On October 12, 2017, PacifiCorp’s stranded cost tariff was rejected by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Washington Commission). PacifiCorp proposed a tariff that would broadly charge departing customers removal costs as well as impose a significant exit fee to recover its alleged stranded costs. The Washington Commission’s order agreed in principle that customers that leave the utility’s service should pay for both removal costs necessary for their disconnection and stranded costs, but rejected PacifiCorp’s specific tariff concluding that stranded costs should be calculated on a case-by-case basis. [Read more…]
Oregon PUC requires PGE to Offer 15 Year Fixed Price QF Contracts
July 17, 2017 By
On July 13, 2017, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) ordered PGE to begin allowing qualifying facilities (QF) the option to enter into power purchase agreements (PPA) with fifteen years of fixed prices. The order was consistent with the Oregon Commission’s previously articulated policy that Oregon utilities must offer PPAs with fixed-price periods of fifteen years. [Read more…]
Washington UTC Approves PSE-Microsoft Renewable Direct Access Contract
July 16, 2017 By
On July 13, 2017, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Washington Commission) approved a special contract between Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Microsoft that was supported by a broad coalition of renewable energy advocates, independent power producers, environmentalists, ratepayer and low-income advocates, and the Commission Staff. [Read more…]
Oregon PUC Adopts Community Solar Rules
July 2, 2017 By
On June 29, 2017, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) adopted rules to implement a community solar program as required by Senate Bill 1547. The community solar rules are far more limited than envisioned by the legislature, but may provide for a framework for a modest community solar program. [Read more…]
SouthWest Water Acquires Running Y and Cline Butte Water Utilities
May 23, 2017 By
In May 2017, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) approved the sale of Cline Butte Water and Running Y, two regulated water utilities, to SouthWest Water Company (SouthWest). The Oregon Commission concluded that SouthWest was a well qualified purchaser and that the acquisition promises operational benefits to customers. [Read more…]
