COM/LYN/epg Mailed 1/19/2001
Decision 01-01-046 January 19, 2001
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Application of Southern California Edison Company (E 3338-E) for Authority to Institute a Rate Stabilization Plan with a Rate Increase and End of Rate Freeze Tariffs. |
Application 00-11-038 (Filed November 16, 2000) |
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Emergency Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company to Adopt a Rate Stabilization Plan. (U 39 E) |
Application 00-11-056 (Filed November 22, 2000) |
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Petition of THE UTILITY REFORM NETWORK for Modification of Resolution E-3527. |
Application 00-10-028 (Filed October 17, 2000) |
THE OBLIGATION TO SERVE AND
ISSUING TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
I. Summary
In this interim decision, we are issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison Company (Edison) from refusing to provide adequate service to all of their customers. We issue this TRO to maintain the status quo so as to avoid further degradation of provision of electric service and to avoid the irreparable harm to the public health and safety that would be caused by further degradation of service. We affirm that regulated California utilities must serve their customers. This requirement, known as the "obligation to serve" is mandated by state law. A utility's obligation to serve is part and parcel of the entire regulatory scheme under which the Commission regulates and controls utilities under the Public Utilities Act.
A bankruptcy filing or the threat of insolvency has no bearing on this aspect of state law. Even utilities that file for reorganization must serve their customers. The public's safety, and the economy's health will be impaired if utilities avoid their obligation to serve. We will take all action necessary to enforce this obligation, while regulating and controlling utilities in a manner consistent with state law, and make the following orders:
