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Fortnightly Magazine - November 15 1995

Alternative Regulation Finds Favor in Missouri

The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved an experimental alternative regulation plan for Union Electric Co., the largest regulated electric utility in the state. The new plan is part of a stipulation and agreement that includes a $30-million one-time customer refund and a $30-million annual rate reduction. The experiment (em scheduled to run between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 1998 (em involves a sharing of company earnings between ratepayers and shareholders.

Byline: 
Phillip S. Cross
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Montana Power Files Two Rate Plans

Montana Power Co. (MP) has asked the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) for a $34.9-million (9.84 percent) electric rate hike, and a $12-million (10.45 percent) natural gas hike. It also offered a preferred alternative electric and gas rate plan.The alternative plan would serve as a transition mechanism to a more competitive environment, limiting additional rate filings through 1998 and reducing this year's request by $14 million for electric and $3.5 million for natural gas.

Byline: 
Lori A. Burkhart
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N.D. Begins Incentive Regulation Exercise

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to consider different types of regulation for electric utilities and has issued a set of criteria to guide interested parties in formulating specific proposals for experimental programs. In a separate statement, however, Commissioner Leo M. Reinbold warned against making too much of the decision.

All proposals must promote increased utility efficiency and flexibility in meeting customer needs while allowing customers and shareholders to share in any benefits.

Byline: 
Phillip S. Cross
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Idaho Power Seeks ADITC Tie-In

Idaho Power (IP) has filed a notice of settlement with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), its first step toward gaining approval to accelerate amortization of accumulated deferred investment tax credits (ADITC) when year-end return on equity (ROE) falls below 11.5 percent. If the PUC agrees, the agreement would remain in effect from 1995 through 1999.

Byline: 
Lori A. Burkhart
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Electric Price Caps for Edison Sault

The Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a price-cap electric regulation plan for Edison Sault Electric Co. Edison will cap base rates at existing levels, roll its existing power-supply cost-recovery (PSCR) factor into base rates, and suspend the PSCR clause prospectively. The utility will then be authorized to change initial rates upon 30 days' written notice to the PSC, as long as the altered rates for each class do not exceed initial rates.

Byline: 
Phillip S. Cross
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