A.2. Customer Status

The Public Utilities Code defines customer in three ways, which the Commission categorizes as:

Category 1: a participant representing consumers.

Category 2: a representative authorized by a customer.

Category 3: a representative of a group or organization that is authorized by its articles or bylaws to represent the interests of residential customers.

(§ 1802(b); Decision (D.) 98-04-059, 79 CPUC2d 628.)

TURN asserts that it meets the definition of a Category 3 customer. In support, TURN states that it is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization with a long history of representing the interests of residential and small commercial customers of California's utility companies before the Commission. TURN's articles of incorporation specifically authorize it to represent the interests of residential customers. Copies of the relevant portion of TURN's articles of incorporation are attached to an NOI submitted in A.98-02-017 and again in A.99-12-024. The articles of incorporation have not changed since the earlier submissions. TURN has approximately 30,000 dues-paying members, of whom TURN believes the great majority are residential ratepayers. Because TURN does not poll its members in a manner that would allow a precise breakdown between residential and small business members, the exact percentage is not available. TURN's members include many customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E or applicant).

TURN is a Category 3 customer.