5. Category of Proceeding

The OIR made a preliminary determination that this proceeding should be categorized as ratesetting on the grounds that consideration and approval of the refinements to and further development of the RAR program will impact respondent IOUs' rates. The AReM and the WPTF believe that since this is a statewide policy proceeding that is not focused on individual utility rates, it should be deemed a quasi-legislative proceeding.

The standard used by the Commission in the OIR-that utility rates will be impacted by the policies and rules adopted in this proceeding-is the appropriate standard to apply here. As discussed at the PHC, the local RAR proposals that have been submitted in this proceeding include provisions that can have substantial rate impacts. Accordingly, this ruling determines that the proceeding is ratesetting. This final determination is subject to appeal as specified in Rule 6.4 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules).