20090422notice_of_application_order_no_30787.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 22, 2009
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF ANNUAL REVISIONS
TO A VISTA CORPORATION'S SCHEDULE
51 REGARDING LINE EXTENSIONS,
CONVERSIONS AND RELOCATIONS.NOTICE OF APPLICATION
CASE NO. A VU-09-
NOTICE OF
MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30787
On March 31 , 2009, Avista Corporation filed Tariff Advice No. 09-01-E proposing
various revisions to Schedule 51 regarding the Company s line extension, conversion, and
relocation charges. In Order No. 28562 issued November 27, 2000, the Commission directed
A vista to annually update its Schedule 51 charges on or before April 1 each year. The purpose
of the annual filing is to update the Company s line extension charges to reflect actual costs
incurred in the previous calendar year. The Company requests an effective date of May 18
2009.
The Commission Staff reviewed the proposed changes to Schedule 51 and noted that
many line extension costs have increased from the prior year by approximately 10-11 %. Staff
observed that these cost increases are consistent with recent increases in the construction and
materials industries. Staff also noted that the costs of electric transformers are down from last
year. In particular, Staff noted that overhead transformer costs are down approximately 5% and
underground transformer costs are down 11 % from last year.
Staff recommended that the Commission approve the proposed changes to Schedule
51. Staff asserted that updating line extension costs annually results in new customers bearing
their fair share of extension costs, rather than burdening existing ratepayers with the cost of
serving new customers.
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Commission has determined that the
public interest may not require a formal hearing in this matter and will proceed under Modified
Procedure pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure 201 through 204 IDAPA
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30787
31.01.01.201 through .204.The Commission notes that Modified Procedure and written
comments have proven to be effective means for obtaining public input and participation.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that any person desiring to state a position on this
Tariff Advice may file a written comment in support or opposition with the Commission no
later than 14 days from the date of this Order. The Commission finds there is good cause to
request comments within 14 days given the impending construction season. The written
comment must contain a statement of reasons supporting the comment. Persons desiring a
hearing must specifically request a hearing in their written comments.Written comments
concerning this Tariff Advice shall be mailed to the Commission and the Company at the
addresses reflected below:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Street Address for Express Mail:
Kelly Norwood
Vice President State & Federal Regulation
A vista Corporation
PO Box 3727
Spokane, W A 99220-3727
E- Mail: kell V .norwood~avistacorp .com
472 W. Washington Street
Boise, ID 83702-5918
Patrick Ehrbar
Sr. Regulatory Analyst
A vista Corporation
PO Box 3727
Spokane, W A 99220-3727
E-mail: pat.ehrbar~avistacorp.com
These comments should contain the case caption and case number shown on the first page of this
document.Persons desiring to submit comments via e-mail may do so by accessing the
Commission s home page located at www.puc.idaho.gov.Click the "Comments and Questions
icon, and complete the form, using the case number as it appears on the front of this document.
E-mail comments should also be sent to the Company at the e-mail addresses listed above.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that if no written comments or protests are
received within the time limit set, the Commission will consider this matter on its merits and
enter its Order without a formal hearing. If written comments are received within the time limit
set, the Commission will consider them and, in its discretion, may set the same for formal
hearing.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30787
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Tariff Advice and supporting workpapers
have been filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection during regular
business hours at the Commission offices. The Tariff Advice and workpapers are also available
on the Commission s website at www.puc.idaho.gov under "File Room" and then "Electric
Cases.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be held
pursuant to the Commission s jurisdiction under Title 61 of the Idaho Code and specifically
Idaho Code 99 61-307, 61-503 , and 61-622. The Commission may enter any final Order
consistent with its authority under Title 61.
YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that all proceedings in this matter will be
conducted pursuant to the Commission s Rules of Procedure, IDAP A 31.01.01.000 et seq.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case be processed under Modified Procedure.
Interested persons may file written comments in this matter no later than 14 days from the
service date ofthis Order.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30787
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise, Idaho this .;2;1..
day of April 2009.
11 i:
. KEMPTON, PRE DENT
MARSHA H. SMITH, COMMISSIONER
MACK A. REDFORD, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
je D. Jewell
ission Secretary
O:A VU-09-03 dh
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
NOTICE OF MODIFIED PROCEDURE
ORDER NO. 30787