Apex Utilities Ltd.

The PBR3 Parameters

In Proceeding 27388, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) sets the parameters of the third term of performance-based regulation (PBR3) in Alberta, which w ill be applied to the four following electric distribution utilities: ATCO Electric Ltd., FortisAlberta Inc. (Fortis), ENMAX Power Corporation, and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR); and the following two natural gas distribution utilities, ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. and Apex Utilities Inc. In sum, PBR3 builds upon PBR2 but makes some key changes in how benefits and efficiencies are respectively provided and quantified going forward with the addition of an efficiency sharing mechanism and the removal of the efficiency carryover mechanism.



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

2024 Generic Cost of Capital Formula

In proceeding 27084, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) issues its decision regarding the generic cost of capital (GCOC) that sets the cost of capital parameters for determining the fair rate of return on equity (ROE) and deemed equity ratios for Alberta’s electric and gas utilities. The result of this proceeding sets the GCOC parameters over the next five years. In sum, the Commission decided to implement the following formulaic approach for determining ROE starting in 2024:

𝑅𝑂𝐸𝑡= 9.0% + 0.5 × (YLD𝑡 − 3.10%) + 0.5 × (SPRD𝑡 − SPRD𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒)2

In each year (t), the approved ROE will be determined by adjusting the notional ROE of 9.0 percent, approved in this decision, by the difference in forecast long-term Government of Canada (GoC) bond yield (YLD) and utility bond yield spread (SPRD) from their base values of 3.10 percent and the bond yield spread for February 2023 respectively. This approach was largely inspired by the formula used by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).[1]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

2024 GCOC Arguments

In proceeding 27084, interveners submit their arguments over the matters put forward by the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) regarding the generic cost of capital (GCOC). The Commission had already decided to proceed with a formulaic approach that was previously approved in 2009 and had asked interveners to provide recommendations for the formula’s variables. Interveners previously submited evidence detailing their variable recommendations and have since provided arguments supporting their evidence. However, some interveners continue to argue against the formulaic approach, and most proposed a specific return on equity (ROE) ratios for the 2024 GCOC.  A significant portion of argument focused on debating whether business risk has increased or decreased in the province and why the level of risk justifies each intervener’s proposal.



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

2024 GCOC Evidence

In proceeding 27084, intervenors submit their evidence regarding the issues list and other matters put forward by the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) concerning the 2024 Generic Cost of Capital (GCOC). The Commission decided that the equity risk premium (ERP) approach for determining return on equity (ROE) is appropriate. The ERP approach is the basis for the one-factor formula previously approved by the Commission in 2009 and the two-factor formula adopted by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). The Commission produced an issues list based on the two-factor approach, which the following formula expresses:

  • ROE (test year) = Notional ROE (VAR1 + VAR3) + Factor One + Factor Two
  • Factor One = VAR4 x (Forecast Long Canada Bond Yield (test year) (VAR2) – Base Forecast Long Canada Bond Yield (VAR1))
  • Factor Two = VAR7 x (Utility Bond Spread (test year) (VAR6) – Base Utility Bond Spread (VAR5))

The Commission’s questions in the issues list mainly ask intervenors to calculate and justify appropriate variables (VAR) for the above equation.



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Evidence on PBR3 Parameters

In proceeding 27388, intervenors submit evidence to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) in setting formula parameters for the third term of performance-based regulation (PBR3). The Commission asked intervenors to address seven specific issues:

  • Rate adjustment timing.
  • The type of PBR plan used to regulate electric and gas distribution facility owners (DFO).
  • The I Factor.
  • The X Factor.
  • Capital funding provisions.
  • Earnings sharing and efficiency carry-over mechanisms.
  • Efficiency tracking.

Intervenors each provided evidence that address at least one of these issues.



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Commission Decisions on Apex’s, ATCO’s, ENMAX’s, and EPCOR’s Cost-of-Service and Distribution Rate Compliance Filings going into PBR3

In Proceedings 27651, 27653, 27684, and 27685, Apex Utilities Inc. (Apex), ATCO Gas (ATCO), ENMAX Power Corporation (ENMAX), and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR) submit their revenue requirement and distribution rates compliance filings to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) for approval going into the third term of performance-based regulation (PBR3). The approval of these compliance filings concludes each applicant’s PBR rebasing.[1]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.