20190823Decision Memo.pdf

RE
DECISION MEMORANDUM
TO:COMMISSIONER KJELLANDER
COMMISSIONER RAPER
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
COMMISSION SECRETARY
LEGAL
WORKING FILE
FROM: KEVIN KEYT
DATE: ALIGUST 21,2019 Avt{- $- t't-o(
AVISTA TARIFF ADVICE NO. I9-OI-G
REVISION TO AVISTA'S TARIFF SERVICE SCHEDULE 27
BACKGROUND
On August 14,2019, Avista ("Avista" or "Company") submitted Tariff Advice
No. 1 9-01-G to revise Avista's Schedule 27 . The revised tariff would enable the Company to
clarify provisions applicable to interruptible and transportation customers, and the curtailment
processes for all natural gas customers. Avista requests an eff'ective date of September 27,2019,
Following the October 9.2018 rupture of a nalural gas transmission pipeline owned and
operated by Enbridge and located north of Prince George, 8.C., Avista activated its emergency
operations plan. The plan rvas activated to address a shortage of natural gas and a number o1'the
Company's custorrrers u'ere curtailed. All cuslomer curtailments were Iified two day's lollorving
the rupture on October I l, 2018.
PROPOSED TARIFF REVISIONS
The Company analyzed its response to the event to address improvement and process
opportunities and communication associated with curtailment procedures and tariffs. The
proposed tariff revisions reflect the Company's effoft to clarify and streamline its' curtailment
process.
The proposed revisions do affect the curtailment process and associated penalty
customers may be charged. Among the changes listed in the Company's submission is the
increase of its curtailment penalty from $ I per therm to $10 per therm.
DECISION MEMORANDUM -1-AUGUST 2I,2OI9
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff has reviewed the Company's proposed tariff changes, application, and Customer
Notice. Staff believes the proposed changes will not affect base rates paid by customers.
However, Staff believes that an opportunity for public input on the Company's request would be
prudent and in the public interest. Staff recommends a comment deadline of September 13,2019
and a reply deadline of September I 8, 2019.
COMMISSION DECISION
Does the Commission wish to issue a Notice of Application, Notice of Modified
Procedure, and Notice of Suspension of Tariff Advice that suspends the Company's Tariff
Advice, converts the Tariff Advice into an Application with comments due on
September 13,2019 and reply comments due September 18, 2019?
Keyt
Udmemos/Curtailment Decision Memo
DECISION MEMORANDUM -2-AUGUST 21,2019