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This Week in the Missouri PSC: Aug. 30, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Public Service Commission returned Wednesday morning after calling off the previous week’s agenda meeting, but there proved to be little action needed, as only two tariffs and new orders came before the commissioners.

The commission wasted little time to approve the two orders unanimously.

The first of the two concerned a complaint by Michael Brower, alleging that his building should be charged by Branson Cedars Resort Utility Company (BCRU) as a single unit, not two separate units. BCRU argues that under the tariff, it should be considered as two units. The question, then, is left to the PSC to determine and interpret the language of the tariff.

Brower motioned for summary determination, but BCRU argued that Brower did not comply with the requirement “to cite with specificity the facts that support his motion.” And as such, the PSC determined that there is not enough significant facts for the commission to interpret the tariff.

The PSC stated that, without the necessary facts before them to answer how the structure is being used and how other customers are being charged, they cannot make a determination, and denied the motions for summary determination. Both parties are now required to file a procedural schedule in the matter, as the commissioners have deemed an evidentiary hearing to be necessary in the case.

The second order of the day concerned Ameren Missouri’s request for a waiver from the Commission’s regulations related to integrated resource planning (“IRP”), special contemporary issues, and an annual update.

Ameren is asking for a waiver because the company’s next triennial IRP report will overlap the procedures for special contemporary issues and annual updates, which they say will make those procedures unnecessary.

The commission agreed, and the application is granted with a 5-0 vote.

The last item to be heard in the agenda room was an update regarding the PSC’s review of the rules, pursuant to Gov. Eric Greitens’ executive order. The PSC held two public hearings in the matter, and has received 40 comments through various channels. Those comments will now be sent to the Governor’s Office and to the administrator of the website.

Staff did note that three comments had been submitted in other ways, and that they had taken extra steps to ensure that those comments could be made public by making sure the commenters had given their permission. Those comments now head to the Governor’s Office for review.

The PSC’s next agenda meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.