20040319_780.pdf

DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:CO MMISSI 0 NER KJELLAND ER
COMMISSIONER SMITH
COMMISSIONER HANSEN
COMMISSION SECRETARY
COMMISSION STAFF
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM:DAVE SCHUNKE
DATE:MARCH 17, 2004
RE:IDAHO POWER COMPANY'S ADVICE NO. 04-02 - OFF-SITE METER
READING SERVICE
BACKGROUND
On March 9 , 2004, Idaho Power Company filed the Sixth Revised Sheet No. 66-
Miscellaneous Charges for off-site meter reading service. This proposed Schedule 66 revision
adds an additional class of meter that will be eligible for off-site meter reading service. This
option, if approved, will be available to customers with 200 to 400 amp service who have
standard metering.
In September 1996, Idaho Power Company filed an application requesting authorization
to establish the optional Off-Site Meter Reading Service. That request was approved by the
Commission in October 1996. Off-Site Meter Reading Service allows a customer s meter to be
read via radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for a meter reader to enter the customer
property. The Company currently offers two classes of meters for off-site meter reading service.
The Class 200 meter is applicable for customers with up to 200 amp service and standard
metering. The Class 10 meter is applicable for customers with service of 200 amp or greater and
instrument transformer metering. Over the past several months the Company has received
requests for the Off-Site Meter Reading Service from customers with 200 to 400 amp service and
standard metering. In order to accommodate these requests, the Company proposes to add an
additional meter model to those already available under Schedule 66. The additional meter
model, Class 320 R300, costs approximately the same as the existing Class 10 R300 model. The
Company therefore proposes to add the additional model with the same charge that is currently
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 1 -MARCH 17, 2004
approved for the Class 10 R300 model. That includes a $25 installation fee and a monthly
charge of $4.40. The Company requests an effective date of April 9, 2004.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Staff supports the offer of this added service, which will meet the needs of certain
customers. The current rates for this service are based on the cost of the meter. The Company
states that the additional meter model, Class 320 R300, costs approximately the same as the
existing Class 10 R300 model. Therefore, the Company s proposal to add the additional model
with the same charges that are currently approved for the Class 10 R300 model seems reasonable
to Staff. The Company estimates that there are currently only a few hundred off-site meter
reading installations. These are mostly in the Ketchum-Sun Valley area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the proposed additional service at the proposed rates. That
includes a $25 installation fee and a monthly charge of $4.40.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to approve this tariff advice as proposed?
e Schunke
DES:udmemos/lPC Schedule 66
DECISION MEMORANDUM - 2 -MARCH 17, 2004