8. Next Steps and the Process for 2009-2011 Utility Portfolio Applications and Review

Building on the work accomplished over the past several years, we commit to an even more comprehensive effort to lead the nation in making energy efficiency a primary energy resource. Toward that goal, we set up a process that will integrate long-term energy efficiency planning with near-term energy efficiency portfolio development. This effort should complement the Commission's work on long-term energy procurement planning, and promote a more comprehensive and inclusive structure for energy efficiency planning, decision-making, and program implementation.

The Energy Commission plays an extremely important role in California in the research and analysis of technological, economic and policy issues affecting energy in general, and energy efficiency in particular. We intend to continue to collaborate with the Energy Commission on the utilities' energy efficiency programs and strategic planning efforts to the maximum extent practicable given the constraints of limited staff time and legal restrictions on the exercise of this Commission's legal authority. Our collaboration will continue in this proceeding and in the Energy Commission's integrated energy policy report proceeding and its consideration of the information and analyses presented in each IEPR as specified in Public Resources Code sec. 25302.

The schedule for the efforts we describe in this order, which may be modified by the assigned Commissioner, is as follows:

November 5	Initial strategic planning meeting to discuss work products, format, outreach and schedule at Commission Courtroom, State Office Building, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
November - December 2007	Strategic planning meetings; IOU workshops on programmatic initiatives; Initial solicitations and program proposals for third-party contracts and local government partnerships
February 1, 2008	Publication of utilities' draft statewide strategic plan
January - February	Utility meetings on preliminary strategic plan Written comments from Commission staff and interested parties submitted to utilities (not filed)
May 15, 2008	Utility applications for 2009-2011 energy efficiency portfolios, including final proposed strategic plan
Summer 2008	Review of applications; hearings, workshops and written comments as required
October 2008	Commission decision