2. Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) Claims
As I observed at the PHC, the LIEE earnings claims contained in the utilities' 2000 and 2001 AEAP applications appear to be the closest to decision-making readiness. I solicited additional comments from ORA and other interested parties on the verification of those earnings claims, due March 28, 2003. Reply comments are due April 4, 2003.6 The scope of the additional comments is limited to any additional technical or factual issues related to the specific claims submitted by the utilities under the LIEE shareholder mechanisms in place.7 I will determine whether evidentiary hearings are needed for the 2002 AEAP claims by mid-April. If they are, we will have hearings during the week of May 5, 2003. (See Attachment 1.) If no hearings are required on disputed issues, I will proceed to draft an ex parte decision on these earnings claims.
As part of the 2002 AEAP, the utilities have submitted an LIEE load impact study. I expect ORA and other interested parties to evaluate this study and submit testimony on whether it meets the study objectives and whether the methodology and results are reasonable.8 The schedule for the 2002 AEAP is also set forth in Attachment 1. If hearings are needed, they will be held during the week of July 15, 2003.
6 See discussion, RT at 139-142; 225-226, and my March 14, 2003 electronic ruling granting an extension to the dates established at the PHC, per WEM's request.
7 See RT at 225-226.
8 See RT at 142-147.
