9. Need for Expedited Consideration

At the Phase 2 PHC, several parties offered an unopposed recommendation that the schedule adopt less than 20 days to file and serve comments on the draft decision. The Phase 2 Scoping Memo adopted a shortened comment cycle based on an understanding that all parties stipulated to the reduction. (Rule 77.7(g) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.) The Ruling provided that any party not in agreement could file and serve a motion for reconsideration of the schedule within seven days. No motions were filed.

We also balance the public interest in expeditiously adopting this decision against the public interest in having the full 30-day comment cycle. (Rule 77(f)(9).) We conclude that the former outweighs the latter. Absent a reduction in the comment cycle, our decision on the bill limiter would be delayed. We would also delay providing needed certainty to customers about interruptible programs and curtailment priorities for Summer 2002. We would delay creating the PBIP, clarifying the adjustment in FSL for SCE customers, providing essential customer status for SNFs, initiating tests of procedures for essential customer Category H, implementing the adopted alternative extreme temperature program, and disposing of memorandum account balances, among other things.

We seek valuable public review of, and comment on, the draft decision. We find that a reduced comment period balances the need for that input with the need for timely action.