Pepco Maryland Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Surcharge Increased with Revised Program Offerings
By order of the Maryland Public Service Commission, Pepco’s surcharge for its “EmPower Maryland” energy efficiency and demand response programs will increase. The new rates for this surcharge will appear on electric utility bills effective Feb. 1, 2012. Rates for commercial accounts will increase from $0.000187 to $0.000933. Pepco is permitted to recover the costs of its energy efficiency and demand response programs from its ratepayers. In the past, AOBA members have seen benefits from applying for the financial incentives of Pepco’s programs. The following Pepco programs have been approved for 2012 through 2014:
C&I Energy Efficiency Programs:
Non-Residential Existing Buildings
Non-Residential Custom
Retro-Commissioning and Operations and Maintenance Program
New Construction
Small Business
Master-Metered Multifamily Buildings program
Demand Response Programs:
Residential and Master-Metered Demand Response programs
Small Commercial Energy Wise Rewards program
For more information, the revised Pepco energy efficiency and demand response programs approved by the Commission with higher rebates for 2012 through 2014 can be viewed at: https://cienergyefficiency.pepco.com/Overview.aspx or http://energy.maryland.gov/facts/empower.html.
Washington Gas Ordered to File Rate Case in DC
The DC Public Service Commission has ordered Washington Gas to file a rate case by March 1, 2012. The Commission will examine the reasonableness of the Company’s natural gas base rates. The Commission’s preliminary investigation has concluded that the Company’s reports establish that Washington Gas is over-earning above the base rates previously authorized by the Commission. AOBA will actively participate in this review of the Company’s rates. A decision by the Commission is anticipated in the fall of 2012.
Pepco Request for DC Rate Increase Goes to Hearings
The DC Public Service Commission will conduct evidentiary hearings beginning January 30, 2012 on Pepco’s request to increase distribution rates by $42.1 million. AOBA is challenging the proposed rate increase, including the Company’s proposed surcharge for infrastructure replacement. A decision is expected in the spring of 2012.
Pepco Requests Increase in Distribution Rates in Maryland
Pepco’s request for a $68,385,000 million increase in the Company’s distribution rates, and a proposed surcharge for infrastructure replacements, is pending before the Maryland Public Service Commission. AOBA will vigorously oppose Pepco’s requests. A decision from the Commission is expected in July, 2012.
AOBA Challenges Proposed Settlement of Rate Increase sought by Washington Gas in Virginia
AOBA is challenging a proposed Washington Gas settlement that would increase natural gas rates by $20 million in Virginia. The Company’s requested $28 million rate increase was implemented on Oct. 1, 2011, subject to a refund with interest to ratepayers should the Virginia State Corporation Commission determine that the full rate increase was not justified. AOBA has rejected the proposed settlement because it is inconsistent with its filed testimony and contrary to evidence in the case. AOBA successfully requested evidentiary hearings on the rate increase. The case is currently pending before the Commission. It is anticipated that the Commission will issue a decision in the spring of 2012.
Washington Gas Revised VA Pipeline Replacement Surcharge Approved
On Nov. 28, 2011, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved a revised surcharge for the Washington Gas pipeline replacement program. The Washington Gas surcharge “Steps to Advance Virginia’s Energy Rider” or “SAVE Rider,” is a surcharge that appears as a separate line item on a customer’s bill and can be adjusted annually by the Commission. The Commission’s Order approved an additional $3,847,432 million in revenue cost recovery for Washington Gas for calendar year 2012. The revised Washington Gas SAVE Rider took effect for bills rendered on and after Jan. 1, 2012. This rider is calculated on a per therm basis. The SAVE Rider for commercial customers will vary with individual customer load. Pursuant to a mandatory Virginia law, on April 21, 2011 the Commission approved expenditure and cost recovery by Washington Gas of $116,500,000 over four years commencing in 2010 and terminating in December 2014 for pipeline replacement under the Save Rider surcharge.
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