States Want to Know About Utility Biz Models
Issue brief being released this summer.
While details of electricity business models are the purview of commissions, governors can play a key role in shaping the conversation.
The States
Illinois Approach to Regulating Distribution Utility of the Future
Annual formula rate is working to stabilize distribution ratemaking.
A lot has been said of alternative ratemaking approaches. The clearest, most direct path is what has been happening in Illinois, a success by any reasonable measure for a distribution utility.
Tale of Two Grids
What a review of PUC cases tells us about the future of consumer technology and grid modernization.
There may be a more fundamental schism that raises fundamental questions about the role of the distribution utility and footprint of the natural monopoly.
Illicit Marketing Practices
State PUCs take aim at unscrupulous electric and gas suppliers.
We’ll cover state PUC rulings from New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio, dealing with 1) billing overcharges, 2) deceptive promises of savings, 3) faulty enrollment practices, 4) “slamming,” 5) misleading sales scripts used in telemarketing, 6) hidden fixed charges, and 7) concealed pass-through clauses.
Utility Streetlighting Retrofits
Getting to “yes” with cities and neighborhoods.
Xcel Energy Colorado envisioned a straightforward plan: Street by street, city by city, in a logical progression over five years, they would replace High-Pressure Sodium streetlights with Light-Emitting Diode lamps. But that’s not what happened.
The Future of Retail Electricity Competition in Pennsylvania
Almost all large customers shop, but a majority of small customers remain on utility default service, which is regulated and relatively stable.
Given the polar vortex and data suggesting shopping customers pay more than those on regulated default service, the primary focus should be on consumer protection.
Rhode Island: The Challenge of an Aging Infrastructure
2015 Regulators Forum
Clearly, one of the most significant issues we face today is aging infrastructure. It’s akin to a marathon – a race we absolutely have to finish. Since 1990 we’ve replaced more than 65,000 miles of cast iron and bare steel pipe, but we still have a long way to go.
Georgia: On Becoming a Social Media Junkie
2015 Regulators Forum
Being in the “energy” business as a commissioner, staff, lobbyist or industry leader is hard enough without social media, right? When you add Twitter and Facebook to the mix, it is enough to drive one crazy. Who needs it? Well, we all do, really.
South Dakota: A Unique Fuel Mix
Chris Nelson, vice-chairman, South Dakota Pub. Utils. Comm’n
Seventy-three percent of our generation is carbon-free, yet the EPA’s 111(d) rules require a 48 percent reduction in our CO2 emission rate. That steep reduction will be very difficult to achieve and will be costly for our electric customers. The commission’s chief concern is keeping a lid on consumer prices, especially given the pressure exerted by EPA.
Oregon: Situated Quite Well
2015 Regulators Forum
States that have coal-dependent economies will likely have more difficulty complying with the Clean Power Plan than states like Oregon. There will be rate impacts to be sure. The trick will be compliance at the most reasonable cost that that can be assured.