HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/15/2011 - PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO.DATE: November 15, 2011
STAFF: Brian Janonis
Patty Bigner, Bill Switzer
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 31
SUBJECT
Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 166, 2011, Amending Chapter 26 of the City Code to Revise
Electric Rates, Fees and Charges. (Option A or Option B)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff has prepared two Residential Energy Rate Options for Council consideration. This electric rate is used to bill
about 55,000 residential customers. Option A is a seasonal rate form, Option B is a three-tiered seasonal rate. Both
options increase the residential energy rate by an average of 6% over the current 2011 rate, however, the increase
varies by season and customer usage. Both options are proposed to be effective for billings with meter reading dates
on or after February 1, 2012.
In three City Council work sessions, staff presented electric rate design principles, four residential rate options, a
change to the residential demand rate and a pilot Time of Use rate for electric vehicles. At the September 13 Work
Session, City Council also discussed a change to the General Service (GS) or commercial rate proposed by staff that
will result in two rate classes, a GS (up to 25 kW) and GS 25 (25 – 50 kW). With the exception of proposed changes
to the residential electric rate structure, these changes were adopted by Council on Second Reading November 1,
2011, along with proposed rate increases.
At the October 11, 2011 Work Session, Council further reviewed four residential electric rate options and answers
provided by staff. Based on feedback from this work session, two rate ordinances have been drafted for Council
consideration and public notification has been completed.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Approximately 55,020 residential customers comprise this rate class. These customers include single-family dwellings,
individually metered apartments and home occupations. This rate class also includes a small group (220) of multi-
family customers with a single meter. Seventeen of these customers occupy four-plex or larger units.
As noted above, City Council has discussed options for changes to the electric rate structure at three previous work
sessions. Previous presentations and discussions have included information about national trends related to utility
rate structures, comparisons of City of Fort Collins rates compared to other utilities within Colorado and nationally,
customer rate impacts on various levels of use, potential for impacts on low-income customers, expected customer
response (price elasticity) and impacts on the distribution system.
Based on City Council discussion, staff and consultants from SAIC have prepared background information on the two
options.
The current electric rate (single tier) has three components: (1) a fixed charge, the monthly charge that recovers the
cost of metering, billing, collecting and providing customer service, and all other customer-related costs; (2) a
distribution facilities charge that recovers the cost of distribution substations, poles, wires, conductors, and
transformers required to deliver power to customers, applied on a $/Kilowatt Hour (kWH or unit of electricity) basis;
and (3) an energy charge that recovers the cost of fuel, purchased power, and all other variable costs associated with
the production of electricity. The energy charge includes both energy and demand components of purchase power.
This energy charge currently does not vary based on the season or the amount of electricity used by the customer.
Through the end of 2011, the fixed charge is $3.91/bill (month); the distribution/facilities charge is $0.0220 per kWh;
and the energy charge is $0.0532 per kWh. Based on the current tier structure, the 6% rate increases adopted
November 1, 2011 and effective January 1, 2012, these charges would be: fixed charge, $4.48/bill;
distribution/facilities charge, $0.0252/kWh; and energy charge, $0.0540/kWH. These charges are shown for
comparison only and are not among the proposed options.
November 15, 2011 -2- ITEM 31
Option A, Seasonal Rate
Option A, the Seasonal Rate structure, changes the current single tier or flat structure to a rate structure that results
in a higher rate per kWH in the summer months of June, July and August. This structure mirrors the rate structure
adopted by Platte River Power Authority (PRPA), the City’s wholesale electric provider, and passes through the price
charged by PRPA to residential customers.
If adopted, Option A will have a fixed charge of $4.48/bill; and a distribution/facilities charge of 0.0256/kWh. During
the summer season billing months of June, July and August, the energy charge will be $0.0640/ kWh. During the non-
summer season billing months of January through May and September through December, the energy charge will be
$0.0506/kWH. As provided in the Ordinance(Option A), the meter reading date will generally determine the summer
season billing months; however, no customer shall be billed more than three (3) full billing cycles at the summer rates.
Option A, the Seasonal Rate, is consistent with the current practice of directly passing through PRPA costs to
customers. Seasonal rates also are a simple time of use rate. A potential advantage of seasonal rates, in addition
to recovering costs, may be a reduction in overall electricity demand during the summer months due to reduced use
of air conditioning (in response to higher priced electricity during that period). A simple time of use rate may also serve
as a step toward a more standard or traditional time of use rate that will be available by 2014, once the City’s
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program is completed and residential customers have an advanced meter.
Data from AMI meters could then be used to determine an appropriate time-of-use residential rate. A disadvantage
of the Seasonal Rate is that it is a more limited price signal during the non-summer months, resulting in a weak
conservation signal to customers. Although it is not as complex as Option B, the Seasonal Rate is a shift from the
current single tier rate structure and robust customer communication is planned for early 2012 with additional outreach
prior to the summer months.
Option A is planned to increase revenue from the Residential Energy Rate by 6%, which is consistent with the
projected increased revenue requirement for this customer class. The average increase will be 16.8% in the three
summer months and 2% in the non-summer months.
Option B, Seasonal, Three-tier Rate
Option B, the Seasonal Three-tier rate combines the rate recovery aspect of the Seasonal Rate with an inclining block
or tiered rate structure. If adopted, Option B will have the same fixed charge of $4.48/bill; and distribution/facilities
charge of 0.0256/kWh as Option A, the Seasonal Rate. The inclining blocks or tiers will differ in the summer months
of June, July and August from the remaining months of the year.
1. During the summer season billing months of June, July and August, the energy charge per kWH will be tiered
with the following charges:
a. for the first 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour: $0.0531.
b. for the next 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour: $0.0689.
c. for all additional kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour: $0.1005.
As with the proposed Seasonal Rate, the meter reading date will generally determine the summer season
billing months; however, no customer shall be billed more than three (3) full billing cycles at the summer rates.
2. During the non-summer season billing months of January through May and September through December,
the energy charge per kWH will be tiered with the following charges:
a. For the first 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour: $0.0482.
b. For the next 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour: $0.0520.
c. For all additional kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour: $0.0603.
Option B, the Seasonal Three-tiered rate, retains the cost recovery benefits of the Seasonal rate, passing through
costs from PRPA to the customer. It also sends a strong signal to large users of electricity to incentivize conservation,
and with the seasonal component, serve as a step toward further implementation of a time-of-use rate, once the City’s
AMI project has been completed. The rate is more complex and significantly different from the current single tier rate
structure. As a result, communication to all customers will be important throughout the year, with emphasis on the
summer months.
November 15, 2011 -3- ITEM 31
Option B also is planned to increase revenue from the Residential Energy Rate by 6%, similar to Option A above. The
average increase will be 16.8% in the three summer months and 2% in the nine non-summer months. With this option,
customer that use more than 700kWh monthly will see larger percentage increases than most customers who use less
than average.
Future Time-of-Use Rates
With the implementation of the Advanced Meter Fort Collins project underway, the amount of information available from
the new meters will improve the ability of the City’s electric customers to understand when and how much electricity
is being used in significantly greater detail, opening the door for a more efficient pricing signal. Installation of the
advanced water and electric meters is expected to be completed by mid-2013. Once completed and supporting time-
of-day data has been gathered and analyzed, progression to time-of-day pricing (with or without tiers) can be
implemented utilizing the new information. As discussed at the October 13 Work Session, staff is planning to develop
and recommend a pilot time-of-use rate specifically targeted to plug-in electric vehicle owners in 2012.
Conclusion
As discussed in previous meetings, the City’s utility rates are designed to generate the revenue needed for operations,
capital requirements, and the purchase of electricity from PRPA. As a municipal utility, rates are not designed to
recover revenue above current requirements. This is sometimes referred to as a zero-sum strategy. Regardless of
the structure of the rate, the utility does not design a rate to generate a profit.
The proposed rate changes are designed to assist in achieving City Council goals and support customer choice in
behavior related to their use of energy . These changes remain true to the City’s long-held values of fairness,
equitability and financial responsibility. As mentioned above, staff anticipates the need for a robust communications
to support the implementation of the new residential rate forms, beyond the annual rate increase communication. Final
planning will be developed once the rate option is chosen.
FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Both options are designed to increase revenues from the Residential Energy Rate by 6%. When combined with the
Residential Demand and commercial rate increases approved by Council on November 1, 2011 total Light and Power
operating revenues are planned to increase 8.3%.
Residential Energy customers will experience an average increase of 6%, however, the impact of Option B will be
much higher for larger users and will be higher in the three summer months. The Utilities provides many programs
to assist our customers to reduce their energy usage and thereby reduce their monthly electric bill.
Proposed changes to the Residential Energy Rate are designed to be revenue neutral. Since the change to rate
structure is likely to have a customer response, over or under collection of revenue will be evaluated each year and
incorporated into any needed rate changes on an annual basis. The option adopted by City Council will determine
individual customer impacts. Because there is a new Seasonal component to the rate structure, financial impacts on
customers will be greatest in the three summer months. If the Seasonal Three-tier rate is adopted, financial impacts
will be greatest on large electricity users, especially in the summer months.
In some cases, customers generally use less electricity and do not have air conditioned homes or use their air
conditioner in the summer. This group of low users may experience minimal impact to their monthly bills from a
changed rate structure. Customers may choose to conserve electricity by changing their use of electricity (adjusting
the thermostat up or down, turning off lights, etc) or by implementing efficiency measures such as insulation, high
efficiency appliances. The City offers a variety of conservation and efficiency programs to help customers reduce their
electricity use and may help lower bills.
Financial impacts on low income customers are also a consideration. Existing programs that assist this group of
customers will be expanded in 2012, including an expanded efficiency financing program.
November 15, 2011 -4- ITEM 31
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Overall reduction in electricity use, whether from conservation of energy efficiency measures result in reduced
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel generation. As noted previously, tiered rate structures are used
designed to help lower overall electricity use, especially among large users. A seasonal rate may result in less
electricity use in the summer months, but does not provide a strong conservation message during the rest of the year.
Customer response to the new rate structure will determine the impact of reducing electricity use and overall
environmental impacts from generation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of Option B of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The City’s Electric Board provided a letter outlining their conclusions related to electric rate options (Attachment 5).
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Staff has completed required public notification. Public Outreach includes a Coloradoan notice to out-of-city electric
customers, published on Sunday, October 30, 2011. Postcard notification to out-of-city electric customers was mailed
the week of October 30, 2011.
Typically, more information about rate increases is included in the Utilities end of year letter to customers. Since the
letter will be published prior to adoption of the residential energy rate ordinance, customer communication to residential
customers will be delayed to the end of the year. Communication will continue throughout 2012 as needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. May 10, 2011 Work Session Summary
2. September 13, 2011 Work Session Summary
3. October 11, 2011 Work Session Summary
4. Electric Board Memo on Electric Rate Options
5. Powerpoint presentation
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
700 Wood Street
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6700
970.221.6619 – fax
970.224.6003 – TDD
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
Memorandum
Date: May 13, 2011
To: City Council
Thru: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
From: Patty Bigner, Utilities Customer and Employee Relations Manager
Re Work Session Summary – May 10, 2011 re: Rate Design Philosophy
All City Council members were present except Aislinn Kottwitz. Utilities Executive Director Brian
Janonis provided introductions and background on the need for financial strategy and the
development of the Financial Strategy and Rate Design Philosophy. Staff answering questions
included Steve Catanach and Patty Bigner. SAIC Consultant Joe Mancinelli provided a brief
presentation on industry trends, emerging technology and its impact on rate design. In addition, SAIC
consultant Scott Burnham previously taped a more comprehensive presentation on the details of the
philosophy.
City Council generally supported the approach proposed by staff and offered some suggested edits to
the document. Council wanted to see how the principles and objectives would be applied to rate
forms before considering adoption of the Rate Design Philosophy.
Other requests for follow-up include:
1. Maps that show boundaries for the four City utilities (this item needs to be compiled - follow-
up in separate memo)
2. Comparison of Fort Collins rates to the rest of the state and country to provide context (this
item needs to be compiled - follow-up in separate memo)
3. Application of the rate design philosophy to current rate structures (same as number 1 & 2 –
follow-up in separate memo)
4. Describe staff’s vision of what the electric utility of the future might look like (this item will
be covered at the Advanced Meter Infrastructure City Council Work Session on June14,
2011.)
ATTACHMENT 1
Utilities
City
of
electric. stormwater. wastewater water
700 Wood Street
Fort
CoLLins
970 224 6003 TDD
utilities @fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
Memorandum
Date: September 15, 2011
To: City Councilmembers
Thru: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
From: Patty Bigner, Utilities Customer and Employee Relations Manager
Re Work Session Summary (Partial) — September 13, 2011 Electric Rate Options
All City Councilmembers were present. Utilities Executive Director Brian Janonis provided
introductions and noted that the consideration of a change to the electric rate form is unprecedented
in the history of the Light and Power Utility. Presentations were provided by Patty Bigner and SAIC
consLiltant Joe Mancinelli. Staff answering questions included Bill Switzer, Steve Catanachm and
Patty Bigner. SAIC consultant Joe Mancinelli provided a brief presentation on industry trends and
response to those trends by utilities across the country, with specific information on electric rates,
customer assistance, time of use rates, and special programs for electric vehicles.
The residential energy rate options proposed for Council discussion included:
• Single Tier (current rate structure)
• Seasonal (Platte River Power Authority IPRPA] pass-through)
• Three Tier
• Five Tier
Staff also proposed phasing out the Residential Demand Rate and suggested limiting the rate to
residential customers who could provide documentation of total electric residence (no natural
gas).
One change to the rate form is proposed for the commercial rate classes. As noted in the Agenda
Item Summary, the proposed change to the General Service (GS) or commercial rate class would
more accurately reflect electric use of this diverse group of customers. This change would create
a fourth commercial rate class to include the lower end of the mid-sized commercial customers
by splitting the GS customer class into two customer classes, GS and GS 25.
ATTACHMENT 2
Fort City of CoLLins
Examples of customers in the proposed GS customer class include housing services for condos
and apartments (lights, laundry, etc.); small retail; professional offices; non-profit agencies: and
small churches. The proposed GS 25 customer class includes fast loud restaurants, medium-
sized churches, restaurants, larger retail, fraternity and sorority houses, convenience stores, copy
centers and banks.
The remaining large commercial industrial rates will remain in the coincident peak form hut with
a seasonal adjustment.
Questions for City Council included:
Residential Rate Options
I. Of the four proposed rate options for the residential energy rate, which specific option is
preferred’?
2. Does City Council support the proposed change to the residential demand rate’?
Commercial Rate Options
1. Does City Council support the proposed change that would create an additional rate class
from the existing General Service rate class?
Questions from Councilmembers primarily focused on aspects of the residential energy rate, its
merits in addressing carbon reduction and energy efficiency goals, and its impacts on customers
as well as the perceived value or lack of value to the system (generation, transmission and
distribution). Other questions focused on the impacts to customers related to size of households
and square footage of homes, number and type of appliances, and electricity use associated with
lifestyle (home office or other differences).
City Council requested additional information:
1. Assumptions related to elasticity (in plain English) — what kind of impact can he
expected’? What is the corresponding carbon reduction’?
2. Are the options designed to he revenue neutral? If demand and energy are reduced, the
purchase power requirements will also be reduced lowering overall revenue
requirements.
3. Provide more context on system impacts. How might the tiered rates affect shifts in
demand which may have a negative impact on the overall load’?
4. Provide more data on the monthly variation in bill impacts, including the typical variation
in monthly use.
5. Provide sample (8 to 10) scenarios of year-round use and the price impacts of the options.
Examples: Large users with no air conditioning (AC), large users with AC, small users
with AC, small users without AC, etc.
Changes to the Residential Demand Rate and the Commercial General Service Rate were
discussed and generally seemed acceptable. Councilmembers had a number of unresolved
questions regarding the Residential Energy Rate and requested a follow-up Work Session, now
scheduled for Oct. II, 2011. Councilmembers recognized that the schedule for implementation
City of
Fort
Collins
of
the
rate,
if
it is
changed,
will
be
delayed
beyond January
1,2012.
Typically,
rate
changes
occur
with
the
first
meter
reading
of
the
new
year.
Staff
plans
to
move
forward
with rate
changes
with
the
exception
of
the
Residential
Energy
Rate.
Rate
ordinances
for
the
Residential Demand,
GS,
GS
25,
GS
50
and
GS
750
rate
classes
will
be
discussed
Memorandum
Date: October 14, 2011
To: City Councilmembers
Thru: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
From: Patty Bigner, Utilities Customer and Employee Relations Manager
Re: Work Session— October 11, 2011 Electric Rate Options, Energy Efficiency and
Conservation
All City Councilmembers were present. Utilities Executive Director Brian Janonis provided
introductions and a short presentation on the background of the Electric Residential Energy Rate
Options being discussed by City Council and an overview of the responses to questions from
Councilmembers at the September 13, 2011 Work Session. Energy Services Manager John
Phelan provided an overview of the history, programs and results of the City’s Energy Efficiency
and Conservation programs, including Water Conservation. Staff answering questions included
Brian Janonis, John Phelan, Patty Bigner and SAIC consultant Joe Mancinelli.
The residential energy rate options proposed for Council discussion included:
• Single Tier (current rate structure)
• Seasonal (Platte River Power Authority [PRPA] pass-through)
• Three-Tier
• Five-Tier
Questions for City Council included:
1. Has sufficient information been provided to support City Council’s decision to adopt
a residential energy rate ordinance with one of the four options?
2. Which of the four options proposed for consideration does City Council prefer for
implementation?
Councilmembers requested that two residential energy rate ordinances be prepared for
consideration at the November 15, 2011, one for the seasonal electric rate option and a second
for the seasonal 3-tier electric rate. If adopted by Council, the new residential energy rate will be
effective February 1, 2012. No further questions were asked of staff.
ATTACHMENT 3
Next Steps
At the September 13, 2011, staff also proposed phasing out the Residential Demand Rate and
suggested limiting the rate toresidential customers who could provide documentation of total
electric residence (no naturalgas). An additional commercial rate class is recommended. This
change to the General Service (GS) or small commercial rate class wouldmore accurately reflect
electric use of this diverse group of small business customers. This change would create afourth
commercial rate class to include the lower end of the mid-sized commercial customers
bysplitting the GS customer class into two customer classes, GS (energy only) and GS 25
(energy-demand). A seasonal rate structure is recommended for all rate classes. Electric rates
would increase 8.3% on average. These changes (exclusive of the Residential Energy rate
options) will be considered by City Council at the October 18, 2011 regular meeting.
1. Staff plans to move forward with the above rate changes with the exception of the
Residential Energy Rate. Rate ordinances for the Residential Demand, GS, GS 25, GS 50
and GS 750 rate classes and proposed changes to water and wastewater rates will be
discussed at the City Council Finance Committee on October 17, 2011.
2. Public notification for the rate ordinances above began October 1, 2011 per Public Utility
(PUC) requirements.
3. These ordinances will be considered by City Council at first reading
October 18, 2011. Second reading is scheduled for November 1, 2011. (without changes
to the Residential Energy Rate)
4. Public notification for consideration of the Residential Energy Rate options begins
November 1, 2011 per PUC requirements.
5. City Council considers two options for Residential Energy Rate on November 15 and
December 6, 2011.
6. 2012 rates become effective January 1, 2012 for all rates other than the Residential
Energy Rate.
7. Residential Energy Rate will be effective February 1, 2012.
Utilities —Electric Board
City of 700 Wood St.
Fort CoLLins P0 Fort Box Collins, 580 CO 80522
974i6208 fax
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 8, 2011
TO: Mayor Weitkunat and Councilmembers
FROM: Steve Wolley, Chairperson on behalf of the Fort Collins Electric Board
SUBJECT: Proposed Electric Utility Rate Structures
EC: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director
Patty Bigner, Customer and Employee Relations Manager
Steve Catanach, Light and Power Operations Manager
Electric Board
At the August 3 Electric Board meeting, Utilities staff and representatives from their consulting
team, SAIC (an R.W. Beck company) met with the Electric Board for more than three hours to
review findings related to proposed electric service rate structures for commercial and residential
customers. Board members engaged Utilities staff in a deep and broad-ranging discussion,
testing whether the analyses and conclusions presented to the Board:
1) Met the original intent of the study;
2) Covered all known risks and impacts; and
3) Would result in a rate structure that favorably drives the City’s Energy Policy and
financial requirements.
In the end, the Electric Board found the findings to be complete and the Utilities leadership has
prepared well for the challenges it will face over the course of the next several years, starting in
2012 and continuing past the rollout of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in mid-to-late
2013.
The Electric Board commends the Utilities leadership and SAIC teams on the thoroughness and
the quality of the study.
The Electric Board makes the following additional observations and recommendations:
1. The data and analyses are complex. Decision-makers should set aside ample time to
review the rate structure analysis.
Utilities leadership and their consultants have a very thorough understanding of several rate
structures and their impacts on both the Utility’s economic viability and impact to the broad
spectrum of their customers. Rate structure data was presented in several tables and graphs.
ATTACHMENT 4
Ft0oLLins
It may take multiple hours for decision-makers to review and comprehend the analysis.
2. Decision makers should evaluate the impact of rate structure options on related City
goals.
The Electric Board also viewed information regarding how each rate type will perform
against stated City values and goals. The Electric Board recommends that decision-makers
use this information when discussing rate structLlres.
3. The new AMI infrastructure will be a valuable tool for shaping second or third-
generation rate changes, especially rate structures that employ a Time-of-Use (TOU)
model.
AMI will provide extensive insight into Fort Collins’ customer usage patterns and demand
elasticity, enabling an entire new level of understanding of grid and customer behavior.
When the data becomes available, thoughtful analysis of this new data set will provide
invaluable insight into the effectiveness of second or third-generation rate structures. The
Electric Board believes that future TOU rate strLlctures should be shaped by analysis of this
data when it becomes available.
4. Exercise considerable caution when finalizing the planned rollout of the phased rate
changes.
Utilities staff and SAIC understand the potential unfavorable impact of implementing
sequential i-ate changes over a period of years. To manage this risk and impact, Utilities
plans call for applying the concept of “gradualism”. The Electric Board fully supports the
use of gradualism. It is worth noting that board members are united in their concern that
successive and complex i-ate changes may still generate elevated and counterproductive
levels of concern in the community. Evidence from the industry provides examples of rate
structure changes that have met their goals and others that have been received badly by
customers.
Fort Collins Light and Power is well positioned to move ahead. Should you have any questions
regarding this topic, please feel free to contact us for further clarification.
1
1
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC RATE
OPTIONS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 15, 2011
2
Development of Electric Rate Options
• Staff drafted Financial Strategy and Rate Design Principles
to serve as foundation for future rate design – May 10, 2011
Work Session
• Electric Rate Alternatives discussed with Electric Board and
City Council Finance Committee
• September 13th Work Session on four electric rate options;
change to residential electric demand rate; change to
current commercial (General Service) rate
• October 11th Work Session to provide additional background
and answer questions on residential electric rate options;
presentation on conservation and efficiency
ATTACHMENT 5
2
3
Development of Electric Rate Options
• Outcome of October 11, 2011 Work Session:
Prepare two ordinances for City Council
consideration
– Option A – Seasonal Rate
– Option B – Seasonal Three–Tiered rate
4
Rationale for changes to Existing Rate
Structure
• Align Rates with Policy
• Energy Policy
• Climate Action Plan
• Reduce Consumption
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation
• Avoid Future Capital Costs
• Pass through Platte River Power Authority Seasonal
Rate in 2012
• Meet increased revenue requirements
• Allocate costs equitably
• Options are revenue neutral – not designed to generate excess
revenue
3
5
Proposed Electric Rate Alternatives
• Two Options
– Option A, Seasonal Rate (PRPA Pass
Through)
– Option B, Seasonal Three-Tier Rate
• Rate structure options incorporate rate increases
adopted November 1, 2011
• New Residential Rate Option effective February 1,
2012
6
Option A, Seasonal Rate
• Charge per Kilowatt Hour (kWh) higher in summer
months of June, July, August
• Passes through seasonal charge from Platte
River Power Authority
• Generates needed revenue to meet Utilities costs
• Simple time of use rate
• Weaker conservation message during the winter
months
4
7
Option A, Seasonal Rate
23,877
46,131
67,267
76,559 74,925
68,003
58,309
47,721
37,865
29,993
42,169
26,392
9,253 7,293
10,533
6,936 6,301
3,549 2,454 3,469
‐
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
‐10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Annual Number of Bills
Percentage Change from Current Bill
Monthly Energy Per Bill (kWh)
Number of Bills
Current Rate
Summer % Change
Non Summer %
Change
Annual % Change
8
Option B, Seasonal Three-Tier Rate
• Energy Charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) increases
in three blocks of energy use
– 0 – 500 kWh
– 501 – 1000 kWh
– Above 1000 kWh
• Charge per kWh higher in summer months of
June, July, August
• Average use in non-summer months is 656 kWh
• Average use in summer months is 710 kWh
5
9
Option B, Three-Tier Rate
23,877
46,131
67,267
76,559 74,925
68,003
58,309
47,721
37,865
29,993
42,169
26,392
9,253 7,293
10,533
6,936 6,301
3,549 2,454 3,469
‐
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
‐10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Annual Number of Bills
Percentage Change from Current Bill
Monthly Energy Per Bill (kWh)
Number of Bills
Current Rate
Summer % Change
Non Summer % Change
Annual % Change
10
Option B, Seasonal Three-Tier Rate
• Passes through seasonal charge from Platte
River Power Authority
• Generates needed revenue to meet Utilities costs
• Incorporates a simple time-of-use rate (seasonal)
• Provides a strong conservation message to large
users of electricity, increased in the summer
months
6
11
Comparison of the Two Rate Options
Option A Option B
Seasonal Three-Tier
Rate Rate
Fixed Charge ($/Bill) $4.48 $4.48
Distribution Facilities Charge ($/kWh) $0.0256 $0.0256
Total Energy Charge (energy and demand)
Summer* ($/kWh) – June, July & Aug
Tier 1 [1-500 kWh] $0.0640 $0.0531
Tier 2 [501-1000 kWh] $0.0689
Tier 3 [1001kWh and higher] $0.1005
Non-Summer ($/kWh)
Tier 1 [1-500 kWh] $0.0506 $0.0482
Tier 2 [501-1000 kWh] $0.0520
Tier 3 [1001kWh and higher] $0.0603
12
Comparison of the Two Rate Options –
Selected Customers
Selected
House
Square
Feet
# of
Occupants A/C
Annual
Average
(kWh)
Highest
Winter
Usage
(kWh)
Highest
Summer
Usage
(kWh)
A 4,242 2 Yes 633 851 726
B 3,306 4 Yes 1,692 3,026 1,762
C 3,000 3 Yes 928 1,075 1,485
D 2,980 7 No 641 915 594
E 2,850 2 Yes 567 876 650
F 2,700 4 Yes 654 566 1,112
G 2,621 2 Yes 482 615 644
H 2,600 2 Yes 803 1,057 1,137
I 2,500 4 Yes 362 508 406
J 2,275 2 No 507 524 625
K 2,000 2 No 606 1,391 474
7
13
Comparison of the Two Rate Options –
Selected Customers
2011 Option A - Seasonal Option B - 3-Tier
Selected
House
Average
Monthly
Bill % Difference
Monthly
Increase % Difference
Monthly
Increase
A $ 51.17 5.88% $ 3.01 1.92% $ 0.98
B $ 126.41 5.29% $ 6.69 11.98% $ 15.14
C $ 85.00 5.51% $ 4.68 6.79% $ 5.77
D $ 50.67 5.09% $ 2.58 1.05% $ 0.53
E $ 45.58 6.13% $ 2.79 1.51% $ 0.69
F $ 51.67 7.83% $ 4.05 4.86% $ 2.51
G $ 44.25 5.63% $ 2.49 0.97% $ 0.43
H $ 70.58 5.72% $ 4.04 4.46% $ 3.15
I $ 30.83 6.22% $ 1.92 0.79% $ 0.24
J $ 42.25 6.22% $ 2.63 1.01% $ 0.43
K $ 47.83 4.78% $ 2.29 1.28% $ 0.61
14
Thank you.
OPTION A
SEASONAL RATE
ORDINANCE NO. 166, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 26
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TO REVISE ELECTRIC RATES, FEES AND CHARGES
WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered and directed by Article XII, Section 6, of the
City Charter to fix, establish, maintain and provide for the collection of such rates, fees or charges
for utility services furnished by the City as will produce revenues sufficient to pay the costs,
expenses and other obligations of the electric utility, as set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, Platte River Power Authority costs are increasing due to reduced surplus sales,
increased operating costs for aging plants and environmental mitigation, increased natural gas
expenses for peaking plants, increased financing costs, and continuing capital investment; and
WHEREAS, Platte River Power Authority will increase the City’s wholesale cost of power
approximately 6.4% in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the revenues in the Light and Power Fund have not been sufficient to fund
capital projects and system replacements and reserves have been utilized to make up for the
shortfall; and
WHEREAS, the reduction in reserves was accelerated due to reductions in interest revenue
and development fee revenue; and
WHEREAS, without additional rate increases, reserves are projected to fall below minimum
policy levels as early as 2013; and
WHEREAS, a 6% rate increase to the residential energy service rate will adequately fund
additional purchase power and the necessary capital improvements and system replacements and
stem the decline in reserves; and
WHEREAS, City Council desires to enact rate structures to encourage additional energy
conservation measures in order to meet Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan goals; and
WHEREAS, the proposed rate structure will change the current flat rate structure into a
seasonal rate structure that results in a higher rate per kilowatt hour in the summer months; and
WHEREAS, the proposed increases are to be effective on all billings issued with meter
readings on or after February 1, 2012; and
WHEREAS, based on the foregoing, it is the desire of the City Council to amend Chapter
26 of the City Code to revise the residential energy rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That Sections 26-464(c), (j) and (o) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins
are hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26-464. Residential energy service, schedule R.
. . .
(c) Monthly rate. The monthly rates for this schedule are as follows:
(1) Ffixed charge, per account: Three dollars and ninety-one four dollars
and forty-eight cents ($3.914.48).
(2) Demand charge, per kilowatt-hour: Two and eighty-four one-
hundredths cents ($0.0284).
(32)Ddistribution facilities charge, per kilowatt-hour: Two two and twenty
one-fifty-six hundredths cents ($0.02200.0256).
(43)Eenergy and demand charge, per kilowatt-hour: during the summer
season billing months of June, July and August, with the summer
season billing month determined by the month the meter is read, and
provided that no customer shall be billed more than three (3) full billing
cycles as summer season billing. The energy and demand charge shall
be: Two and forty-eight one-hundredths cents ($0.0248). six and forty
one-hundreds cents ($0.0640) per kilowatt hour.
(4) energy and demand charge, during the non-summer season billing
months of January through May and September through December: five
and six one-hundredths cents ($0.0506) per kilowatt hour.
(5) Iin lieu of taxes and franchise: a charge at the rate of six and zero-tenths
(6.0) percent of all monthly service charges billed pursuant to this
Section.
. . .
(j) Parallel generation. Operation or connection of any electric generator in
parallel with the utility system is not permitted under this schedule unless authorized by
the General Manager. See appropriate alternate schedules for this service. The credit for
the energy delivered to the electric utility under this provision shall be provided at
applicable Platte River Power Authority avoided cost rates. If a customer is receiving
-2-
net metering service, such customer's service shall also be governed by the net metering
service terms and conditions described in Subsection (o) below.
. . .
(o) Net metering.
. . .
(5) The customer-generator's consumption of energy from the utility shall
be measured on a monthly basis and, in the event that the qualifying
facility has produced more electricity than the customer-generator has
consumed, the customer-generator shall receive a monthly credit for
such production. During the second calendar quarter of each year, the
customer-generator shall receive payment for the net excess generation
accrued for the preceding twelve (12) months. The credit per kilowatt
hour for the energy delivered to the electric utility under this provision
shall be provided at the summer season energy charge as specified in
Subsection (c).
Section 2. That the amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code contained herein shall go
into effect for all bills issued based on meter readings on or after February 1, 2012.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 15th day of
November, A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 6th day of December, A.D. 2011.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 6th day of December, A.D. 2011.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
-3-
OPTION B
TIERED RATE
ORDINANCE NO. 166, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 26
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TO REVISE ELECTRIC RATES, FEES AND CHARGES
WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered and directed by Article XII, Section 6, of the
City Charter to fix, establish, maintain and provide for the collection of such rates, fees or
charges for utility services furnished by the City as will produce revenues sufficient to pay the
costs, expenses and other obligations of the electric utility, as set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, Platte River Power Authority costs are increasing due to reduced surplus
sales, increased operating costs for aging plants and environmental mitigation, increased natural
gas expenses for peaking plants, increased financing costs, and continuing capital investment;
and
WHEREAS, Platte River Power Authority will increase the City’s wholesale cost of
power approximately 6.4% in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the revenues in the Light and Power Fund have not been sufficient to fund
capital projects and system replacements and reserves have been utilized to make up for the
shortfall; and
WHEREAS, the reduction in reserves was accelerated due to reductions in interest
revenue and development fee revenue; and
WHEREAS, without additional rate increases, reserves are projected to fall below
minimum policy levels as early as 2013; and
WHEREAS, a 6% rate increase to the residential energy service rate will adequately fund
additional purchase power and the necessary capital improvements and system replacements and
stem the decline in reserves; and
WHEREAS, City Council desires to enact rate structures to encourage additional energy
conservation measures in order to meet Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan goals; and
WHEREAS, the proposed rate structure will change the current flat rate structure into a
seasonal, three-tier rate structure that results in a higher rate per kilowatt hour in the summer
months combined with a tiered rate structure; and
WHEREAS, the proposed increases are to be effective on all billings issued with meter
readings on or after February 1, 2012; and
WHEREAS, based on the foregoing, it is the desire of the City Council to amend Chapter
26 of the City Code to revise the residential energy rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That Sections 26-464(c), (j) and (o) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins
are hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26-464. Residential energy service, schedule R.
. . .
(c) Monthly rate. The monthly rates for this schedule are as follows:
(1) Ffixed charge, per account: Three dollars and ninety-one four dollars
and forty-eight cents ($3.914.48).
(2) Demand charge, per kilowatt-hour: Two and eighty-four one-
hundredths cents ($0.0284).
(32)Ddistribution facilities charge, per kilowatt-hour: Two two and
twenty one-fifty-six hundredths cents ($0.02200.0256).
(43)Eenergy and demand charge, per kilowatt-hour: during the summer
season billing months of June, July and August, with the summer
season billing month determined by the month the meter is read, and
provided that no customer shall be billed more than three (3) full
billing cycles at the summer rate. The energy and demand charge
shall be billed as follows:Two and forty-eight one-hundredths cents
($0.0248).
a. for the first 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour:
five and thirty-one one-hundredths cents ($0.0531).
b. for the next 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour:
six and eighty-nine one-hundredths cents ($0.0689).
c. for all additional kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour:
ten and five one-hundredths cents ($0.1005).
(4) energy and demand charge, during the non-summer season billing
months of January through May and September through December:
a. for the first 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour:
four and eighty-two one-hundredths cents ($0.0482).
-2-
b. for the next 500 kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour:
five and twenty one-hundredths cents ($0.0520).
c. for all additional kilowatt hours per month, per kilowatt hour:
six and three one-hundredths cents ($0.0603).
(5) Iin lieu of taxes and franchise: a charge at the rate of six and zero-
tenths (6.0) percent of all monthly service charges billed pursuant to
this Section.
. . .
(j) Parallel generation. Operation or connection of any electric generator in
parallel with the utility system is not permitted under this schedule unless authorized
by the General Manager. See appropriate alternate schedules for this service. The
credit for the energy delivered to the electric utility under this provision shall be
provided at applicable Platte River Power Authority avoided cost rates. If a
customer is receiving net metering service, such customer's service shall also be
governed by the net metering service terms and conditions described in Subsection
(o) below.
. . .
(o) Net metering.
. . .
(5) The customer-generator's consumption of energy from the utility
shall be measured on a monthly basis and, in the event that the
qualifying facility has produced more electricity than the customer-
generator has consumed, the customer-generator shall receive a
monthly credit for such production. During the second calendar
quarter of each year, the customer-generator shall receive payment
for the net excess generation accrued for the preceding twelve (12)
months. The credit per kilowatt hour for the energy delivered to the
electric utility under this provision shall be provided at the summer
season energy charge charge as specified in Subsection (c).
Section 2. That the amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code contained herein shall
go into effect for all bills issued based on meter readings on or after February 1, 2012.
-3-
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 15th day of
November, A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 6th day of December, A.D.
2011.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 6th day of December, A.D. 2011.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
-4-
at
the
City
Council
Finance
Committee
on
Sept.
26,
2011.
Public
notification
will
begin
October
2
and
Electric
Rate
Ordinances
will
be
considered
by
City
Council
at
first
reading
Oct.
18,
2011.
Second
reading
is
Nov.
1,
2011.
Next
Steps
September
26
-
Council Finance
Committee
related
to
all
utilities
rates
and
fees
October
11 -
Work session
on
Residential Energy
Rate
October
18 - I
‘
reading
of
Electric
Rates
(without
changes
to
Residential
Energy
Rate);
also
I
‘
reading
of
ordinances
for
water
and
wastewater
rates
and
PIFs/development
fees
October
25 -
Work session
on
Energy
Conservation
Programs
November
1 -
2’
reading
of
Rates
and
Fees
Jan.
1,
2012
- all
rates
effective
except
for
Residential
Energy
Rate
Late
2011
or
early
2012
- I SI
reading
of
ordinance
changing
Residential
Energy
Rate
to
be
effective
shortly thereafter.