WEBVTT
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The feed for this streaming event
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brought to you by adminmonitor.com will begin momentarily.
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Thank you for...
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Welcome to the
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California Public Utilities Commission.
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This is the Remote Public Participation Hearing
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for Golden State Water Company's Cost of Capital case
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scheduled to start at,
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6 PM today, March 17th, 2022.
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The Administrative Law Judge
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will begin the meeting shortly.
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If you wish to participate by making a comment
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during today's hearing,
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please unmute your phone, press star one
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and record your name and organization when prompted.
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You will then be placed into a queue
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in the order that you called in.
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When it comes time for you to speak,
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I will announce your name
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and then I will open your line.
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The Administrative Law Judge will be providing
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a time limit of three minutes for each speaker
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to accommodate the callers.
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You will hear a chime at the end of your three minutes.
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To withdraw your request to speak, please press star two.
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If you are a public official and wish to speak,
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please identify yourself by title and locality
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and let the operator know that you are a public official.
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If you have a question that you want to ask
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Golden State Water Company
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during this public participation hearing,
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you may contact any of the three
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senior customer service representatives
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who will be on standby to take your calls.
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Those senior customer services representatives
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are Ruth Ogando, Tasha Spearman and Vanessa De La Cruz.
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They can be reached at,
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877-288-8816
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or by email at 2021COC@gswater.com.
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Golden State Water Company representative John Prate
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is a also available at 909-394-3600, extension 656
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to take to any other questions.
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Thank you, operator.
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Court reporters, are you ready to go?
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I'm ready, your honor.
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Thank you.
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We will be on the record
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and the Commission will come to order.
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It is March 17th, 2022
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and this is the Remote Public Participation Hearing
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for Golden State Water Company's Cost of Capital case.
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The application number given to this proceeding
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by the Commission is A-21-05-003.
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And I note that I may refer to Golden State Water Company
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as Golden State or Golden State Water
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throughout this evening.
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My name is Robert Haga,
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and I am the assigned Administrative Law Judge
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on this proceeding.
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I expect to be joined shortly
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by the assigned Commissioner, Darcie Houck
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and her advisor is here, Candace Choe.
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All documents related to this proceeding
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can be found on the Commission's website
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and at the docket card in supporting documents type
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of the efile documents.
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Search under A2105003.
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I note that in setting up these hearings,
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I directed parties to identify presenters
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for the public participation hearings,
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but after reviewing our timeline, process and scope,
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I determined it is more important
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to get to the public comment sooner
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instead of taking up additional time
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for presentations from parties
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that have many opportunities to provide input
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during the proceeding.
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Please note that the audio and visual feed
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of this public hearing are being recorded
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and will be accessible on the Commission's website
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for the public to access and to watch.
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If you do not wish for your comments to be recorded,
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please do not make a statement
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since this hearing is being recorded.
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The purpose of today's hearing is for the Commission
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to hear from the customers and members of the public
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about Golden State Water's request
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to increase its cost of capital,
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which is found again in application 2105003.
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As the issues of law, in fact, presented in this case
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are closely related to those presented
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in other Class A water utility
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costs of capital applications.
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This proceeding is consolidated
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with applications 2105001, 002 and 004.
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Public participation hearing
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specifically for those applications
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have recently occurred
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or are scheduled to occur next week.
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Though any comment made today about those applications
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will be noted into consolidated consideration
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of the applications and vice versa.
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Before I cover some background
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and we get to the public comment portion
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of today's hearing,
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I wanna give the Commissioner or her representative
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an opportunity to speak.
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Miss Choe on behalf of the Commissioner, go ahead.
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Thank you, Judge Haga.
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Good evening, my name is Candace Choe
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and I'm a legal and policy advisor
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to Commissioner Houck.
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While Commissioner Houck could not join us this evening,
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I am here on her behalf and will read a brief statement
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that she has prepared.
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"I would like to thank you all for taking the time
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to provide your comments on this important matter.
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I appreciate the opportunity to hear from you
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before we make our final decision in this proceeding.
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The cost of capital that is approved in this proceeding
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affects utility rates.
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And I know that is always a concern for customers,
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especially rates for water,
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which are an essential resource."
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I will be ensuring that the Commissioner receives
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the transcribed comments
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from tonight's public participation hearing.
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And so, I would particularly like to thank
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our court reporters, Doris Homan and Rebekah De Rosa.
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I'd also like to thank Judge Haga
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and the public advisor's office
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for hosting our event tonight,
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especially Allison Brown, Juanita Hill, Eric Sawyer,
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Christine Mullin and Claudia Sanchez.
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I'd also like to thank our IT staff,
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Robert Stanford, Joseph Haga and Francisco Hernandez.
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We could not hold these hearings without their support.
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Thank you and I'll turn it back over to Judge Haga.
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Thank you, Miss Choe.
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As I mentioned earlier,
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the purpose of today's hearing
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is for the Commission to hear from customers
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and members of the public
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about Golden State Water's request
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to increase its cost of capital.
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Golden State Water is requesting an increase
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in the rate of return on rate-base
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from 7.91% that is currently set
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to 8.1% for the period from January 1, 2022
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through December 31st, 2024.
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Again, the request can be found
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at the four mentioned application 2105003.
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If you have unrelated to the proposed rate increase
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such as a question about a service problem
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for bill and accuracy,
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Golden State Water's customer service representatives
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are available by phone now
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and you are encouraged
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to contact Golden State Water's customer service center
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at 1-877-288-8816.
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You can also email them at 2021COC@gswater.com.
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Also, a Golden State manager is present at this hearing
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and listening to learn from customer feedback.
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Golden State Water Company representative John Prate
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is also available at 909-294-3600, extension 656
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to take any other questions.
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We will not be able to provide answers to questions today,
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but the Commission's public advisor's office
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is listening to this hearing
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and a representative will introduce herself soon
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and provide contact information
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for how you can reach out to us
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with questions about the proceeding.
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Before we get started, I'll cover three things.
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First, I'll provide some general background
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on the California Public Utilities Commission.
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Second, I'll summarize the basic positions
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in this Golden State Water Cost of Capital application.
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Third, I'll turn it over to miss Juanita Hill
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from the Commission's public advisor's office
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to provide more information on public participation
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and how to submit comments,
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on this case to the Commission.
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Then finally, I'll ask the speakers to get prepared
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to make their comments
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and we'll begin the public comment portion
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of today's hearing.
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Right now, I'll repeat the instructions
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for how to participate.
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So if you wanna participate today
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and provide a comment during this hearing,
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if you're already on the phone, please press star one
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if you haven't already
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and provide the operator your name.
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if you're watching the video webcast,
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please dial the phone number on your screen
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and then press star one
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and provide the operator your name.
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Now the first item I said I would cover
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is the background on the Public Utilities Commission.
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The California Public Utilities Commission
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is the state agency that is required to decide
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how much money Golden State Water may earn
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and how much Golden State Water is allowed to charge
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in rates included on your bills for water service.
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By state law,
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the Commission includes five Commissioners
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who are each appointed by the Governor
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of the state of California
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and then confirmed by the California state senate.
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The five Commissioners make the final decision
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on Golden State Water's request
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to increase its cost of capital in this case.
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As the Administrative Law Judge in this proceeding,
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I manage the day-to-day activities of the case
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and make recommendations to the five Commissioners.
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The five Commissioners are the ones who will decide
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with a vote
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whether to approve Golden State Water's request
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to increase its cost of capital.
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Again, my role as the Administrative Law Judge
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is to evaluate the evidence presented in this proceeding,
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including comments provided today
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and recommend an outcome to the five Commissioners
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in a proposed decision based on the evidence.
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This proposed decision or recommendation
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will then be considered by the five Commissioners
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who will decide whether to adopt the proposed decision
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or to instead adopt their own different decision
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based on the evidence in the proceeding.
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The current schedule for this proceeding
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anticipates that the five Commissioners
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will vote on final decision
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in the fourth quarter of 2022.
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Now I'll provide a summary
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of Golden State Waters application.
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In May, 2021, Golden State Water submitted
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its cost of capital application
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seeking the Commission's authorization
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to set new equity returns, cost of debt,
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capital structures and overall rates of return
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on rate-base for the period 2022 to 2024.
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The Commission requires Golden State Water Company
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to seek approval for these things every three years.
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In its application,
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Golden State Water proposes the Commission
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approve an increase to its authorized cost of capital
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from 7.91% to 8.18%.
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To proposed rate of return
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reflects a proposed 10.5% cost of equity
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and a proposed 5.1% cost of debt.
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Golden State Water states
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the proposed cost of capital increase
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will increase its authorized revenue requirement
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by approximately 2% company-wide
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based upon at the time of the application.
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Though, the increase in annual revenues
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will vary by rate making area
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and I note that this estimate is based on many factors
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and does not reflect what might change
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with your monthly bill.
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The other party participating
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in the Golden State Water portion of the proceeding,
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the Public Advocates Office
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has submitted testimony calling for a reduction
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in the authorized cost of capital
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from the current 7.91% to 6.44%.
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As I mentioned earlier,
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detailed information regarding
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the different recommendations is available
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on the Commission's website.
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Now, while we are here today to receive comments
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from the public and customer
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on Golden State Water's request
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to change its authorized cost of capital
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and increase rates beginning in 2022 through 2024,
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I wanted to acknowledge that the pandemic
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has imposed hardships and changes
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throughout our state, communities
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and in our daily lives.
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We are holding these hearings online and by phone
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because of ongoing concerns regarding the pandemic.
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And while the current trends are positive,
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the Commission must schedule these hearings
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many months in advance.
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Further, we have found during the pandemic
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that remote hearings provide a convenient way
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for many to participate
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while also promoting greater understanding
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of the impact of great changes.
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Public engagement remains critical to the Commission.
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I and all the Commissioners
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will be paying careful attention
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to the comments provided today.
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And we all have the ability to review
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the written transcript of this public hearing
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being created by the court reporters
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who be working behind the scenes
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throughout today's hearing.
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Court reporter will be transcribing everything
00:14:23.300 --> 00:14:25.450
that is said today into a written document.
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Thus, if you speak,
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I ask that you speak slowly and clearly
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so that the reporter and the interpreters
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can capture everything that is said.
00:14:37.730 --> 00:14:38.880
At the beginning of your comments,
00:14:38.880 --> 00:14:41.000
please spell your first and last name
00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:43.513
and provide the city you're calling from.
00:14:44.800 --> 00:14:46.690
The written transcript of today's hearing
00:14:46.690 --> 00:14:48.120
created by the court reporters
00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:50.780
will be posted publicly on the docket card
00:14:50.780 --> 00:14:53.160
for this proceeding on the Commission's website
00:14:53.160 --> 00:14:54.433
in the next few weeks.
00:14:57.410 --> 00:14:58.990
You should also know that while we welcome you
00:14:58.990 --> 00:15:01.040
to provide verbal comments today,
00:15:01.040 --> 00:15:03.990
you may provide written comments at any point
00:15:03.990 --> 00:15:07.230
on Gold State Water's proposed rate increase request
00:15:07.230 --> 00:15:09.440
on the docket card for this proceeding.
00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:12.060
By going to the Commission's website,
00:15:12.060 --> 00:15:13.310
go to the docket card
00:15:13.310 --> 00:15:18.310
and enter this proceeding number A2105003.
00:15:19.510 --> 00:15:21.380
You can get there directly with the URL,
00:15:21.380 --> 00:15:26.380
apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2105003.
00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:37.240
That's apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2105003.
00:15:42.860 --> 00:15:44.560
You can also continue to review the filings
00:15:44.560 --> 00:15:46.900
by Golden State Water and other parties in this case,
00:15:46.900 --> 00:15:48.850
on the Commission's website.
00:15:48.850 --> 00:15:51.690
In a subscription option exists on the docket card
00:15:51.690 --> 00:15:54.453
for members of a public to receive filings by email.
00:15:55.850 --> 00:15:56.950
As I had mentioned before,
00:15:56.950 --> 00:15:58.570
the docket card of this proceeding
00:15:58.570 --> 00:15:59.850
has the option for customers
00:15:59.850 --> 00:16:01.450
to submit written comments at any time
00:16:01.450 --> 00:16:03.330
during the proceeding.
00:16:03.330 --> 00:16:05.680
Please note that I am tracking these comments.
00:16:05.680 --> 00:16:08.430
I set aside time every week to review them
00:16:08.430 --> 00:16:10.340
and I update the Commissioner on public comments
00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:11.483
on a regular basis.
00:16:12.540 --> 00:16:15.330
And I will include a summary of the comments
00:16:15.330 --> 00:16:17.600
that the PSH's and on the docket card
00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:19.600
in my recommendation to the Commission
00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:21.633
when I put together a proposed decision.
00:16:24.210 --> 00:16:25.150
I note that as of today,
00:16:25.150 --> 00:16:27.770
we have 36 written public comments
00:16:27.770 --> 00:16:32.200
on this case already.
00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:34.200
The main purpose of today's hearing then
00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:35.890
is to hear directly from you
00:16:35.890 --> 00:16:37.420
as Golden State Water customers
00:16:37.420 --> 00:16:38.690
and members of the public
00:16:38.690 --> 00:16:40.080
about this particular request
00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:42.053
to modify rates for water services.
00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:44.730
To provide even more information
00:16:44.730 --> 00:16:45.830
on how to participate,
00:16:45.830 --> 00:16:47.090
I invite Ms. Juanita Hill
00:16:47.090 --> 00:16:49.240
of the Commission's Public Advisor's Office
00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:52.290
to provide guidance on participation in the hearing.
00:16:52.290 --> 00:16:53.123
Ms. Hill.
00:17:03.104 --> 00:17:04.504
You're on mute.
00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:07.833
I'm so sorry, can you hear me now?
00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:10.213
Yes, I can.
00:17:10.213 --> 00:17:13.350
Thank you, judge and welcome everyone.
00:17:13.350 --> 00:17:15.990
My name is Juanita Hill and I am the supervisor
00:17:15.990 --> 00:17:19.070
in the CPUC's Public Advisor's Office.
00:17:19.070 --> 00:17:21.090
The Public Advisor's Office assist
00:17:21.090 --> 00:17:24.000
in advising the public with participation
00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:25.980
in Commission proceedings.
00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:28.690
We are here as a resource for you.
00:17:28.690 --> 00:17:31.200
Your participation is essential
00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.670
to the decision-making process.
00:17:33.670 --> 00:17:36.220
In addition to making a comment today,
00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:37.620
as the judge said,
00:17:37.620 --> 00:17:39.883
there are other ways to become involved.
00:17:41.230 --> 00:17:43.350
If you wish to find more information
00:17:43.350 --> 00:17:47.810
on becoming a party subscribing to this proceeding
00:17:47.810 --> 00:17:51.110
or submitting written comments to the docket card,
00:17:51.110 --> 00:17:55.357
please visit our website www.cpuc.ca.gov.
00:17:59.370 --> 00:18:04.370
Email the public advisor at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov.
00:18:09.050 --> 00:18:14.050
Give us a call at 1-866-849-8390
00:18:15.830 --> 00:18:19.346
or visit our public participation hearing page
00:18:19.346 --> 00:18:21.846
www.cpuc.ca.gov/PPH
00:18:28.820 --> 00:18:31.590
and the Commission or the utilities websites
00:18:31.590 --> 00:18:33.620
for more information.
00:18:33.620 --> 00:18:36.290
All of this information is also on the notice
00:18:36.290 --> 00:18:39.330
that you received for this public participation hearing,
00:18:39.330 --> 00:18:42.850
as well as on the screen if you are watching this forum.
00:18:42.850 --> 00:18:45.010
We look forward to your comments today.
00:18:45.010 --> 00:18:46.793
Thank you and back to you judge.
00:18:49.550 --> 00:18:50.837
Thank you, Ms. Hill.
00:18:52.170 --> 00:18:53.320
As a reminder again,
00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:55.610
if you wish to speak today and make a statement
00:18:55.610 --> 00:18:57.910
and you're on the phone, please press star one
00:18:58.760 --> 00:19:01.690
and then provide the operator with your name.
00:19:01.690 --> 00:19:03.310
If you're watching the video webcast,
00:19:03.310 --> 00:19:05.260
please dial the phone number on your screen
00:19:05.260 --> 00:19:07.860
and press star one to provide the operator your name
00:19:09.639 --> 00:19:10.689
and make a statement.
00:19:16.430 --> 00:19:17.263
And at this point,
00:19:17.263 --> 00:19:20.240
I think we are ready to hear from members of the public.
00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:21.390
To those that wish to speak,
00:19:21.390 --> 00:19:25.323
please, if you remember to call in and press star one.
00:19:26.790 --> 00:19:27.830
When it's your turn to speak,
00:19:27.830 --> 00:19:29.693
the operator will announce your name.
00:19:30.630 --> 00:19:32.490
Please spell your full name,
00:19:32.490 --> 00:19:35.053
speak slowly and provide where you're calling from.
00:19:38.120 --> 00:19:40.130
Right now, we do not have a large number of callers
00:19:40.130 --> 00:19:40.963
in the queue,
00:19:42.830 --> 00:19:46.240
so I'm not gonna be strict about the three minute limit,
00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:48.580
but if it ends up we have a lot more,
00:19:48.580 --> 00:19:51.693
we will start to get a little bit tighter on time.
00:19:53.851 --> 00:19:56.201
And it's due to chime at the three minute mark.
00:19:57.800 --> 00:19:59.990
And I remind people to speak slowly and clearly
00:19:59.990 --> 00:20:01.180
so the court reporters
00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:03.253
may accurately transcribe your comments,
00:20:06.162 --> 00:20:09.090
and please mute anything that may feed back our noise
00:20:09.090 --> 00:20:11.683
into your phone when not speaking.
00:20:13.590 --> 00:20:16.170
Please speak directly to your phone or headset
00:20:16.170 --> 00:20:17.690
and do not use a speaker phone
00:20:17.690 --> 00:20:19.190
if you're providing a comment.
00:20:24.560 --> 00:20:26.067
Operator, please ask the first person
00:20:26.067 --> 00:20:28.343
in the queue to speak.
00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:30.713
Thank you.
00:20:30.713 --> 00:20:33.320
Our first speaker is George Riley.
00:20:33.320 --> 00:20:34.413
Your line is open.
00:20:36.060 --> 00:20:37.443
All right, can you hear me?
00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:40.370
Yes, Mr. Riley, good to hear from you.
00:20:40.370 --> 00:20:43.410
Yeah, thank you, my name is George Riley.
00:20:43.410 --> 00:20:44.780
I live in Monterey.
00:20:44.780 --> 00:20:46.930
George, G-E-O-R-G-E.
00:20:46.930 --> 00:20:49.140
Riley, R-I-L-E-Y.
00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:51.120
I'm a customer of CalAm,
00:20:51.120 --> 00:20:52.880
California American Water.
00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:55.120
I know this public hearing for CalAm
00:20:55.120 --> 00:20:56.620
was scheduled a couple days ago,
00:20:56.620 --> 00:20:58.340
but I had conflict so,
00:20:58.340 --> 00:21:00.070
and I understand I can still make a comment
00:21:00.070 --> 00:21:01.590
as of tonight.
00:21:01.590 --> 00:21:05.230
My purpose here is to try to call attention
00:21:05.230 --> 00:21:06.740
to the purpose,
00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:09.750
the mission of the Public Utilities Commission.
00:21:09.750 --> 00:21:12.633
And I understand from Section 701.1,
00:21:14.750 --> 00:21:19.360
the mission is to assure that the utilities
00:21:19.360 --> 00:21:22.220
have an opportunity to earn a reasonable return,
00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.850
to attract capital
00:21:23.850 --> 00:21:25.940
and to ensure financial integrity.
00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:27.990
That's the number one mission of the PUC.
00:21:29.040 --> 00:21:30.070
That's fine,
00:21:30.070 --> 00:21:32.000
I don't have any problems with that,
00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:36.370
but I do have a problem with when does greed
00:21:36.370 --> 00:21:39.780
exceed your concern
00:21:39.780 --> 00:21:43.273
about the viability of corporate utilities?
00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:47.750
When does greed of an applicant
00:21:47.750 --> 00:21:49.790
like California American Water,
00:21:49.790 --> 00:21:54.600
when does greed go beyond what's a reasonable return?
00:21:54.600 --> 00:21:57.460
When does greed go beyond
00:21:57.460 --> 00:22:00.800
the intention to attract capital?
00:22:00.800 --> 00:22:05.800
When does greed go beyond your assurance
00:22:07.990 --> 00:22:11.070
that a corporate utility has financial integrity?
00:22:11.070 --> 00:22:14.860
My concern is that California American Water,
00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:17.480
a subsidiary of American Water Works
00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:19.670
is one of the highest rated utilities
00:22:19.670 --> 00:22:22.120
on the New York Stock Exchange.
00:22:22.120 --> 00:22:27.120
Its value has increased over 600% in the past 10 years.
00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:32.920
CalAm and the American Water Works is doing very well.
00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:39.340
My problem with its application of its rate structure
00:22:39.410 --> 00:22:41.400
on our community in Monterey,
00:22:41.400 --> 00:22:43.510
on Monterey Peninsula,
00:22:43.510 --> 00:22:46.890
is that we have had the highest rates
00:22:46.890 --> 00:22:51.043
in the entire country for several years.
00:22:52.560 --> 00:22:55.730
CalAm subsidiaries in general
00:22:55.730 --> 00:23:00.730
are the six highest rates in the entire United States.
00:23:01.760 --> 00:23:06.760
My concern is that CalAm is greedy
00:23:07.330 --> 00:23:12.330
and you, the PUC is a handmaiden to their request
00:23:12.950 --> 00:23:17.950
for more access to a revenue source from its customers.
00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.830
It's a monopoly.
00:23:19.830 --> 00:23:22.930
We have nowhere to go, but to CalAm.
00:23:22.930 --> 00:23:25.200
So it's not like there's a huge competition
00:23:25.200 --> 00:23:28.010
that CalAm is creating in the world of water
00:23:28.010 --> 00:23:29.850
and you know that,
00:23:29.850 --> 00:23:34.630
but we have a burden on our local rate payers
00:23:34.630 --> 00:23:39.020
and we do not need your help
00:23:39.020 --> 00:23:40.818
or your support for CalAm,
00:23:40.818 --> 00:23:44.190
even creating a higher rate structure
00:23:44.190 --> 00:23:45.560
for our community.
00:23:45.560 --> 00:23:49.400
I just asked, when is enough enough?
00:23:49.400 --> 00:23:50.720
And I asked you, please,
00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:54.090
do not support CalAm's request
00:23:54.090 --> 00:23:56.070
for an increase in cost of capital.
00:23:56.070 --> 00:23:59.920
This has nothing to do with the other agencies
00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:01.930
that you're concerned about tonight,
00:24:01.930 --> 00:24:04.400
but it has specifically reference
00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:06.710
to California American Water.
00:24:06.710 --> 00:24:09.500
And I appreciate your review of this concern I have.
00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.500
Thank you very much.
00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.890
Thank you, Mr. Riley.
00:24:15.450 --> 00:24:16.973
Operator, next caller.
00:24:17.860 --> 00:24:20.240
Our next caller is Dustin Cook.
00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:21.343
Your line is open.
00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:26.250
Hi, my name is Dustin Cook.
00:24:26.250 --> 00:24:30.730
That's D-U-S-T-I-N, C-O-O-K.
00:24:30.730 --> 00:24:33.860
I'm a resident of the Monterey Peninsula
00:24:33.860 --> 00:24:35.830
and I too am calling concerning
00:24:35.830 --> 00:24:39.350
the CalAm rate increased request
00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:44.423
and would voice my opposition to that increase
00:24:44.423 --> 00:24:46.273
and ask the Commission to just follow
00:24:49.245 --> 00:24:51.245
the advice of the Public Advocate Office
00:24:52.890 --> 00:24:54.750
that increase is not necessary,
00:24:54.750 --> 00:24:57.890
in fact, a reduction is recommended
00:24:57.890 --> 00:24:59.983
by the Public Advocate Office.
00:25:02.090 --> 00:25:04.313
We suffer as Mr. Riley pointed out the highest rates
00:25:04.313 --> 00:25:06.980
in the (indistinct)
00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:11.980
and any increase in profit on those high rates
00:25:15.130 --> 00:25:18.540
it's substantiate in my mind.
00:25:18.540 --> 00:25:20.610
Of course, we all bear a huge risk,
00:25:20.610 --> 00:25:24.940
a huge burden of the cost of water
00:25:24.940 --> 00:25:29.800
and I don't see any (clears throat) justification
00:25:29.800 --> 00:25:32.730
for their asking for this increase.
00:25:32.730 --> 00:25:35.550
They state that the increase is asked
00:25:35.550 --> 00:25:39.350
to mitigate possible risks in the future.
00:25:39.350 --> 00:25:43.040
And I we'd ask what risk does a monopoly have,
00:25:43.040 --> 00:25:44.840
they're gonna charge a percentage
00:25:44.840 --> 00:25:46.770
on whatever their costs are.
00:25:46.770 --> 00:25:48.930
And I'm sure one of these days,
00:25:48.930 --> 00:25:53.199
one of their costs will be the few old rates
00:25:53.199 --> 00:25:55.140
and either related items
00:25:55.140 --> 00:25:57.793
that we're suffering through right now immediately.
00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:03.460
Further, CalAm is already granted
00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:06.290
the highest rate of water unit rate
00:26:07.183 --> 00:26:11.327
and their profit is based on that rate.
00:26:13.830 --> 00:26:17.980
And I can't see that additional profits are necessary.
00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:21.213
I'm certainly not seeing additional service.
00:26:22.392 --> 00:26:23.992
And I won't go into the service,
00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:26.883
I feel is lacking.
00:26:27.730 --> 00:26:28.930
And (indistinct) lastly,
00:26:30.050 --> 00:26:33.574
I understand that several of CalAm's subcontractors
00:26:33.574 --> 00:26:36.077
have been calling in-
(indistinct)
00:26:36.077 --> 00:26:37.168
I am so sorry,
00:26:37.168 --> 00:26:38.978
I'm having trouble hearing you,
00:26:38.978 --> 00:26:42.160
if you can adjust your audio, please.
00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:45.407
Okay.
(clearing throat)
00:26:45.407 --> 00:26:49.574
Lastly, I would like to say that I understand
00:26:49.574 --> 00:26:52.214
that several of CalAm's subcontractors
00:26:52.214 --> 00:26:57.214
have been calling in to promote this increase
00:26:57.470 --> 00:26:58.510
if you will.
00:26:58.510 --> 00:27:01.010
And really they're not consumers
00:27:01.010 --> 00:27:04.320
and they're doing this
00:27:04.320 --> 00:27:07.970
at the sort of the sneaky bequest of CalAm,
00:27:07.970 --> 00:27:10.200
and that's who they are.
00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:15.200
And those people should not be considered in this.
00:27:16.410 --> 00:27:18.840
I think the, us as the consumers
00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:21.350
and the bears of this burden
00:27:21.350 --> 00:27:24.260
should be the one that are considered.
00:27:24.260 --> 00:27:27.440
And again, I would plead with you
00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:30.523
to follow the Public Advocate's recommendations.
00:27:31.780 --> 00:27:34.110
Thank you for listening to my comments.
00:27:34.110 --> 00:27:37.196
I appreciate it and that's all.
00:27:37.196 --> 00:27:39.080
Thank you, Mr. Cook.
00:27:39.080 --> 00:27:41.623
Operator, who's next caller?
00:27:42.590 --> 00:27:45.310
Our next caller is a Peter Kavounas.
00:27:45.310 --> 00:27:46.293
Your line is open.
00:27:48.520 --> 00:27:49.870
Thank you.
00:27:49.870 --> 00:27:52.410
Good evening, Judge Haga.
00:27:52.410 --> 00:27:56.120
I appreciate the opportunity to offer my comments.
00:27:56.120 --> 00:27:58.100
My name is Peter Kavounas.
00:27:58.100 --> 00:28:03.100
P-E-T-E-R, K-A-V-O-U-N-A-S.
00:28:03.290 --> 00:28:05.140
I live in Claremont, California
00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:06.623
served by Golden State.
00:28:07.520 --> 00:28:11.390
I'm calling today to speak against the proposed increase
00:28:11.390 --> 00:28:14.340
in the rate of return for Golden State.
00:28:14.340 --> 00:28:18.280
Judge, you, your job is to evaluate the evidence,
00:28:18.280 --> 00:28:20.400
consider the rules and issues of law.
00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:23.930
In this particular case, as an individual rate payer,
00:28:23.930 --> 00:28:25.603
I must consider the effect.
00:28:26.770 --> 00:28:29.853
The rates in Claremont are sky high.
00:28:31.230 --> 00:28:34.320
By comparison, I looked at my January bill,
00:28:34.320 --> 00:28:36.830
it was $115 for the meter
00:28:36.830 --> 00:28:38.593
and the commodity charges only.
00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:42.200
Next door in Montclair,
00:28:42.200 --> 00:28:45.028
less than two miles away from my house,
00:28:45.028 --> 00:28:46.990
the same usage and the same size meter
00:28:46.990 --> 00:28:48.097
would've been $80.
00:28:48.097 --> 00:28:52.193
About $30 less than $115 bill.
00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:57.010
Nearby Upland, maybe two miles away from my house,
00:28:57.010 --> 00:29:00.770
that same bill, the same commodity and meter charge
00:29:00.770 --> 00:29:05.770
would've been $70, that's $45 less on $115 bill.
00:29:06.820 --> 00:29:11.090
And judge, all else is equal between the three utilities,
00:29:11.090 --> 00:29:14.160
Golden State, Monte Vista Water District.
00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:15.810
and the city of Oakland.
00:29:15.810 --> 00:29:17.580
The same cost of imported water,
00:29:17.580 --> 00:29:21.160
the same groundwater source with the same lift,
00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:22.590
the same electricity cost,
00:29:22.590 --> 00:29:25.650
the same fuel cost, the same labor market,
00:29:25.650 --> 00:29:27.310
the same age of service area
00:29:27.310 --> 00:29:28.490
and the same topography,
00:29:28.490 --> 00:29:31.510
there is no reason that the all ultimate rates
00:29:31.510 --> 00:29:32.443
are that high.
00:29:33.420 --> 00:29:37.503
The profit increase as proposed only makes it worse.
00:29:38.540 --> 00:29:40.390
I respectfully request judge
00:29:40.390 --> 00:29:43.370
that you find for the Public Advocates recommendation
00:29:43.370 --> 00:29:45.650
to reduce the cost of capital.
00:29:45.650 --> 00:29:47.780
And in addition, if I'm permitted,
00:29:47.780 --> 00:29:51.040
I would respectfully ask for a special review
00:29:51.040 --> 00:29:53.250
of the application of the PUC rules
00:29:53.250 --> 00:29:55.260
to the Golden State's rates
00:29:55.260 --> 00:29:57.810
and how it is that they've come to be this high
00:29:57.810 --> 00:29:58.833
on the service area.
00:29:59.890 --> 00:30:00.870
Thank you very much again
00:30:00.870 --> 00:30:02.420
for the opportunity to comment.
00:30:04.800 --> 00:30:06.567
Thank you, Mr. Kavounas.
00:30:07.430 --> 00:30:09.313
Operator, who's the next speaker?
00:30:15.360 --> 00:30:17.830
Our next speaker is Autumn Anderson.
00:30:17.830 --> 00:30:18.773
Your line is open.
00:30:20.270 --> 00:30:22.190
Hi, thank you for allowing me
00:30:22.190 --> 00:30:24.920
to express my thoughts on this.
00:30:24.920 --> 00:30:27.800
My concern regarding rate increases
00:30:27.800 --> 00:30:32.337
is it does not appear that there's any intention.
00:30:32.337 --> 00:30:34.070
Can you spell your name for me, please?
00:30:34.070 --> 00:30:35.930
Oh, I'm so sorry, yes.
00:30:35.930 --> 00:30:39.240
It's A-U-T-U-M-N,
00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:44.120
and the last name is Anderson, A-N-D-E-R-S-O-N
00:30:44.120 --> 00:30:45.960
and I live in Morongo Valley,
00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:48.950
so I am using Golden State Water.
00:30:48.950 --> 00:30:51.570
Sorry about that.
(indistinct)
00:30:51.570 --> 00:30:54.380
So yeah, I could understand rate increases
00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:59.340
that were attempts to perhaps curtail extra water usage
00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:00.850
or something like that,
00:31:00.850 --> 00:31:03.540
looking towards future need
00:31:03.540 --> 00:31:04.840
or something like that
00:31:04.840 --> 00:31:08.370
in the environmental risk area,
00:31:08.370 --> 00:31:13.210
but increasing rates just to increase revenue
00:31:13.210 --> 00:31:17.880
or for perhaps building some kind of cushion
00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:22.830
in the budget or something like that is concerning
00:31:22.830 --> 00:31:26.260
because obviously droughts are not going away.
00:31:26.260 --> 00:31:29.870
And I respect the fact that we need to ensure
00:31:29.870 --> 00:31:32.280
that these agencies continue
00:31:32.280 --> 00:31:34.890
and can continue to provide water.
00:31:34.890 --> 00:31:38.620
However, there's so many factors that are involved
00:31:38.620 --> 00:31:43.620
and one of them is not considering both financial impacts
00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:48.480
as well as the actual water usage itself.
00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:52.210
I definitely could not support the increases
00:31:52.210 --> 00:31:55.110
to the rates for other reasons.
00:31:55.110 --> 00:31:55.943
Thank you.
00:31:57.360 --> 00:31:58.780
Thank you, Ms. Anderson.
00:31:58.780 --> 00:32:01.083
Operator, is there anyone in the queue?
00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:05.170
Your honor, there are no more speakers
00:32:05.170 --> 00:32:07.223
in the public comment telephone line.
00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:13.920
Okay, well, while we can take a little break then
00:32:13.930 --> 00:32:16.620
and we'll take a five minute break to provide time
00:32:16.620 --> 00:32:17.823
for others to call in.
00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:21.100
Reminder, if you're on the phone,
00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:22.410
you can just hit star one
00:32:22.410 --> 00:32:24.520
and give the operator your name.
00:32:24.520 --> 00:32:27.870
If you're watching online on admin monitor,
00:32:27.870 --> 00:32:29.660
the number is on the screen.
00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:34.167
Please call and hit star one to get in
00:32:34.167 --> 00:32:35.313
and make your comment.
00:32:37.300 --> 00:32:40.460
We will be off the record for five minutes.
00:32:40.460 --> 00:32:42.085
Thank you.
00:32:42.085 --> 00:32:43.463
For your patience.
00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:57.340
The feed...
00:33:53.100 --> 00:33:54.303
You ready, Becky?
00:33:56.110 --> 00:33:57.510
Ready, your honor.
00:34:00.330 --> 00:34:02.750
Great, then we're back on the record.
00:34:02.750 --> 00:34:04.950
Operator, understand we have another caller.
00:34:08.370 --> 00:34:11.210
Yes, our next caller is Diana Morales.
00:34:11.210 --> 00:34:12.233
Your line is open.
00:34:23.281 --> 00:34:24.750
Ms. Morales.
00:34:24.750 --> 00:34:26.670
Oh, I'm so sorry.
00:34:26.670 --> 00:34:30.690
So, Diana Morale, M-O-R-A-L-E-S.
00:34:30.690 --> 00:34:32.530
I live in Simi Valley
00:34:32.530 --> 00:34:36.160
and I am a Gold State customer,
00:34:36.160 --> 00:34:39.100
sorry, you can hear my goats in the background.
00:34:39.100 --> 00:34:42.840
I just want you to know I'm in support of this
00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:47.470
if it goes toward repairing the existing facilities
00:34:47.470 --> 00:34:48.303
that are failing,
00:34:48.303 --> 00:34:50.370
because I know that they've been an underground
00:34:50.370 --> 00:34:51.203
for so long.
00:34:51.203 --> 00:34:53.980
And even today in the city of the Simi Valley,
00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:55.690
we had a sinkhole
00:34:55.690 --> 00:34:57.230
and I don't know if it was Golden State,
00:34:57.230 --> 00:35:01.800
it could be another water company that's here.
00:35:01.800 --> 00:35:02.930
But I also understand
00:35:02.930 --> 00:35:05.210
that we can't see these facilities,
00:35:05.210 --> 00:35:06.830
so we tend to ignore them.
00:35:09.268 --> 00:35:11.010
First, I just also also wanted to thank you
00:35:11.010 --> 00:35:11.843
for your service,
00:35:11.843 --> 00:35:13.100
because if it weren't for you,
00:35:13.100 --> 00:35:14.890
I would have to live near a river
00:35:14.890 --> 00:35:18.260
and carry my water in a bucket back and forth,
00:35:18.260 --> 00:35:19.900
and water's heavy.
00:35:19.900 --> 00:35:24.410
So I just want you to know that I'm in favor of this
00:35:24.410 --> 00:35:26.880
as long as it goes toward
00:35:26.880 --> 00:35:29.220
or at least is going to contribute
00:35:29.220 --> 00:35:32.900
toward the repair of these facilities,
00:35:32.900 --> 00:35:35.380
because they're pretty much at capacity
00:35:35.380 --> 00:35:36.213
and they're failing.
00:35:36.213 --> 00:35:38.310
They were put in a time ago
00:35:38.310 --> 00:35:41.950
and I'm just assuming there isn't any money
00:35:41.950 --> 00:35:46.590
to make the improvements when they're necessary.
00:35:46.590 --> 00:35:49.520
So that's all I wanted to say.
00:35:49.520 --> 00:35:52.460
And I also understand that
00:35:54.030 --> 00:35:57.200
things get more expensive as time goes on
00:35:57.200 --> 00:36:00.110
and I understand that we're going to have reductions
00:36:02.150 --> 00:36:04.540
because it's not raining enough,
00:36:04.540 --> 00:36:07.680
but I've been a Golden State customer for a long time.
00:36:07.680 --> 00:36:10.080
I'm very happy with your service
00:36:10.080 --> 00:36:14.863
and it's unfortunate for everyone,
00:36:16.030 --> 00:36:18.293
but this is how it goes.
00:36:19.180 --> 00:36:21.600
Unless we all wanna carry water from the river
00:36:21.600 --> 00:36:22.453
in a bucket,
00:36:23.380 --> 00:36:27.370
we have to pay for additional fees
00:36:27.370 --> 00:36:29.210
when they're deemed necessary.
00:36:29.210 --> 00:36:31.490
So that's really all I wanted to say,
00:36:31.490 --> 00:36:32.690
thank you for your time.
00:36:34.050 --> 00:36:35.950
Thank you, Ms. Morales.
00:36:35.950 --> 00:36:37.650
Operator, who is the next speaker?
00:36:38.840 --> 00:36:41.570
Yes, as a reminder,
00:36:41.570 --> 00:36:44.060
if you would like to make a comment,
00:36:44.060 --> 00:36:47.740
please press star one on your telephone keypad
00:36:47.740 --> 00:36:51.480
and record your name at the prompt.
00:36:51.480 --> 00:36:55.530
Our next caller is Denise Shigenaka.
00:36:55.530 --> 00:36:56.810
Your line is open.
00:36:59.080 --> 00:37:00.050
Thank you very much
00:37:00.050 --> 00:37:03.183
for taking my comments at this time.
00:37:04.720 --> 00:37:06.280
I am a Golden State...
00:37:06.280 --> 00:37:09.000
I'm sorry, Denise Shigenaka.
00:37:09.000 --> 00:37:11.170
D-E-N-I-S-E.
00:37:11.170 --> 00:37:16.170
Shigenaka, S-H-I-G-E-N-A-K-A
00:37:17.720 --> 00:37:20.290
from Aukat, California.
00:37:20.290 --> 00:37:24.863
We are a Golden State Water customers.
00:37:26.410 --> 00:37:31.190
When our Golden State area purveyor
00:37:32.980 --> 00:37:37.980
added Nipomo to our little service area,
00:37:40.630 --> 00:37:44.970
they raised our rates excessively
00:37:44.970 --> 00:37:48.920
to cover Nipomo being added on.
00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:53.447
They also raised our rates in advance
00:37:54.840 --> 00:37:59.840
to save up money for repairs and improvements
00:38:01.510 --> 00:38:03.381
in our area.
00:38:03.381 --> 00:38:06.750
That was several years ago
00:38:06.750 --> 00:38:11.480
and no major improvements that I am aware of
00:38:11.480 --> 00:38:12.550
have been done.
00:38:12.550 --> 00:38:16.860
So that money should have been collecting
00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:18.230
for the last 10 years.
00:38:18.230 --> 00:38:23.103
We've had additional increases periodically.
00:38:24.230 --> 00:38:29.230
I object to excessive increases.
00:38:29.680 --> 00:38:32.620
And at this point I feel this amount
00:38:32.620 --> 00:38:34.890
that they're asking for is excessive
00:38:36.810 --> 00:38:41.810
since we have not yet used as far as I know,
00:38:41.840 --> 00:38:44.720
the money that we have been putting into
00:38:44.720 --> 00:38:47.913
for the last 8 to 10 years.
00:38:50.620 --> 00:38:53.900
So I appreciate my service.
00:38:53.900 --> 00:38:58.830
I am so sad that there is not a competitive market
00:38:58.830 --> 00:39:01.030
to have more than one purveyor
00:39:01.030 --> 00:39:02.603
so you can choose.
00:39:04.370 --> 00:39:09.370
But Golden State here does do a nice job of service
00:39:11.600 --> 00:39:13.023
and I appreciate that,
00:39:14.560 --> 00:39:19.560
but I'm at a very tenuous time in society
00:39:21.130 --> 00:39:24.240
that we need to kind of tighten our belts
00:39:24.240 --> 00:39:26.010
and make sure that we're using
00:39:26.010 --> 00:39:28.650
all of the dollars we already have
00:39:28.650 --> 00:39:33.620
in a just and judicious manner.
00:39:33.620 --> 00:39:35.803
So thank you very much for listening to me.
00:39:38.030 --> 00:39:39.833
Thank you, Ms. Shigenaka.
00:39:41.850 --> 00:39:44.300
Operator, is there anyone else left in the queue?
00:39:45.580 --> 00:39:46.413
Your honor,
00:39:46.413 --> 00:39:47.910
I'm showing no further commenters
00:39:47.910 --> 00:39:50.623
in the public comment queue.
00:39:53.300 --> 00:39:55.350
Well, if that's the case,
00:39:55.350 --> 00:39:57.900
then if you would like to provide,
00:39:57.900 --> 00:39:59.770
you may submit written comments
00:39:59.770 --> 00:40:01.960
on the docket card for this proceeding,
00:40:01.960 --> 00:40:04.610
which can be found again at the Commission's website.
00:40:05.810 --> 00:40:09.950
Search for A2105003,
00:40:09.950 --> 00:40:12.640
the number of this proceeding on the docket card
00:40:12.640 --> 00:40:15.290
and that will get you to the area to submit comments.
00:40:17.620 --> 00:40:21.360
You can also get there directly by using the URL
00:40:21.360 --> 00:40:26.360
apps, apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2105003
00:40:34.570 --> 00:40:37.410
Also for assistance with providing additional comments,
00:40:37.410 --> 00:40:40.440
please contact the Commission's Public Advisor's Office
00:40:40.440 --> 00:40:45.393
at public.advisor.cpuc.ca.gov.
00:40:54.567 --> 00:40:56.770
And at this point, I will conclude
00:40:56.770 --> 00:40:59.160
this evening's public participation hearing
00:40:59.160 --> 00:41:02.580
in Golden State Water Company's Cost of Capital case.
00:41:02.580 --> 00:41:03.990
We'll be off the record.
00:41:03.990 --> 00:41:04.823
Goodbye.