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Electric Utility Seeks Approval of Default Service Plan for Period June 1, 2027 through May 31, 2030
Includes AMI Infrastructure Surcharge, Update to Supplier Tariff and Waiver Requests
On June 1, 2026 Pike County Light & Power Company filed a petition for approval of default service plan for the period June 1, 2027 through May 31, 2030, implementation of a surcharge to deploy advanced metering, and waiver of commission regulations.
Highlights from the Petition:
Procurement – In its petition, Pike proposes consistent with its recent Petition to Modify Default Service Procurement Method to utilize a NYISO supplier to procure energy for default supply utilizing the same agreements and standards.
“Pike proposes to procure default service supply through a competitive bid solicitation process for the term of this Default Service Plan. Pike is proposing here the same procurement terms as proposed in its Petition to Modify at Docket No. P-2023-3039927,7 with two modifications to provide Pike with additional options and efficiencies: (1) allow Pike at its option and upon becoming a Load-Serving Entity in the NYISO to purchase energy directly on the NYISO market instead of utilizing an electricity supplier; and (2) allow Pike at its option to continue utilizing the same supplier chosen to procure energy for Pike’s default supply for August 2026-May 31, 2027 without conducting a competitive solicitation if [BEGIN HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL]”
Default Service – This DSP also proposes changes to the default rate calculation to allow more timely recovery of default service costs which will give more accurate price signals to customers and ensure the Company has enough cash flow to continue providing safe and reliable service while maintaining price stability for customers.
“Pike is proposing three changes to its default service rate to allow for more timely recovery of default service costs and include delivery costs from Orange and Rockland which delivers default supply electricity from the NYISO to Pike’s system. These changes are discussed in more detail in Mr. Lenn’s testimony, Pike St. No. 1 and supporting exhibits.”
Supplier Tariff – Pike has also included a pro forma redline Supplier Tariff with updates to modernize this 27-year-old tariff, reflect current practices, and be consistent with Commission orders specifying how Pike must interact with electric generation suppliers (“EGS”). “Pike’s Supplier Tariff has not been updated since 1999. It does not reflect modern practices or Commission orders regarding how Pike must interact with suppliers.”
“Pike has implemented the following changes to the Supplier Tariff in the pro forma redline tariff supplement attached as Exhibit ML-7:
- Modernized delivery/communication methods
- Updated the Tariff to mirror the Commission’s Waiver of EDI requirements for Pike at Docket No. P-2018-3005165.
- Replaced older entity references to O&R with references to Pike where applicable
- Removed references to the New York Power Pool which ceased to exist in 1999.
- Removed obsolete or legacy regulatory language
- Revised transmission, installed capacity, and ancillary services language
- Updated installed capacity text to reflect Pike-specific wording • Removed certain older reserve/deficiency descriptions
- Removed older specific ancillary service charge amounts to reference FERC Tariff
- Updated customer/electronic file data fields to mirror Commission requirements at Docket No. P-2018-3002709
- Updated Company holiday list
Deployment Of Advanced Metering Infrastructure And Surcharge – Pike also seeks to implement a surcharge for deployment of advanced metering technology (“AMI” or “smart meters”). It has included a pro forma tariff and supporting testimony and accounting exhibits to support this request.
“Pike anticipates completing implementation of its Smart Meter Plan over an estimated four-year period, allowing for meter replacement activities, system configuration and integration, billing system integration, staff training, and transition from the legacy meter reading system to the Tesco AMI (f/k/a Nighthawk AMI) platform. Further details on deployment timing are provided in Pike Exhibit ML-8.”
“Regarding cost recovery of the Smart Meter Plan, Pike seeks to implement a Smart Meter Surcharge Rider. Pike has included as Exhibit ML-6 pro forma tariff pages implementing the surcharge. The surcharge is explained in Mr. Lenn’s direct testimony, Pike Statement No. 2. Supporting calculations are provided in Pike Exhibit ML-4.”
AEPS Compliance – To ensure continued compliance with the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (“AEPS”), the DSP proposes utilizing the same means as previously approved DSPs.
Waivers – Finally, Pike seeks partial waivers of Commission regulations regarding short- and long-term contracts and procuring default supply on a customer class basis, as previously granted by the Commission in Pike’s prior DSP proceedings.
“Specifically, Pike requests waiver of:
- 52 Pa. Code §§ 69.1805, 69.1805(1), 69.1805(2) and 69.1805(3) (inclusion of short and long-term contracts in procurement mix and tailoring procurement to customer classes); and
- 52 Pa. Code § 69.1807(3) (competitive bid solicitation by customer class). 72. These waivers are justified by Pike’s small size and limited load. Granting these waivers will reduce regulatory burden without adversely impacting customers.”
