Concentric Energy Advisors
The Concentric Connection • March, 2018 www.ceadvisors.com
Concentric Energy Advisors
Solar Rate Design and Bill Impacts

Net energy metering tariffs have accomplished policy-makers’ objective of stimulating rooftop solar installations. This success has led to the need by many states to find a new model that does not result in higher electricity costs for neighbors that do not install solar panels. This “conversation” usually takes place in a hearing room and involves diversity of stakeholders, including the state’s utilities, developers, environmental advocates, ratepayer advocates, and customers – both with and without solar energy systems.

Concentric Energy Advisors (“Concentric”) recently completed an engagement for a municipal utility that was interested in looking at similar issues, but without the constraints imposed by a formal hearing filled with stakeholders looking for an advantage. Our client was looking for the right answer for all of its customers, without the earnings pressures often faced by investor-owned utilities. They were ahead of the curve as solar penetrations are lower than for many other utilities. In addition, although they are required by statute to offer net energy metering, the size of solar facilities is restricted. This utility was eager to support solar to the degree it is desired by customers. However, it wanted to fully understand the impacts of potential solar programs and policies on the utility’s financial health, on customers who have or might adopt solar, as well as on non-solar customers.

Our analysis was data-driven, validating the utility’s current solar penetration by rate class and then identifying typical solar customer types and typical solar facility characteristics. We performed a load research study and used the results to design rates for several alternative proposals including time-of-use rates, customer charges, demand charges for residential and small commercial and industrial customers, and various “value of solar” tariffs. As a final step we estimated bill impacts for each alternative on distinct groups of customers.

Certain results were informative:
– The value of solar (as calculated by Concentric’s market modeling partner, GE Energy) was less than might have been expected, in part because the system design contributed to minimal avoided transmission and distribution costs.
– Solar customers in rate classes for which the majority of costs are recovered through demand and fixed charges would benefit from changes to net metering or an alternative compensation mechanism, given their minimal volumetric charges.
– Deploying more innovative rate design must consider investments in advanced metering and other related technology, both on the utility and customer sides of the meter.

Through this engagement Concentric upgraded its rate design models, methodologies, and expertise in issues related to solar and other DERs. Based on these tools, Concentric is primed to provide similar support to other utilities or other entities in the solar/ DER space.

If you would like more information on solar rate design and bill impacts, please contact Ben Davis at 508.263.6231 or bdavis@ceadvisors.com.

Hire Announcement
Concentric Energy Advisors
Meet Concentric's newest Project Manager, Alexander Cochis

Concentric Energy Advisors (“Concentric”), is pleased to announce the addition of Alexander Cochis as a Project Manager to our team. Mr. Cochis joins Concentric with a wealth of experience in the regulatory field and case strategy and holds degrees in both economics and law.

Alexander Cochis has over seventeen years of energy regulatory and legal experience before state and federal agencies. Mr. Cochis’ broad experience includes gas and electric distribution company rate cases, Federal Power Act proceedings, and rulemakings. He specializes in case strategy, regulatory requirements, and capital replacement programs. As a consultant, Mr. Cochis has experience providing complex project management and client regulatory support across diverse litigated proceedings. His subject matters include Grid Modernization, mergers, gas and electric distribution system accelerated capital replacement plans, specialized cost recovery mechanisms, rate theory, prudence analysis, power purchase agreements, and tariffs.

Prior to joining Concentric, Mr. Cochis worked as a Senior Consultant for Daymark Energy Advisors, an Assistant Attorney General for the Utilities Division of Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and a Civil Litigation Associate at Smith & Brink, PC.

To contact Alexander Cochis, please contact him at 508.263.6297 or acochis@ceadvisors.com.



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The Foster Report Featured Story of the Week
Pipelines Assessing Impact From FERC Tax Orders, With a Lot Yet to be Decided

Much as a natural gas pipeline trade group asserted before FERC tackled the rate implications of the tax reform law, the effects of the rulings appear to be varied among different entities, based on their rates and contracts with shippers.

The rulings could have a major impact for some pipelines and be a non-event for others, with the result determined by the details of contracts and rates known only by the pipelines until they make their informational filings with FERC, sources have indicated.

Prior to FERC issuing the orders on March 15, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) suggested that FERC avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and allow each pipeline to act on any rate adjustments based on their unique circumstances in individual proceedings. The timing of any rate relief is a point of contention with some pipeline shippers, asserting that the regulatory process will drag out and delay any rate reductions associated with lower corporate taxes in pipeline rate structures.



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Careers
Concentric Energy Advisors
Financial Analyst

Join our Team! Concentric is seeking a Financial Analyst that utilizes business, finance, accounting, and analytical skills. If you would like to apply and get more information on this position, please click on the link.



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