Sempra surprises with bump in profits Nov 10, 2009
Reed did not tell analysts of legal challenges to the approvals by the California Public Utilities Commission and the federal Bureau of Land Management, nor that the head of the Cleveland National Forest has wanted to see how those challenges go before ruling on SDGrmit. SDG the project is needed to help bring renewable power from the Imperial Valley to San Diego, though the utility would not promise regulators that it would do that. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
New use found for old Valley gas field Nov 7, 2009
An underground storage facility for natural gas in western Fresno County was approved for construction by the California Public Utilities Commission ... Gill Ranch Storage, an Oregon company, and Pacific Gas ric Co. won approval last week from the California Public Utilities Commission to develop the old gas fields for storing up to 20 billion cubic feet of natural gas enough to supply Fresno Countys gas needs for eight or nine months ... Construction is expected to cost $200 million to $225... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
PUC hearing on second pipeline ends two days early10:00 am | (No comments posted.) Nov 6, 2009
Published: Thursday, November 5, 2009 10:00 AM CST PIERRE - The state Public Utilities Commission wrapped up its hearing Wednesday but didnt make a final decision on a permit for TransCanada to construct and operate its XL crude-oil pipeline through South Dakota. Chairman Dusty Johnson said the commission will probably need at least a month to reach its conclusions, including any conditions that would be part of a permit. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
SDG&E hoping to share the pain equally Nov 6, 2009
A a result, SDGasked the California Public Utilities Commission for the changes, as have Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison, the state's other big, for-profit power companies. It's only fair, said Lee Schavrien, SDGnior vice president for regulatory and finance issues. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Legislature passes water-system overhaul Nov 6, 2009
4 million customers in San Francisco and parts of San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda counties served by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission or its contractors could benefit from the legislation because the bond, if approved, could help offset anticipated rate increases for infrastructure upgrades, Ed Harrington, PUC general manager, said. But East Bay Municipal Utility District's 1. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Pipeline route raises fossil questions10:00 am | (No comments posted.) Nov 6, 2009
Iles was called as a witness in the state Public Utilities Commission hearing on TransCanadas application for a construction and operation permit. James Moore, a Sioux Falls lawyer representing TransCanada, questioned Iles whether the project represents an opportunity for landowners to have fossils discovered on their properties. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Maine's new CFL recycling program: Should manufacturers pay? Nov 5, 2009
Since June 2007, Efficiency Maine (part of the Maine Public Utilities Commission) has been running a free statewide pilot CFL recycling program for residential bulbs at about 200 retail stores. According to Richard Bacon, program manager for Efficiency Maine, the cost is "approximately $3,000.00 per year for collection buckets, and about the same amount for the time it takes field representatives to deliver buckets and train store clerks. There are also additional costs in adding recycling... (Energy Pulse, CO)
Fitch upgrades DPL debt ratings Nov 5, 2009
The accolades reflect the companies strong financial metrics, further debt reductions at the parent company, a relatively low risk business profile and approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) of DP&L s electric security plan, according to Fitch. DP&L provides service to more than 500,000 customers in west central Ohio and sells wholesale electricity in the eastern United States. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
FTC also likely to target Intel Nov 5, 2009
To be fair and balanced, not all readers were impressed with my holding up the new Public Utilities Commission building - "the greenest urban office building in the United States" - as a shining example of San Francisco doing things right, as I implied in Tuesday's column. A "concerned ratepayer" wonders how to justify "spending $195 million to build a new office building when there exists an unprecedented opportunity to consolidate (PUC) offices in the millions of square feet currently... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Landowners request bonds as protection along pipeline route9:19 am | (No comments posted.) Nov 5, 2009
Published: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 9:19 AM CST PIERRE - Some landowners want the state Public Utilities Commission to require TransCanada to post additional bonds for the companys proposed XL oil pipeline in western South Dakota. The bonds would serve as financial protection against damages from oil spills and for removal of the XL pipeline if the company abandons it someday. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
KIUC proposes NEM pilot program Nov 4, 2009
Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 3:11 AM HST LIHU E Kaua i Island Utility Cooperative submitted a proposed net energy metering pilot program to the Hawai i Public Utilities Commission after KIUC, the Consumer Advocate, Hawai i Renewable Energy Association and Hawai i Solar Energy Association signed a stipulated agreement on the proposed program, a KIUC news release says ... If approved by the Public Utilities Commission, the pilot program will accept applications to participate on a first... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
State Helps Fight Electricity Rate System Nov 4, 2009
The appeals court ruled in favor of the states and the other groups in 2008 in NRG Power Marketing et al v. Maine Public Utilities Commission et al. The Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal by energy generators who sell power in the wholesale market. "Power companies can contract among themselves, but consumers and states must retain their long-established right to challenge resulting rates that are unfair and unreasonable," Blumenthal said Tuesday, after the arguments in Washington. (FOX61, CT)
Oil uncertainty pushes KIUC to find alternatives Nov 4, 2009
The plan has state Public Utilities Commission approval, and the waste oil is en route from O ahu, Bissell said. For the first nine months of this year, KIUC members paid $93 million for electricity, compared to $150 million for the same period last year, Bissell said. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Hawaiian Electric profit drops 10.2% Nov 4, 2009
5 million due in large part to interim rate relief issued by the state Public Utilities Commission. In August, the PUC granted a partial, interim rate hike of 4. (Honolulu Advertiser)
SD Ranchers Voice Concerns About Keystone Pipeline Nov 4, 2009
The meeting was organized by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, which is holding a formal hearing this week on TransCanada Keystone's application for a construction permit. The landowners' comments will not be submitted as formal evidence, but the three commissioners will consider their remarks at the formal hearing. (ABC News -- Wire)
Developers Abandon Plan for SD Power Plant Nov 3, 2009
Steve Kolbeck, vice chairman of South Dakota's Public Utilities Commission, said construction of Big Stone II and improvements to the nearby power plant would have cut total pollution from the site while greatly increasing its output. "If we could have gotten it built ... we could have actually made the air cleaner up there," Kolbeck said. (ABC News -- Wire)
Restoration agreement two views Nov 1, 2009
Allen wrote on Oct 30, 2009 4:31 PM:" Dan,This is getting a bit off topic, as the authors of the guest opinion did not even mention rate shock. But I think rate shock needs explaining a bit.Rate shock does not refer to people being shocked or surprised by their rates increasing. It is a legal term used by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to refer to massive rapid rate increases. Rate shock is something that the PUC seeks to avoid because of the negative effect on the... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
SDG&E, Cox to pay state millions in fire deal Nov 1, 2009
The California Public Utilities Commission must decide whether to accept the settlement. A PUC spokesman did not respond to an inquiry late yesterday afternoon. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Attorney: County not liable for windmill bird strikes Nov 1, 2009
While a propagation of small-scale windmills would not directly impact KIUC s minimum redundancy required by the Public Utilities Commission, having an increasing number of customers connected to the grid for backup purposes but not buying as much electricity could create the need for a higher flat standby charge to prevent the rest of the co-op s users from footing the bill for new infrastructure to get KIUC in line with the state s renewable energy goals by 2020, Furfaro said. The council will... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
SDG&E To Pay State For 2007 Wildfires Probe Oct 31, 2009
The settlement agreement was jointly filed by SDG&E and the Consumer Protection and Safety Division of the California Public Utilities Commission. CPSD determined that SDG&E's overhead conductors contacted each other during Santa Ana wind conditions, starting what was known as the Witch Fire on Oct. 21, 2007. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
County to fight back on pipeline7:34 pm | (No comments posted.) Oct 31, 2009
TransCanada goes to a public hearing Monday before the state Public Utilities Commission for a permit to construct and operate a second oil pipeline, known as Keystone XL. This new second project is proposed to enter South Dakota from Montana at the northwest corner of Harding County, and continue on a southeast path until finally reaching Tripp County, from where it would enter Nebraska. A different type of public hearing took place in the Spink County Courthouse a few days ago. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
PUC wants to know projects impact7:34 pm | (No comments posted.) Oct 31, 2009
Published: Friday, October 30, 2009 7:34 PM CDT PIERRE - Economist Michael Madden, who performs the annual estimates of tourism spending in South Dakota, has a new assignment as a paid consultant for the state Public Utilities Commission regarding the TransCanada XL oil pipeline project. PUC staff hired Madden to analyze the effects in South Dakota during the past two years from constructing TransCanadas Keystone oil pipeline down the James River valley from North Dakota to Nebraska. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Companies to Pay $17M in San Diego Wildfires Case Oct 31, 2009
The settlement, announced Friday, comes more than a year after investigators with California's Public Utilities Commission concluded that power lines caused the Witch Creek, Guejito and Rice Canyon fires, which destroyed 1,300 homes and killed two people. Officials found the Guejito Fire was caused by a Cox Communications lashing wire touching an SDGuctor. (ABC News -- Business)
Fresno Co. gas storage site approved Oct 31, 2009
An underground storage facility for natural gas in western Fresno County was approved for construction by the California Public Utilities Commission. Gill Ranch Storage LLC received approval Thursday for its plans for storing about 20 billion cubic feet of natural gas in an area about 10 miles east of Mendota and 20 miles west of Fresno. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
White Pages getting obsolete Oct 30, 2009
In the 15 years since the California Public Utilities Commission enacted the rule, however, cell phones and the Internet have revolutionized the way people exchange information. In most cases a phone number or address is only a few taps away; the phone book molders in the corner. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Court tosses objection to AEP rate hike Oct 30, 2009
The counsel was challenging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on a number of aspects of the hike it approved in March, such as allowing Columbus-based AEP (NYSE:AEP) to collect a year of increased rates over nine months because the PUCO s decision came three months after deadline. The organization in September asked the Supreme Court to freeze that retroactive increase until it made a decision on the entire appeal, but that motion was denied Thursday. (Columbus Business First, OH)
Development agreement starting to take shape on proposed LS Powerelectric station Oct 30, 2009
The agreement and plans for the site must be attached to Sunrise River Energy's application to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a site permit for the project. The developer also agrees to provide the township and county with copies of all permit applications and plans submitted to the PUC and other agencies. (Lindstrom Chisago County Press, MN)
Faulty meters? Oct 29, 2009
Insult added to injury, PGa request in to the Public Utilities Commission for another consumer rate-increase to pay for the SmartMeters. DEAN FLOREZ: Valley pays for utility's greed. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Pipeline ordinance rejected but isn't dead9:15 am | (No comments posted.) Oct 29, 2009
A lawyer and a pipeline-safety inspector from the state Public Utilities Commission attended the meeting. So did two federal officials from the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
PUC plans chlorinating water twice a year Oct 29, 2009
The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission Tuesday approved flushing chlorine through the city's water system twice a year as a maintenance measure. Chlorination will begin next spring. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Utility's plans have residents worried about trees Oct 29, 2009
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved an area for the line's route, but the exact location has not been determined by Great River Energy or Potlatch, a major landholder in the area. One option that has residents concerned is running the transmission line down the Cass County and Crow Wing County line. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Kauai power company pursues 'net energy metering' plan Oct 29, 2009
Businesses and homeowners on Kauai that generate their own electricity from photovoltaic systems and other renewable sources would be able to sell power back to the electric company under a pilot program being considered by the state Public Utilities Commission. The program would help bring Kauai up to speed with Oahu and other jurisdictions around the country that have embraced "net energy metering" as a way to encourage the use of eligible renewable energy electricity generators by residential... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Xcel seeks to reduce solar rebate payment Oct 28, 2009
The plan must be approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Solar*Rewards now pays $3. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
PG&E to accept more power from solar homes Oct 28, 2009
The change will require the approval of the California Public Utilities Commission. "We believe this cap will ensure that investment in solar is not slowed by any concern with the cap and would allow us a sufficient amount of time to work with the governor and others on the broader issues related to net metering, including any cost shifts that place a greater burden on non-participating customers," PGf Executive Officer Peter Darbee said Tuesday in a prepared statement. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Delta water plan emerges for public to view Oct 28, 2009
The negotiations during the past six weeks did not change the overall framework of the plan, but they resulted in added legal language on specific issues, such as assurances sought by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission that existing water rights on the Tuolumne River would not be jeopardized. Also added were tiered penalties of up to $5,000 per day for illegal water diversions. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Abuse by power monopoly Oct 28, 2009
Years ago, our own California Public Utilities Commission guaranteed PG1 ... Insult added to injury, PGa request in to the Public Utilities Commission for another consumer rate-increase to pay for the SmartMeters. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Regulators OK Plan for PG&E Recovery Oct 28, 2009
Company predictions of a speedy exit from bankruptcy proceedings proved elusive as the utility and the Public Utilities Commission fell into a bitter legal battle, each devising its own plan for the company to pay its debts. In the end, both sides made many compromises. (Yahoo News -- Utility Industry Deregulation)
Court in the mix for electric rate hike Oct 27, 2009
The state s consumer advocate on utility issues has taken another step toward getting the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to rule on appeals of an electric rate increase given to. The Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel has asked the state s Supreme Court to direct the to make a decision in the case. (Columbus Business First, OH)
S.F. utilities panel now backs water plan Oct 27, 2009
The support from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is important to Bay Area lawmakers, who comprise a critical block of votes and may be more likely to back the package that could be voted on as soon as this week ... In a letter to Steinberg, Public Utilities Commission General Manager Ed Harrington said changes had been made in five critical areas of the bill and address "our most important concerns." ... "I have more to learn ... but certainly having the San Francisco Public... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Monopoly on power, profit Oct 27, 2009
The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday approved a refund of $424 ... Years ago, our own California Public Utilities Commission guaranteed PG1. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
10/26/2009, 9:55am Process has a purpose Oct 27, 2009
The TransCanada XL crude oil pipeline project got some unexpected news last week when an official representing Dakota Rural Action said the group wont present expert witnesses at next months hearing by the Public Utilities Commission for the pipelines permit application ... Thats precisely why there is a Public Utilities Commission and why it holds hearings on the permitting process. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Smart consumers trump smart technology Oct 25, 2009
So far, the meters have struck fear in the hearts of consumers concerned about their privacy (because they transmit data on individual electric use), have already cost utility customers more than $2 billion (spent by the California Public Utilities Commission to launch the program) and are blamed for inexplicably higher bills in California's Central Valley ... The California Public Utilities Commission, having approved the installation of smart meters, must now take a step back, with a... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Meter fuss leaves PG&E smarting Oct 25, 2009
California Public Utilities CommissionTo register a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission, visit the PUC Web site at www ... Last week, the state Public Utilities Commission ordered PGire independent experts to test and validate the accuracy of SmartMeters and to submit weekly reports on complaints. (Fresno Bee)
DRA wont present witnesses at hearing9:29 pm | (No comments posted.) Oct 24, 2009
Published: Friday, October 23, 2009 9:29 PM CDT PIERRE The lawyer representing Dakota Rural Action has officially notified the state Public Utilities Commission that the group wont be presenting any witnesses at the permit hearing next month for the TransCanada XL crude-oil pipeline project ... The California Public Utilities Commission gave its OK to the Sunrise Powerlink project in December, and the federal Bureau of Land Management approved it in January. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
California's Push for Electric Cars May Make Residents Pay More for Power Oct 23, 2009
The impact of the vehicles on electricity fees is by Californias Public Utilities Commission as the most populous U.S. state will require , General Motors Co., , and to sell more vehicles that can be powered at electric outlets from late 2011. Power companies including Southern California Edison, the states largest, have to install new transformers and meters to handle greater demand and prevent blackouts from circuits being overloaded by too many vehicles plugging in. (Bloomberg -- US)
Hundreds attend LS Power information meeting sponsored by county and Lent Township Oct 23, 2009
The Public Utilities Commission has been told to expect a permit application from LS Power in late 2009 or early 2010, according to PUC representative Bob Cupit ... She asked Bob Cupit, the Public Utilities Commission official, to expound on ways statutes do indeed allow for a "local siting" procedure. (Lindstrom Chisago County Press, MN)
- Imperial County residents to experience area code overlay, change calling style (1) Oct 23, 2009
The change has been in the works for years, said Andrew Kotch, information officer for California Public Utilities Commission, the group in charge of the telephone industry in the state. The 760 area code was running out of possible numbers, and something had to be done. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Wind it up and save Oct 22, 2009
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010, but still needs to be incorporated into California Public Utilities Commission regulations that implement the program. Along with rebates and other tax incentives, Parks believes solar and wind energy for the home will become more popular than ever. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Terminating the cell phone Oct 22, 2009
After much frustration, we called the Public Utilities Commission. They were very helpful and gave us the phone number of the executive office of AT, there is one. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Muni moochers prompt hearing Oct 22, 2009
Since then, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has spent $150 million to improve its storm water system, spokesman Tony Winnicker said. - John Cot. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
PG&E denies 'smart meter' inaccuracy Oct 21, 2009
In response to a previous Florez hearing in Bakersfield as well as other letters and complaints, the state Public Utilities Commission announced last week that it would require testing of the new meters by an independent expert chosen by the commission's staff. But the commission also said the 00004000 new rates were a likely factor. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Drawing Blood Beats Shipping Fishhooks as Some Industries Defy Job Slump Oct 19, 2009
1 billion on energy-conservation programs in the next three years, according to the California Public Utilities Commission. The U.S. film industry has added jobs after resolving a labor dispute with the Screen Actors Guild and has expanded away from Los Angeles because of state tax incentives to encourage local production. (Bloomberg -- US)
Some AT&T customers to get rate increase Oct 18, 2009
The two-year gradual move to market pricing, imposed by the California Public Utilities Commission, was intended to limit the potential for huge rate increases following the CPUC's 2006 decision to deregulate California telecommunications companies. This year, ATed rates by $2. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Customers say new PG&E meters not always smart Oct 18, 2009
"For this state and this nation to go where we want to go, we need smart meters," said Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission ... "I don't think they're cheating me," said Hunter, 56, a partner in an environmental consulting firm (that has not worked for PG think the public utilities commissioners are the people who screwed us, the consumers, with these rate increases, and I think PGld have communicated those increases better. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Brainerd City Council Oct 18, 2009
B. Public Utilities Commission - One term to expire Jan. 1, 2011. 12. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Fuel cell notice Oct 17, 2009
October 20 21, 2009 at 10:00 am at the following address: California Public Utilities Commission Courtroom. State Office Building 505 Van Ness Avenue. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
More of this story Oct 17, 2009
Some residents have questioned why the transaction was announced prior to a finalized purchase power agreement and approval by KIUC s board of directors, the Hawai i Public Utilities Commission and Rural Utilities Service the major lender, according to Hee. This is still just a concept. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Sen. Hegar gives report at luncheon Oct 17, 2009
In the next round of sunset review, agencies to be reviewed are the Texas Department of Insurance, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Hegar also said the next session in 2011 will be one of the toughest since the economy is still in a recession. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
HECO finds biofuel supplier Oct 16, 2009
In August, the state Public Utilities Commission ruled HECO's contract with Imperium carried too many risks and possible costs to be carried by the utility's customers. The contract had been negotiated at a time when biodiesel costs were higher than they are now and when Imperium was still hoping to build a $91 million biodiesel refinery on Oahu. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kauai power deal forged Oct 16, 2009
When approved by the KIUC and PacWest boards of directors, it will be submitted to the Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission. "Green" electricity from the plant will boost KIUC's renewable energy generation to 30 percent or 35 percent from about 5 percent currently, Hee said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Sylvester Turner joins cancer patient's fight against Freedom Power Oct 16, 2009
According to the Texas Public Utilities Commission, the company tops the list in consumer complaints, and has amassed over 200 violations of Public Utility policies ... The Public Utilities Commission has placed a hold on Randon s disconnect order and launched an investigation into the handling of her case. (KHOU.com, TX)
About 3.1 million PG&E customers to get refund Oct 16, 2009
The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday approved a refund of $424. 4 million because of what the utility terms an "over-collection.". (Fresno Bee -- State)
Biomass project to be online by 2012 Oct 16, 2009
The next step in the process is a Power Purchase Agreement, which will be completed within 60 days and upon approval by KIUC s and PacWest s Boards of Directors will be submitted to the Hawai i Public Utilities Commission. This agreement between PacWest and KIUC demonstrates a step towards meeting KIUC s strategic goals set in its 2007 strategic plan, KIUC Board Chair Teofilo Phil Tacbian said. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
PUC Approves $424M Refund For PG&E Customers Oct 16, 2009
PG&E pledged at the hearing to do their part to gain approval of a refund plan for consumers, and California Public Utilities Commission Commissioner, Rachelle Chong, said in Thursdays announcement that her agency would direct PG&E to provide an immediate refund to its customers. . (KERO 23, CA)
PG&E to issue refunds to customers Oct 16, 2009
The California Public Utilities Commission approved the refund plan on Thursday. "That's a pretty decent Christmas present," said commission President Michael Peevey. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
