BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI

 

 

In the Matter of a Working Case to Consider the         )

Establishment of a Rate Stabilization Mechanism        )        File No. AW-2013-0110

To Reduce the Need for Frequent Rate Case             )

Filings                                                                       )

 

ORDER EXTENDING TIME TO FILE COMMENTS

 

Issue Date:  October 22, 2012                              Effective Date:  October 22, 2012

 

On September 20, 2012, the Commission opened an investigation into the establishment of a rate stabilization mechanism to reduce the need for frequent rate case filings.  That order directed interested stakeholders to file initial comments no later than November 2, and to file reply comments no later than November 30.  On October 16, Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri requested additional time to file comments. 

Ameren Missouri explains that its time has been consumed by the recent evidentiary hearing regarding its request for a general rate increase.  It also points out that Kansas City Power & Light Company and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company are currently in the midst of an evidentiary hearing regarding their rate increase request.  In addition to the utilities, many other interested stakeholders have also been tied up in the rate case hearings.  Because of these time constraints, Ameren Missouri is concerned that stakeholders have been unable to give the question of rate stabilization the care and thought it deserves.  For that reason, Ameren Missouri requests that the Commission extend the date for submission of initial comments until at least November 30.  Ameren Missouri also suggests the Commission not set a time for the filing of reply comments and instead consider the appropriate next step in the investigative process after it reviews the initial comments.

Ameren Missouri’s suggestions are helpful and the Commission will modify the investigative process as Ameren Missouri suggests.  After reviewing the initial comments, the Commission will issue an additional order establishing further procedures for this investigation.

THE COMMISSION ORDERS THAT:

1.               Interested utilities, organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders may file initial comments regarding proposals to stabilize utility rates no later than November 30, 2012.

2.       This order shall become effective immediately upon issuance.

 

 

BY THE COMMISSION

 

 

 

 

Steven C. Reed

Secretary

 

( S E A L )

 

Morris L. Woodruff, Chief Regulatory

Law Judge, by delegation of authority

pursuant to Section 386.240, RSMo 2000.

 

Dated at Jefferson City, Missouri,

on this 22nd day of October, 2012.