Briefly

Texas Staff Sets Date For Hearing on Alternative TDU Ratemaking Report (Impacts REP Pricing)

Staff of the Public Utility Commission of Texas has scheduled for August 10, 2016, an open meeting/public hearing on Project 46046, which houses a report and review of alternative ratemaking structure for distribution charges. As first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, a report on alternative ratemaking by a consultant retained by the PUC expresses a "preference" for a movement to Straight Fixed-Variable (SFV) rate design for the recovery of transmission and distribution costs (meaning higher non-volumetric fixed charges), which are paid by retail electric providers who then recover such costs from their customers. Click here for further details and discussion on the report

Texas PUC Staff File Report on Champion Energy SBF Compliance

The Budget and Fiscal Oversight Division of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) filed a report on a compliance audit of Champion Energy's participation in the LITE-UP Texas program. The scope of the audit covered September 2014 through April 2016. Testing results show Champion Energy is consistently using the correct discount rate and effectively addresses rate changes in accordance with PUC substantive rules. In addition Champion Energy provided discounts to eligible customers in accordance with all rules governing the System Benefit Fund and the Lite-Up Texas program, the report said. There were no adverse audit findings, and the audit staff has no recommendations for Champion Energy concerning the Lite-Up Texas program. Auditors did determine that Champion was underpaid $25,000. Champion Energy will include this amount as an adjustment for June 2014 on its next reimbursement request. Staff noted that all eligible customers were provided the correct discount and are not owed any additional money.