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Restricted communications in effect for BP-27 power rate case

BPA enters a period of restricted communications for its BP-27 rate case.
BPA is in a period of restricted communications, called ex parte, for the expedited BP-27 rate case addressing a power rates adjustment.
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BPA is in a period of restricted communications, called ex parte, for the expedited BP-27 rate case addressing a power rates adjustment.

On Sept. 15, the Bonneville Power Administration published a Federal Register Notice announcing the beginning of the expedited BP-27 rate case, which proposes new power rates adjustment mechanisms. The BP-27 initial proposal is scheduled to publish Oct. 5.

With the publication of this Federal Register notice, BPA is in a period of restricted communication known as ex parte that remains in effect until BPA issues the final record of decision. The ex parte rules prohibit all BPA employees and contract personnel from discussing the merits of any issue in the proceedings outside of the formal proceedings.

BPA is conducting an expedited Section 7(i) rate case process, called BP-27, to address the financial impact of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon's Amended Preliminary Injunction Order, issued March 2.  The court order increases spill and reduces hydropower generation.  To recover the impact of the court's order over the remaining two years of the rate period, the proposed power rate adjustment mechanism—called the Court-Ordered Operations Rate Adder—is expected to recover an additional $125 million per year for both remaining fiscal years 2027 and 2028. 

BPA intends to publish the final record of decision by mid-Dec. The new rate mechanisms would go into effect at the start of the month immediately following FERC's interim approval.

For more information
For more details, see the BP-27 ex parte rules memo. Learn more about the rate case by visiting the BP-27 Rate Case webpage.

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