PUC DivisionsOur Executive Office ensures that procedural matters are handled in a timely manner and is also responsible for efficient internal operations.
The News and Public Information Office raises the awareness of the Commission by informing and educating the media about the Commission's services, policies, procedures, and decisions
The Office of Governmental Affairs represents the Commission before the State Legislature and Executive Branch and oversees representation of the PUC and State of California before the United States Congress and federal agencies.
The Energy Division assists Commission activities in the electricity, natural gas, steam, and petroleum pipeline industries.
The Communications Division assists the Commission in developing and implementing policies to promote competition in all telecommunications markets and to address regulatory changes required by state and federal legislation.
The Consumer Protection and Safety Division has safety oversight of railroads, light rail transit systems and highway/rail crossings, licensing, consumer protection, and safety oversight of motor carriers of passengers, household goods and water vessels, and regulatory oversight of hot air balloons and some air carriers.
The Water Division supports the Commission by investigating water and sewer system service quality issues and analyzing and processing utility rate change requests.
The Legal Division represents and appears for the people of the State of California, the Commission, and the Commission staff in all actions and proceedings involving any question under the Public Utilities Code or under any order or act of the Commission.
The Administrative Law Judges process formal filings, facilitate alternative dispute resolution, conduct hearings, develop an adequate administrative record, prepare timely proposals for Commission consideration, and prepare and coordinate Commission meeting agendas. The ALJ Division administers the Commission's Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.
The Information and Management Services Division is responsible for the PUC's computer, website, and telecommunications and technology systems, as well as document management. The Division also provides administrative, fiscal, and budget services.
The Division of Strategic Planning discovers, identifies, and addresses issues regarding notable industry concerns and developments, internal and external Commission procedures, and interagency relationships.
The Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) participates in Commission proceedings, workshops, and other forums with significant dollar impacts on consumers that address issues of consumer protection, development of fair rules for competition or other significant policy issues, and that address service quality, rate levels, and rate of return. DRA's mission, as defined by Senate Bill 960 in 1996 and embodied in Public Utilities Code Section 309.5, is to "obtain the lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels." | 
