Minnesota Revenue Decoupling

Xcel’s Revenue Decoupling Program Saves $13 Million for Minnesota Electric Customers

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on June 25 approved Xcel Energy Inc.’s 2018 rate adjustments for its revenue decoupling mechanism, which results in bill credits totaling $13 million for residential and small business customers that are subject to the program. The adjustment is calculated to match the actual electric revenue per customer to the level…

Arizona Corporation Commissioners Propose Retail Electric Competition Rules

Massachusetts Regulator Looks to Improve Consumer Protection Following Retail Supplier Complaints

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities will host the first meeting on June 26 for working groups tasked with discussing measures that promote and protect consumer interests in the retail electric competitive supply market, according to a June 14 memorandum. The regulator issued an order on Jan. 23 opening the investigation, which will discuss measures including…

New York Governor Announces Creation of Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection

New York Flags Four Energy Marketers Over Violations

The New York Public Service Commission has flagged four energy service companies (ESCOs) over their failure to submit annual compliance filings under Unifrom Business Practices, according to June 14 notices. Bluesource Energy LLC failed to submit the yearly statement (January 31 Statement) that the information and attachments contained in the ESCO’s Retail Access Application Form and…

Negative Revenue Adjustments’ for Missing Performance Targets

New York Utilities Face $6 Million in ‘Negative Revenue Adjustments’ for Missing Performance Targets

The New York Public Service Commission imposed negative adjustments in the revenues of the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc. for shortfalls in their reliability and customer service metrics last year. Major storms continue to challenge utilities, accounting for more than 80…

Court Finalizes $2.2 Billion SCE&G Ratepayer Settlement

Court Finalizes $2.2 Billion SCE&G Ratepayer Settlement

The Court of Common Pleas in Hampton County on June 11 finalized a settlement in a class action lawsuit over the costs that South Carolina Electric & Gas Company’s electric ratepayers have incurred towards the abandoned VC Summer nuclear power project. The settlement includes a $115 million cash component, an estimated $60 million to $85…

New Jersey Rejects Williams' Northeast Supply Enhancement Gas Line, Joining New York

New Jersey Rejects Williams’ Northeast Supply Enhancement Gas Line, Joining New York

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection denied Williams Partners LP a water quality certification for its nearly $1 billion Northeast Supply Enhancement natural gas project, over concerns that it would “adversely impact surface water quality”, according to a June 6 press release. The move follows the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision just last month to deny “without…

Duke Florida to Use $223 Million From Federal Tax Savings to Pay Storm Costs

Duke Florida to Use $223 Million From Federal Tax Savings to Pay Storm Costs

The Florida Public Service Commission on June 11 approved an agreement allowing Duke Energy Florida LLC to use savings from the 2017 federal tax reforms to cover the costs of restoring power after hurricane Michael, avoiding a surcharge to the utility’s customers. Duke Energy will use $223.5 million for the costs incurred from the October…

Consumers Energy Faces Probe for Violating Safety Practices in Michigan

Consumers Energy Faces Probe for Violating Safety Practices in Michigan

The Michigan Public Service Commission found that Consumers Energy Co. did not act in a timely manner to mark natural gas and electrical lines after receiving notices of excavation plans in over 20,000 instances, according to a June 7 press release. The findings were based on the commission staff’s tracking of the company’s responses to…

Nevada Enacts Law to Establish Performance-Based Ratemaking for Electric Utilities

Nevada Enacts Law to Establish Performance-Based Ratemaking for Electric Utilities

Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak signed legislation on May 29 directing the Public Utilities Commission to adopt regulations enabling electric utilities to file alternative rate-making plans, which include performance-based rates that are based on performance metrics that the commission may establish. The legislation also authorizes the commission to include a mechanism for earnings sharing with the…

California Regulator Approves Utility Wildfire Plans, Proactive Power Shutoffs

California Regulator Approves Utility Wildfire Plans, Proactive Power Shutoffs

The California Public Utilities Commission on May 30 approved wildfire mitigation plans for the state’s electric utilities in response to legislation enacted last year that directed electric corporations to file annual plans describing measures to prevent, combat, and respond to wildfires in their service areas. The commission also made enhancements to communication and notification guidelines…

Florida Storm Costs

Duke, TECO to Use $575 Million From Federal Tax Savings to Pay Florida Storm Costs

The Florida Public Service Commission on May 21 approved settlement agreements allowing Duke Energy Florida LLC and Tampa Electric Company to use the savings from the 2017 federal tax reforms to cover the costs of restoring power after recent storms. The agreements also establish standardized processes for future storm restoration activities. Duke Energy will use $484…

National Grid Stops Accepting New Gas Service Requests in New York

National Grid Stops Accepting New Gas Service Requests in New York Following Williams Pipeline Denial

National Grid’s President John Bruckner, issued a statement on May 17 saying the company has stopped processing all applications for new or expanded gas service in Brooklyn, Queens and on Long Island following the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision on Wednesday to deny “without prejudice” a water permit for Williams’ Northeast Supply Enhancement project, which…