5. Comments on Alternate Draft Decision

In its September 9, 2003 motion, SCE stated that it had discussed the relief sought in its motion with the members of its PRG and believed that the motion will be uncontested. Therefore, it requested the Commission waive the public review and comment period on the draft decision under the provisions of Rule 77.7(f)(2) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rule 77.7(f)(2)). However, based on SCE's September 25, 2003 reply, this is a contested matter and we cannot waive public review under this provision.²

Under Rule 77.7(f)(9), the Commission may reduce or waive the period for public review and comment if required by public necessity. We find that the public need to quickly grant SCE interim authority to hedge its natural gas price risk associated with 2004 QF contracts clearly outweighs the public interest in having the full 30-day period for review and comment. Therefore, under the authority of Rule 77.7(f)(9), the period for public review and comment is reduced. The alternate draft decision was served on parties on October 8, 2003, with comments due by October 10, 2003.