VI. Parties to File Comments on the Ratemaking Proposals

A. Opening Comments

The proposed ratemaking and accounting treatment of the Settlement consideration should be the focus of parties' comments. We require Respondents and interested parties to provide, along with a detailed discussion and rationale, their best thoughts on the question of the most straightforward and equitable treatment of the expected proceeds that the utilities will receive as a result of the Settlement. Parties should specifically comment on the details of the proposed ratemaking and accounting treatment and are invited to propose any reasonable alternative to address the consideration the utilities will receive under the Settlement. Any such alternative proposals must be included in the Respondents' or interested parties' initial comments, so that others will have an opportunity to respond in their reply comments. This OIR therefore provides notice to all concerned that the Commission may adopt proposals first offered in the initial comments herein.

B. Reply Comments on the Ratemaking and Accounting Proposals

Parties may file reply comments but may only address issues raised in the first round of comments; they may not raise new issues or raise new arguments not already included in the OIR or the first round of comments. Parties may not suggest new proposed rules in their reply comments.