1. Customer

The Public Utilities Code defines customer in three ways, which the Commission has in turn categorized as:

Category 1: a participant representing consumers.

Category 2: a representative authorized by a customer.

Category 3: a representative of a group or organization that is authorized by its articles or bylaws to represent the interests of residential customers.

(Section 1802(b); Decision (D.) 98-04-059, 79 CPUC2d 628.)

CARE asserts that it meets the definition of a Category 3 customer. CARE is authorized by its Bylaws to represent the interest of residential customers. Specifically, CARE's Bylaws provides in pertinent part that the functions of CARE are as follows:

1. To supply on a nonprofit basis both nonprofessional and professional legal assistance to planning, conservation groups, small business customers, residential customers, small business and residential renewable energy self suppliers, and neighborhood groups, in regards to new energy projects in the state of California.

2. To engage on a nonprofit basis in research and information dissemination with respect to legal rights in a healthy environment by giving legal advice, appearing before administrative bodies, and enforcing environmental laws through court actions.

CARE, therefore, asserts that it clearly qualifies as an authorized group in accordance with § 1802(b).