PSC Seeking Public Comment on Joint Proposal

The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) seeks public comments on the Joint Rate Proposal filed by representatives of the Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY, and commonly referred to as KeySpan Delivery New York (KEDNY), the NYS Department of Public Service and Queens Gas Consumers. Opportunities to comment include public statement hearings, which will be held before an Administrative Law Judge.

It is not necessary to be present at the start of the hearings, to make an appointment in advance, or to present written material in order to speak at the hearings.  Persons will be called to speak after completing a request card.

Comments received via alternative measures, together with all statements transcribed at the public statement hearings, will become part of the record, will be posted for public viewing on the Commission’s website, at www.dps.ny.gov, and will be reported to the Commission for its consideration.  The hearings will remain open and will continue until everyone wishing to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements have been made. A verbatim transcript of the hearings will be made for inclusion in the record.

Disabled persons requiring special accommodations may place a collect call to the Department of Public Service's Human Resources Management Office at 518-474-2520.  TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711.  Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Commission at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this fact sheet.

Public Statement Hearings

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Brooklyn Borough Hall
Courtroom, 2^nd Floor
209 Joralemon Street

Afternoon Session Beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Evening Session Beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Background

On February 22, 2013, a rate proposal was filed by representatives of the Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY, and commonly referred to as KeySpan Delivery New York (KEDNY), the NYS Department of Public Service and Queens Gas Consumers to extend the Company’s currently-effective rate plan for two more years.  The Company’s current rate plan had a five-year term that was set to end on December 31, 2012 (i.e., rate year 5 covered January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012).  However, as a practical matter, Commission-approved rate plans continue until modified by the Commission.

Summary of Joint Proposal

The Joint Proposal specifically covers the two calendar years of 2013 and 2014 (also referred to as rate years 6 and 7).  Under the proposal, there would be no change in base delivery rates other than revenue-neutral changes that were previously authorized by the Commission; however, the Company’s allowed rate of return would change from 9.8% to 9.4%.  Other principal terms include:

• A change in the earnings sharing provisions such that at the end of calendar year 2014 (rate year 7), 80% of the rate year 6 and 7 earnings that exceed the 9.4% target would be applied as a credit against environmental remediation balances for the benefit of customers;
• A further change in earnings sharing, effective for calendar year 2015 and prospectively, requiring 100% of any earnings over 9.4% to be applied as a customer credit against environmental remediation balances if the Company does not file for new rates by January 31, 2015;
• The establishment of modified performance measures for gas safety and customer service; and
• Increased funding for the Company’s low–income discount program.

A full copy of the Joint Proposal may be viewed, printed, or downloaded from the Commission website, www.dps.ny.gov, by clicking on “Search,” and entering 12-G-0544 in the “Search by Case Number” field.

Other Methods for Commenting on the Case

• Via the Internet or In Writing:  Those who cannot or do not wish to attend a public statement hearing may submit comments electronically to Hon. Jeffrey C. Cohen, Acting Secretary, at [email protected] or by mail or delivery to Acting Secretary Cohen at the Department of Public Service, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350.  Comments may also be entered directly into the case by locating the case via the home page of the Commission’s website, www.dps.ny.gov, by clicking on “Search,” and entering 12-G-0544 in the “Search by Case Number” field.  In the open case, enter comments in the “Post Comments” located at the top of the page. Comments should refer to “Case 12-G-0544 - Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY's Rates.”

• Toll-Free Opinion Line:  Individuals may choose to submit comments by calling the Commission’s toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120.  This line is set up to receive in-state calls 24-hours a day.  Callers should press “1” to leave comments about “Case 12-G-0544 - Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY's Rates.”

In order to ensure consideration prior to the Commission's vote, comments should be submitted, via any means described above, by May 20, 2013.

For more information, or a copy of the fact sheet click here.