PacifiCorp urges FERC to dismiss challenges to adding $1.7B in wildfire costs to transmission rates

PacifiCorp is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to dismiss challenges to the utility company’s inclusion of $1.7 billion in wildfire-related costs and liabilities in its transmission rates, according to a Friday filing at the agency.
PacifiCorp contends that “formal challenges” and complaints brought by the Bonneville Power Administration, Powerex Corp., Deseret Generation & Transmission Co-Operative and the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems fail to show the costs were imprudently incurred, according to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary. Idaho Power on Friday withdrew its formal challenge to the transmission rates.
PacifiCorp, based in Portland, Oregon, said the accounting and ratemaking for its formula transmission rates were “undoubtedly correct,” including the addition of wildfire-related liabilities in an accrual account that requires utilities to estimate future losses.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.

Getting climate, energy & environment news right.