LYN/JLN/LRB/sid 8/21/2000

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Application of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY (U 338-E) for Approval of Program Year 2000 and 2001 Energy Efficiency Program Plans, Budgets, and Performance Award Mechanism.	Application 99-09-049 (Filed September 27, 1999)
Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company for Approval of Program Years 2000 and 2001 Energy Efficiency Programs (U 39 M).	Application 99-09-050 (Filed September 27, 1999)
Compliance Application of San Diego Gas & Electric Company (U 902-M) for Approval of 2000 and 2001 Energy Efficiency Programs, Budgets, Performance Incentive Structure.	Application 99-09-057 (Filed September 27, 1999)
Compliance Application of Southern California Gas Company (U 904-G) for Approval of 2000 and 2001 Energy Efficiency Programs, Budgets, Performance Incentive Mechanism.	Application 99-09-058 (Filed September 27, 1999)

RULING OF ASSIGNED COMMISSIONERS AND

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE ON SUMMER 2000

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVE

I. Background

In Decision (D.) 00-07-017, the Commission adopted the Summer 2000 Energy Efficiency Initiative (Summer Initiative) as a "rapid response procedure" to provide "measurable demand and energy usage reductions beginning in summer 2000." (Id., mimeo., at p. 199.) The Summer Initiative was specifically designed "to provide maximum impact of demand and energy usage reductions" during the current summer energy capacity shortage and for the potential energy shortage projected over the next few years. (Id.)

To this end, the Commission directed that the utilities' unspent energy efficiency funds from program year 1999 and earlier be set aside for the Summer Initiative and created a process for the utilities and other interested parties to provide "program options that will bring about the largest reductions in electric demand and/or electric usage reductions in the shortest period of time." (Id., at p. 203.) The Commission directed that parties submitting proposals submit "concrete plans for program administration, implementation, verification of demand and energy reductions, and program budgets" and a description of the cost-effectiveness methodology used in formulating the proposal. (Id.)

The Commission directed that proposals for funding under the Summer Initiative be filed and served by July 21, 2000, that comments on the proposals be filed and served by July 31, 2000, ¹ and that the programs be approved and implemented by September 1, 2000. (Id.) The Commission authorized the Assigned Commissioners and Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to "approve program suggestions for implementation on or before August 21, 2000." (Id.)