6. Schedule
As stated in the Gas Storage Decision, the Commission intends to give CPCN applications from independent gas storage providers a high priority, but must also provide due process and comply with statutory requirements, such as CEQA. We also note the importance of gas storage as a part of the solution to California's energy crisis.
The Commission's Energy Division advised at the PHC that the Draft EIR and Final EIR will probably not issue until Winter 2002 and Spring 2002, respectively. Therefore, we cannot set specific dates for Phase II or the issuance of the proposed decision on the CPCN issues and certification of the EIR at this time. Further, we may not know whether it is necessary to set hearings for Phase III until after the Commission decision on the first two phases of the proceeding.5 We have therefore left the dates for proceedings in Phases II and III open and indicated a general timeline.
The schedule for this proceeding shall be as follows:
Event |
Date |
Service of applicant's prepared direct testimony |
October 5, 2001 |
Service of intervenor's and interested parties' prepared rebuttal testimony |
October 24, 2001 |
Service of Applicant's reply testimony |
November 2, 2001 |
Cross-examination time estimates and proposed schedule of witnesses submitted to principal hearing officer by e-mail addressed to tom@cpuc.ca.gov, facsimile sent to (4l5) 703-1723 or by personal delivery6 |
November 7, 2001 |
Phase I (CPCN) hearings in Commission Courtroom, San Francisco, California |
November 13-20, 2001, beginning at l0:00 a.m., November 27-30, 2001, beginning at l0:00 a.m. |
Closing Arguments before Assigned Commissioner |
To be scheduled at hearing |
Last Day to request Oral Argument before Commission on Phase I issues |
Final day of Phase I hearings |
Concurrent Opening Briefs filed and served |
To be scheduled by principal hearing officer at hearing |
Concurrent Reply Briefs filed and served |
To be scheduled by principal hearing officer at hearing |
Draft EIR issues |
Winter 2002 |
Public participation hearing in local community on both application and draft EIR |
Spring 2002 (to be scheduled after draft EIR issues) |
PHC on Phase II (environmental) |
Spring 2002 (to be scheduled after draft EIR issues) |
Event |
Date |
Phase II hearings in Commission Courtroom, San Francisco, California (if necessary) |
Spring/Summer 2002 |
Additional Briefing on Phase II Issues (if necessary) |
Spring/Summer 2002 |
ALJ's Proposed Decision on Phase I and Phase II issues |
Within 90 days of submittal of Phase I and Phase II |
Our goal is to resolve this case as soon as possible after the case is submitted. However, we currently aim to resolve this matter within 18 months from the date of the filing of the application, pursuant to SB 960, Section 13.
5 However, we may also determine that Phase III is not necessary before the Commission decision on Phase I and Phase II, if the P G & E Gas Accord or another proceeding that will address Phase III issues in a broader context has been initiated. 6 The parties shall meet and confer by conference call regarding a proposed schedule for the presentation of witnesses, exhibits and cross-examination time estimates. If the parties agree on a proposed schedule of witnesses, they shall jointly submit the proposed schedule and cross-examination estimates.
