4. Summary Analysis
    The Commission has analyzed the data and the comments submitted on
the question of the impact of Compact Over-order Price regulation on
retail prices and concluded the consumer component of the ``public
interest'' will be served in the manner contemplated by the finding
under this section. The Commission concludes that alleviating the
stress on the milkshed will itself have a stabilizing impact on retail
prices, if not result in outright reduction.
    The Commission further determines that stabilization of the
wholesale price will likely result in stabilized, and reduced, consumer
prices. The Commission here notes, in summary, that an established
price of $16.94 for July-December of 1997, in combination with the
federal, Market Order #1 announced prices for January through May,
1997, would yield an average Class I (Zone 1) price for these 11 months
of 1997 in the amount of $16.15.\104\ This compares with the 1996
average price of $16.86.\105\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \104\ Prices announced for Market Order 1, Zone 1 prices:
January--$14.85; February--$14.58; March--$15.18; April--$15.70;
May--$15.73.
    \105\ Wellington, Appendix to 12/19/96 HT Testimony, Table 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    By contrast, as expressed by Gillmeister, there would be ``a
considerable cost to consumers if nothing is done to assist farmers in
New England.'' \106\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \106\ Gillmeister comment, 3/31/97 at 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------