ALJ/DJE/avs Mailed 11/8/2002

Decision 02-11-021 November 7, 2002

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Order Instituting investigation on the Commission's own motion into the rates, charges, and practices of water and sewer utilities providing service to mobilehome parks and multiple unit residential complexes and the circumstances under which those rates and charges can be passed to the end user.

Investigation 98-12-012 (Filed December 17, 1998)

OPINION ON REQUEST FOR INTERVENOR COMPENSATION

This decision grants California Mobilehome and Resource Action Association (CMRAA) $18,769.35 in compensation for its contribution to Decision (D.) 01-05-058.

1. Background

This investigation addressed concerns about the legitimacy of charges for water and sewer services imposed on tenants by the owners of multiple unit residential complexes and mobilehome parks (MHPs). Applying quasi-legislative procedure, we reviewed information obtained about the current practices of owner/operators of MHPs and multiple unit residential complexes that bill tenants for water and sewer services separately from rent. In Decision (D.) 01-05-058, we stated our policy in this area and resolved a critical issue under various statutes and court decisions, namely, the extent to which our jurisdiction encompasses the ability to deal with billing issues as they arise in the various situations under investigation.