Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator instructions) We will take our first question from Daniel Fidell of Brean Murray, Carret & Co.
Daniel Fidell – Brean Murray, Carret & Co.
Thanks for the call. Just a couple of questions. I guess the first question is on the regulatory side of the fence in two parts I guess. First, can you give us a little bit more color on the status of the decoupling initiative in DC sort of where that is at and then secondly if you could just discuss a little bit more on the Maryland side review the gas purchasing activity you mentioned?
James DeGraffenreidt
On the DC decoupling status, there is really not a whole lot to talk about there. We are just waiting for the District of Columbia commission to resolve dip [ph] issues or decoupling in the PEPCO case and we plan to file quickly on the heels of that case’s resolution. I will turn it over to Vince to talk about the Maryland side.
Vince Ammann
Sure Jim. In Maryland what we have is a staff recommendation to look at the purchasing practices as it relates to our asset optimization activity. There has not been any action taken by the commission yet on that request now. We have met with the staff and explained the processes but we’ll be happy to do it in a more formal setting if that’s what is required.
Daniel Fidell – Brean Murray, Carret & Co.
Okay, great. Maybe just back on the decoupling and DC for a moment, is it I guess the general feeling that perhaps in DC there is starting to warm up to the concept of decoupling?
James DeGraffenreidt
I think that it is too early to tell and there is going to be some change on the commission but I think that we have finally achieved some common understanding that there is a relationship between decoupling and the promotion of energy efficiency. I think that when you add to that, the fact that the GP rate structure is a flat rate structure, decoupling will be most beneficial in the District of Columbia from a customer point of view because we have decline in blocks in Maryland and Virginia. So there is that added factor that makes the value of decoupling greater when coupled with promotion of energy efficiency.
Daniel Fidell – Brean Murray, Carret & Co.
Right. Then maybe just another quick question or two and I will turn it over to someone else. The status of the implementation of the (inaudible) contract, can you give us sort of an update on how that is going and sort of the next key dates we should be looking at?
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