HSB 591

This bill relates to rate regulatory proceedings before the utilities board within the utilities division of the department of commerce. _____ is pending within months following the date the prior application was filed or the board has issued a final order on the prior application, whichever date is earlier.33.33 from filing an application for a new or changed rate, charge, schedule, or regulation within months following the date the board has issued a final order related to the proceeding, unless the board approves an earlier filing. 6.33 may place in effect such temporary rates, charges, schedules, or regulations.6, relating to changes in rates, charges, schedules, or regulations.3. _____ those approved by the board. The bill provides the rules adopted by the board shall require the board to initiate the proceeding within months after the effective date. Current law provides that if the proceeding results in the board determining the actual costs and revenues are not reasonably consistent with those approved by the board, the board shall adjust the rates accordingly. The bill provides that the board shall order refunds based on overpayments by a customer class, rate zone, or customer group of revenues collected after the effective date of the rate that the board determines to be excessive.6, subsection 9, paragraph “c”. Current law provides, for a rate regulatory proceeding utilizing a future test year, that the board may adopt rules regarding evidence required, information to support forecasts, any reporting obligations, and rules regarding the conditions under which a public utility that utilizes a future test year may subsequently utilize a historic test year. The bill provides the board is required to adopt rules in each of these instances.6, subsection 9, paragraph “a”, or propose the use of multiple future test years in the same rate regulatory proceeding.