II. Background

This proceeding addresses CWS's general ratesetting requests as set forth in four applications filed with the Commission on January 31, 2003: (a) Application (A.) 03-01-034, Palos Verdes District; (b) A.03-01-035, Oroville District; (c) A.03-01-036, Selma District; and (d) A.03-01-037, Dominguez (South Bay) District.

The Palos Verdes District, with approximately 24,000 connections, and the Dominguez District, with 33,000 connections, are located in the western Los Angeles metropolitan area. Palos Verdes' last general rate increase was authorized by D.99-05-018 in 1999. Dominguez's last general rate increase was authorized by D.00-10-027 in 2000.

The Oroville District, with 3500 connections, is located on the Feather River in northeastern California. Oroville's last general rate increase was authorized by D.98-07-090 in 1998. With 5,200 connections, the Selma District is located south of Fresno in California's Central Valley. Selma's last general rate increase was authorized by D.98-07-090 in 1998.