Public Utility Commission approves Tentative Implementation Order for alternative ratemaking law

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The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a Tentative Implementation Order for Act 58 of 2018, which would allow for alternative ratemaking for natural gas distribution, electric distribution and water/wastewater companies.

The Commission is requesting comments on its proposed interpretation and implementation of the new law.

Act 58 of 2018 allows utilities to seek PUC approval of alternative rates and rate mechanisms such as decoupling mechanisms, performance-based rates, formula rates and multiyear rate plans or a combination of these alternatives. The law amends Chapter 13 of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code.

The commission’s tentative order would allow public utilities to petition the PUC to consider alternative ratemaking mechanisms as part of their base rate proceedings.

Interested parties can submit written comments on the proposal up to 30 days from the date the Tentative Implementation Order is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and may submit reply comments within 70 days of publication.