In Orders issued in companion dockets, the Department announced a new vision for electric grid modernization accompanied by a policy framework for time varying rates. The Department decided that the electric utilities should file ten year grid modernization plans including how they will be: "1) reducing the effects of outages; 2) optimizing demand, which includes reducing system and customer costs; 3) integrating distributed resources; and 4) improving workforce and asset management." The utilities filings are to include a five-year short-term investment plan that includes an approach to achieving advanced metering functionality.

In the Policy Framework, the Department determined that basic utility service should include time varying rates for all rate classes after the deployment of advanced metering functionality. The utilities will provide two basic service options: 1) a default product with a TOU pricing structure that includes a critical peak pricing component; and 2) a flat rate with a peak time rebate option. Comments on the policy framework are due July 3, 2014.

The full texts of the Grid Modernzation Order and Time Varying Rates Policy Framework are available on the NEM Website.

The Commission issued a Tentative Order requesting comment on proposed recommendations for a triennial solicitation schedule for the electric utilities to update their eligible customer lists (ECLs). "Specifically, the Commission requests comments on a three-year update schedule; the treatment of those customers receiving both electricity and natural gas service from the same utility; the content of the solicitations; and the amount and recovery of the costs associated with the solicitations." With respect to dual commodity utilities, the Commission requests comment on the most effective way to make the solicitation to dual commodity customers, and if a customer can restrict all/some of its information from appearing on the ECL for one commodity but not for purposes of the ECL for the other commodity.

The Commission proposes that the triennial solicitation include the following information:
"(1) what the ECL is; (2) what information is to be included on the ECL; (3) what the more detailed information represents; (4) how this information is to be used by NGSs; (5) how the information is to be safeguarded by NGDCs; (6) how widely the information will be disseminated; and (7) the potential benefits to the customers of having their information included on the ECL." The Commission proposes that customers be permitted to reply to the triennial solicitation via direct mail, website, electronic mail and/or telephone. Comments are due July 21st.

The full text of the Tentative Order is available on the NEM Website.