5. Principal Hearing Officer and Final Oral Argument

This ruling designates ALJ Bertram D. Patrick as the principal hearing officer for the interim rate relief phase of this proceeding.

As stated in the schedule, and pursuant to Rule 8(d), parties requesting final oral argument before the Commission should do so no later than the close of evidentiary hearings, currently scheduled for August 3, 2006, unless directed otherwise by the Assigned Commissioner or ALJ.