The Small Utility Filing Procedure is designed to reduce the expense and time involved with rate cases. A utility with fewer than 8,000 customers can use it.
The procedure differs from traditional rate cases because the utility's staff uses standardized forms.
The utility can save money because of the simpler approach. In addition, formal hearings requiring attorneys and expert witnesses may not be required.
Small utility filings face the same OUCC and IURC review standards as traditional filings. The OUCC reviews the request on behalf of consumers and files testimony based on its analysis.
A decision to use this procedure should be based on the case's complexity, the existence (or absence) of unusual issues, and the knowledge of utility personnel completing the forms.
5/2020