3. Procedural History

On August 25, 2000, a protest was filed by SSP Wrench-Free Gas Shut-Off Valve Company, Little Firefighter Gas Safety Products, and Plumbing-Heating- and Cooling Contractors of California (Joint Protestants). On August 28, 2000, a protest was filed by Smart Safety Systems (SSS).

By Resolution ALJ 176-3044, dated August 3, 2000, the Commission preliminarily categorized this application as a ratesetting proceeding that was not expected to go to hearing. A prehearing conference was held on October 26, 2000. At the prehearing conference, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Jeffrey P. O'Donnell asked the Applicant to put into the record information relating to, among other things, safety issues. Exhibit SCG-2 responds to the ALJ's request. Assigned Commissioner Carl Wood's November 7, 2000 scoping ruling confirmed the category, determined that hearings were needed, defined the issues, established a schedule and designated ALJ O'Donnell as the principal hearing officer. Evidentiary hearings here held on February 20, 2001. The matter was submitted on May 3, 2001.