Scope of Proceeding

In D.98-09-070, the Commission directed the utilities to:

"...propose in R.92-03-050 changes to line extension rules and related ratemaking which would eliminate any competitive advantage the utility may have under existing rules in markets for new meter installation, and which would remove revenues associated with unbundled revenue cycle services from the `net revenues' used to calculate line and service extension allowances. The proposed changes should (1) exclude the meter costs and associated revenues from the calculation of the allowance and (2) demonstrate how the utility would remove RCS-related revenues from the distribution revenues currently used to calculate the extension allowance, prior to dividing the `net revenues' by the cost of service factor." (Conclusion of Law 5, p. 28.)

Following the first prehearing conference in the proceeding, the assigned administrative law judge (ALJ) issued a ruling defining the scope of this proceeding as follows:

" 1. The scope of this proceeding shall be narrowly construed and limited to implementation of the matters covered by Conclusion of Law 5, of D.98-09-070, set forth above.

2. This proceeding shall not address policy matters related to metering and billing in the new competitive environment." (ALJ ruling dated February 5, 1999, emphasis in original.)

We affirm the ALJ's ruling and will discuss meter competition issues only to the extent necessary to address implementation of Conclusion of Law 5.