Statement of Scope
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
(PSC Docket 1-AC-260)
Relating to: | Standards for Gas Service |
1. Finding/nature of emergency (Emergency Rule only):
N/A
2. Detailed description of the objective of the proposed rule:
The proposed rule would update the existing provisions of Wis. Admin. Code ch. PSC 134 (PSC 134) regarding natural gas meter testing and inspection requirements for diaphragm, rotary, turbine, and ultrasonic meters to reflect current technology. The current provisions within PSC 134 regarding gas meter testing were last updated in 1989 with some meter testing sections last being updated in the 1950s and 1960s. PSC 134 does not represent current technology for gas meter testing. For example, PSC 134 does not address ultrasonic meters, a commercially accepted measuring device that was not widely used the last time PSC 134 was updated.
3. Description of the existing policies relevant to the rule, new policies proposed to be included in the rule, and an analysis of policy alternatives:
The current rules for certain meter gas testing in PSC 134 do not align with current technology and maintenance requirements. The existing rules currently contain requirements for periodic meter testing and maintenance specified in PSC 134.26 through 134.30. This includes accuracy testing directions and intervals for diaphragm, rotary, and turbine meters. The statistical sample testing method and testing for small diaphragm meters has been the practice for over 23 years and is used by all the large natural gas utilities in the state.
Therefore, this rulemaking proposes to update the gas metering sections of PSC 134 to reflect current technology for gas meter testing and allow for consistent requirements for gas metering statewide. This rulemaking will revise PSC 134 to update the current gas metering requirements while adding requirements for meters that have become more prevalent since the last revision of PSC 134. The rulemaking will consider proposed language revisions to update current language for the testing and inspection of diaphragm, rotary, and turbine meters while adding language to address the testing and inspection of ultrasonic meters. 4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
Section 196.02 (1) authorizes the Commission to do all things necessary and convenient to its jurisdiction. Section 196.02 (3) grants the Commission specific authority to promulgate rules. Section 196.16 (1) authorizes the Commission to prescribe reasonable regulations for measurement, examination and testing of services rendered by a public utility. Section 196.16 (2) authorizes the Commission to establish reasonable rules, regulations, specifications, and standards to secure the accuracy of all meters and appliances for measurement of public utility service. Section 227.11 authorizes agencies to promulgate administrative rules. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
The Commission estimates that 200 hours of employee time will be required to develop the rules.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
All public utilities in Wisconsin supplying gas will be impacted by this rule.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
Commission staff are not aware of any existing or proposed federal regulation relevant to this rule.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):
Changes to this rule are anticipated to result in a minimal impact. It may reduce maintenance-related costs for gas utilities.
Cru Stubley
Secretary to the Commission
Date Submitted: April 4th, 2024.
DL: 01983019
