2. Procedural Background

A partial settlement in this proceeding was adopted by the Commission in Decision (D.) 10-06-035. That decision resolved all of the cost allocation and rate design issues associated with Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) gas distribution system except for the core brokerage fee issue.

In accordance with the schedule set forth in the March 18, 2010 Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) ruling, an evidentiary hearing on the core brokerage fee issue was held on July 19, 2010. Ten additional exhibits pertaining to the core brokerage fee issue were admitted into evidence at the hearing. On September 16, 2010, opening briefs were filed by PG&E, and the School Project for Utility Rate Reduction (SPURR), ABAG Publicly Owned Energy Resources, and Tiger Natural Gas.¹ Reply briefs were filed by PG&E and SAT on September 28, 2010, and the core brokerage fee issue was submitted September 28, 2010.

¹ SPURR, ABAG Publicly Owned Energy Resources, and Tiger Natural Gas are collectively referred to in this decision as "SAT" or the "SAT entities."