The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on March 14 approved utility restructuring plans aimed at opening up the local natural gas markets to competition. Residential, small business, and commercial/industrial gas users now may purchase their gas supplies from a variety of sources, just as larger industrial customers may purchase from sources other than the local utility (Docket No.
The Reason Foundation, a public policy research organization, has issued a report, Federal Power: The Case For Privatizing Electricity, recommending privatization of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the five power marketing administrations (PMAs).
Pennsylvania Power Co. (PP) has asked the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve a 10-year "Rate Stability and Economic Development Plan," which includes a freeze on electric rates until May 1, 2006; enhanced customer assistance programs; rate incentives; and reduction of fixed costs and regulatory assets.
Rates would not be affected by future PP decisions on new generating capacity, removing or retiring generating facilities from service, or bulk-power purchases.
The Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has begun formal action against U S WEST Communications, Inc., alleging noncompliance with service-quality standards. The PUC will decide whether to continue, modify, or terminate its regulatory agreement with that company. Staff have recommended that the PUC terminate alternative regulation for U S WEST.
PUC staff first found the company out of compliance with standards in 1994. Although the situation stabilized for a few months, network performance has deteriorated.
Moody's Investors Service has confirmed the credit ratings of Duke Power Co. (DP) despite the utility's decision to repurchase up to $1 billion in stock by 2000. Moody's expects DP to maintain its 'Aa2' senior secured bond rating. DP management intends to repurchase the stock while allowing a gradual increase in the retained earnings cushion. The program was designed to absorb the substantial cash inflow caused by the reversal of the Catawba power plant purchased-capacity levelization in 1996 and by the utility's declining capital expenditure needs.
Old Dominion Electric Co-op. (ODEC) has entered into a leaseback financing transaction with First Union National Bank that could save its 12 member systems about $4 million per year. First Union leased Unit One of the Clover Power Station from ODEC for 22 years with an upfront cash payment of $47.5 million, then leased it back to ODEC.
Annual Annual EPS
Close Close Percent 52-Wk 52-Wk Div Div Book P/E Last
Company Region 12/29/95 03/29/96 Change High Low Rate Yield Value Ratio 12 Mos.
Electric Utilities
AEP Company Inc.
Since the federal Court of Appeals decision in the Calvert Cliffs case over 25 years ago, no power plant may be built without a thorough socioeconomic impact statement. Yet, schemes to alter the entire supply system of a state - or even the nation - are currently proposed with only cursory attention to socioeconomic consequences.
If the new rules of electric industry competition don't permit stranded-cost recovery, the credibility of the U.S. government would be seriously undermined. Or so an executive of one of the country's largest utilities told a Senate energy panel."We just have to keep in mind we incurred these costs based under what the rules were," said Jerry Jackson of Entergy Corp. "If the government is going to change those rules . . .