303/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Public Utilities Commission role, including deputies and other seats.

Commissioner

California Public Utilities Commission

Board / Commission

Energy & EnvironmentBoard / Commission MemberSalariedSenate confirmation required

Governance and Advisory

The Deputy Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission, listed under the California Environmental Protection Agency, provides senior administrative and operational leadership supporting the Commission's regulation of privately owned utilities in California, including those providing electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications services. This role oversees key divisions, manages cross-departmental initiatives, and assists the Executive Director in executing the Commission's statutory responsibilities. The position engages with commissioners, regulated entities, and intervenors to ensure effective implementation of Commission orders and proceedings. Substantial experience in public utility regulation, energy policy, or public administration is typical for this senior role.

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