III. Background
On August 23, 2001, we instituted this OIR to examine the Commission's future energy efficiency policies, administration and programs. At that time, we set forth four goals for this proceeding, the first two of which we deal with in this interim decision. First, we stated we would establish criteria for utilities and non-utilities to use in proposing new energy efficiency programs for 2002 and beyond. Second, we planned to devise a revised set of policy goals and objectives governing the Commission's oversight of energy efficiency programs.1
Rather than issue 2002 criteria and policy rules in a two-step process, we have opted to accomplish this task in one decision. In this way, parties seeking 2002 funding will be apprised not only of specific criteria applicable to that period, but of the Commission's overall energy efficiency policy goals. Thus, this decision does not distinguish between the 2002 criteria and overall policy.
1 We do not address the third and fourth goals of the OIR - relating to future program administration and past program evaluation - in this decision, but will do so in subsequent decisions. We expect to set forth a procedural schedule for the OIR that will allow us to solicit public input and decide on these issues in time for the PY 2003 planning cycle.
