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.



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EPCOR 2023-2025 TFO Tariff Application Evidence

In proceeding 27675, four intervenors on behalf of the Consumers’ Coalition of Alberta (CCA) and the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) submit evidence addressing the 2023-2025 Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) application of EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR). The evidence focuses on several issues including operating and maintenance costs, deferral accounts, full-time equivalents (FTEs), and depreciation.



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Commission Decision on Direct Energy’s Energy Price Setting Plan Application

In Proceeding 27562, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) issues its decision regarding the 2023-2025 Energy Price Setting Plan (EPSP) Application of Direct Energy Regulated Services (Direct Energy). Direct Energy is a regulated rate option (RRO) provider in ATCO Electric Ltd.’s service territory. The EPSP establishes electricity pricing for these RRO customers. Direct Energy proposed EPSP includes nine total changes: six to the confidential procurement protocol and three to other non-confidential provisions of the EPSP. However, after hearing intervenor arguments, Direct Energy’s EPSP is not approved by the Commission, and Direct Energy is to refile the plan after making the necessary changes.[1]



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2023 Maximum Investment Levels Decision

In Proceeding 27658, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) sets the maximum investment levels (MILs) for 2023 that a distribution facility owner (DFO) can contribute to the cost of connecting a new customer to its system. Therefore, the 2023 MILs for each DFO will be set by escalating the 2022 MILs by a 2.68 percent inflation factor.[1]

2023 Maximum Investment Levels (MILs)

Individual developers are responsible for constructing electric utility infrastructure inside new residential developments within FortisAlberta Inc., ATCO Electric Ltd., and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (the DFOs) service areas. After completing construction, the developer passes infrastructure ownership back to the DFO and receives compensation from the DFO according to the approved MILs. Any costs beyond the MILs fall to the developer.[2]



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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]



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The Commission’s Decision on the CCA’s Cost Claim Review and Variance Application

In Proceeding 27666, the Alberta Utility Commission (the Commission) issues its decision regarding the review and variance application of the Consumers’ Coalition of Alberta (CCA), arguing that their 40 percent cost claim disallowance was inconsistent, punitive, and punishing. However, the CCA did not persuade the Commission that there were errors in the initial decision. Therefore, the disallowance stands.[1]



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EPCOR’s 2023-2025 Transmission Facility Owner Tariff Application

In Proceeding 27675, EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (“EPCOR”) submits its 2023 to 2025 transmission facility owner tariff application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the “Commission”). This application largely maintains the same methodologies and practices put forward in EPCOR’s previous application but notes several issues and how EPCOR plans to address them.



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ENMAX and EPCOR’s 2023 Cost-of-Service Decision

In proceeding 26617 the Alberta Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) issues its decision regarding the cost-of-service negotiated settlements of ENMAX Power Corporation (“ENMAX”) and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (“EPCOR”) in preparation for the next term of performance-based regulation (“PBR”).



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EPCOR’s 2023 Phase II Distribution Tariff Application Decision

In Proceeding 27018, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) issues its decision regarding the Phase II Distribution Tariff Application of EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (“EPCOR”).



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EPCOR’s Negotiated Settlement Agreement Regarding its 2023 Distribution Cost-of-Service Application

In Proceeding 26617, EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (”EPCOR”) submits its negotiated settlement agreement (“NSA”) regarding its distribution cost-of-service application (the “Application”) to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) for review and approval.



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