“The Public Advocates Office is the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission.  Our mandate is to obtain the lowest possible rates for utility services consistent with reliable and safe service levels, and the state’s environmental goals.  We are organized into seven branches (four handle energy matters, one water matters, one communications and water policy matters, and an administrative branch) with a staff of 165 employees comprised of economic, financial and policy analysts; engineers; and auditors. Please visit us at http://www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov/”

The Water Branch has primary responsibility for representing ratepayer interests in the regulation of rates and services of privately owned Class A water utilities.  It is also responsible for the review of utility ownership transfers, sales of utilities properties, water supply, water quality and related issues.  The Water Branch is comprised of four sections – two are located in San Francisco and two in Los Angeles.  Another branch, the Communications & Water Policy (CWP) Branch oversees at least two of the major water general rate cases.  There are nine Class A water utilities (water utilities with 10,000 service connections or more) comprising forty-two separate ratemaking areas.
 
Specifically, the Water Branch represents ratepayer interests in Commission proceedings (e.g., workshops, rulemakings, investigations, and hearings) and other forums that result in impacts to customers.  These proceedings set rates, rules and regulations for the protection of ratepayers and provide an opportunity for regulated utilities to earn a fair return on their investments.  General rate cases for the Class A water utilities encompass all aspects of cost of service, such as determining the appropriate level of rate base and operating expenses recovered through rates for water service.