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Fortnightly Magazine - March 1 1997

Oregon PUC Staff Wants M&A Conditions

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission staff has recommended the proposed merger of Portland General Electric Co. and Enron Corp. be approved with conditions, and has asked for a customer-rate reduction of $47.4 million for four years.

Subsequently, an $11.2-million rate-reduction component would remain part of electric rates until PGE's next rate proceeding. The staff would include a feature to true up rate-reduction amounts if certain future revenues exceed expectations.

Byline: 
Lori A. Burkhart
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Rate Proposal Disappoints Texas Utility

Central and South West Corp. President and CEO Dick Brooks is "extremely disappointed" with a proposed decision by an administrative law judge to increase annual revenues of its subsidiary, Central Power and Light Co., by $7.2 million. CPL in November 1995 had asked for a $71-million hike in retail rates.

A significant factor contributing to the difference is that the judge recommends reducing return on equity from 12.25 percent to 10.9 percent, which would reduce the rate increase by $30 million.

Byline: 
Lori A. Burkhart
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Kewaunee Nuclear Plant Is In Trouble

Due to troubles at the Kewaunee nuclear power plant, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has agreed to allow its three utility owners to accelerate depreciation based on a plant retirement in 2002 instead of 2013. It also agreed to shorten the length of time decommissioning funds can be set aside.

The plant had shut down Sept. 20, 1996, for routine repairs and was expected to open one month later when damage to steam generators was found to be greater than expected. Replacing them would cost about $100 million.

Byline: 
Lori A. Burkhart
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Phone Wars Ripen in 440-plus Locales

A year after passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, more than 440 local phone markets are ripe for competition, says a new report.

According to its second Competition Report, the U.S. Telephone Association says nearly every state has open markets.

In 1995, market-share losses in high-capacity local business service were 39 percent in Philadelphia; 35 percent in Pittsburgh; 32 percent in Washington, D.C.; 27 percent in Baltimore; 39 percent in Los Angeles; 37 percent in San Francisco; 50 percent in New York City; and 37 percent in Boston.

Byline: 
Joseph F. Schuler, Jr.
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Minnesota Eyes Tax Issues Via Study

The Minnesota Department of Revenue and the Minnesota Department of Public Service have released a study finding that electric and natural gas utilities pay higher taxes in certain categories than in other states in the region, which could put Minnesota at a disadvantage as the utility industry becomes increasingly competitive.

The study, mandated by the 1996 state Legislature, finds that in addition to paying high real estate taxes, utilities also pay personal property taxes on machinery and equipment. However, in 1996, Gov.

Byline: 
Lori A. Burkhart
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Perspective

Prospects look good for cheaper, independent electrical power in Ontario. The market is forcing an end to the current impasse on energy policy. Reforms are apt to include "wholesale access," which should arrive in the province before the year is out. Otherwise, Ontario may lose jobs to neighboring provinces and states.

Byline: 
Alexander J. Black
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