Statewide utility-managed MA&E budgets

Utility	M&E Budget Authorization ($ million)
PG&E	$3.01
SCE	$1.17
SDG&E	$.50
SoCalGas	$0.10
Total	$4.78

We decline, however, to approve the budgets for utility-specific studies, which comprise 47% to 63% of the total MA&E budgets. There is no evidence that the utility-specific budgets have been reviewed by anyone other than the sponsoring utility. Further, it is difficult to discern the scope and purpose of the proposed studies or to evaluate the reasonableness of the studies. We have similar concerns with respect to the funds set aside for the CEC studies.

Thus, we believe that both the proposed utility-specific and CEC budgets and studies should be subject to additional review. Within 60 days of the approval of this decision, the utilities should present their proposed MA&E plans. The presentation should include a full description of the study plans, objectives, and budgets, and a discussion of the rationale and need for these particular studies.