Operation Clean government asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on October 25, to postpone electric rate hearings that are scheduled to begin November 2, until there is a full panel of Commissioners. We are also urging Governor Almond to move expeditiously to appoint and seat a full PUC.
OCG contends that with the recent departure of PUC chairman James Malachowski and with lame duck commissioner Kate Racine waiting to be replaced by Governor Almond, RI ratepayers are virtually without representation. OCG Chairman Robert P. Arruda states "Rhode Islanders need a fully staffed and permanently seated commission in order to exert adequate authority and resources to protect the ratepayers."
This request by OCG stems from the acquisition of Narragansett Electric, Blackstone Valley Electric and Newport Electric by the British firm National Grid Group. The RI Public Utilities Commission will be conducting hearings regarding a proposed One-Rate Plan, which amounts to possible rate adjustments based upon above book value acquisitions of the traditional Rhode Island distribution companies.
Compensation for these "premium" payments have found their way into at least some of the pending rate hike requests, according to outgoing Chairman James Malachowski. OCG Board member Lee Blais goes on to say "It is therefore likely that, if these requests are granted, Rhode Island ratepayers will be affected by the pending request for years to come."
OCG states that in Massachusetts, this very plan has been vigorously opposed by that state's Attorney General. The Massachusetts Attorney General has proposed a guaranteed reduction in rates resulting from projected economies of scale. Blais continues "In neighboring Massachusetts, distribution company mergers and acquisitions together with the accompanying rate hike requests have been debated for months. In Rhode Island virtually nothing has been said."
OCG's chairman, Robert P. Arruda states that "Rhode Islanders deserve full and fair consideration and representation as these hearings continue." This will only happen with a full, involved Public Utilities Commission with active representation of the public interest.
Operation Clean Government holds accountable those whom the citizenry entrust with the stewardship of their state government. Transparency in government and the citizen's access to their government are essential to a healthy democracy. OCG advocates strong democratic laws and institutions that instill public confidence that common policies are fairly debated and decided on the merits, and that common resources are used responsibly.
The next monthly meeting of the OCG Board of Directors is
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