20030303_398.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER SMITH
CO MMISSI 0 NER HANSEN
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:MICHAEL FUSS
DATE:FEBRUARY 28, 2003
RE:PACIFICORP ADVICE NO. 03-, SCHEDULE 34, PACIFIC
NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER PLANNING AND CONSERVATION
ACT - RESIDENTIAL AND FARM KILOWATT-HOUR CREDIT
On February 5, 2003, PacifiCorp filed Tariff Advice No. 03-02 requesting approval of
revised Schedule 34, the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act -
Residential and Farm Kilowatt - Hour Credit. The requested change is a revision of the
Certification of Claim for BP A Credit", the form filed by farmers and irrigators certifying their
eligibility for the BP A credit. PacifiCorp is requesting this revision to incorporate additional
information required by BP A, to include a more understandable form for irrigators and to
provide a separate form specifically for canal companies.
Last year the certification form was a cause of great frustration to irrigators. The
Company believes the revised form will help eliminate some of the confusion and concern.
Certification is required by BP A and the form as initially filed has its approval. The Company
further contacted the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers ' Association (IIP A) in conjunction with Staff s
review of this filing. On February 25 2003 , the Company provided a revised tariff and
certification form that addresses the IIPA's concerns. The Company believes the minor
clarifying wording changes made to the certification form in the tariffs will be beneficial to
irrigators and do not require additional BP A review and approval.
The Company has asked for a shortened approval period to enable it to begin securing
certification from irrigators prior to the irrigation season. The Company proposes to make every
effort to work with irrigation customers and the canal companies to complete the "Certificate of
DECISION MEMORANDUM FEBRUARY 28, 2003
Claim" forms. The Company s support will include but not be limited to the following: (1)
assistance available through PacifiCorp s irrigation hot line; (2) personal assistance from a
PacifiCorp irrigation specialist, and (3) informal group meetings upon request.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staffhas reviewed the filing and believes the certificate is easier to understand than the
previous form. The certification is required by BP A, Staff believes the Idaho Irrigation
Pumpers' Association s concerns are addressed, the Company believes the changes made do not
require additional review and approval by BP A, and any additional time for irrigators to review
the form and get assistance will be beneficial. Therefore, Staff recommends approval of Tariff
Advice No. 03-02 and the tariffs with an effective date of March 7 2003, on less than the typical
30-day process.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to approve the revised tariff?
udmemos/pacificorp schedule 34.mfuss
DECISION MEMORANDUM FEBRUARY 28, 2003