In Brief...

Fortnightly Magazine - October 15 1997
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Sound bites from state and federal regulators.

Area Code Overlays. Colorado adopts overlay plan to ease telephone-number shortage in Denver area, and will introduce a single new area code over the area served by 303 code. PUC says the approved plan meets FCC requirements to ensure new area codes do not disadvantage new providers. Docket No. 97A-103T, July 29, 1997 (Colo.P.U.C.).

Water Main Extensions. Interpreting a recent policy statement, state regulators approve proposal by Pennsylvania-America Water Co. to limit its maximum expenditure on main extensions to $10,800 for any service applicant, despite any potential financial hardship to customers.

PUC cites common law, which excuses utilities from any contributions that "materially handicap the utility in securing a fair rate of return on its investment." R-00943155C0001, June 9, 1997 (Pa.P.U.C.).

Gas Price Volatility. Noting claims that natural gas exhibits the highest volatility of all commodities traded, New York regulators direct all gas utilities to file plans to reduce gas cost volatility and to develop alternative gas purchasing strategies. Utilities also must submit proposals for offering fixed-price service to consumers for the 1997-98 heating season. Case 97-G-0600, June 5, 1997 (N.Y.P.S.C.).

Unbundled LDC Rates. New York approves a new gas transportation program by Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc., after settling a dispute involving the level of charges for the LDC's capacity balancing service. It found the rate revisions would "make competition easier." Case 93-G-0932, June 27, 1997 (N.Y.P.S.C.).


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