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State of Florida |
Public Service Commission Capital Circle Office Center ● 2540 Shumard
Oak Boulevard -M-E-M-O-R-A-N-D-U-M- |
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DATE: |
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TO: |
Office of Commission Clerk (Teitzman) |
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FROM: |
Office of the General Counsel (Harper) Division of Economics (Coston, Guffey) Division of Engineering (Buys) |
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RE: |
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AGENDA: |
10/06/20 – Regular Agenda – Interested Persons May Participate |
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COMMISSIONERS ASSIGNED: |
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PREHEARING OFFICER: |
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SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: |
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In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed SB 796 to enact Section 366.96, Florida Statutes (F.S.), which required the Commission to adopt new rules related to storm protection plans and cost recovery. The Commission adopted Rules 25-6.030, Storm Protection Plan, and 25-6.031, Storm Protection Plan Cost Recovery, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), which became effective on February 18, 2020.
During the rulemaking process for the new storm protection plan rules, Commission staff also initiated rulemaking on Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., in the June 7, 2019 edition of the Florida Administrative Register, Volume 45, No. 111. These rules are as follows:
Ø Rule 25-6.064, Contribution-in-Aid-of-Construction, establishes a uniform procedure by which investor-owned electric utilities (IOUs) calculate amounts due as contributions-in-aid-of-construction (CIAC) from customers who request new facilities or upgraded facilities in order to receive electric service.
Ø Rule 25-6.078, Schedule of Charges, requires each utility to file with the Commission a written policy regarding the utility’s tariff rules and regulations on the installation of underground facilities in new subdivisions. The rule provides requirements as to an Estimated Average Cost Differential and basis upon which each utility will provide underground service and prohibits charges that are more than the estimated difference in cost of an underground system and an equivalent overhead system.
Ø Rule 25-6.115, Facility Charges for Conversion of Existing Overhead Investor-owned Distribution Facilities, requires that each investor-owned utility to file a tariff showing certain information and amounts for applications for conversion of existing overhead electric distribution facilities to underground facilities.
Ø Rule 25-6.0343, Municipal Electric Utility and Rural Electric Cooperative Reporting Requirements, defines certain reporting requirements by municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives providing distribution service to end-use customers in Florida.
For both the storm protection plan rules and these existing storm hardening related rules, the Commission held two noticed staff rule development workshops. The workshops were held on June 25, 2019 and August 20, 2019. Representatives from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF), Gulf Power Company (Gulf), Florida Public Utilities Company (FPUC), Florida Retail Federation (FRF), Florida Industrial Power Users Group (FIPUG), and the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) participated at the workshops and submitted post-workshop comments.
During the storm protection plan rule workshops, there was minimal discussion about Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C. Several stakeholders opined that it would be difficult to determine any effects on existing rules until Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C., Storm Protection Plan, and Rule 25-6.031, F.A.C., Storm Protection Plan Cost Recovery, were adopted and became effective. The Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc., (FECA) and Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) were the only stakeholders that submitted post-workshop comments on an existing rule, Rule 25-6.0343, F.A.C. Those comments are further discussed in staff’s analysis.
After reviewing the rules and workshop comments, it was determined that the storm protection plan rules would move forward separately in a single rulemaking docket and that any other previously noticed and existing storm hardening related rules would move forward in a separate docket once the new storm rules were adopted and became effective. After the adoption of the storm protection plan rules, the Commission proceeded to repeal Rule 25-6.0342, F.A.C., Electric Infrastructure Storm Hardening, because it was no longer necessary and had been replaced by the new storm protection plan rules.
This recommendation relates to the above-mentioned existing and previously noticed rules. Staff believes it is necessary for the Commission to amend other existing rules to recognize the Commission’s adoption of the new storm protection plan rule, Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C., and the repeal of Rule 25-6.0342. F.A.C. This recommendation addresses whether the Commission should amend Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C.
Issue 1:
Should the Commission amend Rules 25-6.064, Contribution-in-Aid-of- Construction; 25-6.078, Schedule of Charges; 25-6.115, Facility Charges for Conversion of Existing Overhead Investor-owned Distribution Facilities; and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., Municipal Electric Utility and Rule Electric Cooperative Reporting Requirements?
Recommendation:
Yes. The Commission should propose the amendment of Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., as set forth in Attachment A. The Commission should also certify Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., as minor violation rules. (Buys, Harper, Guffey)
Staff Analysis:
Staff recommends that the Commission amend the rules as set forth in Attachment A. Overall, staff is recommending updates and clarifications to the rules. Staff’s more substantive recommended amendments to the rules are discussed in more detail below.
Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, and 25-6.115, F.A.C., reference the requirements of Rule 25-6.0342, F.A.C., Electric Infrastructure Storm Hardening, which has been repealed and replaced by new a rule, Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C, Storm Protection Plan. Thus, staff recommends Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, and 25-6.115, F.A.C., be amended to delete the reference to the repealed rule and instead reference new Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C. Also, staff recommends adding a reference in the rules to Rules 25-6.034, Standard of Construction, 25-6.0341, Location of the Utility’s Electric Distribution Facilities, and 25-6.0345, F.A.C., Safety Standards for Construction of New Transmission and Distribution Facilities, in order for the rules to more specifically and accurately reflect all of the applicable requirements.
Rule 25-6.0343, F.A.C., provides certain reporting requirements for storm hardening plans
submitted to the Commisison by municipal electric utilities and rural electric
cooperatives. On July 15, 2019, FECA filed comments in the storm protection
plan docket, suggesting Rule 25-6.0343, F.A.C., be amended to “allow co-ops and
munis to file responses with the Commission Clerk every three years.” Staff
agrees and recommends that the rule be amended to include the 3 year time line
for filing storm protection plans to be consistent with the IOUs’ time line for
storm protection plan filings made pursuant to Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C.
Minor Violation Rules Certification
Pursuant to Section 120.695, F.S., beginning July 1, 2017, for each rule filed for adoption, the agency head must certify whether any part of the rule is designated as a rule the violation of which would be a minor violation. Under Section 120.695(2)(b), F.S., a violation of a rule is minor if it does not result in economic or physical harm to a person or adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare or create a significant threat of such harm. Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., will be minor violation rules, as a violation of these rules will not result in economic or physical harm to a person or have an adverse effect on the public health, safety, or welfare or create a significant threat of such harm. Therefore, for the purposes of filing the rules for adoption with the Department of State, staff recommends that the Commission certify amended Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., as minor violation rules.
Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs
Pursuant to Section 120.54(3)(b), F.S., agencies are encouraged to prepare a statement of estimated regulatory costs (SERC) before the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule. The SERC is appended as Attachment C to this recommendation. The SERC analysis also includes whether the rules are likely to have an adverse impact on growth, private sector job creation or employment, or private sector investment in excess of $1 million in the aggregate within five years after implementation.
The attached SERC addresses the economic impacts and considerations required pursuant to Section 120.541, F.S. The SERC analysis indicates that the recommended amendments to Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., will not likely increase regulatory costs, including any transactional costs or have an adverse impact on business competitiveness, productivity, or innovation in excess of $1 million in the aggregate within five years of implementation. The recommended revisions would not potentially have adverse impacts on small businesses, would have no implementation cost to the Commission or other state and local government entities, and would have no impact on small cities or counties.
No regulatory alternatives were submitted pursuant to Section 120.541(1)(g), F.S. The SERC concludes that none of the impacts/cost criteria established in Sections 120.541(2)(a), (c), (d), and (e), F.S., will be exceeded as a result of the proposed rule revisions.
Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, staff recommends the Commission propose to amend Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., as set forth in Attachment A. Staff also recommends that the Commission certify Rules 25-6.064, 25-6.078, 25-6.115, and 25-6.0343, F.A.C., as a minor violation rules.
Issue 2:
Should this docket be closed?
Recommendation:
Yes. If no requests for hearing, information regarding the SERC, proposals for a lower cost regulatory alternative, or JAPC comments are filed, the rules should be filed with the Department of State, and the docket should be closed. (Harper)
Staff Analysis:
If no requests for hearing, information regarding the SERC, proposals for a lower cost regulatory alternative, or JAPC comments are filed, the rules should be filed with the Department of State, and the docket should be closed.
25-6.064
Contribution-in-Aid-of-Construction for Installation of New or Upgraded
Facilities.
(1) Application and scope. The purpose of this rule is to establish a uniform procedure by which investor-owned electric utilities calculate amounts due as contributions-in-aid-of-construction (CIAC) from customers who request new facilities or upgraded facilities in order to receive electric service, except as provided in Rule 25-6.078, F.A.C.
(2) Contributions-in-aid-of-construction for new or upgraded overhead facilities (CIACOH) shall be calculated as follows:
|
CIACOH |
= |
Total
estimated work order job cost of installing the facilities |
- |
Four
years expected incremental
base energy revenue |
- |
Four
years expected incremental base demand revenue, if applicable |
(a) The cost of the service drop and meter shall be excluded from the total estimated work order job cost for new overhead facilities.
(b) The net book value and cost of removal, net of the salvage value, for existing facilities shall be included in the total estimated work order job cost for upgrades to those existing facilities.
(c) The expected annual base energy and demand charge revenues shall be estimated for a period ending not more than 5 years after the new or upgraded facilities are placed in service.
(d) In no instance shall the CIACOH be less than zero.
(3) Contributions-in-aid-of-construction for new or upgraded underground facilities (CIACUG) shall be calculated as follows:
|
CIACUG |
= |
CIACOH |
+ |
Estimated
difference between cost of providing the service underground and overhead |
(4) Each utility shall apply the formula in subsections (2) and (3) of this rule uniformly to residential, commercial and industrial customers requesting new or upgraded facilities at any voltage level.
(5)
The costs applied to the formula in subsections (2) and (3) shall be based on
the requirements of Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C., Storm Protection Plan, Rule
25-6.034, F.A.C., Standard of Construction, Rule 25-6.0341, F.A.C., Location of
the Utility’s Electric Distribution Facilities, and Rule 25-6.0345, F.A.C.,
Safety Standards for Construction of New Transmission and Distribution
Facilities 25-6.0342, F.A.C., Electric Infrastructure Storm.
(6) All CIAC calculations under this rule shall be based on estimated work order job costs. In addition, each utility shall use its best judgment in estimating the total amount of annual revenues which the new or upgraded facilities are expected to produce.
(a) A customer may request a review of any CIAC charge within 12 months following the in-service date of the new or upgraded facilities. Upon request, the utility shall true-up the CIAC to reflect the actual costs of construction and actual base revenues received at the time the request is made.
(b) In cases where more customers than the initial applicant are expected to be served by the new or upgraded facilities, the utility shall prorate the total CIAC over the number of end-use customers expected to be served by the new or upgraded facilities within a period not to exceed 3 years, commencing with the in-service date of the new or upgraded facilities. The utility may require a payment equal to the full amount of the CIAC from the initial customer. For the 3-year period following the in-service date, the utility shall collect from those customers a prorated share of the original CIAC amount, and credit that to the initial customer who paid the CIAC. The utility shall file a tariff outlining its policy for the proration of CIAC.
(7) The utility may elect to waive all or any portion of the CIAC for customers, even when a CIAC is found to be applicable. If however, the utility waives a CIAC, the utility shall reduce net plant in service as though the CIAC had been collected, unless the Commission determines that there is a quantifiable benefit to the general body of ratepayers commensurate with the waived CIAC. Each utility shall maintain records of amounts waived and any subsequent changes that served to offset the CIAC.
(8) A detailed statement of its standard facilities extension and upgrade policies shall be filed by each utility as part of its tariffs. The tariffs shall have uniform application and shall be nondiscriminatory.
(9) If a utility and applicant are unable to agree on the CIAC amount, either party may appeal to the Commission for a review.
Rulemaking
Authority 366.05(1), 350.127(2) FS. Law Implemented 366.03, 366.05(1),
366.06(1) FS. History–New 7-29-69, Amended 7-2-85, Formerly 25-6.64, Amended
2-1-07, _____________.
25-6.078 Schedule of Charges.
(1) Each utility shall file with the Commission a written policy that shall become a part of the utility’s tariff rules and regulations on the installation of underground facilities in new subdivisions. Such policy shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission and shall include an Estimated Average Cost Differential, if any, and shall state the basis upon which the utility will provide underground service and its method for recovering the difference in cost of an underground system and an equivalent overhead system from the applicant at the time service is extended. The charges to the applicant shall not be more than the estimated difference in cost of an underground system and an equivalent overhead system.
(2)
For the purpose of calculating the Estimated Average Cost Differential, cost
estimates shall reflect the requirements of Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C., Storm
Protection Plan, Rule 25-6.034, F.A.C., Standard of Construction, Rule
25-6.0341, F.A.C., Location of the Utility’s Electric Distribution Facilities,
and Rule 25-6.0345, F.A.C., Safety Standards for Construction of New
Transmission and Distribution Facilities 25-6.0342, F.A.C., Electric
Infrastructure Storm Hardening.
(3)
On or before October 15 of each year, each utility shall file with the
Commission Clerk Form PSC/ECO 13-E (10/97).
Schedule 1, using current material and labor costs, Form PSC 1031
(08/20), entitled “Overhead/Underground Residential Differential Cost Data,” which
is incorporated by reference into this rule and is available at [insert
hyperlink]. If the cost differential as calculated in Form PSC 1031 (08/20) Schedule 1 varies from the Commission-approved
differential by plus or minus 10 percent or more, the utility shall file a
written policy and supporting data and analyses as prescribed in subsections
(1), (4) and (5) of this rule on or before April 1 of the following year;
however, each utility shall file a written policy and supporting data and
analyses at least once every 3 years.
(4) Differences in Net Present Value of operational costs, including average historical storm restoration costs over the life of the facilities, between underground and overhead systems, if any, shall be taken into consideration in determining the overall Estimated Average Cost Differential. Each utility shall establish sufficient record keeping and accounting measures to separately identify operational costs for underground and overhead facilities, including storm related costs.
(5)
Detailed supporting data and analyses used to determine the Estimated Average
Cost Differential for underground and overhead distribution systems shall be
concurrently filed by the utility with the Commission and shall be updated
using cost data developed from the most recent 12-month period. The utility
shall record these data and analyses on Form PSC/ECO 13-E (10/97). Form
PSC/ECO 13-E Form PSC 1031 (08/20), entitled
“Overhead/Underground Residential Differential Cost Data” which is
incorporated by reference into subsection 3 of this rule and may be
obtained from the Division of Economics, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, (850) 413-6410.
(6) Service for a new multiple-occupancy building shall be constructed underground within the property to be served to the point of delivery at or near the building by the utility at no charge to the applicant, provided the utility is free to construct its service extension or extensions in the most economical manner.
(7) The recovery of the cost differential as filed by the utility and approved by the Commission may not be waived or refunded unless it is mutually agreed by the applicant and the utility that the applicant will perform certain work as defined in the utility’s tariff, in which case the applicant shall receive a credit. Provision for the credit shall be set forth in the utility’s tariff rules and regulations, and shall be no more in amount than the total charges applicable.
(8) The difference in cost as determined by the utility in accordance with its tariff shall be based on full use of the subdivision for building lots or multiple-occupancy buildings. If any given subdivision is designed to include large open areas, the utility or the applicant may refer the matter to the Commission for a special ruling as provided under Rule 25-6.083, F.A.C.
(9) The utility shall not be obligated to install any facilities within a subdivision until satisfactory arrangements for the construction of facilities and payment of applicable charges, if any, have been completed between the applicant and the utility by written agreement. A standard agreement form shall be filed with the company’s tariff.
(10) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to prevent any utility from waiving all or any portion of a cost differential for providing underground facilities. If, however, the utility waives the differential, the utility shall reduce net plant in service as though the differential had been collected unless the Commission determines that there is a quantifiable benefit to the general body of ratepayers commensurate with the waived differential.
Rulemaking
Authority 350.127(2), 366.05(1) FS. Law Implemented 366.03, 366.04(1), (4),
366.04(2)(f), 366.06(1) FS. History–New 4-10-71, Amended 4-13-80, 2-12-84,
Formerly 25-6.78, Amended 10-29-97, 2-1-07, ___________.
25-6.115 Facility Charges for Conversion
of Existing Overhead Investor-owned Distribution Facilities.
(1) Each investor-owned utility shall file a tariff showing the non-refundable deposit amounts for standard applications addressing the conversion of existing overhead electric distribution facilities to underground facilities. The tariff shall include the general provisions and terms under which the public utility and applicant may enter into a contract for the purpose of converting existing overhead facilities to underground facilities. The non-refundable deposit amounts shall be calculated in the same manner as the engineering costs for underground facilities serving each of the following scenarios: urban commercial, urban residential, rural residential, existing low-density single family home subdivision and existing high-density single family home subdivision service areas.
(2) For purposes of this rule, the applicant is the person or entity requesting the conversion of existing overhead electric distribution facilities to underground facilities. In the instance where a local ordinance requires developers to install underground facilities, the developer who actually requests the construction for a specific location is deemed the applicant for purposes of this rule.
(3) Nothing in the tariff shall prevent the applicant from constructing and installing all or a portion of the underground distribution facilities provided:
(a) Such work meets the investor-owned utility’s construction standards;
(b) The investor-owned utility will own and maintain the completed distribution facilities; and
(c) Such agreement is not expected to cause the general body of ratepayers to incur additional costs.
(4) Nothing in the tariff shall prevent the applicant from requesting a non-binding cost estimate which shall be provided to the applicant free of any charge or fee.
(5) Upon an applicant’s request and payment of the deposit amount, an investor-owned utility shall provide a binding cost estimate for providing underground electric service.
(6) An applicant shall have at least 180 days from the date the estimate is received to enter into a contract with the public utility based on the binding cost estimate. The deposit amount shall be used to reduce the charge as indicated in subsection (7) only when the applicant enters into a contract with the public utility within 180 days from the date the estimate is received by the applicant, unless this period is extended by mutual agreement of the applicant and the utility.
(7) The charge paid by the applicant shall be the charge for the proposed underground facilities as indicated in subsection (8) minus the charge for overhead facilities as indicated in subsection (9) minus the non-refundable deposit amount. The applicant shall not be required to pay an additional amount which exceeds 10 percent of the binding cost estimate.
(8) For the purpose of this rule, the charge for the proposed underground facilities shall include:
(a)
The estimated cost of construction of the underground distribution facilities
based on the requirements of Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C., Storm Protection Plan,
Rule 25-6.034, F.A.C., Standard of Construction, Rule 25-6.0341, F.A.C.,
Location of the Utility’s Electric Distribution Facilities, and Rule 25-6.0345,
F.A.C., Safety Standards for Construction of New Transmission and Distribution
Facilities 25-6.0342, F.A.C., Electric Infrastructure Storm Hardening Standards
of Construction, including the construction cost of the underground service
lateral(s) to the meter(s) of the customer(s); and
(b) The estimated remaining net book value of the existing facilities to be removed less the estimated net salvage value of the facilities to be removed.
(9)
For the purpose of this rule, the charge for overhead facilities shall be the
estimated construction cost to build new overhead facilities, including the
service drop(s) to the meter(s) of the customer(s). Estimated construction
costs shall be based on the requirements of Rule 25-6.030, F.A.C., Storm
Protection Plan, Rule 25-6.034, F.A.C., Standard of Construction, Rule
25-6.0341, F.A.C., Location of the Utility’s Electric Distribution Facilities,
and Rule 25-6.0345, F.A.C., Safety Standards for Construction of New
Transmission and Distribution Facilities 25-6.0342, F.A.C., Electric
Infrastructure Storm Hardening.
(10) An applicant requesting construction of underground distribution facilities under this rule may challenge the utility’s cost estimates pursuant to Rule 25-22.032, F.A.C.
(11) For purposes of computing the charges required in subsections (8) and (9):
(a) The utility shall include the Net Present Value of operational costs including the average historical storm restoration costs for comparable facilities over the expected life of the facilities.
(b) If the applicant chooses to construct or install all or a part of the requested facilities, all utility costs, including overhead assignments, avoided by the utility due to the applicant assuming responsibility for construction shall be excluded from the costs charged to the customer, or if the full cost has already been paid, credited to the customer. At no time will the costs to the customer be less than zero.
(12) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to prevent any utility from waiving all or any portion of the cost for providing underground facilities. If, however, the utility waives any charge, the utility shall reduce net plant in service as though those charges had been collected unless the Commission determines that there is quantifiable benefits to the general body of ratepayers commensurate with the waived charge.
(13) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to grant any investor-owned electric utility any right, title or interest in real property owned by a local government.
Rulemaking
Authority 350.127(2), 366.05(1) FS. Law Implemented 366.03, 366.04, 366.05 FS.
History–New 9-21-92, Amended 2-1-07, __________.
25-6.0343 Municipal Electric Utility and Rural Electric Cooperative Reporting
Requirements.
(1) Application and Scope. The purpose of this rule is to define certain reporting requirements by municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives providing distribution service to end-use customers in Florida.
(2)
The reports required by subsections (3), of this rule shall be filed
with the Commission Clerk by March 1, 2020, and every three years thereafter
for the three preceding calendar years.
The reports required by subsections (4), and (5) of this rule
shall be filed with the Commission Clerk by March 1 of each year for the
preceding calendar year.
(3) Standards of Construction. Each municipal electric utility and rural electric cooperative shall report the extent to which its construction standards, policies, practices, and procedures are designed to address the ability of transmission and distribution facilities to mitigate damage caused by extreme weather. Each utility report shall, at a minimum, address the extent to which its construction standards, policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures:
(a)
Comply, at a minimum, with the procedures set forth in Rule 25-6.0345,
Florida Adminstrative Code, the National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI
C-2) [NESC]. For electrical facilities constructed on or after February
1, 2007, the shall apply. Electrical facilities constructed prior to February
1, 2007, shall be governed by the edition of the NESC in effect at the time of
the facility’s initial construction. A copy of the 2007 NESC, ISBN number
0-7381-4893-8, may be obtained from the Institute of Electric and Electronic
Engineers, Inc. (IEEE).
(b)
Are guided by the extreme wind loading standards specified by the procedures
set forth in Rule 25-6.0345, Florida Adminstrative Code, Figure 250-2(d)
of the 2002 edition of the NESC for:
1. New construction;
2. Major planned work, including expansion, rebuild, or relocation of existing facilities, assigned on or after the effective date of this rule; and
3. Targeted critical infrastructure facilities and major thoroughfares taking into account political and geographical boundaries and other applicable operational considerations.
(c) Address the effects of flooding and storm surges on underground distribution facilities and supporting overhead facilities.
(d) Provide for placement of new and replacement distribution facilities so as to facilitate safe and efficient access for installation and maintenance.
(e) Include written safety, pole reliability, pole loading capacity, and engineering standards and procedures for attachments by others to the utility’s electric transmission and distribution poles.
(4) Facility Inspections. Each municipal electric utility and rural electric cooperative shall report, at a minimum, the following information pertaining to its transmission and distribution facilities:
(a) A description of the utility’s policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures for inspecting transmission and distribution lines, poles, and structures including, but not limited to, pole inspection cycles and pole selection process.
(b) The number and percentage of transmission and distribution inspections planned and completed.
(c) The number and percentage of transmission poles and structures and distribution poles failing inspection and the reason for the failure.
(d) The number and percentage of transmission poles and structures and distribution poles, by pole type and class of structure, replaced or for which remediation was taken after inspection, including a description of the remediation taken.
(5) Vegetation Management. Each municipal electric utility and rural electric cooperative shall report, at a minimum, the following information pertaining to the utility’s vegetation management efforts:
(a) A description of the utility’s policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures for vegetation management, including programs addressing appropriate planting, landscaping, and problem tree removal practices for vegetation management outside of road right-of-ways or easements, and an explanation as to why the utility believes its vegetation management practices are sufficient.
(b) The quantity, level, and scope of vegetation management planned and completed for transmission and distribution facilities.
Rulemaking
Authority 350.127(2), 366.05(1) FS. Law Implemented 366.04(2)(f), (6) FS.
History–New 12-10-06, ___________.