Implementation Plan for Purchase of Receivables at New Utility Delayed

Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio have requested a 45-day delay, until October 15, to file an implementation plan and specific discount rate for the introduction of purchase of receivables at AEP Ohio.

As only reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, PUCO had directed introduction of a POR program at AEP Ohio as part of AEP Ohio's most recent electric security plan, but delegated several design elements to a working group

The Commission had directed that AEP Ohio, Staff, and any other interested stakeholders, make a filing, in a new docket, by August 31, 2015 proposing the specific discount rate to be initially established, as well as a detailed implementation plan for the POR program, for the Commission's consideration (Case No. 15-1507-EL-EDI has now been assigned for this filing).

"Because of the press of other business, Staff is unable to meet the ordered deadline. Staff represents that it should be able to complete the directed recommendations within the requested extension period," Staff said.

While certain design elements were left to the working group, PUCO did specifically authorize AEP Ohio to establish a POR program that complies with the following requirements: (1) receivables must be purchased at a single discount rate that applies to all CRES providers; (2) only commodity-related charges may be included in the POR program; (3) participation in the POR program by CRES providers that elect consolidated billing must not be mandatory

The proposal now requested to be due on October 15 would address among other things POR program rules, calculation of the discount rate, implementation and maintenance costs, collection rates and procedures, and the timing and other mechanics of the process by which AEP Ohio will purchase receivables from CRES providers.