HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-0318.SS.MINMINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
March 18, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 1:10 p.m., Civic Center Council Chambers
IN ATTENDANCE:
Councilors Laws, Reid, Hauck, Hagen, and DeBoer were present. Councilor Reed was absent. Staff present
included Paula Brown, Russ Chadick, Barbara Christensen, Mike Freeman, Karen Huckins, Pete Lovrovich,
John McLaughlin, Greg Scoles, Paul Nolte, Derek Severson, Jill Turner and Pat Woods.
Director of Electric Utilities Pete Lovrovich provided a brief overview of his department's Electric Cost of
Service Study. Lovrovich then presented Barbara Sands and Kevin Harper of R.W. Beck, Inc., who explained
the study.
Harper provided information on the study, it's current progress and steps remaining to completion. Explained
that at completion, his finn would provide Council with recommendations regarding rate levels and structures.
Identified issues to be addressed before coming forward with final recommendations.
Noted that he would cover the objectives of the study, the issues facing the Department of Electric Utilities in
light of deregulation, objectives of the rate design process, preliminary results and issues to be dealt with prior
to making actual rate recommendations.
Emphasized that the utility industry is changing, and a world of competition is coming. Noted that this study is
a step in preparing for that eventuality as it will help develop rates to send appropriate signals to customers and
allowing decisions about usage patterns and understanding of pricing relative to usage. Noted further that it
would allow the department to build flexibility into rate design structure to meet competitive pressures and
provide new services. Briefly touched on issues of cross subsidization between classes of customer, and
explained that when the study is complete, R.W. Beck will provide their model to the City so that the
department may complete new studies of this type in the future.
Noted that the study will identify short term issues that need to be dealt with in a three year window. Noted
that deregulation will be likely by that time, and the City's BPA contract will be up for renegotiation. Rates are
thus aimed at a point three years out, with the intention to review them at that time.
Discussed strategic planning, and noted that in a world of competition utilities will not provide bundled services,
but rather will offer different services that may be broken up and rebundled. This study considers costs of
separation, though it recognizes that this will be more of an issue in the future. Stated that unbundling requires
identification of true marginal costs.
Raised issues of funding relative to general fund, presenting a graph based on 1996-97 data actuals. Discussed
revenue sources from central service fee, franchise tax and electric utility user tax.
Provided an example of a typical electric system, which comprises generation, transmission, and distribution.
Explained that each of these elements has associated costs driven by various factors, and that some costs are
based on peak usage and others on total usage. Need to look at driving factors and allocate dollars to rate
classes to develop new rates and get revenues from each class relative to associated costs for that class.
Ashland City Council Study Session Minutes 03-18-98
Noted that the study's purposes were rate stability, equity and efficiency. The study process involved collecting
information; determining revenue requirements and the allocation of costs to specific rate classes; and designing
specific rates for each class.
Discussed instability of hydroelectric costs and fish-related issues at BPA level. Discussion of City's ability to
influence future rates. Lovrovich noted that he has met with BPA and discussed post-2001 prices looking to
future stability. Explained the need to keep in mind that rates shouldn't be reduced now only to be raised at the
worst time when competition comes into the picture in approximately three years.
Compared Ashland's rates to other utilities, noting that they are somewhat above regional averages. Noted that
competitors will need to charge user's tax as well, and this will need to be explained to consumers over the next
three years. Discussion of purpose of study to look at providing service to community not just making money.
Noted that this is not a matter of routine, or an academic exercise, as the study will help in a decision that is
forthcoming.
Barbara Sands discussed the key input assumptions that were made going into the study: that there is a three
year time frame to be looked at, with the possibility of a two year extension; that regulation will continue for a
time; that information to prepare for unbundling is needed; that hydro facility begins in June; that the budget
level for Conservation remains the same; that growth will be around one percent; and that power supply costs
will remain the same. Compared rate revenues to expenses for a historical period from 1996 to 1998 and found
it to be slightly above due to capital expenditures (specifically for hydro and electric related
telecommunications). Suggested that they are looking at an overall decrease of 7.5% in rates. Feels this is
sustainable through 2003. Effect on general fund will be a corresponding reduction of $185,143. Noted that
they had taken into account that Southern Oregon University does not pay users fee and wouldn't effect user tax
paid into the general fund.
Noted that they will bring options back to Council at the Study Session to be held April 22nd. Question raised
concerning Federal efforts to create "solar cities" with Ashland under consideration for this program.
Confirmed that study had not accounted for this, and that there was a need to look at the possible need to
provide matching funds to participate in this program.
ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned at 2:07 p.m.
Submitted by Derek Severson, Assistant to the City Recorder
Ashland City Council Study Session Minutes 03-18-98