Texas Staff Propose Lower Upfront, Ongoing Smart Meter Opt-Out Charge at TNMP

Staff of the Public Utility Commission of Texas have filed testimony recommending lower upfront and ongoing advanced meter opt-out charges at Texas-New Mexico Power.

Specifically, Staff recommended that the one-time TNMP upfront opt-out charge be set as follows:

Maintain Existing Analog                     $85.00
Replace AMS w/ Analog                       $162.00
Replace AMS w/ Digital                      $189.00

In contrast, TNMP had originally proposed the following upfront opt-out fees:

Maintain Existing Analog                     $142.84
Replace AMS w/ Analog                        $220.42
Replace AMS w/ Digital                       $247.48

For all opt-out types, Staff would set the TNMP monthly opt-out charge at $35.32 per month for the first three years, with the charge reduced to $33.20 after three years.

TNMP's proposed monthly charge had been $38.99

Staff's proposed amounts stem from Staff's recommendation that 50% of TNMP's fixed costs be allocated to the one-time fee, with the remaining 50% to be amortized over a three-year amortization period, collected in the monthly fee.

Docket 41901