Client Alert: New Backup Power Mandates for California Communications Companies

With the recent statewide uptick in California’s destructive wildfires, de-energization events, and corresponding impact on wireless communication services, the state’s utility regulator has moved forward with regulations to address the resiliency of wireless networks. On July 16, 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to effectuate a proposed decision (Decision) that mandates network resiliency requirements in enumerated high fire-risk areas (High Fire Threat Districts) for certain wireless carriers. Facilities-based wireless carriers in California are now required to maintain 72-hours of on-site backup power in High Fire Threat Districts, and submit resiliency and emergency operations plans. In addition to the new regulatory requirements it creates for wireless carriers, the Decision is notable due to its expansive assertion of the CPUC’s jurisdiction and deferral of the regulatory framework for wireline carriers.

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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

Client Alert: New Backup Power Mandates for California Communications Companies

With the recent statewide uptick in California’s destructive wildfires, de-energization events, and corresponding impact on wireless communication services, the state’s utility regulator has moved forward with regulations to address the resiliency of wireless networks. On July 16, 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to effectuate a proposed decision (Decision) that mandates network resiliency requirements in enumerated high fire-risk areas (High Fire Threat Districts) for certain wireless carriers. Facilities-based wireless carriers in California are now required to maintain 72-hours of on-site backup power in High Fire Threat Districts, and submit resiliency and emergency operations plans. In addition to the new regulatory requirements it creates for wireless carriers, the Decision is notable due to its expansive assertion of the CPUC’s jurisdiction and deferral of the regulatory framework for wireline carriers.

To read the full alert, please click here

Related Locations

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

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