The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Regulatory Bulletin.
TELECOM
Connecticut
In 1996 SNET’s current Alternative Regulation Plan (Alt Reg Plan) was approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. In October 2014, the Authority approved a change of control under which Frontier Communications Corporation purchased from AT&T all of SNET’s capital stock. The Authority now finds that – in light of the change of control and changes in the competitive landscape for telecommunications services since 1996 – a re-examination of SNET’s Alt Reg Plan is warranted. Docket No. 15-04-35 has been opened for that purpose. Motions to intervene are due no later than May 28, 2015.
Maryland
Wow the Governor was busy… signed 350 bills into law on 5/12/15. More details to follow.
ENERGY
Pennsylvania
The PUC announced the launch of its online “Smart Hearing” pilot project, in an effort to make it easier for utility customers to comment on proposed rate increase requests. The first test for live-streamed online hearings will involve the proposed distribution rate changes by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (PPL). The new Smart Hearings will enable residents throughout Pennsylvania to see and hear the testimony being offered without the need to travel in order to attend the hearings in person. During the Smart Hearings, concerned individuals will be able to offer their comments by telephone to be included in the live Internet stream. In-person testimony at the Harrisburg hearing site also will be included, for those who prefer to comment in that manner. For more details, click here.
