(a) Considerations.--The commission shall consider, in addition to all other relevant evidence of record, the efficiency, effectiveness and adequacy of service of each utility when determining just and reasonable rates under this title. On the basis of the commission's consideration of such evidence, it shall give effect to this section by making such adjustments to specific components of the utility's claimed cost of service as it may determine to be proper and appropriate. Any adjustment made under this section shall be made on the basis of specific findings upon evidence of record, which findings shall be set forth explicitly, together with their underlying rationale, in the final order of the commission.
(b) Fixed utilities.--As part of its duties pursuant to subsection (a), the commission shall set forth criteria by which it will evaluate future fixed utility performance and in assessing the performance of a fixed utility pursuant to subsection (a), the commission shall consider specifically the following:
(1) Management effectiveness and operating efficiency as measured by an audit pursuant to section 516 (relating to audits of certain utilities) to the extent that the audit or portions of the audit have been properly introduced by a party into the record of the proceeding in accordance with applicable rules of evidence and procedure.
(2) Action or failure to act pursuant to section 514 (relating to use of coal) to upgrade capability to use coal for electric utilities.
(3) Efficiency and cost-effectiveness of generating capacity for electric utilities.
(4) Action or failure to act to encourage development of cost-effective energy supply alternatives such as conservation or load management, cogeneration or small power production for electric and gas utilities.
(5) Action or failure to act to encourage cost-effective conservation by customers of water utilities.
(6) Action or failure to act to contain costs of constructing new generating units consistent with sections 515 (relating to construction cost of electric generating units) and 1308(f) (relating to voluntary changes in rates).
(7) Any other relevant and material evidence of efficiency, effectiveness and adequacy of service.
(July 10, 1986, P.L.1238, No.114, eff. imd.)
1986 Amendment. Act 114 added section 523.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Section 502 - Enforcement proceedings by commission
Section 503 - Enforcement proceedings by Chief Counsel
Section 504 - Reports by public utilities
Section 505 - Duty to furnish information to commission; cooperation in valuing property
Section 506 - Inspection of facilities and records
Section 507 - Contracts between public utilities and municipalities
Section 508 - Power of the commission to vary, reform and revise contracts
Section 509 - Regulation of manufacture, sale or lease of appliances
Section 510 - Assessment for regulatory expenses upon public utilities
Section 511 - Disposition, appropriation and disbursement of assessments and fees
Section 511.1 - Use of Federal funds under energy program
Section 512 - Power of commission to require insurance
Section 512.1 - Power of commission to confiscate, impound and sell vehicles
Section 513 - Public letting of contracts
Section 515 - Construction cost of electric generating units
Section 516 - Audits of certain utilities
Section 517 - Conversion of electric generating units fueled by oil or natural gas
Section 518 - Construction of electric generating units fueled by nuclear energy
Section 519 - Construction of electric generating units fueled by oil or natural gas
Section 521 - Retirement of electric generating units
Section 522 - Expense reduction program
Section 523 - Performance factor consideration
Section 524 - Data to be supplied by electric utilities
Section 525 - Sale of generating units and power
Section 526 - Rejection of rate increase requests due to inadequate quality or quantity of service
Section 527 - Cogeneration rules and regulations
Section 528 - Use of foreign coal by qualifying facilities
Section 529 - Power of commission to order acquisition of small water and sewer utilities