VI. Preliminary Categorization of the Proceeding

Rule 6(c)(2) requires that an order instituting rulemaking preliminarily determine the category of the proceeding and the need for hearing. As a preliminary matter, we determine that this proceeding is "ratesetting," as defined in Rule 5(c), because of the dollar magnitude of the CSI itself and the ratemaking effects of our policy decisions in several implementation areas. Although we hope that the issues in this proceeding may be resolved through a combination of workshops and formal comments, we preliminarily determine that limited evidentiary hearings may be necessary. As provided in Rule 6(c)(2), any person who objects to the preliminary categorization of this rulemaking as "ratesetting" or to the preliminary hearing determination, shall state the objections in comments on the preliminary scoping memo. Such comments may be filed and served by March 17, 2006. After considering the comments on the preliminary scoping memo, the Assigned Commissioner will issue a scoping ruling making a final category determination; this final determination is subject to appeal as specified in Rule 6.4.