Are you considering filing an electric rate case with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW)? We have outlined below the steps to both the municipal electric conventional rate case process as well as the processing of the submitted application.
Steps to the Conventional Rate Case Process for Municipal Electric Utilities:
The utility requests a conventional rate case application form from the PSCW.
PSCW staff emails an Excel application file. The utility needs to manually enter 4 years of historical data and estimated test year estimates in the application. The utility also needs to link formulas to the different tabs in the Excel file.
Utility completes and submits the application using the Electronic Regulatory Filing System.
PSCW reviews the application and assigns a Docket ID unique to the rate case.
Utility staff subscribes to ERF. The PSCW only provides notification of official correspondence through ERF email notifications. To receive notifications, the utility and its consultants must subscribe to the Docket ID or Utility ID. To subscribe to the docket, go to ERF, and complete the EZ Subscription.
PSCW also encourages the utility to solicit input from customers and municipal leaders early in the rate case process, including before submitting its application to the Commission. At a minimum, the utility should conduct its outreach before the PSCW public hearing.
Steps to Processing and Municipal Electric Rate Cases:
Most municipal conventional rate cases are typically undisputed and decided by the Administrator of the Division of Energy Regulation. Below are the steps to the conventional rate case process if the case is undisputed:
1. The PSCW issues a Notice of Proceeding. The PSCW notifies the existing parties, media, and local officials of the proceeding.
2. Data Request. The PSCW issues an initial data request on ERF which highlights the areas that need further explanation. The utility gathers the necessary information to respond to the data request and file complete responses on ERF under the assigned Docket ID assigned to this case.
3. Revenue Requirement Exhibit. PSCW submits a revenue requirement proposal as an exhibit and files it on ERF. The Utility typically has 5 days to respond if they agree or dispute the PSCW staff’s proposal. If there is no response by the Utility within those 5 days, the PSCW assumes the proposed revenue requirement was accepted by the Utility as proposed.
4. COSS / Rate Design Exhibit. PSCW submits a COSS/rate design as an exhibit and files it on ERF. The Utility typically has 5 days to review and respond if they agree or dispute the PSCW staff’s proposal. If the Utility disagrees with either of the two exhibits, the Utility must file a response on ERF within 5 days detailing the reason for its disagreement. Such cases may go to the full PSCW Commission.
5. Public Hearing. The Utility must provide notification as required by PSC § 2.10 Wis. Admin. Code. The PSCW issues a Notice of Hearing. The hearing typically takes place telephonically during normal business hours. The more complicated cases may require a pre-hearing and may be held in Madison or sometimes the Utility.
6. Final Decision. The PSC reviews all the information in the case and determines if the proposed rate adjustment is appropriate and documents this in the Final Decision.
7. Implementation of Rates. The Utility files the effective date of implementing the new rates on ERF. PSC prepares and emails new rate sheets for the utility records. The effective date of the rate order is the date the utility begins applying the new rates and is recommended to choose an effective date the Utility begins to read meters.
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