REMARKS OF SEEMA M. SINGH, ESQ. I/M/O REGULATIONS OF EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE BPU Docket No. AX03120973 PUBLIC HEARING Good Morning. My name is Badrhn M. Ubushin, Deputy Ratepayer Advocate for the State of New Jersey. I am pleased to be here today to voice the Ratepayer Advocate’s support for many of the proposed changes to New Jersey Administrative Code, Title Fourteen, and to submit additional recommendations to the Board that will promote sound and coordinated planning throughout New Jersey. These proposed rules are in furtherance of Governor McGreevey’s Smart Growth initiatives. As you know, the Ratepayer Advocate has the statutory duty to represent and protect the interests of all classes of consumers in the state of New Jersey, including residential, small business and industrial customers, in an effort to advance the interests of all New Jersey ratepayers.
These proposed regulations will change the regulatory landscape so as
to cut back incentives to develop in non-Smart Growth areas and to encourage
development in designated growth areas. The Ratepayer Advocate supports the position set forth in the proposed
regulations that any TRIP investment not include the replacement of infrastructure
that is fully depreciated even if such investment is within the TRIP area. The proposed regulations provide for a “Sunset” provision.
The Ratepayer Advocate believes that a Sunset provision is appropriate
as the TRIP mechanism is envisioned as a “pilot program”.
The pilot program should not automatically continue or revert to a permanent
rate recovery mechanism. The Board, the Ratepayer Advocate and other interested
parties should be given the opportunity to review the TRIP mechanism to
determine if it is fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Governor’s
Smart Growth policies. A determination can be made after a careful evaluation
has been conducted of whether or not to continue the TRIP mechanism. The Ratepayer Advocate supports the proposed rule which requires that the TRIP mechanism must be reviewed and approved by the Board on an annual basis after careful review of all relevant underlying information, including the prudence of the investments.
In conclusion, the Ratepayer Advocate thanks the Board for the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to the New Jersey Administrative Code. The Ratepayer Advocate is confident that all New Jersey ratepayers will greatly benefit from the Board’s proposed regulations that seek to enhance the quality of life of all our residents. Thank you. |
|
ratepayer advocate: home
| electric
| gas
| telco
| water/wastewater
| news
& info. | press
releases | case
matters | publications
| consumer
info. | links
|