The Public Utility Commission (PUC) held a hearing to consider their posted agenda. The following report focuses only on the agenda items listed below.
Agenda Item #20 (ONCOR)
Anderson – PURA – if electric companies have more than one utility can they combine the utilities into two rate proceedings or one? Can the affiliate rule be implemented in that case? The asset companies are two independent boards – it is overkill to have another independent board at the operating company.
Nelson – It causes more of a problem.
Marquez – I need more time. I am not convinced the operating company needs something separate. There’s so much regulation regarding this.
Nelson – I would break the taxes into two parts. Does there need to be a sharing with the rate payers and public interest?
Discussion of consolidating multiple utility rates into one if companies are separate or offer two fees. The commission is still unclear as to how they will handle that. It will be discussed further in future meetings.
Reliability Commitment
Nelson – City reliability commitment standards will continue until 2020.
We asked for more stringent reliability commitments.
Anderson – This isn’t as high of a priority for me. However, tracking and monitoring spending levels on O&M and vegetation management is more important. I would rather them make a commitment to improve the connection process and streamline services more efficiently. This is a good thing because it is a result of economic growth.
Marquez – I agree this isn’t as strong of an issue. We will continue to be updated on these issues anyways.
Affiliate transactions
Nelson – I’m okay with the changes. Anyone else?
Anderson – I get that separate parties that want to get paid, but rate payers shouldn’t be on the hook for that. We need specific language regarding agreements and restrictions. Maybe we need an independent board at ONCOR and connected with the remaining debt at the asset company. Debt would need to be substantially reduced to under $1 billion or at the very least by billions.
Nelson – I don’t want a board there.
Marquez – I need more time.
Nelson – Let’s discuss this all further at the next meeting. We will skip items 21- 30.
Agenda Item #31- the power to choose website
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Discussion and possible action on electric reliability; electric market development; ERCOT oversight; transmission planning, construction, and cost recovery in areas outside of ERCOT; SPP Regional State Committee and electric reliability standards and organizations arising under federal law. | |
Nelson – The Power to Choose Website – These rates aren’t always what rate payers will be charged. They have sneaky charges that makes it difficult for most customers and I’m wondering why it hasn’t backfired on the companies yet. Ask Brian Lloyd to open a project and ask staff to scrubs these issues and recommendations on how to avoid these issues and if we should still have a power to choose website. Look at the companies listing those low prices and if there are undisclosed rates that actually pop up. I want enforcement staff to look at these companies and see if they are violating our rules. I’ve noticed many companies I haven’t heard of and some that are well respected. Just know we are watching you.
Anderson – I looked at the website and was shocked at the 1 cent rates. There should be some way to make it explicit and make TDU prices more clear. It should break out the charges in the rates.
Nelson – it’s time for us to do some serious analysis including bringing in focus groups to get the public perception.
Testimony – Brian Lloyd? – We have been brainstorming about reorganizing the website and recognize it is confusing. We are concerned because this is a state run website. If we think the rate is misleading, we will kick it off.
Nelson – yes I definitely want staff to look at it and get back to us at the meeting in March. It’s confusing at best and the reps need to find a way to end the confusion. Let’s move on.
Commissioners discussed the potential for a new supplier in Lubbock to join ERCOT.
Executive session.