II. Background

SDG&E submitted its 2002 rate design window (RDW) application in accordance with the schedule adopted in Decision (D.) 89-01-040, as amended by D.95-09-020. That rate design schedule was established in 1989 to eliminate rate design issues in "ECAC" proceedings and to minimize the number of rate design advice letter filings.

In this RDW application, SDG&E seeks authority to continue its movement toward cost-based electric distribution rates by increasing distribution-related basic service fees and demand charges for the larger commercial and industrial customers while decreasing energy usage charges for those same customers, align non-distribution related rates on a consistent basis, update its marginal distribution costs, maintain its existing revenue allocation methodology, close or cancel certain rate options, and to "clean up" the language of certain other tariffs.