Background

Complainants say that defendant installed an electric meter at their home on June 4, 1999, and, after that date, complainants' kilowatt hour (kWh) usage increased an average of 500 each month. They request proof that they are paying the same rates as others in their neighborhood are paying.

Following unsuccessful efforts to resolve the complaint through Consumer Affairs, PG&E filed its answer on July 21, 2000.

A Scoping Memo and Ruling of Assigned Commissioner was issued on September 27, 2000, in which Administrative Law Judge Orville I. Wright was designated as presiding officer in this proceeding pursuant to Rules 6.3 and 6(b)(3) of the Rules of Practice and Procedure.

A duly noticed public hearing was held in Fresno on October 11, 2000, before the presiding officer and the matter was submitted for decision on October 23, 2000.