Chapter PSC 185

PSC 185.97(2) (2) Request to administer or fund a voluntary program. A public utility may not administer or fund a voluntary program without commission approval. A public utility may file a request with the commission for authorization to administer or fund one or more voluntary programs within its service area. A utility requesting a voluntary program shall provide all of the following information:

PSC 185.97(2)(a) (a) A description of the proposed program, including the target market, eligible measures, delivery strategy, marketing and communications strategy, incentive strategy, and potential market effects.

PSC 185.97(2)(b) (b) The proposed annual program budget, including administrative costs, and source of funding.

PSC 185.97(2)(c) (c) Annual and multi-year performance targets that are consistent with commission goals and policies.

PSC 185.97(2)(d) (d) A portfolio and program level net cost effectiveness analysis.

PSC 185.97(2)(e) (e) A description of the public utility’s proposed tracking and reporting system.

PSC 185.97(2)(f) (f) A description of the public utility’s proposed evaluation, measurement, and verification plan.

PSC 185.97(2)(g) (g) A description of how the public utility will coordinate its voluntary program with any statewide water conservation program, including any requirements contained in ch. NR 852.

PSC 185.97(2)(h) (h) Any other information the commission requests.

PSC 185.97(3) (3) Approval of voluntary program.

PSC 185.97(3)(a) (a) The commission shall consider each of the following when deciding whether to approve a voluntary program:

PSC 185.97(3)(a)1. 1. Whether the program is in the public interest.

PSC 185.97(3)(a)2. 2. The likelihood the public utility will achieve its program goals.

PSC 185.97(3)(a)3. 3. The inclusion of appropriate water conservation measures.

PSC 185.97(3)(a)4. 4. The adequacy of the proposed budget.

PSC 185.97(3)(a)5. 5. The net cost effectiveness of the program.

PSC 185.97(3)(a)6. 6. The adequacy of the public utility’s evaluation, measurement, and verification plan.

PSC 185.97(3)(a)7. 7. The level of coordination with any statewide water conservation program, including any requirements contained in ch. NR 852.

PSC 185.97(3)(b) (b) Unless the voluntary program is included in a general rate proceeding, the commission shall issue its decision to approve, deny, or modify a proposed voluntary program in writing within 40 working days after receiving the proposal. If the commission denies or modifies a proposed voluntary program it shall explain its reasons for the denial or modification. If the commission denies a voluntary program, the public utility may revise and resubmit a request for approval of a voluntary program at any time.

PSC 185.97(4) (4) Modifying or discontinuing a voluntary program. A public utility may request that the commission authorize the modification or discontinuation of a voluntary program at any time. A public utility may not modify or discontinue a voluntary program without commission approval.

PSC 185.97(5) (5) Return of funds. The commission may require a public utility to return any unspent funds collected for a voluntary program approved under this section to its ratepayers.

PSC 185.97(6) (6) Annual reports. A public utility receiving commission approval for a voluntary program under this section shall submit an annual report to the commission no later than April 1 following the covered year. The report shall include all of the following:

PSC 185.97(6)(a) (a) A summary of program activities in the previous calendar year.

PSC 185.97(6)(b) (b) An itemized accounting of administrative and program costs.

PSC 185.97(6)(c) (c) The program balance or deficit at the end of the year.

PSC 185.97(6)(d) (d) Estimated water savings attributable to the program, by customer class.

PSC 185.97(6)(e) (e) The number of customers receiving rebates or other incentives.

PSC 185.97(6)(f) (f) Estimated non-water benefits, including energy savings.

PSC 185.97(6)(g) (g) Other performance metrics identified by the public utility.

PSC 185.97(6)(h) (h) Any other information requested by the commission.

PSC 185.97(7) (7) Audits and verification. The commission may conduct an audit, or contract with an independent third-party evaluator to conduct an audit, to verify the performance of a public utility’s voluntary program. The public utility shall pay for the costs of the evaluation, as determined by the commission.

PSC 185.97 History History: CR 11-039: cr. Register July 2012 No. 679, eff. 8-1-12; (7) renum. from (6) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register July 2012 No. 679.