PUC Sets Effective Date For Exclusion of Mercantile Customer Load From Retail Suppliers', Utilities' RPS Obligation

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio established January 1, 2020 as the effective date for baseline reductions to exclude the load and usage of mercantile customers in terms of calculating an electric service company's (ESC, retail supplier) and EDU's renewable energy portfolio obligation, as required by Amended Substitute House Bill No. 6 of the 133rd Ohio General Assembly.

"We note EDUs and ESCs, pursuant to Ohio Adm.Code 4901:1-40-05, are required to file their annual renewable energy portfolio status reports with the Commission for each calendar year on April 15th of the following year. As such, setting January 1, 2020 as the effective date for baseline reduction provides ample time for EDUs and ESCs to calculate their new baselines for 2020 while providing expedited relief to customers from charges necessary for compliance with statutory requirements, as explained further below," PUCO said

Pursuant to R.C. 4928.644, beginning January 1, 2020, the baselines for EDUs and ESCs will be reduced by the exclusion of mercantile customers that are registered as self-assessing purchasers such under R.C. 5727.81(C). Upon the reduction, EDUs and ESCs will be relieved from the amount of compliance with renewable energy requirements under R.C. 4928.64 that would be required but for the reduction.

Further, such self-assessing mercantile customers will also be exempt from any bypassable charge imposed for compliance with renewable energy requirements under R.C. 4928.64, PUCO ordered

Case 19-2031-EL-UNC