Briefly

Maine PUC Finds Large Customers Not Subject to Fee for Ocean-based Long-Term Supply Contracts

The Maine Legislature, "intended that customers that take service at transmission and subtransmission voltage would not have a rate impact resulting from any ocean energy long-term contracts," the Maine PUC concluded in an order interpreting a provision of the statue relating to such long-term contracts (Docket 2010-235, Only in Matters, 7/21/10). The PUC interpreted the relevant rate impact limitation provision of the statute to mean that customers may not experience a rate impact any greater than the assessment charged to their customer class pursuant to subsection 4 of the statute. Because transmission and subtransmission level customers do not pay an assessment under subsection 4, they cannot be exposed to any rate impact from ocean energy long-term contracts, the PUC said.

Reliant Energy Offering Home Energy Check-ups in DFW
Reliant Energy is offering customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex a free home energy checkup. During the checkup, Reliant's energy consultants spend approximately one hour with customers in their homes, discussing their electricity consumption and pointing out where energy-saving improvements can be made. The home checkup is free for Reliant Energy customers and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. It also includes a bill analysis to review current product pricing and discuss plan options.


Mich. PSC Approves MichCon GCR Factor
The Michigan PSC authorized Michigan Consolidated Gas Company to implement its gas cost recovery (GCR) factor for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2011. MichCon is authorized to implement a base cost recovery factor of $7.06 per thousand cubic feet, effective with the next billing month for the 2010-2011 plan year. The Commission's order in the Case U-16146 is also notable as it affirms that Direct Energy Services and Interstate Gas Supply were properly denied intervention in the GCR proceeding, as the Commission said that they each did not meet the two-pronged test for establishing an interest which merits intervention.


Mich. PSC Approves GearyEnergy Renewable Compliance Plan
The Michigan PSC approved the renewable energy compliance plan of GearyEnergy, LLC, which is a requirement before a competitive electric supplier can serve load.

CMP Begins AMI Installation, MPRP Line
Central Maine Power has begun installing 620,000 advanced meters under its previously approved deployment plan (Matters, 2/2/10). Smart meter installation is to be completed by 2012. Additionally, Central Maine Power marked the start of the 450-mile Maine Power Reliability Program (MPRP) transmission line, which is to increase access to renewables and be completed by 2015.