News

North Carolina Approves Dominion Rate Base Expansion

Submitted by aburr on Thu, 2013-03-28 20:28

Upon review of Dominion North Carolina Power’s petition for $63.66 million in additional revenues, the North Carolina Utilities Commission authorized the utility to increase its nonfuel base rates by $36.44 million. The commission rejected the company’s recommended ROE of 11.25 percent in favor of a 10.2-percent ROE instead. For the full story and more analysis, subscribe to Utility Regulatory News. http://www.fortnightly.com/utility-regulatory-news-free-trial

Missouri PSC Approves Modernization Investments

Submitted by aburr on Thu, 2013-03-28 20:26

In awarding an electric utility more than $260 million in rate relief, Missouri Public Service Commission explained that the utility, Union Electric dba Ameren Missouri, had demonstrated that its earnings had been deteriorating and that absent additional revenues it would be unable to maintain its system or invest in badly needed facility expansions and improvements. It approved a rate of return on equity of 9.8 percent as opposed to the 10.50-percent level suggested by the company.

Michigan PSC Allows 2% Gas Rate Increase

Submitted by aburr on Thu, 2013-03-28 20:24

In a natural gas rate case, the Michigan Public Service Commission permitted Michigan Consolidated Gas (MichCon) to increase its base rates by $19.9 million, or 2 percent. The new rates were in accord with a partial settlement that trimmed the company’s original rate increase request of $76.7 million by almost three-fourths. The company stipulated to a 10.5-percent ROE.

Kentucky PSC Approves Rate Hikes for KU and LG&E

Submitted by aburr on Thu, 2013-03-28 20:22

In a pair of rate proceedings resolved by settlement, the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved rate increases for Kentucky Utilities (KU) and Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E). The KU agreement allows the utility to raise its rates by $51 million, compared to its application for an $82.4 million increase. The LG&E settlement provides $33.7 million in additional electric revenues and $15 million in additional natural gas revenues.

Maine OKs Floating Wind Farm

Submitted by aburr on Thu, 2013-03-28 20:13

Finding that the cutting-edge technology proposed to be used by a wind power developer in constructing an offshore wind energy facility could improve both the state’s economy and its demographics, the Maine Public Utilities Commission authorized the developer, Statoil North America, to proceed with its plans for the pilot project. The commission reported that the most intriguing aspect of the developer’s plan was its reliance on a novel “spar buoy” design that would make the Hywind Maine project the country’s first offshore floating wind farm.

Alstom Wind Turbines to Achieve 48% Capacity Factor

Submitted by aburr on Fri, 2013-03-08 14:17

Alstom upgraded its 3-MW onshore ECO 100 turbine to maximize available wind resources. Currently designed for medium (Class II-A) wind sites, the turbine now can handle medium and high winds (IEC Class II-A, and IS Class). The ECO 122 turbine, currently suitable for Class III sites, is being upgraded to handle medium and low winds (IEC Class III-A, and II B Class). The upgrade increases the net capacity factor to up to 48 percent for both turbines.

Saipan Utility Orders Prepay Meters

Submitted by aburr on Fri, 2013-03-08 14:15

Commonwealth Utilities Corp. (CUC) in Saipan ordered two-way electric meters with Nighthawk communications technology. The meters are expected to enable a pre-paid metering system to improve collections and cash flow. CUC also expects the meters’ voltage monitoring to provide better information about system status in remote locations.

Siemens Releases Data Center Management System

Submitted by aburr on Fri, 2013-03-08 14:15

Siemens released a new data center infrastructure management (DCIM) system, Datacenter Clarity LC. The system aims to provide building automation and energy management features for data centers, combining Siemens’ enterprise integration and management capabilities with data center-specific software built upon Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.

SOLON Installs Multi-Campus PV System

Submitted by aburr on Fri, 2013-03-08 14:14

SOLON completed construction of 1.15 MW of solar systems for the Tanque Verde Unified School District (TVUSD) in Arizona. Spread over four campuses – Tanque Verde Elementary School, Aqua Caliente Elementary School, Emily Gray Junior High School, and Tanque Verde High School – the solar systems are a combination of shade structures and rooftop systems. With over 4,000 solar modules, the systems will offset a daytime electricity requirements of each campus. MP2 Capital will sell all of the power generated from the systems to the school district under a 25-year agreement.

Minnesota PUC Reopens Wind Project Case

Submitted by aburr on Fri, 2013-03-08 14:13

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission announced it will re-examine the proposed 78-MW Goodhue wind project in Goodhue County, given changes in ownership structure, financing, date of service, and operating elements. New Era (formerly AWA Goodhue), the current project owner, and Xcel Energy, the power purchaser, are re-negotiating project milestones, including the in-service date.