supported adoption of the settlement agreement through motions and comments on the ALJ’s proposed decision and the Assigned Commissioner’s alternate proposed decision, in good faith as required by the settlement terms. NAAC substantially contributed to the proceeding by achieving a settlement with PG&E on important public interest issues. Considerable time and effort was necessary to establish the facts related to different issues, develop a complete record, determine the strength of each party’s positions, and negotiate a fair and reasonable compromise that would benefit minority ratepayers and allow the utility to function properly. These commitments will strengthen the utility’s responsiveness to the concerns of minority groups, and allow them to better develop and invest in the communities that make up their customer base. No parties objected to NAAC’s settlement provisions, and the Commission found them to be reasonable and adopted them. Center For Accessible Technology, Coalition Of California Utility Employees, Collaborative Approaches To Utility Safety Enforcement, Consumer Federation Of California, Environmental Defense Fund, Marin Clean Energy, Merced Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, National Diversity Coalition, Small Business Utility Advocates, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, And Pacific Gas And Electric Company For Adoption Of Settlement Agreement, (8/3/2016). Joint Motion Of Office Of Ratepayer Advocates, The Utility Reform Network, Alliance For Nuclear Responsibility, Center For Accessible Technology, Coalition Of California Utility Employees, Collaborative Approaches To Utility Safety Enforcement, Consumer Federation Of California, Environmental Defense Fund, Marin Clean Energy, Merced Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, National Diversity Coalition, Small Business Utility Advocates, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, And Pacific Gas And Electric Company For Admission Of Testimony And Supporting Materials Into The Evidentiary Record, (8/3/2016). Joint Motion Of Office Of Ratepayer Advocates, The Utility Reform Network, Alliance For Nuclear Responsibility, Center For Accessible Technology, Coalition Of California Utility Employees, Collaborative Approaches To Utility Safety Enforcement, Consumer Federation Of California, Environmental Defense Fund, Marin Clean Energy, Merced Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, National Diversity Coalition, Small
(4/24/2017). Notice To Accept Alternative Terms To The August 3, 2016 Settlement Agreement Of Pacific Gas And Electric Company, The Office Of Ratepayer Advocates, The Utility Reform Network, Alliance For Nuclear Responsibility, Center For Accessible Technology, Coalition Of California Utility Employees, Collaborative Approaches To Utility Safety Enforcement, Consumer Federation Of California, Environmental Defense Fund, Marin Clean Energy, Merced Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, National Diversity Coalition, Small Business Utility Advocates, And South San Joaquin Irrigation District, (5/26/2017). 2. ME&O/Community Engagement NAAC recommended increased efforts to reach and minority ratepayer groups through marketing, education, and outreach (ME&O), as well as to engage with leadership and advocates from among these underserved communities to better understand and address the needs of ratepayers. The negotiated provisions in the adopted settlement agreement commit greater portions of the ME&O budget of various campaigns toward underserved communities. The settlement also requires PGE to report in the next GRC on the amount of annual funding used to reach these communities. Decision at 92-94, 165-166, 190. Settlement Agreement Among Office Of Ratepayer Advocates, The Utility Reform Network, Alliance For Nuclear Responsibility, Center For Accessible Technology, Coalition Of California Utility Employees, Collaborative Approaches To Utility Safety Enforcement, Consumer Federation Of California, Environmental Defense Fund, Marin Clean Energy, Merced Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, National Diversity Coalition, Small Business Utility Advocates, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, And Pacific Gas And Electric Company, (8/3/2016) (“Settlement Agreement”) at Section 3.1.5.5, 3.2.8.5, 3.2.4.9.1-2, 3.2.4.10 National Diversity Coalition Prepared Testimony of Faith Bautista on Pacific Gas & Electric Company (U 39 M) General Rate Case, (4/29/2016) Verified COSTS
Further, the settlement provides for ongoing dialogue between utility leadership and community representatives on a wide range of issues, including the impact of economic circumstances, effectiveness of outreach, and reasonableness of executive compensation, through the Customer Advisory Panel meetings and annual meetings between NDC and PGE executive leadership. These provisions allow NAAC and other members of NDC to provide better guidance to the utility on behalf of underrepresented ratepayers, increasing the participation of minority communities and small businesses in informing the activities of the utility. (“Exhibit NDC”) at 5-6, 10. 3. Supplier Diversity NAAC advocated for progressive supplier diversity targets that reflect the diversity of PGE’s service territory, as well as programs to help develop the capacity of small minority businesses to better work with the utility. The settlement terms establish an improved supplier diversity goal of 42%, and provide funding for technical assistance and capacity building programs that focus on small minority owned businesses. Additionally, PGE will meet with diverse business organizations that attend the Decision at 100, 167-169, 180 Exhibit NDC at 15 Settlement Agreement Section 3.1.6.2, 3.2.5.1.1-3. 3.2.7.3 Verified