SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in ongoing efforts to promote diversity in utility company practices, will host two free events in Riverside, Calif., to engage with the public about small business opportunities and the CPUC’s Utility Supplier Diversity Program.
The CPUC’s Small Business Program hosts small and diverse business events to help connect businesses to utility companies and government procurement representatives. The CPUC has promoted and monitored the diversification of utilities’ supply chains for more than 35 years. The CPUC’s Utility Supplier Diversity Program encourages utilities to purchase at least 23 percent of their total procurement from women, minority, disabled veteran, LGBT, and persons with disabilities-owned businesses. In 2023, utilities spent $12.9 billion, or 28.8 percent of their total procurement, with diverse suppliers.
Mark your calendars for the following events:
Small and Diverse Business Expo
- When: October 9, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Where: Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th Street, Riverside, CA 92501 (in-person only)
- Registration: https://shiftsbc.glueup.com/event/2024-small-and-diverse-business-expo-112252/
- 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.
22nd Annual Supplier Diversity En Banc
- When: October 10, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th Street, Riverside, CA 92501 (in-person only)
- Registration: https://shiftsbc.glueup.com/event/cpuc-22nd-annual-general-order-156-supplier-diversity-en-banc-114475/
- What: The En Banc serves as a public hearing for participants to examine the diversity programs of the state’s regulated utilities, discuss the CPUC’s commitment to diversity, and hear from interested parties about their views on the future of supplier diversity and the impact it has had on the communities in which the utilities serve. The CPUC’s Utility Supplier Diversity Program encourages utilities to purchase at least 23 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.
These events provide a platform for CPUC Commissioners, utility executives, CBOs, 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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