DATE:	September 30, 2010
TO:	Office of Commission Clerk (Cole)
FROM:	Division of Economic Regulation (Bruce, Stallcup) Office of the General Counsel (Klancke)
RE:	Docket No. 100381-WS – Request for approval of tariff amendment to include a late payment fee of $5.25 in Orange County by Pluris Wedgefield, Inc.
AGENDA:	10/04/10 10/12/10 (hg) – Regular Agenda –Tariff Filing - Interested Persons May Participate
COMMISSIONERS ASSIGNED:			All Commissioners
PREHEARING OFFICER:			Administrative
CRITICAL DATES:			10/24/10 (60-Day Suspension Date)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:			None
FILE NAME AND LOCATION:			S:\PSC\ECR\WP\100381.RCM.DOC

 

 Case Background

Pluris Wedgefield, Inc. (Pluris Wedgefield or Utility) is a Class A water and wastewater Utility serving approximately 1,569 water and 1,544 wastewater customers in Orange County.  Pluris Wedgefield purchased the Utility in September of 2009 from Wedgefield Utility, Inc.  The Utility’s 2009 Annual Report indicates that the Utility’s operating revenue is $102,167 and $70,997 for water and wastewater, respectively which reflect three months of ownership.  The Utility is located in the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).  

On August 24, 2010, the Utility filed an application for approval of a late payment fee for its water and wastewater tariff sheets.  Furthermore, the Utility requested approval of miscellaneous service charges associated with connections, reconnections, and premises visits for its wastewater tariff.   This recommendation addresses the suspension of Pluris Wedgefield Inc.’s proposed tariff sheets.  The Commission has jurisdiction pursuant to Section 367.091, Florida Statues (F.S.).

Discussion of Issues

Issue 1:   Should the Commission suspend Pluris Wedgefield, Inc.’s proposed tariffs to establish a late payment fee for its water and wastewater tariffs and miscellaneous service charges associated with connection, reconnections, and premises visits for its wastewater tariff?

Recommendation:  Yes.  Pluris Wedgefield, Inc’s proposed tariff sheets to establish a late payment fee for its water and wastewater tariffs and miscellaneous service charges associated with connections, reconnections, and premises visits for its wastewater tariff should be suspended pending further analyses by staff.  (Bruce)

Staff Analysis:  Pursuant to Section 367.091(6), F.S., the tariff sheets proposed by the Utility shall become effective within sixty (60) days after filing, unless the Commission votes to withhold consent of the request.  Further, the Commission may withhold consent to operation of any or all portions of new rate schedules by a vote to that effect within 60 days, giving a reason or statement of good cause for withholding that consent.

            Staff has reviewed the Utility’s filing which consists of the proposed tariffs and cost-justification for its proposed charges.   Based on our review, the proposed charges submitted by the Utility are similar to other cases associated with miscellaneous services charges and late payment fees approved by the Commission.  However, staff believes it is necessary to require the Utility to provide additional information in support of the application.  This will allow staff to present the Commission with a fully developed recommendation.   Therefore, staff recommends that Pluris Wedgefield, Inc.’s proposed tariff sheets to establish a late payment fee for its water and wastewater tariffs and miscellaneous service charges associated with connections, reconnections, and premises visits for its wastewater tariff should be suspended pending further analyses by staff.   
Issue 2: 

 Should this docket be closed?

Recommendation: 

 No.  The docket should remain open pending the Commission’s final action on the Utility’s requested approval to establish a late payment fee for its water and wastewater tariffs and miscellaneous service charges associated with connection, reconnections, and premises visits for its wastewater tariff. (Klancke, Bruce)

Staff Analysis: 

 The docket should remain open pending the Commission’s final action on the Utility’s requested approval to establish a late payment fee for its water and wastewater tariffs and miscellaneous service charges associated with connection, reconnections, and premises visits for its wastewater tariff.