Parties File Stipulation on Oncor Advanced Meter Cost Reconciliation

An unopposed stipulation reconciling Oncor's advanced metering system surcharge would maintain the currently applicable monthly surcharges allocated to retail electric providers (39552).

The stipulation was signed by Oncor, PUCT Staff, and OPUC, and is not opposed by the Alliance for Retail Markets, Texas Energy Association for Marketers, and Oncor Cities.

The reconciliation covers all costs expended and investments made by Oncor under the AMS surcharge through December 31, 2010.

No refund is due to Oncor customers as a result of the reconciliation, and no adjustment will be made to the monthly AMS charge.

The stipulation also states that Oncor has complied, over the relevant period, with the requirement to reduce its meter-related discretionary service charges to reflect the progressive reduction is costs resulting from advanced meter deployment.

The stipulation removes two costs from the amount Oncor originally sought to reconcile and include in the AMS surcharge. First $161,000 in legal fees regarding a lawsuit alleging the inaccuracy of the advanced meters (which was ultimately dismissed) was excluded. Second, Oncor agreed to a reduction of $501.94 associated with certain travel-related expenses.