The California Public Utilities Commission has set a newschedule for hearings on gas industry restructuring, leading to aproposed policy decision in early 1999 and public hearings aroundthe state. The CPUC expects to adopt a final market structurepolicy no earlier than January 1, 2000 in keeping with alegislative mandate which prohibits the Commission making anychanges until the year 2000.

The first prehearing conference will be held Nov. 4, 1998.Evidentiary hearings will begin Dec. 7 and continue, as needed,through the week. Briefs and reply briefs will be due in Januarywith oral arguments in February.

Besides identifying a long-term market structure for the naturalgas industry, the Commission also will continue to develop newconsumer protection measures.

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