The State Senate has tentatively approved a new way for utility bills to be calculated. It allows the Public Service Commission to build in temporary fuel and environmental regulation compliance costs into consumers’ rates. But it gives the Commission power to cap those adjustments and requires utilities to file full-blown rate cases every four years so the PSC can see if the adjustments and other costs are fairly passed on to customers. Sponsor John Grieshiemer says a lot of interests had to compromise on the plan, but it balances the needs of utilities and consumers. Critics say small consumers were not well-enough represented during compromise negotiations. Griesheimer says they had plenty of opportunity to express any misgivings. Another round of voting is needed before the bill goes to the House.
