III. The Decision

D.03-03-032 ordered the utilities to implement certain changes to their line extension rules for applicant-installed projects. First, the decision requires utilities to change their rules to conform to booking the lower of the utility's estimate or the applicants' costs. Second, the decision converts inspection fees from a non-refundable cost to a refundable cost to the extent that the overall cost of the installation does not exceed the utility's cost estimate for performing the work. Both of these changes impact the rules, approved contract forms, contract administration, field practices, and the accounting treatment for applicant-performed line extension work. The implementation of these changes gives rise to several issues for which PG&E seeks clarification.