Case Background
On August 14,
2025, Florida Public Utilities Company (FPUC or utility) filed a petition for
approval of a tariff modification reflecting the automation of FPUC’s Transitional
Transportation Service (TTS) pool manager assignment process. The TTS program
is designed to allow Indiantown and Central Florida Gas (CFG) Division customers
to purchase natural gas from one of two TTS shippers and select from certain
gas pricing options offered by the TTS shippers. The TTS tariff was originally
established in 2002 to facilitate the conversion of remaining sales customers
to aggregated customer pools. These customer pools are administered by
qualified gas marketers (also known as pool managers) who have the capability of
combining the gas supply requirements of customers in the TTS pools with other
customers served by the pool managers, both on and off the utility’s
distribution system. FPUC’s Indiantown and CFG Division provide transportation
service only. Under the proposed tariff, FPUC would utilize its new billing
system to automate the assignment of TTS pool managers. In response to staff’s data
request, the utility stated that TTS pool manager A would be assigned to
customers moving in on even numbered calendar days, while TTS pool manager B
would be assigned to customers moving in on odd numbered calendar days. Currently, this assignment is done
manually.
During the
evaluation of the petition, staff issued a data request for which responses
were received on September 5, 2025. Proposed tariff sheet No. 6.526 is included
to the recommendation as Attachment A. The Commission has jurisdiction over
this matter pursuant to Sections 366.03, 366.04, 366.05, and 366.06, Florida
Statutes (F.S.).
Discussion
of Issues
Issue 1:
Should the Commission approve FPUC's request to
automatically assign TTS pool managers and the associated tariff?
Recommendation:
Yes, the Commission should approve FPUC’s request to
automatically assign TTS pool managers and the associated tariff. The new
automated process will allow the utility to bill customers efficiently, while
ensuring that initial pool manager assignments are made on a fair and unbiased
basis. If approved, proposed tariff sheet No. 6.526 should become effective upon
the issuance of a Consummating Order. (Ward)
Staff Analysis:
Historically, if a premises had previously been
assigned a particular pool manager, then any customer that subsequently moved
into that premises would automatically be assigned to that same pool manager.
If no pool manager had been assigned to the premises in the past, then a pool manager
would be manually assigned to either TTS pool manager A or B. In response to
staff’s data request, the utility stated that pool manager A is assigned to
customers signing up for service on even numbered calendar days and pool
manager B is assigned to customers signing up for service on odd numbered
calendar days.
In its petition, FPUC states that with the utility’s new
billing system, pool manager assignments can be done automatically without
manual intervention, regardless of any prior history. In response to staff’s data
request, the utility stated that it would utilize the new customer move-in
workflow in System Analysis Program Development (SAP), its new billing system,
to automate the assignment of TTS pool managers. The
new automated process would automatically assign new customers to TTS pool
managers based upon whether the customer at that location signs up for service
on an odd or even day of the week. Under the proposed tariff, this would take
place regardless of any prior pool manager history at the location. In response
to staff’s data request, the utility asserted that if in the future a third TTS
pool manager was added, the utility would adjust the automation to assign TTS
pool managers every third day, ensuring that each pool manager is provided an
equal opportunity to be assigned during the move-in workflow.
Additionally, in response to staff’s data request, the
utility stated that a periodic review will be performed to confirm TTS pool
manager assignments are distributed as expected based on move-in dates.
The utility asserts that the new automated process will improve the utility’s
ability to bill customers efficiently and accurately, as well as further ensure
that initial pool manager assignments are made on a fair and unbiased basis.
Conclusion
Staff recommends approval of FPUC’s request to
automatically assign TTS pool managers and the associated tariff. The new
automated process will allow the utility to bill customers efficiently, while
ensuring the initial pool manager assignments are made on a fair and unbiased
basis. If approved, proposed tariff sheet No. 6.526 should become effective
upon the issuance of a Consummating Order.
Issue 2:
Should this docket be closed?
Recommendation:
If a timely protest is filed, the tariff should not
be implemented while the protest is pending. If no protest is filed by a person
whose substantial interests are affected within 21 days of the issuance of the
Order, this docket should be closed upon the issuance of a Consummating Order.
(Bloom)
Staff Analysis:
If a timely protest is filed, the tariff should not
be implemented while the protest is pending. If no protest is filed by a person
whose substantial interests are affected within 21 days of the issuance of the
Order, this docket should be closed upon the issuance of a Consummating Order.
