The CUDC is as a resource for advising utility companies, CPUC, and policy makers on ways to accomplish human diversity in the utility industry.  California is made up of people whose origin come from all over the world.  Almost half of California's population is Caucasian and a third Hispanic.  Asians, the fastest growing racial group in California, account for almost 12 percent and African Americans for almost 8 percent.  California demographics can be found in the home page, national data can be obtained from the Census Bureau (click). 

CUDC, as a resource, promotes diversity, exclusive of no group, for utility companies doing business in California and for the California Public Utilities Commission, in the following areas:

Governance - The Board of directors of utility companies should be reflective of California's diverse population of the state of California.

Employment - From the commissioned officers to the rank and file, employment opportunities should be provided on an equal basis without preference to any group.  Thus, it should reflect the rich mixture of California's demographics.

Procurement and Banking - Utility companies and, to a much smaller extent the CPUC, contract out billions of dollars every year.  Procurement opportunities should be fairly offered to all segments of California business, large and small. Women, minority, disabled and veterans groups seek a fair share of opportunities without diminishing standards or the quality of expectations from the vendors.  Utility companies deposit and invest their money.  The CUDC urges them to consider using qualified women and minority banks and money managers to assist in developing wealth in these communities.

Customer Service and Marketing - CUDC promotes a competent and comprehensive multi-lingual and multi-cultural work force both within the utility companies and the CPUC.  Over 150 languages are spoken in California.  Communication in one's particular language will help contribute to improved market penetration and add value to the company' bottom line and promote greater education for customers of the CPUC.

Philanthropy - Millions are given to non-profits every year by utilities serving California.  The CUDC believes the philanthropic grants should be done on an equal basis to all groups based on their proportionate size of the California population or their customer service base demographics.  Moreover, the contributions should have a priority for education, economic development and leadership development.