California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

CPUC COMMISSIONER FLORIO EMBARKS ON LISTENING TOUR

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2011 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today said that newly appointed Commissioner Mike Florio has kicked off a "California Listening Tour", meeting with customers in San Francisco, the South County Economic Development Council in Chula Vista, and the Western Power Trading Forum in San Diego.

On February 16, 2011, Commissioner Florio joined The Utility Reform Network for a forum on the California LifeLine Program, which provides discounted basic telephone services to eligible low income California households. Customers reminded Commissioner Florio they depend on LifeLine for basic telephone service at a consistent, low cost.

On February 17, 2011, the South County Economic Development Council welcomed Commissioner Florio to Chula Vista. The Council's members, including local elected representatives, business, and non-profit leaders, encouraged the Commissioner to consider new ways to support clean energy generation and energy efficiency, greater diversity in utility contracting, expanded broadband adoption, and increased support of underground electricity distribution lines. Commissioner Florio applauded the community's successful campaign to decommission the South Bay power plant and joins Chula Vista in urging a timely deconstruction of the facility.

Today, February 18, 2011, Commissioner Florio joined the Western Power Trading Forum's annual meeting. Commissioner Florio shared his vision for the CPUC, including a renewed dedication to safe service, reasonable rates, and effective utility oversight. Western Power Trading Forum members suggested that California's ratepayers will benefit from more merchant ownership of electric generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.

"These first stops on my California Listening Tour were eye opening," said Commissioner Florio. "The challenges facing utility customers are diverse and dynamic. Hearing from these customers, as well as service providers who are poised to provide solutions, confirms my suspicion that the CPUC has hard work to do. We've got to do more with less and generally, up our game. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and digging in."

Commissioner Florio's California Listening Tour will continue through April. The Commissioner is scheduled to meet with a diverse group of stakeholders, including low income customers, community based organizations, local governments, Silicon Valley technology leaders, agricultural customers, and more. Further updates will be provided as the tour continues.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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