7. Productivity

The proposed settlement resolves a significant dispute between the parties, and achieves a result that resolves safety concerns raised by local residents of the City without interfering with PG&E's obligation to provide natural gas to its customers. Furthermore, by reaching a settlement through mediation, the parties have avoided the need for further time-consuming and expensive litigation and the consumption of additional Commission resources. The proposed settlement is not only productive, but is also in the best interest of the public.