II. Background

MHP tariffs for electric and gas service currently allow for direct metering of tenants by the utility or, in grandfathered cases, for a utility master meter with tenant submeters. Under the submetering arrangement, the MHP pays a single bill discounted by the utility while collecting bills from its submetered tenants at rates no higher than those for direct utility service. Under Public Utilities (PU) Code Sec. 739.5 submetering schedules were closed to new customers after January 1, 1997.

Approximately 5,000 MHPs in California provide spaces for 675,000 tenants. Disputes between MHPs and tenants have increased since the early 1990s. Most of the complaints that the Commission receives are from park residents who feel that the owners are passing on costs in violation of PU Code 739.5. They also allege that MHP owners have failed to provide information regarding low-income assistance, posting of current rates, surcharges, and Commission mandated refunds.