V. Purpose of the PHC

In addition to addressing the foregoing questions, the parties should be prepared to discuss the following topics at the PHC, and should address each topic in their PHC statements:

· The proper category for these proceedings. In its application, Verizon proposed this proceeding be characterized as Ratesetting. In Resolution ALJ-176-3047 (9/21/00) (Resolution ALJ 176), the Commission agreed with this characterization, and no party has challenged it. Therefore, this proceeding will be characterized as Ratesetting unless any party objects to that characterization at or before the PHC.

· The need for and duration of a hearing on Verizon's application. Verizon proposes that the Commission issue a decision without a hearing, but ORA proposes a hearing on, among other things, asset valuation, credit to ratepayers, effects on customer service, and impacts on competition. Resolution ALJ 176 preliminarily determined that a hearing was not necessary. In view of ORA's position, and the fact that similar issues are going to hearing on December 5, 2000, in connection with Pacific Bell's comparable application (A.00-01-023), Verizon shall address whether a hearing is appropriate, and the duration and schedule of the hearing.

· Whether any settlements are possible. The parties should have a conversation about this issue prior to the PHC.

· A list of issues to be considered within the scope of the proceeding. Pursuant to Commission Rule 49(b), the parties should meet and confer prior to filing their PHC statements in an attempt to stipulate to a list of issues.

· The status of discovery. ORA alleges it needs approximately three months to conduct discovery. It should commence that discovery immediately, rather than waiting for the PHC.

· The timetable for resolving the proceeding. As I state above, I do not believe we can complete this proceeding by December 31, 2000, especially if we hold hearings. Pursuant to Commission Rule 49(b), the parties should meet and confer prior to filing their PHC statements in an attempt to stipulate to a schedule.

Therefore, IT IS RULED that:

1. I will hold a prehearing conference (PHC) in this proceeding at 10:00 a.m., on November 15, 2000, in San Francisco, California in the Commission Courtroom, State Office Building, 505 Van Ness Avenue (at McAllister), San Francisco, California.

2. By November 10, 2000, all parties shall file and serve PHC statements addressing the topics set forth in the body of this ruling. Parties shall e-mail copies of their statements to each other and to the assigned Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

3. Parties shall copy the assigned ALJ on any pleadings or other documents generated in this proceeding (save discovery) by e-mail. Parties shall also e-mail all documents to each other.

Dated October 30, 2000, at San Francisco, California.

		/s/ SARAH R. THOMAS
		Sarah R. Thomas Administrative Law Judge

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that I have by mail this day served a true copy of the original attached Administrative Law Judge's Ruling Setting a Prehearing Conference and Requiring Prehearing Conference Statements on all parties of record in this proceeding or their attorneys of record. In addition, service was also performed by electronic mail.

Dated October 30, 2000, at San Francisco, California.

/s/ FANNIE SID

Fannie Sid

NOTICE

Parties should notify the Process Office, Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2000, San Francisco, CA 94102, of any change of address to insure that they continue to receive documents. You must indicate the proceeding number on the service list on which your name appears.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Commission's policy is to schedule hearings (meetings, workshops, etc.) in locations that are accessible to people with disabilities. To verify that a particular location is accessible, call: Calendar Clerk (415) 703-1203.

If specialized accommodations for the disabled are needed, e.g., sign language interpreters, those making the arrangements must call the Public Advisor at (415) 703-2074 or TDD# (415) 703-2032 five working days in advance of the event.