6. Productivity

D.98-04-059 directed customers to demonstrate productivity by assigning a reasonable dollar value to the benefits of their participation to ratepayers. (D.98-04-059, at 34-35.) The costs of a customer's participation should bear a reasonable relationship to the benefits realized through its participation. This showing assists us in determining the overall reasonableness of the request.

CFC argued that as a result of D.08-11-060, which vacated an earlier decision (D.08-04-039, as modified by D.08-04-054), utility bills will not be increased to collect funds for financing the creation and operation of the CICS. CFC also argued that during a recession, in which job loss has become a significant factor for California, the $600 million avoided cost savings achieved through D.08-11-060 will provide relief to ratepayers.

CFC re-affirms that its interest in this proceeding was to make the Commission aware of the consequences to ratepayers, and specifically to its members. CFC advocates that taking monies from ratepayers and spending it on projects already financed through tax dollars is wrong. Through its participation and guided by this position, CFC submits that its efforts is this proceeding were both productive and efficient.

We agree that through CFC' participation, ratepayers will achieve cost savings, in addition to other social benefits which, though hard to quantify, are substantial. Thus, we find that CFC's efforts have been productive.