10. Comments on Proposed Decision

The proposed decision of ALJ Gottstein in this matter was mailed to the parties in accordance with Public Utilities Code Section 311(d) and Rule 77.1 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure. Comments were filed on March 27, 2003 by PG&E, ORA and ISO and reply comments were filed on April 1, 2003 by PG&E and ORA.

We have carefully reviewed the comments and make minor clarifications and corrections to the proposed decision. In particular, we add language that discusses the subsequent phase of hearings regarding the letter agreement in response to ORA's comments on that phase of the proceeding. As discussed above, the testimony on the allocation of costs and benefits and project financing under the letter agreement did not alter our conclusions concerning the cost-effectiveness of Path 15, but we include this discussion in order to complete the record on the economic need for the project.