Order 15638 - Narr. Bay Water Quality Mgmt Distr.: Appl. to Change Rate Schedules
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN RE: NARRAGANSETT BAY WATER QUALITY
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT COMMISSION
APPLICATION TO CHANGE RATE SCHEDULES
DOCKET NO. 2216
ORDER
WHEREAS, The genesis of this docket began with a general rate filing by the Narragansett Bay Water Quality Management District Commission ("NBC") on June 27, 1994.
WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") has issued several orders in this docket since the NBC's initial 1994 filing date (See Order Nos. 14622, 14630, 14656, 14677, 14727, 14858, 14900, 15017 and 15073).
WHEREAS, In previous orders the Commission directed the NBC to refund a fiscal year 1996 overcollection of $911,004 to ratepayers through a general rate reduction over a two year period ($455,502/year). This refund was effectuated through a rate reduction in the consumption component of the NBC's rates (See Order Nos. 15107 and 15073).
WHEREAS, The NBC implemented the aforementioned refund directive on July 1, 1996.
WHEREAS, The NBC filed a notice/rate change request with the Commission on May 27, 1998, which stated as follows:
As a result of applying the lowered commodity rate for consumption through June 30, 1998, the NBC will have implemented the refund as required by the Commission. Therefore, NBC proposes to adjust its rates to reflect the end of the refund. The PUC anticipated the expiration of the refund at this time in its Decision. PUC Order No. 15017 states in part, "...After the two-year period, the cost of service will be allowed to increase by the amount of the reduction...". The NBC's proposed rate adjustment will result in a 2.36% increase on the consumption component of NBC's rates effective for consumption on and after July 1, 1998.
The NBC also proffered current and proposed tariffs, a proof of revenue analysis, a rate calculation, and billing summaries for fiscal years 1997 and 1998.
WHEREAS, The Division of Public Utilities and Carriers ("Division") filed a memorandum with the Commission on June 2, 1998 relative to the NBC notice/rate change request. The Division reported that it had examined the NBC's proposed rate adjustment and found that it is in compliance with the Commission's previous orders in this docket. The Division recommended approval, without a hearing.
WHEREAS, The Commission has examined the NBC's proposed rate adjustment and finds it reasonable and in compliance with previous orders.
WHEREAS, While in the process of reviewing our previous orders and reporting requirements relative to the instant rate adjustment proposal, the Commission has determined that reporting requirements on restricted accounts, fiscal accountability, and chemical inventories should be reviewed. Toward this end, the Commission directs that its staff work with Division and NBC staff in order to determine if NBC's regulatory reporting to the Commission should be amended.
Accordingly, it is
1. That the tariff filing made by the NBC on May 27, 1998 is hereby approved. The approved tariffs are attached to this Order and incorporated by reference.
2. That the Commission's staff is directed to revisit the NBC's regulatory reporting requirements for the purpose of determining if changes should be made in reporting on restricted accounts, chemical inventories, and fiscal accountability.
EFFECTIVE AT PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND ON JUNE 16, 1998, PURSUANT TO AN OPEN MEETING DECISION. WRITTEN ORDER ISSUED ON JULY 8, 1998.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
James J. Malachowski, Chairman
Kate F. Racine, Commissioner
Brenda K. Gaynor, Commissioner
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