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G-37, Proceedings of the California Public Utilities Commission - and
of the Other Equivalent Governmental Utilities Regulatory Agencies
November 30, 1977
I. REFERENCE
California Administrative Code, Title 20, Chapter 1, "Public Utilities
Commission," Rules of Practice and Procedure.
II. PURPOSE
This Bulletin contains procedures concerning the active participation
involving official, on-the-record presentations in the proceedings of
the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), or equivalent
regulatory activities of other governmental utilities agencies, by staff
of University campuses or other administrative units acting on behalf of
the University. Adherence to the procedures will assure:
A. that necessary legal and other services are provided to University
participants before and during presentations to the PUC or
equivalent agencies; and
B. that appearances and presentations by campus or other administrative
unit representatives will be consistent with University policy and
interest on the particular regulatory matter.
III. GENERAL
The PUC is a constitutionally-created, quasi-judicial body which has
jurisdiction over matters concerning the operations and rates charged by
private utilities companies which serve the public throughout the state.
The University's use of natural gas, electricity, and telecommunications
services is subject to PUC decisions affecting these services.
Customarily, the PUC holds hearings, under rules governing admission
of testimony and rights of parties, to take testimony from interested
parties as part of its decision-making process; such testimony may be a
major influence in shaping the commission's final decision. Other
governmental agencies, such as municipal utilities, conduct their
regulatory proceedings in a similar manner.
With the rapid and continuing rise of utility costs and the probability
of service curtailment because of supply shortages, it is becoming
increasingly important for the University to be more active in such
proceedings in order to protect its interests. Cases may involve a
single campus or administrative unit, more than one unit, or they may
involve the University at large.
Independent or uncoordinated participation by University representatives
may compromise subsequent University options for appeals or other
actions in these regulatory matters.
IV. PROCEDURES
A. University participation in PUC proceedings, or the equivalent,
should be with the assistance of the General Counsel of The Regents.
Responsible staff should communicate with the General Counsel's
office and with the Systemwide office concerned with facilities
operations or telecommunications in advance of the hearing or
proceeding in order to allow time for review, comment, and
preparation of appropriate legal advice or presentation.
B. Invitations to any University facility from a serving utility agency
or company or the PUC, or self-initiated proposals by a facility to
participate in any regulatory proceedings, should be coordinated in
such manner. Official University representation which might become
a matter of record should be avoided without such coordination.
C. Coordination with General Counsel and Systemwide is not necessary for
communication with the PUC, or equivalent agencies, for routine
informational purposes (such as determination of hearing dates or for
requests for copies of decisions) or for spectator attendance at
hearings or proceedings without active participation.
D. It is recommended that each campus or administrative unit have a
coordinator for PUC (or regulatory agency) matters.
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