The California Energy Commission SMUD Cosumnes Committee (Committee) is reviewing an Application for Certification (AFC) by SMUD to construct two 500 megwatt natural gas-fired combined cycle power plants near the Rancho Seco Nuclear Power Plant.

The purpose of the evidentiary hearing is to establish the factual record upon which this case will be decided through the taking of oral, written, or documentary evidence from the official parties to the proceeding on the topics listed in the side bar.

The parties, public, and interested agencies are encouraged to attend and make comments on the topics to be discussed listed in the side bar. Written comments on the topics can be submitted to the Energy Commission, Docket Unit (01-AFC-19), 1516 - 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 before March 13, 2003.

Whether made at the evidentiary hearing or submitted in writing, public comments will be entered into the record of the proceeding and may be used to supplement or explain the evidence in the record. Public comments by themselves, however, are not sufficient to support a finding of fact or a decision on an issue.

The CommissionŐs Public Adviser is available to provide information or to assist those interested in participating at the evidentiary hearing, but cannot act as the attorney for any party. Contact Roberta Mendonca, the Public Adviser at 916-654-4489 or toll-free 800-822-6228 or by e-mail at [pao@energy.state.ca.us]

Teleconference: As a convenience, parties and members of the public who cannot attend the hearing in person may participate by calling the toll-free number for the proceeding: 1-888-788-1721. (Passcode: "SMUD" Leader: "Garret Shean.")

Witnesses may appear by declaration instead of in person if the topic is uncontested. If a topic is contested, a witness must appear in person to testify under oath and may be subject to cross-examination by other parties. A party sponsoring an expert witness, either by declaration or in person, shall establish the witness' qualifications. The order of testimony for the Evidentiary Hearing is shown in Appendix A, attached.

Members of the public may participate in all phases of the licensing process in a variety of ways. If you need information concerning public participation, please contact Roberta Mendonca, the Energy CommissionŐs Public Adviser, at 916-654-4489 or, toll free in California, at 800-822-6228, or by e-mail at: [pao@energy.state.ca.us]. Persons requiring special assistance contact Lou Quiroz, (916) 654-5146, prior to the hearing.

Information concerning the status of the project, notices, and other relevant documents are available on the CommissionŐs Web Site at:

www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/smud/

Technical questions concerning the project should be addressed to the Energy Commission StaffŐs Project Manager, Kristy Chew, at 916-654-3929 or e-mail at: [kchew@energy.state.ca.us].

Questions of a legal or procedural nature should be directed to Garret Shean, the Hearing Officer, at 916-654-3893 or e-mail at: [gshean@energy.state.ca.us].

Media inquiries should be directed to Claudia Chandler, Assistant Executive Director for Media and Public Communications, at 916-654-4989 or by e-mail at: [energia@energy.ca.gov]