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August Electric Bills 1.5% of Consumer Expenditures

Key reason: in just four other months in history have households consumed more than in this July.

On Friday, the Commerce Department released its data on consumer expenditures in August. Electric bills were 1.5 percent of expenditures. 

That’s a low percentage. But slightly higher than in recent Augusts. 

Electric bills were 1.44 percent of consumer expenditures in the last two Augusts, in 2015 and 2014. This August was six-hundredths of a percent higher.

A slightly higher percentage is not surprising. Electricity consumption was way up this summer.

Byline: 

Steve Mitnick

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Energy Dept: July Electric Price Down

In July, residential electricity prices were down 2.4% from last July, and down 3.1% from two Julys ago.

On Monday, the Energy Department released its electric industry data for July. The average residential price fell to 12.68 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Byline: 

Steve Mitnick

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Off Peak: Past PUF Pieces

From PUF in early 1929

The Greensboro Gas Co. suspected a residence was consuming more gas than was recorded by meter. Piping was found hidden in the walls to bypass the meter.
Byline: 

Steve Mitnick

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PUF Top 20 Financial Performers

PSEG, NextEra, Wisconsin Energy, OGE Energy, Pinnacle West, IDACORP, etc.

The PUF Top 20 Financial Performers were selected through a four-year average ranking of profit margin, dividend yield, free cash flow, return on equity, return on assets, and sustainable growth.
Byline: 

Steve Mitnick

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Modernizing PURPA

Should FERC rewrite rules or let states make reforms?

Idaho has a problem with PURPA. So does North Carolina, and other states in between. Utilities have complaints too. Consider industry groups like EEI, representing investor-owned companies, NRECA, representing co-ops, and even NARUC, representing state utility regulators. Each has proposed new rules to fix PURPA, a longtime favorite of enviros. And don’t forget Berkshire Hathaway.
Byline: 

Bruce Radford

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Don't Cry for Utility Shareholders, America

Maybe Steve Huntoon Was Right

We decided to check out the numbers. Utilities earned more than the cost of capital in most years. Utility investors earned an average market return, while taking a lower than average risk.
Byline: 

Leonard Hyman and William Tilles

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A Mindset to Mimic

What if Utilities Were Lead Like Amazon?

Reflect for a moment on the Amazon story. Yes, it’s a different type of business. But take careful note of how their leader’s mindset has shaped the outcomes.
Byline: 

Roger Woodworth

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