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PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

ENERGY DIVISION RESOLUTION E-4148

RESOLUTION

Resolution E-4148. Southern California Edison Company [SCE] requests confirmation of the reappointment of G. Timothy Haight to the Committee of its Decommissioning Trust Funds [Committee].

Request approved.

By Advice Letter 2178-E filed on November 5, 2007.

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SUMMARY

SCE's renomination of Haight is approved.

This Resolution confirms the renomination of G. Timothy Haight to the Committee of SCE's Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds for a period of five years ending on May 23, 2013.

BACKGROUND

The Commission opted for externally managed trust funds to accrue nuclear decommissioning funds.

In Order Instituting Investigation 86, the Commission conducted an investigation into methods of financing the cost of decommissioning California's investor owned nuclear power plants. In Decision [D.] 87-05-062 the Commission adopted externally managed trusts as the vehicle for accruing decommissioning funds. In that Decision the Commission also established guidelines for the trust agreements.

Non-affiliated Committee members must be confirmed by the Commission.

On November 25, 1987, SCE's trust agreements [Trusts] were approved by the Commission in Resolution E-3057. Two trust agreements were required; one for the decommissioning funds which qualify for an income tax deduction under Section 468 of Internal Revenue Code [Qualified Trust] and another for the remaining funds [Non-qualified Trust].

The Committee managing the Trusts consists of five members nominated by SCE's management and confirmed by its board of directors. Only two members of the Committee may be affiliated with SCE. The three outside members are to be confirmed by the Commission and serve terms of five years. The Committee is responsible for investing the Trusts' assets, directing and managing the Trusts, including the appointment of trustees and investment managers and the execution of whatever contracts, agreements, or other documents it deems necessary in the course of its duties.

Haight is being re-nominated by SCE's Board

Haight is currently filling a vacancy on the Committee due to the resignation of William E. B. Siart on March 10, 2006. Haight's current term, approved by Resolution E-4042, will expire on May 23, 2008.

SCE's Board of Directors, on October 25, 2007, approved the renomination of Mr. Haight to the Trusts' Committee.

NOTICE

SCE mailed copies of AL 2178-E to parties listed in that advice letter in accordance with General Order 96A. Notice of the advice letter appeared on Commission's Daily Calendar.

PROTESTS

Advice Letter 2178-E was not protested.

DISCUSSION

Haight has no conflict of interest

G. Timothy Haight has already served on the Committee for a year replacing another member who resigned before his term was over. He has indicated his willingness to continue to serve on the Committee if confirmed by the Commission as shown in his declaration dated November 1, 2007 attached to AL 2178-E as Appendix A. He also states in the declaration that he has reviewed the requirements and restrictions on the Committee member not affiliated with SCE, as contained in the trust agreement, for each of the funds. He indicates that he owns no SCE stock or securities, is not an agent of SCE, and has no financial or other interests that will conflict with the discharge of his duties as a Committee member.

Haight has outstanding financial management background.

The statement of Haight's qualifications, also attached to AL 2178-E states that since December of 2006 he has been the President of Menlo College, Atherton, California. Prior to that [1998 - 2006] he was the Dean of College of Business and Economics at California State University, Los Angeles, where he was responsible for the management of some 100 faculty and staff and oversight of $12 million budget for the college. For a period of six years in the 1990s he was the Chairman, Department of Finance, Towson University, Baltimore, Maryland. Outside of academics, Mr. Haight has been on the board of directors of several companies and has held editorial positions with business publications.

Haight earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from George Washington University in 1980 with concentration in Finance.

Haight is suitable for the nominated position

The Energy Division has reviewed Haight's qualifications and professional background and finds his capabilities and accomplishments impressive and relevant to the intended position.

The Energy Division believes that Haight could be counted on to demonstrate independence, competence, and integrity while serving on the Committee. As a non-affiliate Committee member he should be able to represent the ratepayers and the public, who are intended to be the ultimate beneficiaries of the Trusts.

The Energy Division recommends approval of Mr. Haight to serve on the Committee for the five year term May 23, 2008 through May 22, 2013.

Current compensation arrangements are adequate

The Energy Division notes that the Trust Agreements, in Article 3.06, state

SCE's proposed fee for the nominee is the arrangement approved in D.07-01-003 dated January 11, 2007, which is $12,000 per annum retainer, plus $500 for each meeting attended, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses. As the Commission has explicitly determined the compensation arrangement reasonable, the Energy Division sees no reason to object to them at this time and will allow them to continue.

COMMENTS

This is an uncontested matter in which the resolution grants the relief requested. Accordingly, pursuant to PU Code 311(g) (2), the otherwise 30-day period for public review and commend is waived.

FINDINGS

THEREFORE IT IS ORDERED THAT:

This Resolution is effective today.

I certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, passed and adopted at a conference of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California held on February 14, 2008; the following Commissioners voting favorably thereon:

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