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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1995-2026 . e ORDINANCE NO. 95- 2026 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A STIPULATION AND AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE RATES OF HOUSTON LIGHTING AND POWER COMPANY; DETERMINING JUST AND REASONABLE RATES TO BE OBSERVED AND IN FORC~ WITHIN THE CITY OF LA PORTE; ORDERING RATE REDUCTIONS AND CREDITS TO RATEPAYERS' BILLS; FJ:XJ:NG THE RATES THAT SHALL CONSTJ:TUTE THE LEGAL RATES OF HOUSTON LJ:GHTING AND POWER COMPANY UNTIL CHANGED AS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC UTJ:LJ:TY REGULATORY ACT; PROVIDJ:NG FOR THE FJ:LJ:NG OF RATE SCHEDULES AND TARIFFS AND THE APPROVAL OR MODIFICATION OF SAME; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; CONTAINING FINDINGS AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FOREGOING SUBJECT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE" OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTJ:VE DATE HEREOF. WHEREAS, the City of La Porte (the "City") and various municipalities comprising the Coalition of cities ethe "Coalition") in their respective capacity as regulatory authorities of Houston Lighting and Power Company (the "HL&P"), as listed on Exhibit "A", have or will have intervened in Docket No. 12065, Complaint of Kenneth D. Williams Against Houston Liahtina and Power Company, and Docket No. 13126, Inauirv of the General Counsel Into the Operation and Manaaement of the South Texas Nuclear Pro; ect, currently pending before the Public utility commission (the "Commission"); and WHEREAS, the City and the Coalition have initiated or will initiate local Section 2 Rate Proceedings that are to be appealed to the Commission and consolidated with Docket No. 122065; and WHEREAS, the City and the other members of the Coalition and HL&P desire to resolve the controversies made the basis of Docket No. 12065 and Docket No. 13126, including South Texas Nuclear Plant e"STP") outages addressed in that docket, .to the extent of HL&P's involvement therein and the municipalities I respective local Section 42 proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Stipulation and Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit "B" (the "stipulation"); and WHEREAS, the public interest will be served by the adoption of an ordinance approving the Stipulation because it provides for expeditious implementation of just and reasonable rates, promotes the adequate and efficient provision of service and is in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, resolution on a stipulated basis of all the matters set forth therein would conserve resources, avoid the uncertainties inherent in further litigation and minimize rate case expenses both in these cases and in th~ future; . e ORDINANCE NO. 95- 2026 PAGE 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS: section 1. The facts contained in the recitals hereto are hereby found to be true and correct. Further the City Council finds that the existing rates of HL&P, after reasonable notice and hearing, are unreasonable and shall be decreased to reflect the reduction and credits hereinafter ordered. The rates resulting from such reductions and credits are hereby determined to be just and reasonable rates to be observed and in force within the City. section 20 All terms and conditions specified in the stipulation are further hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth verbatim herein and are hereby approved and ratified, including without limitation the provisions contained and specifically set forth hereinbelow. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute all related documents on behalf of the City of La Porte, and to take all actions necessary to effectuate the City's intent and objectives in approving the stipulation in the event of changed circumstances. The City Secretary, or in the absence of the City Secretary, the Assistant City Secretary, is hereby authorized to attest to all such signatures and to affix the seal of the City to all such documents.. . The City attorney is hereby authorized to take all action necessary to enforce all legal obligations under the Stipulation without further authorization from the City Council. section 3. It is hereby ordered that HL&P shall decrease the base rates it charges for electric power and energy sold with the . e ORDINANCE NO. 95- 2026 PAGE 3 city by the amount of $62.2 Million annually, effective January 1, 1995. section 4. It is further ordered that HL&P is prohibited from increasing its base rates from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 1997, subject to exceptions for the occurrence of certain force majeure events as specified in the Stipulation. section 5. It is hereby ordered that HL&P's fuel factor be reduced by $199.5 Million annually. It if further ordered that HL&P's power cost recovery factor be further reduced by $173 Million annually. section 6. It is hereby ordered that HL&P' s ratepayers wi thin the corporate limits of the City receive a one-time bill credit of $70 Million related to fuel reconciliation issues. It is further ordered that HL&P ratepayers receive a one-time bill credit of $108 Million related to fuel cost over collection. section 7. It is hereby ordered that HL&P f ile with the Director of Finance of the city, Rate Schedules and Tariffs consistent herewith within 30 days of the effective date hereof. section 8. All prior Ordinances of the City inconsistent with the terms and conditions hereof are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency and are of no further effect. Section 9. If any provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or the application of same to any person or set of circumstances is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, void or invalid, the val{dity of the remaining e . ORDINANCE NO. 95-2026 PAGE 4 portions of this ordinance or their application to other persons or sets of circumstances shall not be affected thereby, it being the intent of the City Council in adopting this ordinance that no portion hereof or provision or regulation contained herein shall become inoperative or fail by reason of any unconstitutionality, voidness or invalidity of any other portion hereof, and all provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable for that purpose. section 10. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites, and declares that a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof. section 12. This Ordinance shall be effective from and after its passage and approval, and it is so ordered. PASSED AND APPROVED, this 20th day of March, 1995. By: CITY OF LA PORTE be4t~ Mayor e . ORDINANCE NO. 95- 2026 PAGE 5 ATTEST: ~~ Sue Lenes, City Secretary AP~:z:J ~ Knox W. ASkins, City Attorney . COMPLAINT OF KENNETH D. WILLIAMS AGAINST HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY e DOCKET :-.10. 12065 ~ ~ i PUBUC UTIUTY COMMISSION OF TEXAS STIPULA nON AND AGREEMENT FEBRUARY 21. 1995 EXHIBIT B ARTICLE 1. ARTICLE II. ARTICLE III. ARTICLE IV. ARTICLE V. ARTICLE VI. ARTICLE VU. ARTICLE VID. ARTICLE IX. ARTICLE X. ARTICLE XI. ARTICLE XII. ARTICLE XIII. ARTICLE XIV. ARTICLE XV. ARTICLE XVI. e e TABLE OF CONTENTS ~ Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 Resolution of Docket No. 12065 ......................... 4 Resolution of Issues In Docket No. 13126 and Other Dockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. 5 Stipulated Rate and Tariff Changes ....................... 6 Calculation of AFUDC ............................... 14 Rate Cap Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14 Fuel Reconciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18 Fuel Factors, PCRF and HB-ll Factor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20 Trinity Mine Investments and Malakoff . Electric Generating Station Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 STP Deferrals .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22 South Texas Project Performance Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 Reduction of STP Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 26 Accounting Issues .................................. 26 Share and Other Low Income Programs .................... 28 Demand Side Management Programs ...................... 31 Additional Tariff Matters and Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33 ARTICLE XVII. Municipal Rate Case Expenses .......................... 34 ARTICLE xvm. Pending Appeals ................................... 36 ARTICLE XIX. Disclosure Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38 HOUOJ:98046 ARTICLE XX. APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C APPENDIX 0 APPENDIX E APPENDIX F APPENDIX G HOU03:9l1046 e e Other Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Municipalities with ~42 lUte Ordinances that have been Appealed to the Commission Municipalities with Pending or to be Initiated ~42 Proceedings Allocation of Base lUte Reduction Tariff for Electric Service Summary of Changes to Tariff for Electric Service Pending Appeals Allocation of Reduction Provided in Paragraph A of Article VII e e DOCKET NO. 12065 COMPLAINT OF KENNETH D. WILLIAMS AGAINST HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY ~ ~ ~ PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS STIPULATION AND AGREEMENT This Stipulation and Agreement is made and entered into by and among Houston Lighting & Power Company ("HL&P") and the other entities whose authorized representatives have signed it. Whereas, on May 2S, 1993, Kenneth D. Williams fIled with the Public Utility Commission of Texas ("Commission" or "PUC") a complaint pursuant to Sections 37, 39(b) and 42 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act ("pURA") chaJlenging the propriety of HL&P's rates; and Whereas, on February 23, 1994, the Presiding Officer in this Docket issued Order No. 22 ordering that the Complaint of Kenneth D. Williams proceed to bearing pursuant to PURA Section 42; and Whereas, notice of the Section 42 proceeding was provided consistent with all statutory and regulatory requirements; and Whereas, on June 16, 1994, the General Counsel of the Commission flied a petition of inquiry into the operation and management of the South Texas Nuclear Project which became Docket No. 13126; and HOUOJ:98046 e e Whereas, the municipalities listed on Appendix A have acted under PURA Section 42 to modify HL&P's rates within the geographic areas subject to their jurisdiction: and Whereas, HL&P has appealed to the Commission the orders of the municipalities listed on Appendix A; and Whereas, the municipalities listed on Appendix B presently have pending or will initiate Section 42 rate proceedings that are to be appealed to the Commission and consolidated with Docket No. 12065 pursuant to this Agreement; and Whereas, except as otherwise specified herein. the Signatories desire to resolve Docket No. 12065; HL&P's appeals of the municipal rate ordinances listed on Appendix A; the Section 42 proceedings listed on Appendix B; Docket No. 13126 as it relates to HL&P; and pending appeals of Commission orders in certain prior HL&P rate dockets; and Whereas, the public interest will be served by the adoption of an order consistent with this Agreement because it provides expeditious implementation of just and reasonable rates; promotes the adequate and efficient provision of service; and is in accordance with applicable law; and Whereas, resolution on a stipulated basis of all the matters set fonh herein would conserve resources; avoid the uncertainties inherent in funher litigation; and minimize rate case expenses both in this case ~ in the future. NOW. THEREFORE, Signatories, through their undersigned representatives, agree and stipulate as follows: HOU03:98046 -2- e e ARTICLE I. Definitions A. Agreement -- The term "Agreement" refers to this Stipulation and Agreement. including all Appendices hereto. B. Base Rate Unit Charges - The term "Base Rate Unit Charges" means the charges designated as "facilities charges". "energy charges" and "demand charges" in the rate tariffs in the Tariff for Electric Service attached hereto as Appendix D. excluding IS-I, IS-I0 and SBI. C. Date of Execution - The term "Date of Execution" means the last date 00 which the Agreement is signed by HlAP and all other Signatories but no later than February 21, 1995. D. HB-ll Factor -- The term "HB-ll Factor" means the rate adjustment for state franchise taxes pursuant to PUC Substantive Rule f23.21(d). E. Pending Appeals - The term "Pending Appeals" means the appeals listed on Appendix F of this Agreement. F. PCRF - The term "PCRF" means HL&P's Purchased Power Cost Recovery Factor calculated pursuant to the PCRF Rate Schedule Rider. G. Rate Cap Period - The term "Rate Cap Period" means, for each regulatory authority with jurisdiction over HlAP's base rates, the three year period from January I, 1995 through the earlier of December 31, 1997 or the date on which HlAP makes a Section 43 base HOUOJ:98046 -3- e e rate increase filing in any applicable jurisdiction as pennitted under paragraph A or paragraph 0 of Article VI. H. Section 42 Proceeding -- The tenn "Section 42 Proceeding" refers to any proceeding instituted by a regulatory authority to modify HL&P's rates pursuant to Section 42 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act. I. Signatories - The tenn "Signatories" means those parties which execute this Agreement. including any party that signs this Agreement as a non-opposing party. J. STP - The term "STP" refers to the South Texas Project. K. 12065 Final Order - The term "12065 Final Order" means an executed Commission order on the merits resolving Docket No. 12065 (including Docket No. 13126 insofar as that Docket relates to HL&P and appeals of municipal rate ordil12~) and related issues dealt with in this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. L. 12065 Final Order Date - The tenn "12065 Final Order Date" means the date on which the Commission issues a written 12065 Final Order under 112001.141 of the Texas Govenunent Code that is subject to motions for rehearing under ii2001.146 of the Texas Government Code. ARTICLE II. Resolution of Docket No. 12065 This Agreement is a compromise and settlement of Docket No. 12065 and appeals of municipal rate ordinances listed on Appendix A. The Signatories will request that the 12065 Final Order be an order on the merits fmaIly resolving Docket No. 12065 in the manner provided HOU03:98046 4- e e in Utis Agreement. HL&P agrees to implement the tenns of this Agreement on a system-wide basis. ARTICLE m. Resolution of Issues In Docket No. 13126 and Other Dockets A. Docket No. 13126 was created to permit consolidated hearing of issues regarding prudence of operation and management of the South Texas Project, which issues would otherwise have been resolved in separate rate proceedings for HL&.P and Central Power & light Company ("CPL"). This Agreement is a compromise and settlement of Docket No. 13126 insofar as that docket applies to HL&P. Within ten (10) days after the Date of Execution, Signatories who are panies in Docket No. 13126 shall file a joint motion to dismiss HL&P from Docket No. 13126 and to provide that all HL&P related issues from Docket No. 13126 will be resolved in Docket No. 12065. It is recognized that to the extent Docket No. 13126 goes forward with respect to CPL there may be testimony, repol1S or other documents filed in Docket No. 13126 discussing alleged imprudence in connection with the operation and management of STP. In any future judicial or administrative proceeding involving the same or similar issues, neither HL&P nor any other patty sball be bound by any fmdings that result from a trial or settlement of Docket No. 13126 issues as they relate to CPL, whether such resolution occurs in Docket No. 13126 or in any related CPL Docket. HL&P or other patties will be free to contest or otherwise respond to any allegations contained in Docket No. 13126 testimony, repol1S or other documents in any other proceeding in which an attempt is made to use such testimony, repol1S or other documents against HL&P or other Signatories. HOU03:98046 -5- e e B. This Agreement is a compromise and settlement of Docket No. 13702 (Application of HL&P for approval of HB-11 Tax Adjustment Factors for 1995). Within ten (10) days after the Date of Execution, HL&P shall file a motion to suspend that docket pending Commission consideration of this Agreement and to dismiss that docket as of the Final Order Date. Signatories agree to suppon, or not oppose that motion. ARTICLE IV. Stipulated Rate and Tariff Chanees A. HL&P shall reduce its base rates for service rendered on or after January 1, 1995. On an adjusted test year basis, the reduced rates would result in base rate revenues of $2,450,820,000 or an aggregate reduction of $232,918,000 (8.7%). The base rate reduction shall be allocated among existing rate classes in the amounts set out on Appendix C. The specific rates applicable to each class after giving effect to the agreed base rate reduction are set out in HL&P's Tariff for Electric Service, which is Appendix D to this Agreement. All changes to the Tariff for Electric Service are listed in the summary of tariff changes, which is Appendix E to this Agreement. Except as identified on that summary or otherwise addressed in this Agreement, none of the tariff modifications included in HL&P's Docket No. 12065 Rate Filing Package or proposed by any other party in Docket No. 12065 will be implemented under this Agreement. B. The ra~ and tariffs contained in Appendix D reflect the following specific agreements among the Signatories: 1. Except as otherwise provided herein or set fonh in the Tariff for Electric Service, to the extent possible, the Base Rate decrease was applied to the .' HOUOJ:98046 -6- HOUOJ:98046 e e rate design of each rate class on an equivalent basis to all listed charges in their respective tariffs. 2. The applicability provisions of the GH~ rider to the MGS tariff was modified to include traffic signals operated by state, county, and municipal governments and the rider was renamed as the Governmental Lighting & Traffic Control ("GLTC") Rider. Within 90 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, HL&P will give notice of the availability of the GL TC Rider for service to traffic signals to Texas State Agencies and all municipalities and counties within its service territory. The notice to each governmental entity will include a listing of all of their accounts which, based on SIC codes, HL&P knows qualify for Rider GL rc. 3. The Tariff for Electric Service includes a wheeling tariff to enable QF's, other wholesale power suppliers, and wholesale power purchasers to purchase transmission wheeling for periods as shan as one hour. 4. The minimum demand threshold in the LGS rate was lowered to 400 kVa. Within 90 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, HL&P will give individual written notices of this change in the minimum demand threshold to MGS customers taking at demand levels of 400 leVa or greater. The tail block energy charge in the MGS rate was lowered to SO.OO575/kwh with corresponding increases to the first two energy blocks. 5. -7- HOUOJ:911046 e e 6. The tail block in the LGS rate was lowered to SO.OO5/kwh with corresponding increases to the demand charge and first block energy charge. 7. The Tariff for Electric Service was modified to state that HL&P will provide annually, in areas served by underground conductors, installation of a certain number of HL&P' s High Pressure Sodium street lights mounted on ornamental standards at no installation cost. The number will. be determined by the municipality but, the annual number will not exceed the greater of 50 or 6% of the previous year's street light count served by underground conductors for the municipality. A municipality may request that a ponion of the residential street lights to be provided under this paragraph be installed instead in commercial areas; provided, however, that the municipality shall pay any additional costs. 8. The Tariff for Electric Service was revised to provide that HL&P will replace existing 3,300, 7,500 and 20,000 lumen Mercury Vapor street lights with 9,500, 16,000 and 25,500 lumen High Pressure Sodium street lights, respectively, in the municipalities it serves at no up front cost to those cities, as individual lamps bum out. The Tariff for Electric Service was revised to provide that the time of operation of lights under Rate Schedule SPL will be 4000 hours. 9. -8- . e 10. The Base charge for Rates IS-lO and SBI in the Tariff book was set at 3.2 mills/kwh; and the Base charge for Rate IS-I was set at 1.5 mills/kwh. 11. The Tariff for Electric Service continues to include the EIS Tariff. Signatories agree that, in any future proceeding, Signatories will be free to make any argument regarding possible revenue imputation relating to the EIS Tariff. C. The changed rates and tariff language on Appendix 0 shall be effective retroactive to January 1, 1995 except the Fuel Cost Factor-Rider FC, which will be effective as provided in Article VIll. HL&P will refund to each rate class the amount by which the base rate revenues, adjusted by the PCRF and HB-ll Factor, billed to that class by HL&P, for service rendered during the Refund Period exceed the base rate revenues HL&P would have billed such class during the Refund Period at the rates set out on Appendix D. As used in this paragraph the term "Refund Period" means the period commencing on January 1, 1995 and ending at the begirming of me fIrst billing cycle of the fIrst calendar month after the 12065 Final Order Date but will not include the portions of that period during which HL&P billed pursuant to the deferred billing procedures in paragraph 0 of this Article IV. The refund amount for each transmission level customer and for each non-transmission rate class will be calculated for each month of the Refund Period by multiplying. the actual billing detenninants for each transmission customer and each non-transmission class by the amount, if any, by which the base rates (adjusted by the PCRF and HB-ll Factor) used for billing in such month exceed the base rates set out on Appendix D. If the deferred billing procedures in paragraph 0 are implemented as requested and are not HOUOJ:911046 -9- . e terminated prior to the 12065 Final Order, the refunds for each class will bear interest at the rate provided in Section 23.45(g). If the deferred billing procedures in paragraph D are not. implemented as requested or the deferred billing procedures are terminated prior to the 12065 Final Order, the refunds for each class will bear interest at the rate of six percent (6 % ) compounded annually. The refunds will be made in a single month and will commence not later than the first billing cycle of the second calendar month after the 12065 Final Order Date ("Refund Month"). The refunds to transmission level customers will be based on actual usage of each customer for the Refund Period. The Signatories agree that the refund method used to calculate and remit refunds due transmission level customers will be applied consistently to all transmission level customers. HL&P will provide workpapers illustrating these calculations to requesting panies. Refunds to customers other than transmission level customers will be made by application of a refund factor applied to actual usage during the Refund Month. The refund factor will be calculated by dividing the refund due non-transmission level customers in the class by the eswmited kilowatt-hour sales to non-transmission level customers in the class for the Refund Month. Within 30 days after the Refund Month. HL&P will provide the Signatories with workpapers showing the calculations of the refund factors and the amount refunded and any over/under refund balance. Any balances that remain after refunds have been completed shall be credited or debited (as appropriate) as eligible fuel in HL&P's next fuel reconciliation proceeding. HOU03:9l1046 -10- e e D. HL&P agrees that commencing wim the fll"st billing cycle for the month following me date of the Commission order approving deferred billing, HL&P will. temporarily defer billing a ponion of the base rates that it is otherwise authorized to charge during such period. Specifically, HL&P's current effective Docket No. 9850 base rates adjusted for the PeRF and the HB-ll Factor ("Pre-Settlement Rates") will remain the lawful, effective rates approved by me Commission. HL&P will be authorized, however, to bill each customer using the base rates contained in Appendix 0 ("Appendix 0 Base Rates"). Each month, HL&P will maintain a monthly record of the difference between the revenues billed on the basis of the AppendiX 0 Base Rates and the revenues that would have been billed at the Pre-Settlement Rates as if that differeuce were an under-recovery amount pursuant to PUC Substantive Rule 23.23(b)(3)(C). The deferred amounts shall accrue interest at the rate of six percent (6 %) compounded annuaHy. Although deferred billing amounts will be treated as if they were an under-recovery amount pursuant to Substantive Rule 23.23(b)(3)(C), such amounts shan be maintained in accounts separate from fuel over and under collections. The deferred billings will be contingent upon issuance of a 12065 Final Order consistent in all material respects with the terms of this Agreement. If the 12065 Final Order is consistent in all material respects with the tenns of this Agreement, the deferred balance accumulated during the period the deferred billings were in effect will be canceled. If, however, the Commission does not issue a fmal order consistent with the tenns of this Agreement and, as a result, HL&P withdraws from this Agreement pursuant to Article XX, HL&P shaH have the right to stop deferred billings and to recover the deferred balance (including accwnulated interest) HOUOJ:9l1046 -11- e e from its customers through surcharges over a number of months equal to the number of months that HL&P billed at the reduced levels. The surcharges will be allocated among classes and charged to customers using the procedures for refunds describe,d in paragraph C of this Anicle IV. The surcharges will commence with the flfSt billing cycle of the month following the date on which HL&P withdraws from this Agreement. At the time HL&P commences surcharges. it will file workpapers showing calculation of the surcharge amounts. Signatories agree that HL&P will not be obligated to commence deferred billing as described in this paragraph D unless all of the following conditions are met: 1. This Agreement is not opposed by any party in Qocket No. 12065 other than Michael Hershey; 2. The order approving deferred billing expressly approves deferred billing as described in the preceding paragraph and expressly authorizes HL&P to collect any applicable surcharges with interest as set forth in paragraph D of this Anicle IV without funher authorization from the Commission provided that such prior authorization shall not preclude any party from contending that HL&P's surcharges are not calculated in accordance with the authorized procedures; The CO,mmission order approving deferred billing expressly recogniZes that (a) the deferred billing procedures were a part of the negotiated settlement in this docket, (b) that such procedures reflect compromises among the Signatories and cannot be construed as an agreement or an admission of HOUOJ:911046 3. -12- e e any party regarding the propriety of these or analogous procedures. including the appropriate interest rates. in any other context or as an agreement or admission that a Commission order is required to implement these or analogous procedures; and (c) that the order shall not be construed to conftrm or deny that any rates ordered or approved by the Commission on any basis, other than settlement, can be made effective retroactive to the date deferred billing was initiated or any other date. In addition, if after deferred billing is implemented the Agreement is opposed by a party in Docket No. 12065 other than Michael Hershey, HL&P may prospectively tenninate deferred billings but may not impose surcharges to recover previously deferred amo~nts until and unless HL&P withdraws from this Agreement pursuant to Article XX. Within 7 days after the Date of Execution, HL&P will request a Commission order authorizing deferred billing as provided in this paragraph D. All Signatories will support that request and further request that deferred billing be approved in time to permit HL&P to commence deferred billing at the beginning of HL&P's April 1995 billing month. E. Signatories agree that the rates and tariff changes set out on Appendix D are just and reasonable. Signatories will recommend, support and defend in this Docket. approval of those rates and tariff changes. HOUOJ:9l1046 -13- . e ARTICLE V. Calculation of AFUDC For purposes of computing the allowance for funds used during construction rate during the period from January I, 1995 through the date HL&P's base rates are superseded by new systemwide base rates made effective under PURA Section 43 or 42, HL&P shall use a return on equity of 11.55 % . ARTICLE VI. Rate C~ Period A. HL&P shall not file to increase the base rates set out in Appendix 0 during the Rate Cap Period unless one or more of the following events occur: 1. New laws or regulations are adopted by legislative or regulatory bodies and as a result of those laws or regulations HL&P's actual revenues (determined on an accrual basis) will be reduced by more than $60 million on an annual basis. To the extent that such new laws or regulations would cause some revemes to decrease while other revenues increase, regardless of whether the increase in revenues is due to customers taking advantage of a service that was legal or in existence prior to the new laws or regula~ons taking effect, a rate increase filing would be permitted only if the net reduction exceeds $60 million; 2. New laws or regulations are adopted by legislative or regulatory bodies and as a result of those laws or regulations HL&P's actual cost of service HOU03:98046 -14- HOU03:98046 e e (detennined on an accrual basis) will be increased by more than $60 million on an annual basis. To the extent that such new laws or regulations would cause some expenses to increase while other expenses decrease, a rate increase filing would be permined only if the net increase exceeds $60 million; or 3. Any combination of legislative or regulatory actions of the type identified in 1. or 2. above which will result in actual net cost of service increases and actual net revenue decreases which in combination exceed $60 million on an annual basis. 4. The $60 million thresholds referred to in sub-paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above are in addition to any amounts HL&P may be entitled to recover through recovery factors. A change in methodology required by new laws or regulatory action shall not entitle HL&P to make a Section 43 filing under sub-paragraph 1, 2. or 3 unless the change in methodology increases the actual net cost of service or reduces actual net revenue by more than $60 million. S. The provisions of this paragraph VI.A establish triggers permining HL&P to ~ a Section 43 ming but do not pennit HL&P to increase rates based solely on the impacts of the legislative or regulatory action. Rather. any Section 43 base rate increase filing by HL&P pursuant to this paragraph A must be based on HL&P's total costs of service and revenues. In no event -IS- e e shall rates be increased (including for example. increased rates under bond) as a result of a filing under this Article until HL&P actually begins experiencing the cost of service increase or revenue decrease the anticipation of which caused the triggering event to occur. B. HL&P may file to implement a voluntary reduction in base rates at any time during the Rate Cap Period. In addition, at any time during the Rate Cap Period, HL&P. or other parties. may make filings to (1) modify tariffs, riders or tenns and conditions while ~ot increasing base rate revenues or Base Rate Unit Charges from any of the rate tariffs in the Tariff for Electric Service attached hereto as Appendix D and which do not increase the base charge for IS-I, S81 or IS-lO service; (2) add tariffs, riders, and tenns and conditions to address changed conditions provided such additions do not result in an increase to base rate revenues or Base Rate Unit ". Charges as reflected in the Tariff for Electric Service attached hereto as Appendix D. and do not increase the base charge for IS-I, S81 or IS-I0 service; (3) increase or decrease the charges in, or otherwise modify any experimental tariffs provided such changes do not result in an increase to base rate revenues or an increase in Base Rate Unit Charges for non-experimental tariffs as reflected in the Tariff for Electric Service attached hereto as Appendix 0 and do not increase the base charge for IS-I. S81 or IS-IO service; (4) change fIXed fuel factors or otherwise provide for the recovery of fuel costs and. the disposition of fuel over-recoveries and under-recoveries; or (5) change the peRF in accordance with the PeRF Rate Schedule. Except to the extent provided elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing herein will preclude any entity from contesting such matters as they choose in any proceeding initiated under this paragraph B. The Signatories further agree HOUOJ:9l1046 -16- e e that none of the five types of filings set out in this paragraph shall constitute force majeure events described in paragraph VI.A (unless such filings are required by new laws or regulations.) C. During the Rate Cap Period, HL&P shall not initiate any proceeding to increase, directly or indirectly, the O&M charge applicable to Rates IS-I, [S-10, SBt and NEP, which charge shall remain at 1.204 mills/kwh. This provision shall not limit the right of any entity other than HL&P to seek to change the O&M charge in any proceeding during the Rate Cap Period nor shall it limit in any way the positions HL&P or any other entity may take.in response to another entity's proposal to change the O&M charge for anyone or more of Rates IS-I, 15-10, SBI and NEP. Thus, if in any proceeding during the Rate Cap Period, any entity proposes to change the O&M charge applicable to one or more of the Rates IS-I, 15-10, 581 and NEP, HL&P and any other entity may take any position it chooses regarding the O&M charges for the same Rates as are covered by that entity's proposal or for any or all of the other Rates IS-I, 15-10, S81 and NEP. This paragraph shall not limit the right of any entity, including HL&P, to propose changes to the methodology for calculating the Period Avoided Cost under Rates IS-I, IS-10, SBI and NEP, as approved by the Final Order in Docket No. 7044. D. Each regulatory authority exercising jurisdiction over HL&P retains the right, on complaint or on its own motion, to initiate a Section 42 proceeding against HL&P. If, during the Rate Cap Period, any proceeding is initiated by the Commission or any other regulatory authority to reduce HL&P's rates below the levels set out in Appendix C, nothing in this Agreement shall restrict HL&P's right to defend against the proceeding in any manner it deems appropriate including a right to file and make effective a Section 43 base rate increase in the HOUOJ:9l1046 -17- e e geographic area subject to the jurisdiction of that regulatory authority. Regardless of what measures HL&P takes to defend itself in a Section 42 proceeding, HL&P may not file a Section 43 base rate increase in any jurisdiction that has not initiated a Section 42 proceeding except as provided in paragraph VI.A. E. Except as expressly set out in this Agreement, the senlement will not prejudice any position a pany may take regarding any issue, including rate base treatment of any item, in any proceeding or earnings monitoring evaluation during or after the Rate Cap Period. F. During the Rate Cap Period, HIAP shall not defer costs which are nonnally expensed by public utilities. G. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit any customer's right to file a billing complaint against HL&P. ARTICLE VIT. Fuel Reconciliation A. Effective August 1, 1994, HL&P shall reduce the total eligible fuel costs for the fuel reconciliation period ended July 31. 1994 by $70 million (the $70 million includes interest through July 31. 1994) and shall not seek to recover such $70 million from its ratepayers. All fuel revenues, other fuel costs, and related interest through July 31. 1994 shall be deemed reconciled in accordance wi~ PUC Substantive Rule 23.23(b)(3) with the same effect as if the Commission had issued a fmal order in a fuel reconciliation proceeding for that period. B. As soon as practical after January data becomes available, HlAP will file in Docket No. 12065 a request to refund the fuel over~ollection balance through January 31, HOUOJ:98046 -18- . e 1995 with such refund to begin the first billing cycle of the calendar month following approval of the refund. For purposes of the refund under this paragraph. the over-collection balance shall be calculated as if the $70 million reduction provided in paragraph Vll.A had not been made. The refund shall include interest on the over-collection balance calculated pursuant to PUC Substantive Rules 23.23(b)(3)(C)(i) and 23.45(g). C. Commencing during the first billing cycle of the calendar month following the 12065 Final Order Date, HL&P will refund the $70 million provided in paragraph A of this Article VII. with interest on the $70 million calculated pursuant to the PUC Substantive Rules 23.23(b)(3)(C)(i) and 23.45(g). The refund will be allocated among customer classes as set out on Appendix G. Refunds to transmission level customers will be based on those customers' respective usage during the period February 1993 through May 1994. Refunds to customers other than transmission level customers will be made by application of a refund factor applied to actual usage during the month in which the refund is made. The refund factor will be calculated as provided in PUC Substantive Rule 23.23(b)(3)(C)(iv). The allocation on Appendix G is the result of compromises and should not be treated as precedential. D. HlAP's eligible fuel costs for the period beginning August 1, 1994 shall be subject to reconciliation in a future fuel reconciliation proceeding. The reconcilable costs and revenues for the fuel reconciliation period staning on August 1, 1994 shall be governed by Substantive Rule 23.23(b). The parties specifically agree that (i) the revenues from the steam sales to DuPont; spent nuclear fuel disposal costs; wheeling charges paid by HL&P in connection with power purchases; Department of Energy decontamination and decommissioning fees; IS-I, HOUOJ:9l1046 -19- . e IS-IO and SBI Revenues; and ETSI litigation credits will be classified as eligible fuel costs; and (ii) wheeling revenues and expenses associated with HL&P providing wheeling services to others will be considered in the detennination of base rates. To the extent any of the above classifications of costs as eligible or non-eligible could be construed as inconsistent with the PUC Substantive Rule 23.23(b)(2)(B), the Signatories request Commission approval of the classifications delineated above. ARTICLE VIn. Fuel Factors. PCRF and HB-ll Factor A. Within 10 days after the Date of Execution of this Agreement. HL&P sba1l file in Docket No. 12065 a request for an interim order reducing its fuel factors by approximately 17 % effective as of the fltSt billing cycle of the calendar mO,nth following the date of approval of that request, whether or not this Agreement is approved. The Signatories agree to support. or not oppose, such a request. B. HL&.P's PCRF shall be set at zero effective retroactive to January I, 1995. For purposes of computing adjustments under the PCRF for periods after January 1, 1995, the purchased power costs used to fix the base rates contained in Appendix D shall be deemed to be $31,784,178. C. HL&P~s HB-ll Factor shall be reduced to zero effective retroactive to January I, 1995. HOU03:9l1046 -20- e e ARTICLE IX. Trinity Mine Investments and Malakoff Electric Generatinll Station Investments A. The costs incurred by HL&P in connection with its previously planned, but now cancelled, Malakoff Electric Generating Station and the related Trinity lignite reserves shall be amonized as follows: (1) Malakoff costs for which amortization was authorized in Docket No. 8425 shaU continue to be amortized on the schedule approved in that docket. (2) Malakoff costs for which amortization was fltSt requested in Docket No. 12065 shall be amonized over a period not exceeding seven (7) years commencing January 1, 1993. (3) Trinity lignite related costs shall be amortized over a period not exceeding seven (7) years commencing on a date to be determined by HL&P but not later than January 1, 1996. Under this amortization schedule, HL&P's entire investment in Malakoff and Trinity shall be written off HL&P's books not later than December 31, 2002. HL&P shall not accrue, for amortization. any additional Trinity or Malakoff amounts (including amounts incurred under fuel contracts) after the Date of Execution, nor shall it accrue carrying costs on the unamortized balances. B. Until the earlier of (i) HL&P's next Section 43 base rate increase filing, or (ii) completion of amortization of the costs as set out above, the amortization amouqts provided HOUOJ:98046 -21- . e in paragraph IX.A shall be included as part of HL&P's cost of service as "operating expenses" for purposes of each earnings monitoring evaluation and any Section 42 proceeding initiated to modify HL&P's rates. Except for correction of mathematical errors. the Signatories agree that no portion of such amortization amounts may be removed from HL&P's cost of service during that time-frame. In any future Section 43 rate increase proceeding (including but not limited to a Section 43 filing in response to a Section 42 proceeding). all Signatories shall be free to propose or contest inclusion of such amortization amounts in HL&P's cost of service or inclusion of unamortized amounts in rate base. Any treatment or assumed treatment of the Malakoff and Trinity amortization amounts or of the unatnortized Malakoff and Trinity costs under this Agreement shall not have any precedential value for putposes of d~tennining how such amounts should be treated in such future Section 43 proceedings. ARTICLE X. STP Deferrals A. In Docket No. 8425, the Commission authorized 1UAP to defer certain STP Unit 1 costs under a phase-in plan (Qualified Deferrals) and in Docket Nos. 8230, 8425, and 9010 authorized HL&P to use deferred accounting for certain other STP Unit 1 and 2 costs incurred between the dates those units went into commercial operation and the date the costs of the units were reflected in rate base '(Accounting Deferrals) (the Qualified Deferrals and Accounting Deferrals are referred to jointly as "STP Deferrals"). In any future earnings monitoring evaluation or Section 42 proceeding, whether during or after the Rate Cap Period, and in any future Section 43 base rate increase proceeding, HOUOJ:9l1046 -22- . e any Signatory may raise any of the following reserved issues relating to the calculation of the STP Deferrals: AFUDC (Carrying Cost) Rate Differences Depreciation Rate Differences Balance Subject to Carrying Costs Reduced Monthly by Accumulated Depreciation Balance Subject to Carrying Costs Reduced Monthly by ADm Balance Subject to Carrying Costs Reduced Monthly by Bonded Rates Effect of STP-l Accounting Deferral Differences on STP-l Qualified Defemls Combined Effects of the Calculation Differences In earnings monitoring evaluations or Section 42 proceedings. the parties are not limited as to the methodology they may use when calculating the reserved issues. In exchange for the mutual consideration that is being exchanged through this Agreement, except for the right to propose adjustments associated with the reserved issues (which adjustments to STP Deferrals balances may not exceed $88 million), no Signatory may contest inclusion of the STP Deferrals in rate base or contest amortization of STP Defemls as an operating expense in cost of service in any Section 42 proceeding or earnings monitoring evaluation during the Rate Cap Period. Except as provided in paragraphs B and C of this Article X, the position on the STP Deferrals that parties are obligated to take as a result of this Agreement is without prejudice HOUOJ:911046 -23- . e to any position that any Signatory may take in any Section 43 proceeding during the Rate Cap Period and in any proceeding after the Rate Cap Period. No Signatory may refer to the position that a party is obligated to take on the STP Deferrals under this Agreement during the Rate Cap Period in any Section 43 proceeding, any proceeding after the Rate Cap Period, or in any appeal at any time. B. Except as set out in paragraph X.A. aU issues relating to calculation of the STP Deferrals as of December 31, 1993 are resolved and HL&P's balances as of such date (except 'to the extent that they may be modified as a result of the reserved issues) are determined to have been correctly calculated. The STP Deferrals shall continue to be antortized under the schedules established in Docket No. 9850. C. In Docket No. 12065, certain "fmancial integrity" issues were raised relating to inclusion of the STP Deferrals in rate base and inclusion of amortization of such deferrals in the cost of service. If, in order to recover the STP Defemls, HL&P is required to prove a fmanciaJ integrity need only once, then HL&.P has made that financial integrity showing. However, if HL&P is required to prove a fmancial integrity need in each rate case in which HL&P seeks to reflect the STP Deferrals and amortization in its cost of service, then nothing in this Agreement prejudices any claim a party may make on the issue of fmancial integrity and the recovery of the accounting deferrals in any future rate cases. The provisions in this paragraph about the fmancial integrity finding regarding the accounting deferrals is limited solely to the issue of the STP Deferrals and is not a general statement about HL&P's fmancial integrity and is not a finding that is applicable to any other issue. HOUOJ:9l1046 -24- e e D. It is recognized that two of the Pending Appeals relate to deferred accounting, and those appeals will not be dismissed under this Agreement. If as a result of those appeals it is finally determined that HL&P's STP Deferrals balance as of December 31, 1993 should be reduced, then notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs A and B of this Article X, such reduction shall be applied prospectively in future proceedings, but will not be applied retroactively to modify HL&P's rates as approved in this or prior proceedings. ARTICLE XI. South Texas PrQject Perfonnance Stand3rd~ During the 135 day period commencing on the Date of Execution of this Agreement, HL&P and the other Signatories shall negotiate in good faith to develop perfonnance standards to be applied prospectively to HlAP's interest in STP. Other interested parties, including the parties to Docket No. 12065 and Docket No. 13126, will be allowed to attend but not to panicipate in negotiations. However, to the extent any non-Signatory interested party is allowed to panicipate in the negotiations, all non-Signatory interested parties will be allowed to participate to the same extent. The fltSt meeting will occur within fourteen (14) days after the Date of Execution. During these negotiations, the parties will consider standards that reflect fuel costs, operation and tnaintenance expenses and capital additions. Failure of the parties to agree on appropriate performance. standards for STP will not affect any of the other terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if an agreement concerning performance standards is not reached within that 135 day period, then the parties are free to pursue any available remedy. If some or all parties are able to reach an agreement on HOU03:9l1046 -25- e e perfonnance standards, those parties will support a docketed proceeding requesting PUC approval of those standards. Any party with a justiciable interest may seek to intervene in the docket to adopt perfonnance standards. ARTICLE XII. Reduction of STP Investtnents HL&P shall have the right to write-down a portion of its invesnnent in STP, but may not write-up any other assets to offset such a write-down. For purposes of earnings . ' monitoring and any Section 42 proceeding during the five year period conunencing January 1, 1995, the Signatories agree that any write-down. up to S50 million in anyone calendar year, will be treated as a reasonable and necessary expense. For purposes of each earnings monitoring report and any Section 42 proceeding, whether during or after that five year period. and each future Section 43 proceeding, the portion of HL&P's rate base attributable to its invesnnent in STP shall be reduced by the amount of the write-downs, if any, actually taken by HL&P. HL&P will not use a write-down to justify a Section 43 rate increase filing. Should HL&P file a Section 43 proceeding requesting cost of service treatment of any write-down. the parties will be free to take any position as to whether such write-down was a reasonable and necessary expense. ARTICLE xm. Accountina Issues A. For the period from January 1, 1995 through the effective date of HL&P's next base fate change pursuant to PURA Sections 43 or 42, HIAP will continue to use the depreciation rates approved in Docket No. 9850. HOUOJ:9l1046 -26- . e B. The Signatories agree that HL&P shall maintain its accumulated nuclear production 'plant depreciation accounts on a "per unit" basis, instead of a "plant" basis. This is similar to the manner in which HL&P maintains its Plant in Service (Schedule D-4) C. The Signatories agree that HL&P shall accrue decommissioning expenses for its interest in STP at the rate of $14,828,815 per year. Such decommissioning expenses shall be recognized as a reasonable and necessary expense in any Section 42 proceeding or earnings monitoring evaluation initiated during the Rate Cap Period. and during such period, no Signatory shall contest inclusion of such amounts in HL&P's cost of service. D. For purposes of calculating AFUDC on nuclear fuel in process, the Signatories agree that test year end balance for account 120.1 of $4,982,654 is assumed to be included in rate base in this docket. Such inclusion shall not prejudice any claims a party may make regarding such balance in future proceedings. E. HL&P's cost of service includes 521,967,612 of Post-retirement Benefits Other than Pension (PASB 106) expense on a full accrual basis in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and PUC Substantive Rule 23.21(b)(l)(H). HL&P's cost of service includes Post Employment Benefits (FASB 112) expense on a full accrual basis in accordance with GAAP. HL&P will comply with funding requirements of the Commission's Substantive Rules, and will notify Signatories when funding commences. F. All rate case expenses associated with Docket No. 12065, Docket No. 13126 and municipal rate proceedings will be deferred and fully amonized over the three year period beginning January 1, 1995. HOUOJ:9l1046 -27- e e G. HL&P agrees that it will change the accounting method for gas inventory from LIFO to average cost by December 31, 1995. H. HL&P's cost of service includes the restoration of the deficiency in unprotected deferred taxes over a 10 year period. which deficiency is $9,909,946 as of January 1. 1995. I. HL&P agrees it will compare its coal and lignite inventory determination methodology with an appropriate software package prior to its next Section 43 base rate increase filing. ARTICLE XIV. Share and Other Low Income PrQlraMS A. HL&P currently sponsors a program ("SHARE") of customer and shareholder contributions to certain disadvantaged customers. HL&P agrees that it will continue to contribute not less than $1.5 million to SHARE during each year of the Rate Cap Period. The Signatories agree that the SHARE expense will be excluded from cost of service for all purposes during the Rate Cap Period. The Signatories also agree that they are free to advocate any ratemaking treatment of the SHARE expenses after the Rate Cap Period is over. B. HL&P will fund a total of up to $62,000 for design experts specializing in low income program design. , 1. HL&P will fund up to $37,000 (from the 562.000 total) for design experts to assist in the design of cost effective low income DSM programs rDSM Consultant"). The DSM Consultant must be mutually agreeable to HL&P and Low Income Intervenors. HL&P will HOUOJ:9l1046 -28- e e work cooperatively with the DSM Consultant and provide necessary assistance to the DSM Consultant such as data gathering, program design and benefit cost evaluation. The DSM Consultant will be selected within 60 days of the 12065 Final Order Date. The low income DSM programs developed by the DSM Consultant will be filed at the PUC within 180 days after selection of the DSM Consultant. A public meeting will be scheduled in HL&P's service area to present the fmdings of the DSM Consultant, to receive input and to respond to questions. HL&P will in good faith consider the programs developed from this effort for possible implementation. 2. HL&P will fund up to $44,000 (from the $62,000 total) during the Rate Cap Period, with up to $22,000 being funded during the first year, for a low-income rate design expert to be selected by Low Income Intervenors ("Rate Design Expert"). The Rate Design Expert will be selected by the Low Income Intervenors within 30 days after the 12065 Final Order Date and will assist in monitoring the Balanced Billing Pilot Program and assist in designing and monitoring the Shadow Program described below. a. HL&P will implement and monitor a BsilanrPd Billing Pilot Program for a targeted group of between 1,500 - 3,000 customers identified as low income unless a lower number is otherwise agreed upon between the Rate Design Expert and HL&P. The program will follow the design and schedule of HL&P's existing Balanced Billing Program with some modifications to the guidelines and qualifying criteria agreed upon by HL&P and the Rate Design Expert. A control group agreed upon between HL&P and the Rate Design Expert will be established and monitored to assess the effectiveness of the program. HOUOJ:9l1046 -29- . e b. The Balanced Billing Pilot Program will.be mirrored with a Shadow Program designed by the Rate Design Expert and HL&P. The Shadow Program will collect infonnation for a targeted group of between 1.500 - 3,000 customers, unless a lower number is otherwise agreed upon between the Rate Design Expert and HL&P. The Shadow Program will compare the payments of electric bills of participants to the amounts that would have been received by HL&P under a Direct Payment Section 8 Utility Allowance Program. HL&P agrees to work with the Rate Design Expert and provide nonconfidential infonnation from the program to the Rate Design Expert. HL&P will perfonn appropriate and reasonable data gathering and cost effectiveness screening of the program. c. The Balanced Billing Pilot and Shadow Programs will be developed within 60 days after the 12065 Final Order Date. The program will be implemented within 90 days after the 12065 Final Order Date. HL&P will file the results of the programs with the Commission at the end of the three year pilot period. C. :m.&P will establish an Earned Income Tax Credit Utility Outreach program for the Rate Cap Period, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (IRS/VITA). Under this program, HlAP will provide infonnation in several languages on the earned income tax credit to customers through various outlets targeting low income customers, including customer mailings (bill inserts) to all residential customers at least twice a year during December and January (or those months determined most appropriate by IRS/VITA). HOUOJ:9l1046 -30- activities: HOUOJ:9l1046 e e ARTICLE XV. Demand Side Manaiement Proirams HL&P agrees to undertake the following Demand Side Management ("DSM") 1. HL&P will publicly announce the DSM Solicitation Short List of bidders within 60 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, or as soon as the Short List is available. 2. HL&P will meet with the PUC Staff and other interested parties within 60 days after the 12065 Final Order Date to review HL&P's current DSM evaluation plan and activities. HlAP will take input from the parties and file a revised plan. if necessary, at a date agreed upon by the parties. HL&P will share information with the parties regarding its future DSM evaluation Request for Proposals. HL&P will modify its Cool Storage Program beginning in 1996 to require new participants to obtain an energy audit of their facility. The participants may choose who will conduct the audit. HL&P will continue to modify its Good Cents New Home program to reduce incentives for structural improvements. Within 180 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, HL&P will propose a plan to move the program toward a home rating system and will share its findings with the PUC Staff 3. 4. -31- HOUOJ:9l1046 . e and other interested parties and obtain input from the PUC Staff and those parties. 5. HL&P will modify its residential walk-thrqugh audit program beginning in 1996 to provide water heater wraps and low flow showerheads or showerhead flow restrictors to interested participants who have electric water heating. 6. HL&P will provide to the PUC Staff and other interested. parties the infonnation it has available (such as demographic and awareness data) on the Energy-Efticiency-Environment program including the Our House TV series. 7. HL&P recognizes the potential for DSM in the commercial and industrial market sector and intends to pursue cost-effective energy and demand reductions in these sectors through its current solicitation. future solicitations and. possibly, other appropriate mechanisms. 8. HL&P will meet on an informal basis with the PUC Staff and other interested parties twice a year (or as otherwise agreed to by the parties) to provide a review and consider input on DSM activities and issues. The first meeting will occur within 60 days after the 12065 Final Order Date. ~. -32- e e ARTICLE XVI. Additional Tariff Maners and Studies A. HL&P will file the foUowing experimental real time pricing tariffs: 1. Within 180 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, HL&P shall file an experimental Real Time Pricing tariff for the LOS rate classes with all regulatory authorities having rate jurisdiction. 2. Within ISO days after the 12065 Final Order Date, HL&P shall file an expermental Real Time Pricing tariff for the commercial rate classeS (LOS and MGS) with aU regulatory authorities having rate . jurisdiction. 3. Within 30 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, HlAP shall file an experimental Real Time Pricing tariff for the residential rate class with all regulatory authorities having rate jurisdiction. As pan of HL&P's experimental real time pricing proposals, HL&.P will not increase base rate revenues or increase Base Rate Unit Charges for non-experimental tariffs as reflected in the Tariff for Electric Service attached hereto as Appendix D. Nothing herein shall be construed to require any Signatory to support any of the experimental real time pricing tariff filings or to prejudice any argument a party may wish to make in favor of, or opposition to, such filings. Moreover, nothing herein will restrict any Signatory's rights to make any claims or arguments regarding the experimental real time pricing tariffs (for example the ratemaking treatment of any revenue shifts HOUOJ:9l1046 -33- . e or revenue shortfalls due to the experimental real-time pricing tariff) at the time of HL&P's next Section 42 or Section 43 rate proceeding. B. HL&P agrees to provide interruptible customers who have multiple facilities taking interruptible service with appropriate operational flexibility for complying with requested curtailments. Within 60 days after the Date of Execution of this Agreement. HL&P will negotiate in good faith with interested interruptible customers to develop specific procedures for achieving such flexibility. These procedures will be developed within the guidelines of HL&P's current interruptible tariffs. C. HL&P is currently studying potential control area services. HL&P will complete the study by December 31, 1995 and. upon such completion, provide copies of that study to all intervenors. ARTICLE XYll. Municipal Rate Case Expenses A. Within seven (7) days after the later of (i) the Date of Execution or (ii) receipt of an invoice detailing all rate case expenses incurred to such Date of Execution, HL&P will pay to each signatory coalition an amount equal to all rate case expenses incurred to the Date of Execution including expenses incurred in Docket No. 12065, Docket No. 13126 and in any municipal rate proc~ings. HL&P will also reimburse all reasonable rate case expenses related exclusively ~o "any pending or to be initiated municipal rate proceeding listed on Appendix B through the date that such municipalities take fmal action in those proceedings. To the extent that any cost incurred to the applicable cut-off'date is not known at the time a municipality submits HOUOJ:9l1046 -34- e e its initial invoice, the municipality may submit an additional invoice to recover such costs. HL&P, without prior Commission approval, will also reimburse up to S10,OOO of additional rate case expenses actually incurred in Docket No. 12065 and Docket No. 13126. If the expenses incurred by a signatory coalition in Docket No. 12065 and Docket No. 13126 after the Date of Execution exceed SlO,OOO, HL&P will reimburse such expenses after a fmding by the Commission that the expenses were reasonable. HL&P shall not oppose any request of a signatory coalition for reimbursement of such excess post-execution expenses. B. For the purpose of participating in the negotiation of STP PerformalK'.J! Standards pursuant to Article XI during the 135 days after the Date of Execution of this Agreement, the Gulf Coast Coalition of Cities and the Coalition of Cities will form a joint coali~on. The leadership team for this joint coalition will be composed of the City of Houston. GDS Associates Inc. and Wickliff and Hall on behalf of the Coalition of Cities, and the City of Friendswood and the Law Offices of Robert A. Rima on behalf of the Gulf Coast Coalition of Cities. HL&P, without prior Commission approval. will ~imburse up to S50,000 of additional expenses that are related to the joint coalition's participation in the negotiations for developmem of STP performance standards and are actually incurred during the 135 day period provided in Article XI for those negotiations. These expenses will be deemed rate case expenses. HOUOJ:98046 -35- e e ARTICLE XVIII. Pendin~ Appeals It is recognized that HL&P and various other parties have filed the Pending Appeals aU of which relate to Commission orders in other HL&P dockets. As described in this Article XVIII, this Agreement resolves certain issues that have been raised by the Signatories in the following Pending Appeals: Docket No. 6668 appeals initially filed by HL&P, the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPC) and the City of Houston and Coalition of Cities [but nc;>t the appeal of that same order fiRed by the Cities for Fair Utility Rates ("CFUR")); Docket No. 8230 and 9010 appeals originally filed by OPC (but not appeals of those same orders filed by the State of Texas); Docket No. 9850 appeal originally tiled by OPC; and Docket No. 10092 appeal originally flIed by HL&P (such appeals are referred to jointly as "Resolved Appeals"). Within 10 days after ,the date of execution of this Agreement, all Signatories who are parties to any of the Resolved Appeals shall jointly notify the court in which the appeal is now pending that, subject to Commission action on this Agreement, the issues raised in the Resolved Appeals have been resolved in favor of upholding the Commission's order. Such notice shall request that further action on the appeal be delayed pending Commission consideration of the Agreement. and confirm the Signatories' intention to tile appropriate motions with the court. following Commission approval, seeking affinnance of the Commission's order as to aU issues raised by the Signatories. Subject to qualific'ations set out below, within 10 days after the 12065 Final Order Date, the Signatory Parties who are parties to the Resolved Appeals shall tile appropriate motions with each appellate court to affirm the applicable Commission order as to issues raised by the HOUOJ:9l1046 -36- . e Signatories (other than the State of Texas, if it is a Signatory), and to dismiss with prejudice each of the pending appeals brought by anyone of the Signatories (other than the State of Texas, if it is a Signatory). The precise form of the motions shall be tailored to each case, but will be substantially as described below with respect to each Signatory and proceeding: 1. In Docket No. 9850, now pending in the Austin Court of Appeals on remand from the Texas Supreme Court, OPC agrees to dismiss and withdraw any points attacking the Commission's order, and to request that the judgment of the District Court affmning the Commission's order be affirmed in all respects; 2. In Docket No. 8230/9010, now pending on remand in the Austin Court of Appeals, Ope agrees to withdraw and dismiss such of its arguments, if any, as remain pending questioning the validity of the Commission's order, and request that as to the issues originally raised by OPC [but not issues raised by the State of Texas] the judgment of the District Court affirming the Commission's order be affmned in all respects; In Docket No. 6668, OPC, HL&P and the City of Houston each agree to dismiss their respective appeals pending in the District Court with prejudice, and request that the order of the Commission be affmned; HL&P agrees to dismiss with prejudice its appeal from the Commission's order in Docket No. 10092 and request that the Commission's order be affirmed. 3. 4. HOUOJ:9l1046 -37- e e It is recognized that the Resolved Appeals do not include appeals filed by CFUR in Docket Nos. 6668 and 8425 and by the State of Texas in Docket Nos. 8230/9010 and 8425. Signatories with appeals (other than the State of Texas, if it is a Signatory) shall make good faith effons to cause CFUR and the State of Texas to similarly file to dismiss with prejudice their Pending Appeals of Commission orders in prior HL&P dockets and seek affinnance of the Commission's order. If CFUR does not agree to dismiss its appeal in Docket No. 6668, HL&P shall have the right to maintain its appeal of the Commission's order in Docket No. 6668. However, if HL&P elects to maintain that appeal, then prior to the deadline for filing to dismiss, HL&P shall provide each Signatory with Resolved Appeals notice that HL&P will maintain its Docket No. 6668 Appeal. If HlAP elects to maintain the Docket No. 6668 Appeal, all Signatories will have the right. but not the obligation, to maintain any, or all, of its Resolved Appeals. However, if HL&P subsequently dismisses the Docket No. 6668 Appeal, each Signatory that maintained a Resolved Appeal shall simultaneously dismiss each of its appeals. ARTICLE XIX. Disclosure Allreement Signatories represent that they have reached no agreements or understandings concerning this rate case other than as set forth in this Agreement or disclosed to the panies in Docket No. 12065 prior to the Date of Execution either with HL&P or .with any other entity. If prior to the 12065 Final Order, any Signatory enters into any other agreements for the purpose of settling and compromising Docket No. 12065, Docket No. 13126 or any municipal rate proceedings related thereto, other than as set forth in this Agreement, then each component of the HOUOJ:9l1046 -38- e e consideration granted by any Signatory shall be made known immediately to all Signatories: and any Signatory may in that Signatory's discretion freely withdraw from this Agreement and request reopening of hearings on the merits of the settlement. The terms of this anicle will also be applicable to Pending Appeals of past Commission proceedings involving HL&P, including appeals related to Commission Docket Nos. 8230/9010,6668. 8425,9850 and 10092. The above provisions notwithstanding, if HL&P voluntarily or by order of the Commission reimburses a municipality for reasonable expenses incurred in participating in either Docket Nos. 12065 or 13126 or any appeals of Commission rate proceedings, then such reimbursement shall be made known to all Signatories but shall not permit any Signatory to withdraw from this Agreement. This Article was agreed to by the Signatories as pan of the overall consideration for other provisions of this Agreement. It is based upon the unique conditions underlying this Agreement. Its inclusion in this Agreement shall not be cited by any entity as a recognition that the provisions of this paragraph would be appropriate or that these provisions are more appropriate than other types of disclosure or preferential tteaanent provisions in any other proceeding involving the same or different parties. ARTICLE XX. Other Provisions A. The Signatories after extensive negotiations have reached a compromise and settlement to resolve Docket No. 12065, Docket No. 13126 as it relates to HL&P and Section 42 proceedings initiated by municipalities with regulatory jurisdiction over HlAP's rates and other matters discussed herein. Signatories state that this Agreement is in the public interest and shall HOUOJ:9l1046 -39- e e urge the Commission to approve and accept the provisions of this Agreement and to adopt a 12065 Final Order consistent with all the tenns hereof. If the Commission does not adopt a 12065 Final Order consistent with aU the [enns of this Agreement, neither oral and written statements made during the course of the settlement negotiations nor the tenns of this Agreement may be used as an admission or concession of any sort or as evidence in Docket No. 12065 or any other proceeding. B. This Agreement reflects a compromise. settlement and accommodation among Signatories, and all Signatories agree that the terms and conditions herein are interdependent. If the Commission does not accept this Agreement as presented and enters an order inconsistent with any material terms of this Agreement. the Signatories agree that any Signatory has the right to withdraw from this Agreement. proceed to hearings on all issues and present evidence. It is specifically recognized that the Signatories, except for HL&P, will not submit pre-filed testimony regarding the merits of the Agreement and will forego cross- examination of the testimony that is submitted in suppon of the Agreement; provided, however, that any Signatory may submit rebuttal testimony in support of the cost allocation and rate design under this Agreement if the cost allocation and rate design is contested by a non-Signatory. If this Agreement is not accepted. the Signatories agree to acknowledge each other's right, and to further confirm by oral or written statement to the Presiding Officer or Commission, the agreement of the Signatories to allow each other to proceed with a full hearing, to present evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses. HOUOJ:9l1046 40- e e C. This Agreement is binding on each of the Signatories only for the purpose of settling the issues herein and for no other purpose. Specifically, by entering this Agreement. no party admits to any wrongdoing, or the absence of wrongdoing, imprudence or prudence, unreasonableness or reasonableness of any expenses, capital expenditures or rate design or otherwise admits any liability; and no Signatory agrees to the propriety of any ratemaking theory or principle that may be said to underlie any of the issues resolved by this Agreement. The matters resolved herein are resolved on the basis of a compromise and settlement. Except to the extent that this Agreement expressly governs Signatories' rights and obligations for future periods. this Agreement shall not be binding or precedential upon such Signatories outside of this case. It is acknowledged that a Signatory's support of the matters contained in this Agreement may differ from its position or testimony in other dockets. To the extent that there is a difference, the Signatories are not waiving their position in other dockets. Because this is a stipulated agreement, the Signatories are under no obligation to take the same positions as set out in this Agreement in other dockets whether those dockets present the same or a different set of circumstances. D. Signatories recognize that a 12065 Final Order consistent with this Agreement must determine that the Appendix D rates and other provisions of this Agreement are supported by record evidence satisfying the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Act. To support the foregoing, HL&P shall prepare, file and defend appropriate testimony and supporting schedules. HL&P and any Signatory submitting rebuttal testimony under paragraph B of this Article XX will consult with other Signatories before making its filing. Signatories shall support such testimony solely as a compromise and not as acquiescence in any rate making HOUOJ:91lO46 -41- e e principle, valuation methodology, method of cost-of-service detennination, method of revenue calculation, or cost allocation or rate design principle underlying such testimony or underlying the provisions and agreements contained in this Agreement or the attachments hereto. Any and all exhibits and testimony to be submitted in suppon of this Agreement will be offered for the limited purpose of supponing this Agreement. In the event any exhibits or testimony are admitted in this proceeding or in any other proceeding for any other purpose, then Signatories reserve their full rights to challenge such exhibits and testimony, including objections to admission, rights to file rebuttal testimony and the right of cross-examination. E. The titles assigned to each Article are for convenience only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not be considered in the resolution of any dispute or question arising with respect to this Agreement. F. Execution of this Agreement by representatives of a municipality constitutes a commianent to seek approval of the Agreement by the governing body of the municipality but shall not bind the municipality until it has been approved by that governing body. G. Each person executing this Agreement represents that (s)he is authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party represented. Facsimile copies of signatures are valid for purposes of evidencing an Agreement. H. References to Sections of PURA are to those sections in effect at the Date of Execution of this Agreement. I. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts. 4 HOUOJ:9l1046 -42- sr Signed this.}./ day of February, 1995 Signed this21 ~ day of February, 1995 Signed this ~Jtday of February, 1995 HOUOJ:9l1046 e ,e fj,~'217t1c &~ David M. McClanahan Group Vice-President -- Finance and Regulatory Relations HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY ~. ~~)/) - Thomas Brocato Assistant General Counsel PUBUC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS The Office of Public Utility Counsel is signing to indicate that it does not oppose entry of an order consistent with the Agreement becauseJ taken as a whole the document resolves the issues in a manner that il consistent with the public interest. -43- Signed (his~ay of February, 1995 Signed thi~y of February, 1995 Signed thi~y of February, 1995 Signed this _ day of February, 1995 HOU03.98046 e e ~L- Alton Hall Wickliff & Hall Attorney for CITY OF HOUSTON and COALITION OF CITIES (consisting of Bay town, Bellaire, Brookshire, Brookside Village, Clute. Deer Park, EI Lago, Fulshear, Galveston. Houston, La Porte, Meadows, Pasadena, Santa Fe, Seabrook, Surfs ide Beach, Thompsons. Webster, West University Place) ~.u;f.\.~ Robert A. Rima Law Offices of Robert A. Rima Attorney for GULF COAST COAUTION OF CITIES (consisting of Alvin, Bunker Hill Village, Dickinson, Friendswood, Jersey Village, La Marque, Missouri City, Oak Ridge Nonh, Sealy, Simonton. Spring Valley, Stafford) Jo than Day r, Day, Caldwell & Keeton Attorney for TEXAS INDUSTRIAL ENERGY CONSUMERS Richard Noland Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan Attorney for OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION -44- v.. ....".J .L,J.4) ~ _CS"d '"1:I1Cl U...I.'iO;J.I.I.I.I. ~.'\AlI.D .\ L ~ L 1." ~vU': e e Signed this _ day of FebtuaIY, 1995 Aiton HaJI Wic:k:1iff &: Hall Anomey for CITY OF HOUSTON and COAllTION OF CITIES (coasisting of Bay town, BcUaite, Braobhire. Brookside Village, Clute. Deer Park, EI lago, FulIhcar. Galves1DD, HoUStOn, La Pone, Madows. ~Pc:te-na.. Sama Fe, Seabrook. 5urfside Beach. Thcmpscas, Webster, West UDiversily Place) " , SigDed this day of Febcuary, -1995 ,Raben A. Rima Law Of&cs of:Robert A. Rima Anomey for GULP COAST COAUIlON OF CITIES (coDSist1Dg of AlVin. Bunker HiD. Village, DictlDsoa,' PrieDdswooc1, 1erser Village, La Marque. Missouri City,. Oak RIdge North, Sealy, Simoaroa, SpdDg VaDey. Staftani) Signed this _ day of February. 1995 Joaaman Day Mayor. Day, Caldwell & KeetOD. Acrorm:y tw TEXAS INDUSTRIAL ENERGY CONSUMERS SigDed this _ day of Febnmy. 1995 ZS'd 6~;9t S66t-t(,;-EG::i Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Signed this day of February, 1995 Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Signed this ~day of February, '1995 Signed this 2/ ~y of . February, 1995 HOUOJ:9l1046 e e James E. Miller DESTEC ENERGY, INC. Marianne Carroll Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld Attorney for CLEAR LAKE COGENERATION LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Paul W. Phillips DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ~,()o ~.~ Tony D. Iiams TEXAS cOTION GINNERS' ASSOCIATION ~ p'a~ Michael G. shfrley - Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C. Attorney for TEXAS-NEW MEXICO POWER COMPANY -45- Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Signed this day of February, 1995 Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Signed this day of February, 1995 HOUOJ:9l1046 e e . . Richard M. McElvaney, Jr. Gulf Coast Legal Foundation Attorney for LOW INCOME INTERVENORS 5 homas S. Hunter oster & Hunter, L.L.P. Attorney for RET AlL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, INC. Greg Lucero I.B.E.W. LOCAL NO. 66 Richard A. Muscat STATE OF TEXAS Public Agency Representation Section Don E. Walden TEXAS RATEPAYERS' ORGANIZATION TO SA VE ENERGY ("TEXAS ROSE") 46- -..,., ... -' -- ~,-,...r '-....,,....= I ....:....:11'"'11... r .;1'4 e Signed ~ day of February, 1995 Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Signed this _ day of Fcbnaary, 1995 Signed this day of Ff!bruary. 1995 SiaDed this _ day of Febnwy. 1995 HOUID:!)1046 ~ . .z. " z. . c...: e ~::~ Gulf Coast Legal Foundation Attarney for LOW INCOME INTERVENORS Thomas S. Hunter Foster & Hunter. L. L.P. Atromey for RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON. INC. Greg Lucero . lB.B.W. LOCAL NO. 66 Rk:.bard A. Muscat STATE OF TEXAS Public AI~Y Repra~t:iOD Sec..1ion Dan E. WaldcA TEXAS RAT~^ YERS' ORGANIZATION TO SA VB ENERGY ("TEXAS ROSE-) l t i ! I -46- TOTAl.. P. 02 e e Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Ricbard M. McElvaney, Jr. Gulf Coast Legal Foundation Attorney for LOW rNCOME INTERVENORS Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Thomas S. Hunter Foster & HUDter, LLP. Attorney for RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, INC. Signed this _ day of February, 1995 ~~~~ I.B.E.W. LOCAL NO. 66 --'" Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Ric:bard A. Muscat STATE OF TEXAS Public Apnc:y RepreseuutiOD Section Signed this _ day of February, 1995 0oll E. Walden TEXAS RATEPAYERS' ORGANIZATION TO SAVE ENERGY ('1'EXAS ROSEj ~ < I I. t , HOtJUt9llM6.13 -46- e e Signed this day of February. 1995 Adan Maninez ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND Signed this day of February, 1995 Rodney Doerscher Representing MICHAEL HERSHEY Signed this day of February, 1995 Kenneth D. Williams Signed this _ day of February, 1995 Charles Pace Representing ASSOCIA nON OF LAID-OFF EMPLOYEES r ~ ., , t I I. HOUOJ:98046 -47- HOU03:9l1046 e e APPENDIX A Municipalities Whose Rate Ordinances Have Been Appealed Alvin Bunker Hill Village Dickinson Friendswood Jersey Village Lake Iackson La Marque Missouri City Oak Ridge North Spring Valley Stafford Bay town Bellaire Brookshire " Brookside Village Clute Deer Park El Lago Fulshear Galveston Houston LaPorte Meadows Pasadena Santa Fe Seabrook Simonton Surfside Beach Thompsons Webster West University Place HOUOJ:9l1046 e . APPENDIX Q Municipalities With Pending or To Be Initiated Section 42 Proceedings That Are To Be Appealed To The Conunission and Consolidated With Docket No. 12065 Pursuant To This Agreement , , APPENDIX C Purchased Non-purchased Power-Base Power-Base Rate Reduction S Rate Reduction $ Total S (000) (000) (000) Residential 75,164 24.900 100,064 MGS 42,655 23,700 66,355 LGS 32,653 410 33,063 LOS-A 12,168 1,620 13,788 LOS-B 9,308 1,141 10,449 IS-I 0 1 1 IS-I0 0 1 1 IS- 30 0 121 121 IS-S 0 129 129 TNP 587 1,300 1,887 SPL 277 6,000 6,2771 Wheeling 0 200 200 Standby 0 337 337 Contract Lighting 106 140 246 172.918 60,000 232,918 I HL&P has agreed to reduce the SPL class by an additional 52.2 million. That $2.2 million, which is not reflected on this sheet, is reflected in Appendix D and will not impact any other classes. HOUOJ:9l1046