"Eligible infrastructure system replacements" are defined in section 393.1009(3) as "gas utility plant projects" that meet certain specified criteria. "Under the ISRS statutes, in order for a gas company's infrastructure replacement costs to be recovered via an ISRS, they must arise from an 'eligible infrastructure system replacement.'" Id. Replacement Surcharge in Its Laclede Gas Serv. In Matter of Application of Laclede Gas Co. The General Assembly created the ISRS mechanism in 2003 to permit gas corporations to recover costs associated with eligible infrastructure system replacements outside a general ratemaking case.
#Time worn spire series#
This appeal is the latest in a series of appeals concerning the proper method for calculating Spire's ISRS, particularly with respect to Spire's program to replace cast iron and steel pipes in Spire's gas distribution service areas. Public Counsel participated in this matter. Public Counsel has statutory authority that gives it discretion to represent and protect the interests of the public in any proceeding before or appeal from an order by the Commission. Public Counsel is separate from the Commission and PSC Staff. 2 contested cases, and other proceedings unless PSC Staff files a notice of its intention not to participate. Spire West was formerly known as Missouri Gas Energy. 4 Spire West provides gas service in western Missouri to customers in the counties of Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, DeKalb, Greene, Henry, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Moniteau, Newton, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline, Stone, and Vernon. Spire East was formerly known as Laclede Gas Company. Charles, Crawford, Jefferson, Franklin, Iron, St. 3 Spire East provides gas service in eastern Missouri to customers in the City of St. 2 All statutory references are to RSMo 2016, as supplemented through July 15, 2019, the date Spire filed its petitions to change its ISRS, unless otherwise indicated. The Commission employs technical experts ("PSC Staff") who are responsible for representing the Commission and the State of Missouri in all Commission investigations, 1 Spire initially appealed from the Commission's Report and Order but dismissed its appeal prior to submission. The Commission is a creature of statute, created by the General Assembly to regulate public utilities, including gas corporations, in Missouri. Regulatory and Procedural Background Spire is a "gas corporation" and a "public utility" as those terms are defined in section 386.020(18) and (43).2 Spire is an investor-owned gas utility that provides gas services to two service areas, Spire East3 and Spire West.4 Spire is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission as provided in section 386.250(1).
Witt, Judge and Anthony Rex Gabbert, Judge The Office of Public Counsel ("Public Counsel") appeals from the Public Service Commission's ("Commission") Octoreport and order ("Report and Order") addressing Spire Missouri Inc.'s ("Spire") applications to change its infrastructure system replacement surcharge ("ISRS") in Spire's East and West service territories to include costs incurred from October 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, and costs incurred from February 1, 2019, through July 31, 2019.1 Public Counsel's appeal challenges the Commission's decision to include the costs associated with the replacement of the cast iron and steel mains and service lines in the calculation of the awarded ISRS. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) WD83475 Consolidated with WD83476 and WD83477 OPINION FILED: OctoAppeal from the Public Service Commission Before Division Four: Cynthia L. TO CHANGE ITS INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT SURCHARGE IN ITS SPIRE MISSOURI WEST SERVICE TERRITORY, Respondent, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, Respondent, v. TO CHANGE ITS INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM REPLACEMENT SURCHARGE IN ITS SPIRE MISSOURI EAST SERVICE TERRITORY IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF SPIRE MISSOURI, INC. In the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF SPIRE MISSOURI, INC.