4. Schedule
The schedule for this proceeding will depend on the comments we receive from the parties. For purposes of addressing the scoping memo requirements, we establish the following tentative schedule, which is subject to change by the assigned Commissioner or the assigned ALJ:
December 14, 2006 |
Order Instituting Rulemaking |
December 29, 2006 |
Deadline for other interested persons to request their addition to the service list and indicate status (see Section 5, infra) |
January 8, 2007 |
Deadline for filing comments on preliminary scoping memo |
February 7, 2007 |
Deadline for filing comments on Appendix A, Draft Proposed Rate Case Plan |
February 16, 2007 |
Deadline for filing reply comments on Appendix A |
March 6, 2007 |
Mailing of Proposed Decision |
April 5, 2007 |
First possible Commission Consideration of Proposed Decision |
Through the scoping memo and subsequent rulings, the assigned Commissioner and the assigned ALJ, by ruling with the assigned Commissioner's concurrence, may adjust the timetable as necessary during the course of the proceeding and establish the schedule for remaining events.5 In no event do we anticipate this proceeding to require longer than 18 months to complete.
According to the schedule, interested parties may file opening comments addressing Appendix A, the Draft Proposed Rate Case Plan for Class A Water Utility General Rate Applications. Appendix A was prepared after reviewing the various decisions of the Commission concerning the processing of the Class A water utilities general rate cases, receiving comments from water utilities and interested persons, and holding a workshop with water utilities and interested persons.
Comments should identify the issues of significance to the party; discuss the impact of the issue; and whether the issue (if new) is a desirable or undesirable change. If considered an undesirable change, comments should include recommended alternative approaches that will not negatively impact Commission workload and offer any other suggestions for modification of the Rate Case Plan as set forth in Appendix A. The opening comments shall follow the requirements of Rule 6.2, "Comments."
5 Pursuant to Rule 13.2(c) the assigned Commissioner is the presiding officer in a quasi-legislative proceeding, except that the assigned ALJ shall act as the presiding officer in the Commissioner's absence at any hearing other than a formal hearing.
