Right here, right now:
PUC Webcast
ALJ’s Recommendation_20153-108286-01
Staff Briefing Papers_20155-110199-01
Amended Findings of Fact and Decision Options_20155-110407-01
John Tuma as a Commissioner is surprising me, seems he’s really been doing his homework. And Lipschultz, as always, is raising the right questions and doing some serious thinking. These last two appointments have been good ones, it seems!
WOW, they’re saying that the calculation has not been done as to whether in the long run it is cheaper to pay Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) or Allowance For Used During Construction (AFUDC). Then Tuma is noting CWIP is legislation, but it is only an option, not a requirement. And no-one is noting that the CWIP option came in as part of the 2005 Transmission Bill from Hell. As LPI notes, CWIP is not a mandate, and the burden of proof is on the Applicants to demonstrate that it is just and reasonable. Moeller/MP claims it will be an additional $55 million for AFUDC rather than CWIP (and whines about harm to the company). Moeller DOES admit that the CWIP legislation incentives transmission, DOH!
Heydinger is wanting to modify the ALJ’s Recommendation, to take out some “editorial” comments. Strike paragraph 316 regarding “rate shock” and alter first part of FOF 317 about whether requiring AFUDC would harm MP…
Commissioner Lange is talking about approving CoN, that Commerce confirmed the load forecast, and that the Commission has had to revise prior decisions and that she takes that to heart. Also takes into account the question of Manitoba Hydro’s interest.
Tuma also raises the needs of MP and its customers, and noted legislature wants us to think regionally, and that we’re mandated to figure it out.
Commissioner Wergin is not all that concerned about regional, they’ve been a good neighbor, they’re part of MISO. And later, I’m amazed at how smooth the end result has been… I think that the company has followed through with informing the public… that has a lot to do with how smooth this has gone.
… sigh…
Certificate of Need approved.