3. Background

Del Oro, a Class B water utility, operates a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission. Del Oro operates eight separate utilities that provide water service in or near the cities of Burney, Ferndale, Magalia, Paradise, Stirling, Truckee and Bakersfield.

For the 12 months ended December 31, 1999, Del Oro reported operating revenues of $2,500,499 and net income of $225,488. Del Oro's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1999, shown as part of Exhibit A to the application, is summarized below: