Cure for regulatory lag: efficient case load management

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Public Util. Fortn.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7153360

Pollock, S G

Management of case loads by regulatory agencies, if consistent with fundamental concepts of due process and responsive to the needs of the times, can aid both utilities and consumers. Accelerated procedures can lessen the impact of inflation and improve earnings. Remedies for regulatory lag have been restricted generally to substantive changes; for example, automatic adjustment clauses, attrition allowances, future test years, rates under bonds, increased returns on equity, and placing construction work in progress in rate base. The author concludes that appropriate procedures will strike a balance between fairness and efficiency. The public perceives some automatic adjustment clauses to be more efficient than fair. Acceptance of rate increases and the credibility of regulation depends upon public confidence that rates have been adequately tested in a meaningful proceeding. The administrative process, like the judicial process, has frequently become slow and meticulous. By recourse to established principles for the efficient administration of justice, the case load of a regulatory agency can be managed in a manner that is both fair and efficient. (MCW)

• Research Organization: Schenck, Price, Smith and King, Morristown, NJ
• OSTI ID: 7153360
• Journal Information: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States), Journal Name: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States) Vol. 98:1; ISSN PUFNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
296000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990400 -- Law
CAPITAL
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FINANCING
HEARINGS
LAWS
POWER
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REGULATIONS