The PSC is holding hearings next week in Madison on WE Energies' rate case. They're proposing significant changes to the commercial demand charge structure, moving from a single peak demand to a multi-peak system. The potential impact on our clients could be huge - either very good or very bad depending on their load profiles. Is anyone planning to attend? It would be great to coordinate our observations and maybe grab dinner afterward to compare notes.
Wisconsin Public Service Commission Hearings - Anyone Attending?
Dan, I'm not in Wisconsin, but we went through something similar with Nashville Electric here in Tennessee two years ago. The multi-peak demand charges can be tricky - they sound consumer-friendly but often result in higher bills for customers with variable loads. Make sure to ask about the averaging methodology they're using. Some utilities use rolling averages that can trap customers in high demand charges even after they reduce consumption.
I wish I could make it to Madison, but I'll be tied up with Xcel hearings here in Minneapolis the same week. Paula's advice about averaging methodology is spot-on. If you get a chance to ask questions, also inquire about any transition periods or grandfathering provisions. Sometimes the best deals are negotiated during implementation rather than fighting the rate structure itself. Good luck with the hearing!