BEL Disappointed at P.U.C Characterizations

The P.U.C. has accused B.E.L of continuing to flout the law and intentionally ignoring reasonable requests for information. This is language that B.E.L’s representatives say they have taken note of with disappointment and regret.

Leon Westby

Leon Westby, Regulatory Affairs Liaison, B.E.L.

“It was disheartening and it would be discouraging, but as Dawn explained, our leadership is preoccupied with our strategy that’s focused on building out the system to better serve our customers. I also want to address that issue directly regarding that matter about us flouting the law. The law doesn’t specify anything as to the form or the substance of a submission. What we presented to the P.U.C. is what we have typically presented for years in the past, which is simply – because the A.R.P (Annual Review Proceeding) amendment only allows for a rate change as it relates to cost of power variances, nothing else. And what we submitted was exactly that.”

Marion Ali

“How do you respond also to the PUC’s point that they are going to seek to amend the portion of the legislation that governs how you operate and carry out this aspect of the business?”

Dawn Sampson

Dawn Sampson, General Manager, Employee & Corporate Services, B.E.L.

 “Well we don’t see any justification to go to those lengths. Our position is that we did provide the PUC, like Leon said. The request that they made following our submission for certain additional information, it was not unusual, it wasn’t unreasonable. And we provided the information within a reasonable time following the request. So we don’t believe that it’s necessary to go to that extent, but to the extent that the P.U.C’s pursues that, and it actually becomes a reality, the more clarity in the law, the better it is for everyone.”

Marion Ali

“Is it something that you intend to challenge legally?”

Dawn Nunez

“At this point we need to review what all of our options are.”

Marion Ali

“It is being put out there that you’ve made some bad decisions that is costing consumers more in electricity rates, and it’s also being put out there that the PUC is protecting the consumer. What assurances can you as the utility provider give the customer who has heard these remarks, that you also are working with the customers’ best interest at heart?”

Dawn Nunez

“When I say this I speak on behalf of all of our employees. When we come to work in the morning, we have the interest of our customers at heart. And in particular to the dispatchers who are looking at this interview, if you air this part of the interview, I can tell you, when they make those decisions it’s with the interest of the customers at heart.”