The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in ongoing efforts to promote diversity in procurement practices, will host two free events in Escondido, Calif., to engage with the public about small business opportunities and the CPUC’s Supplier Diversity Program.
The CPUC oversees a robust Small Business Program that connects businesses to utility opportunities. The CPUC also oversees a Supplier Diversity Program that was established more than 35 years ago and serves as a model for diversity programs throughout the U.S. Utilities spent more than $14.3 billion (30.62 percent) in goods and services from minority; women; disabled veteran; LGBT; and persons with disabilities-owned businesses in 2022.
Mark your calendars for the following events:
Small and Diverse Business Expo
- When: September 27, 2023, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Where: California Center of Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025 (in-person only)
- What: The Expo offers small and diverse businesses the chance to engage with representatives from utility companies, public agencies, community choice aggregators, prime contractors, resource centers, and other enterprises about business opportunities and upcoming contracts. More information about the Expo and the Small Business Program is available on the CPUC’s website, or contact smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov.
21st Annual Supplier Diversity En Banc
- When: September 28, 2023, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Where: California Center of Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025 (in-person only)
- Registration: https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/rsvp/register.aspx?id=1072
- What: The En Banc serves as a public hearing for participants to examine the diversity programs of the state’s regulated utilities, community choice aggregators, and energy service providers. Interested parties will share their views on the future of supplier diversity and the impact it has had on the communities the utilities serve. The CPUC’s Supplier Diversity Program encourages utilities to purchase at least 22.5 percent of their total procurement from diverse suppliers (women-owned, minority-owned, disabled veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and persons with disabilities businesses). For more information about the En Banc and the Supplier Diversity Program, please visit the CPUC’s website, or contact supplierdiversity@cpuc.ca.gov.
Both events provide a platform for CPUC Commissioners, utility executives, community-based organizations, and suppliers to engage in discussions about the progress of the Small Business and Supplier Diversity Programs, and ways that utilities can further expand opportunities for a wide range of suppliers.
The CPUC has consistently highlighted its commitment to supporting the state’s economic vitality, recognizing the positive impact of small businesses and diverse suppliers in achieving this goal. Equalizing opportunities not only aligns with corporate responsibilities and CPUC goals, but also fosters heightened competition and reduced costs for ratepayers.
No official action will be taken at these events.
If special accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or sign language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll free at 866-849-8390 at least five business days in advance of the events.
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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