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                          CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION


                     About the Alternatives to Litigation Program

               In  January  of   1993,  the  California   Public  Utilities
          Commission began a discussion, with those who practice before the
          agency, about ways to  increase the use of approaches  other than
          trial-type   litigation  for  the   resolution  of   disputes  in
          Commission  proceedings.    Two discussion  papers  were  issued,
          workshops  were held, and  the Commission sat as  a full panel to
          hear ideas and  concerns expressed by workshop  participants.  In
          April,  1994, the  Commission issued  a work  plan that  is being
          implemented by the Commission staff to explore procedural changes
          that might  clear the path  for better cooperation  among parties
          and reduce the incidence of unproductive conflict.
               The program provides an  opportunity for an ongoing dialogue
          about  ways  to  improve  practice  before  the  Commission.   In
          response  to frequent  requests  for information,  we will  offer
          relevant  documents as they become  available.  Please direct any
          inquiries    about    this    program    to    Steven    Weissman
          (saw@cpuc.ca.gov).


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