Leanne Hoadley, Supervisor in the Energy Efficiency Branch of the Energy Division at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), shared her perspective on environmental responsibility and energy efficiency in recognition of Earth Month, according to an April 13 statement.
Hoadley said that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility. She explained, “Our planet is so beautiful, but it’s clearly in trouble. We are all responsible for our personal impact on the earth’s plants, animals, insects, and protecting the air we breathe and water we rely on.”
In her role at CPUC headquarters in San Francisco over the past three years, Hoadley oversees compliance and evaluates cost-effectiveness for public purpose energy efficiency programs. These programs offer incentives to businesses in California to upgrade their facilities with more efficient equipment. According to Hoadley, this not only helps businesses lower their monthly energy costs but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging a shift from natural gas to electric equipment.
Hoadley emphasized teamwork within CPUC: “We are all in this together. At the CPUC, we are dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable utility service, while also protecting the air we breathe and the delicate ecosystem we live in.” She added that staff support commissioners with research and data as they make complex decisions.
Sharing her own experience outside work supporting sustainability goals, Hoadley described switching her home’s water heater to an electric heat pump model—a process she said was complicated by contractor issues but ultimately rewarding. She advised others facing similar upgrades to consult local Regional Energy Networks like BayREN for guidance.
Looking ahead at what individuals can do for sustainability, Hoadley suggested small steps such as using electric appliances when possible or reducing plastic use. “For the sake of the Earth,” she said, “we can all take a little more responsibility for our impact.”
