On June 23, 2020, the Wyoming Public Service Commission (Wyoming Commission) partially granted a request from PacifiCorp, dba Rocky Mount Power, for authority to modify its Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) contracts with qualifying facilities (QFs). Within the same proceeding, the Wyoming Commission approved PacifiCorp’s other proposed changes to its avoided cost pricing methodology. [Read more…]
Wyoming Commission Reduces PURPA Contract Terms and Changes PacifiCorp’s Avoided Cost Pricing Method
July 12, 2020 By
Oregon PUC and PGE Allow Projects to Participate in Community Solar Program
June 1, 2020 By
On May 19, 2020, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) approved, in principle, a proposed tariff for allocating community solar program (CSP) costs across Portland General Electric Company’s (PGE’s) customer classes. In a public settlement agreement, with the Oregon Commission’s approval of its tariff, PGE agreed to allow solar projects that were parties to the settlement agreement to terminate each project’s pre-existing power purchase agreement (PPA) if so requested within 90 days of the Commission order and to sell their power in the CSP. [Read more…]
Washington UTC Approves Multiparty Settlement in Avista Rate Case
April 3, 2020 By
On March 25, 2020, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (“UTC”) approved a multiparty settlement in Avista’s rate case. The decision will ultimately result in a rate increase, yet the Commission approved a number of refunds that will keep electric rates down this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read more…]
Oregon PUC Supports Competitive Markets in Revamping PGE’s New Load Direct Access Program
January 16, 2020 By
On January 7, 2020, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Oregon Commission) ordered the Portland General Electric Company (PGE) to submit new tariffs that implement its Large New Load Direct Access (NLDA) program (Order No. 20-002). The new tariffs will go into effect on February 6, 2020. [Read more…]
Sanger Thompson PC is Now Sanger Law PC, Reflecting Mark Thompson’s Appointment to Serve as OPUC Commissioner
November 30, 2019 By
Sanger Thompson PC is now Sanger Law PC. The name change reflects that Mark Thompson, prior partner at the firm, has been appointed by Governor Kate Brown as a Commissioner at the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC). Mark joined the firm (previously also Sanger Law PC) in 2018, and advised clients on transactional and litigation matters on a variety of energy-related topics. With Mark’s departure to the OPUC, the firm is changing its name back to Sanger Law PC, and continues to provide the same breadth of services to clients on energy, regulation, and utility matters.
Although Sanger Law regrets not having Mark as a resource at the firm, we are excited that he will continue to serve the state and the various interests in the energy and utilities industry as a Commissioner.
