CPUC Tribal Outreach & Communications | February 2026

California Public Utilties Commission seal

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT & INVITATION

Date: February 12, 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:00 am

SB 1221 Decarbonization Pilots:

Program Overview, Gas Rulemaking Coordination, and Opportunities for Local and Tribal Government participation to advance California’s Building Decarbonization and Climate Goals

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is implementing Senate Bill 1221 (SB1221), which establishes voluntary neighborhood decarbonization pilots as part of the Commission’s long-term gas planning rulemaking, R.24-09-012. This informational webinar is designed for governments and community partners to better understand the SB 1221 implementation process and opportunities for important engagement.

Staff from the CPUC’s Energy Division will provide an overview of the SB 1221 framework, how pilot neighborhoods may be identified, and how the pilot program connects to gas infrastructure planning and replacement activities. The presentation will also highlight opportunities for Tribal and local government participation, coordination, and engagement as the CPUC moves forward with implementation.

There will be a moderated Q&A session to allow participants to ask questions and

share perspectives.

Meetings, News and Events

Upcoming CPUC Voting Meetings

The CPUC holds regularly scheduled public meetings to discuss and vote on proposed policies, rules, and programs. The CPUC welcomes public comment at its voting meetings.

February 26

11:00 a.m.

In Person: Santa Maria City Hall, Council Chambers 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria, CA 93454

Webcast: https://www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/

Phone:

1-800-857-1917, passcode: 9899501# (English)

1-800-857-1917, passcode: 3799627# (Spanish)

Grants & Technical Assistance

Application Window Now Open for the CASF Consortia Grant Account

The CPUC opened the new application window for the CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Grant Account, creating an opportunity for organizations across the state to build long-term digital strategies for their communities. The CPUC will accept applications from regional Broadband Consortia for the 2026 grant cycle through February 20, 2026. This window carries special significance--for the first time, California Native American Tribes can apply to form and lead their own broadband consortia, shaping the planning and partnership work needed to bring better connectivity to Tribal communities. Please visit the Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account webpage for more detailed information. The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) includes six different accounts--program descriptions and other CASF resources can be found here.

Welcome!

The CPUC would like to welcome new leadership to the Office of the Tribal Advisor, Thomas Gates. In the coming weeks, months and years, the Commission looks forward to ensuring that the CPUC's Tribal Consultation Policy is honoring the government-to-government relationship necessary to ensure fair and equitable outcomes. See contact information below.

Proceedings of Interest

Proceedings and Rulemaking

Official CPUC-generated proceeding documents, proposed decisions, Advice Letters, electronically filed documents, staff reports, press releases, environmental impact reports and more can be found here.

A2601018

Application of VELOCITY COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for Rehearing of Resolution T-17896.

Office of the Tribal Advisor

Welcoming Thomas Gates to the CPUC!

Email: Thomas.Gates@cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC values its commitment to provide excellent outreach and engagement to the Native American Tribes of California, per our Tribal Consultation Policy. We recognize and appreciate the sovereignty of our State’s Tribal governments, and our goal is to work together with you to solve your community’s utility challenges.

If you have a general question regarding CPUC process or a public event on our event calendar, please reach out to the office, TribalAdvisor@cpuc.ca.gov.

California Public Utilities Commission | www.cpuc.ca.gov | Contact us

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