COM/CXW/avs

Decision 01-05-089 May 24, 2001

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Order Instituting Rulemaking into the operation of interruptible load programs offered by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, and Southern California Edison Company and the effect of these programs on energy prices, other demand responsiveness programs, and the reliability of the electric system.

Rulemaking 00-10-002 (Filed October 5, 2000)

INTERIM OPINION

This decision modifies the adopted Priority System for Rotating Outages by adding an additional category to the list of essential customers normally exempt from rotating outages.

1. Background

The Commission recently modified Decision (D.) 91548 (3 CPUC2d 510) by updating the Priority System for Rotating Outages, including the list of essential customers normally exempt from rotating outages. (Decision (D.) 01-04-006, Attachment C.) Many other customers continue to press for exemption, however, including, but not limited to, skilled nursing facilities, water districts, sewer districts, laboratories, dentists, outpatient surgery centers, refineries, and stadiums.