Procedural Matters

San Francisco initially protested the application, seeking adoption of an alternate underwater route across San Francisco's Islais Creek. (The adopted route runs below city streets.) San Francisco withdrew that protest on July 22, 2004, stating that it supported the project "because it has been identified by the [CAISO] as a necessary component to the transmission infrastructure for San Francisco and essential to the closure of the Hunters Point power plant." San Francisco noted that its protest was based on its concern that the proposed route would take longer to construct than the Islais Creek underwater route. San Francisco opted to withdraw its protest in reliance "on PG&E's assurances that it will complete the ... [proposed route of the] project by the end of 2005."

Californians for Renewable Energy and the CAISO were permitted to intervene in the proceeding by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Ruling dated August 12, 2004. Neither participated in the proceeding after filing their initial motions to intervene.