5. Comments on Proposed Decision

The proposed decision of the ALJ Weatherford in this matter was mailed to the parties in accordance with Section 311 of the Public Utilities Code and comments were allowed under Rule 14.3 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. Comments were filed on April 27, 2009.

The joint comments of DRA and Golden State²⁹ noted an inconsistency within the proposed decision, and between the proposed decision and the Settlement Agreement, concerning the interim rate design for Arden Cordova. The proposed decision at one point erroneously indicated that the advice letter to be filed for Arden Cordova would contain a multiple-tier design whereas the Settlement Agreement provides for an increased single quantity rate for the interim period. The proposed decision has been corrected accordingly. The joint comments also requested clarification and specification as to the types of meter-reading errors concerning which Golden State would be required to collect data toward the end of avoiding unjustified crossing of tiers or retention within tiers. The proposed decision has been changed to specify the types of errors that will be monitored.

²⁹ Joint Comments of the Division of Ratepayer Advocates and Golden State Water Company on the Proposed Decision of ALJ Weatherford, served April 27, 2009.