Undergrounding through Rule 20

Rule 20 Tariff Overview

In 1967, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) passed the Electric Tariff Rule 20. This tariff allows customers of investor-owned utilities, such as PG&E, to request the conversion of overhead electric distribution lines to underground service. This is separate from PG&E's wildfire safety undergrounding work.

The tariff is broken into three sections: A, B, and C. These sections have different project qualifications and varying levels of ratepayer contributions.

*The Electric Tariff Rule 20 defines and governs the use of work credits. Work credits are not monies. One work credit is equal to one U.S. dollar. Municipalities can use work credits to pay for the full or partial cost of a project. If municipalities do not have enough work credits for a project, they must use community funds to make up the difference.

**For more information on how Rule 20B and 20C projects are funded, please refer to the Rule 20 Guidebook (PDF).

Rule 20A Projects

Rule 20A projects are undergrounding projects that provide a benefit to the general public. They are funded by ratepayers' contributions up to the community's available work credits.

Eligible Rule 20A projects must meet at least one public interest criteria as described below:

• Undergrounding will avoid or eliminate a heavy concentration of overhead electric facilities.
• The proposed work area is frequently used by the general public.
• The work area experiences heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
• Wheelchair access in the proposed work area is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• The proposed work area is near a public recreation area or an area of cultural or historical interest.
• The proposed work area is considered an arterial street or major collector. The California Department of Transportation defines these eligible work areas.

 Note: In June 2023, the CPUC decided to end the Rule 20A program by December 31, 2033. Rules 20B and 20C are not affected by this decision.

If you're interested in learning more, please refer to the Rule 20 Guidebook (PDF).

Rule 20B and Rule 20C

If Rule 20A is not an option, then a Rule 20B or Rule 20C project may be a good alternative.

Ratepayers and applicants fund Rule 20B projects. Projects must meet certain conditions, as outlined in the Rule 20 Guidebook (PDF).

Rule 20C projects are for those cases where the proposed project does not meet the Rule 20A or Rule 20B criteria. Rule 20C projects have minimal ratepayer funding.

For more information on Rule 20B and Rule 20C projects, please refer to the Rule 20 Guidebook (PDF). Interested parties can also apply here.

Rule 20 Project Requirements

Resources

• CPUC Electric Rule 20 Tariff (PDF)
• PG&E Electric Rule 20 Guidebook (PDF)
• PG&E 2025 Rule 20 Annual Report (XLSX)
• CPUC Rule 20 Overview
• CPUC Decision E-4971 (PDF)
• CPUC Phase 1 Decision 21-06-013 (PDF)
• CPUC Phase 2 Decision 23-06-008 (PDF)
• CPUC Advice Letter Decision 25-06-06 (PDF)
• 1911 Street Improvement Act
• PG&E's Online Application