The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has modified an earlier ruling (Re Restructuring of the Emerging Competitive Natural Gas Market, 158 PUR4th 553 (N.Y.P.S.C. 1994)) that set forth a policy framework to guide the post-Order 636 transition of the state's natural gas distribution industry. The 1994 ruling divided local distribution company (LDC) customers into core and noncore groups, and allowed flexible market-based pricing for unbundled services to the noncore group.

The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has canceled efforts to develop a performance incentive mechanism for costs associated with the Nine Mile 2 nuclear power plant. The efforts stemmed from a 1993 settlement that determined recoverable plant operation and maintenance costs. The PSC said its staff had withdrawn from ongoing incentive negotiations, citing a "change in emphasis" from specific to broad-based incentives in electric regulation.

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.

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.

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.

While approving a $58.8-million annual rate increase for Puget Sound Power & Light Co., the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has also agreed to terminate its experimental periodic rate adjustment mechanism (PRAM).

Government agencies sometimes condemn privately owned operating utilities for their own use. Water companies, landfills, hydroelectric plants, and transportation lines are examples.

But these cases pose a problem: How to measure "just compensation," especially when regulators set the rates charged (and profits earned) by a privately owned utility at artificially low levels, even when the commodity is scarce and the need for the service high.

Close Close Percent 52-Wk 52-Wk Div Div Book P/E Last

Company Region 06/30/95 10/02/95 Change High Low Rate Yield Value Ratio 12 Mos.Electric UtilitiesAEP Company Inc. Midwest 35.13 36.13 2.85 36.50 30.50 2.40 6.64 22.68 14 2.63

Unicom Corp.

The New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) has filed an amendment to its agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), seeking to open the power pool's membership to power marketers and brokers involved in the wholesale power business. Prior to the amendment, only electric utilities with retail customers, their affiliates, and independent power producers were eligible for membership. According to Frank Sabatino, chairman of NEPOOL's executive committee, the action is a significant first step in redefining NEPOOL's role in the increasingly competitive bulk-power market.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued two final rules that seek to reduce the filing burden on the natural gas industry. One simplifies the Uniform System of Accounts and the FERC's reporting requirements (Docket No. RM95-4-000). The other simplifies the filing requirements for making rate and tariff changes under Part 154 of the regulations (Docket No. RM95-3-000).

The rules recognize that most interstate pipelines now serve as transporters rather than as merchants.