Requirements for Awards of Compensation

The intervenor compensation program, enacted by the Legislature in Pub. Util. Code §§ 1801-1812,² establishes a mechanism for reimbursing public utility customers for their reasonable costs of participation in Commission proceedings if they make a substantial contribution to the Commission's decision. All of these procedures must be followed and criteria satisfied for an intervenor to obtain a compensation award:

1. The intervenor must satisfy certain procedural requirements including filing a sufficient notice of intent to claim compensation (NOI) within 30 days of the prehearing conference (or in special circumstances, at other appropriate times that we specify). (§ 1804(a).)

2. The intervenor must be a customer or a participant representing consumers, customers, or a subscriber of a utility subject to our jurisdiction. (§ 1802(b).)

3. The intervenor must demonstrate "significant financial hardship." (§§ 1802(g), 1804(b)(1).)

4. The intervenor should file and serve a request for a compensation award within 60 days of our final order or decision in a hearing or proceeding. (§ 1804(c).)

5. The intervenor's presentation must have made a "substantial contribution" to the proceeding through the adoption, in whole or in part, of the intervenor's contention or recommendations by a Commission order or decision. (§§ 1802(h), 1803(a).)

6. The claimed fees and costs must be comparable to the market rates paid to experts and advocates having comparable training and experience and offering similar services. (§ 1806.)

We evaluate each intervenor's compliance with Items 1 through 4 in the Eligibility and Timeliness section below, followed by sections evaluating their contributions and charges.