The Bonneville Power Administration began its Tiered Rate Methodology (TRM) rate proceeding under section 7(i) of the Northwest Power Act with publication of its initial proposal in the Federal Register in early May.  BPA expects to conclude the formal rate process in late September 2008 with a final record of decision (ROD). 

Under the July 2007 Long-Term Regional Dialogue Final Policy, BPA will offer 20-year Regional Dialogue Contracts to its public utility and federal agency customers that provide for tiered rates under the Priority Firm (PF) power rate schedule. The TRM establishes a rate design that creates a predictable and durable means by which to tier BPA’s PF rate. Actual rate levels will be set in Northwest Power Act section 7(i) rate proceedings for two-year rate periods beginning in FY 2012, consistent with the TRM.

More information about the TRM initial proposal, including the Federal Register notice, is available on BPA's Web site.

BPA committed last year to establish a process that ensures its customers and stakeholders have regular access to clear and transparent financial information as well as frequent opportunities for meaningful input into BPA cost and program decisions.  In May, BPA began one portion of this new process – the Integrated Program Review – with a series of workshops at which utility general managers, technical and analytical staff, and the general public can provide input on future costs. Via the IPR, BPA is now accepting public comment on cost forecasts for the 2010-2011 rate period.  BPA will consider the input received as it establishes program costs for the Power and Transmission 2010-2011 rate cases, which will begin this fall.