ORDER NO. 96-336
ENTERED DEC 30 1996
This is an electronic copy.
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION
OF OREGON
UM 828
| In the Matter of the Investigation to | ) |
| Consider Changes in the Current Least-Cost | ) ORDER |
| Planning Requirements. | ) |
DISPOSITION: INVESTIGATION OPENED AS DOCKET UM 828
This order is entered under ORS 756.515 to open an investigation to consider if any changes are needed in the current least-cost planning requirements (LCP).
During recent LCP processes, both Portland General Electric Company (PGE) and PacifiCorp (Pacific) proposed modifications to LCP requirements adopted in Order 89-507 and subsequent Commission LCP acknowledgment orders. PGE proposed to extend the two-year planning cycle to three years in its recently acknowledged 1995-1997 Integrated Resource Plan. In its current planning process, Pacific proposes to update its LCP data, base case, and key sensitivities annually in an abbreviated report.
Recognizing the rapidly changing utility environment and increasing competition that has occurred since LCP requirements were adopted in 1989, it is time to examine the utilities’ and other parties’ suggested modifications to the Commission’s LCP requirements in a central docket. This investigation will also assess the need for changes in the Commission’s guidelines for the treatment of external environmental costs.
Brief comments on possible issues and proposed changes to consider in the review of the LCP requirements have been received from the energy utilities and other parties who have regularly participated in the utilities’ planning processes. Comments received to date focus on issues related to the frequency of filings, confidentiality of data used to develop LCPs, whether electric utilities should continue to file plans for generating resources, and other concerns related to least-cost planning in rapidly changing, competitive utility markets.
ORDER
IT IS ORDERED that an investigation to determine if any changes in the Commission’s current least-cost planning requirements are needed shall be opened under ORS 756.515, and shall be docketed as UM 828.
Made, entered and effective ______________________________.
_________________________ Joan H. Smith Chairman |
___________________________ Ron Eachus Commissioner |
___________________________ Roger Hamilton Commissioner |
A party may request rehearing or reconsideration of this order pursuant to ORS 756.561. A party may appeal this order pursuant to ORS 756.580.