VIII. Comments on Proposed Decision

The proposed decision was filed with the Commission on October 6, 2006 and served on all parties in accordance with Section 311 of the Public Utilities Code and Rule 14.2 (a) of the Rules of Practice and Procedure. Parties may file comments and reply comments pursuant to Rule 14.3.

An August 16, 2006 draft of the principal hearing officer's proposed decision was circulated to the parties together with a ruling directing Cal-Am and DRA to provide assistance to the Commission's Water Division in preparing the figures and appendices needed to complete the proposed decision. Other parties were permitted, but not required, to participate. A revised draft was mailed September 27, 2006 for rate tables. After completion of internal review, the proposed decision was filed and made available for comments as required by Section 311(d) and Rule 14.2.

Comments and reply comments on the proposed decision were filed by Cal-Am, DRA, and MPWMD.¹⁰⁶ Substantive changes have been made to the residential rate design for Monterey, the AFUDC methodology for the San Clemente Dam retrofit project, and the language discussing the Felton district Highway 9 project and low-income program. In addition, in several sections, clarifying language has been added and minor factual, technical, and clerical errors corrected.

In its reply comments, Cal-Am expresses concern that the decision is later than scheduled. While the Commission acknowledges some delay in processing this extraordinarily complex proceeding, we also note the several instances of delay caused by the actions of Cal-Am, as discussed fully in D.05-12-024.

¹⁰⁶ At the request of DRA and MPWMD rate tables for the August 16 draft proposed decision were sent to all parties on October 27, 2006.