History

The Governor of California originally chartered the California Utilities Emergency Association in 1952 as part of the state’s Civil Defense Plan.  The Association was created by a Joint Powers Agreement to represent California utilities on utility emergency-related issues.
 

•  In March of 1998, the CUEA received federal tax exempt status as a 501(c) 4 corporation.
•  In January of 1999, the CUEA received state tax exempt status.

Mission

CUEA provides structure for efficient communications and coordination among government agencies and public and private utilities throughout the State.  With the Board of Directors, CUEA's job is to provide emergency operations support, wherever practicable, for gas, electric, water wastewater, telecommunications (including wireless), and petroleum pipeline utilities.  This support is to ensure the preservation of lives and property, as well as the protection of California's economic infrastructure.

Purpose

CUEA provides a structure for efficient communications and coordination among government agencies, public and private utilities, and community based organizations throughout the State.  The Association’s activities focus on emergency preparedness, response, restoration and recovery as well as mitigation activities.  The Association assists with operational and business continuity for gas, electric, water, wastewater, telecommunications and pipeline utilities in California.

Organization 

Executive Committee

Comprised of senior-level officers from California's public and private utilities; functions as the policy-making Board for the Association.

Board of Control

Representatives from California public utilities provide association oversight for CUEA.

Executive Director

CUEA's Executive Director manages the organization and provides Association leadership. The Executive Director also functions as the OES Utilities Branch Chief.

Utility Emergency Coordinators

Senior managers from Gas, Electric, Water, Wastewater, Telecommunications and Pipeline Utilities provide functional and project support on CUEA and state OES programs.

Member Utilities Representatives.

All CUEA activities are supported by volunteer representatives from member utilities throughout California and Nevada.