[BETA] Fortnightly

Sound bites from state and federal regulators.

Economic Development Programs. Connecticut allows LDC to redirect margin-sharing funds from interruptible and transportation sales to support economic development and reduce residential hardship assistance balances. Caps annual program funding at $6 million. Rejects proposal that shareholder funds match ratepayer contributions. Docket No. 93-03-09 Reopening III, Apr. 25, 1996 (Conn.D.P.U.C.).

Demand-side Management. Hawaii affirms earlier ruling that separately owned electric and gas utilities may not be required to promote a competitor's product "under the guise of a DSM program." Allocates program costs directly to each customer class based on customer eligibility for individual DSM initiatives. Docket No. 94-0010, et al., Apr. 22, 1996 (Haw.P.S.C.).

Low-income Rates. New York approves new low-income program for residential service provided by Consolidated Edison, freezing monthly charge at $45. Utility will replace refrigerators for disabled or elderly customers, and waive reconnection fees for customers disconnected for nonpayment. Case 95-E-0964, Opinion 96-6, Mar. 27, 1996 (N.Y.P.S.C.).

Minority Contracting. California denies rehearing of an order governing a program that encourages utilities to purchase goods and services from firms owned by minorities, women, and disabled veterans. Calls the goals set for the percentage of contracts awarded by utilities to qualified firms neither a "requirement nor a quota." Decision 96-04-018, Apr. 10, 1996 (Cal.P.U.C.).

LDC Banking. Virginia approves base rate increase of $6.315 million for Commonwealth Gas Services, Inc., including an ROE of 10.60 percent. Also permits utility to add a new banking and balancing service for transportation customers. Case No. PUE950033, Apr. 24, 1996 (Va.S.C.C.). t

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