Policymakers, legislators and regulators are wrestling with achieving rapid and substantial GHG reduction targets. Utilities are adjusting to this new reality and rethinking their traditional business models while consumers discover and exercise options to migrate away from their traditional reliance on utility-provided energy. The many issues we face in this utility evolution are becoming more complex and increasingly intertwined. This is where KB&A’s unique approach to assisting our clients can help.
KB&A’s network of leading scholars, researchers, writers and consultants bring the specific skills and experience required to respond to your needs. Assembling leading thinkers with extensive experience in the specifics of a project, rather than relying on generalist consultants, guarantees a high-quality outcome. The credentials of our project teams also bring the degree of credibility necessary to provide a compelling solution for our clients. Our project teams will not compromise on putting a principled line of reasoning forward. This ensures the credibility of our clients, as well as the continued credibility of our teams. Finally, this approach recognizes that a certain amount of work must be undertaken to satisfy project requirements, regardless of which consultants are engaged. By assembling a team with extensive experience in and understanding of the issues and the tasks to be undertaken, the amount of time and resources necessary to complete a project can be kept to a minimum because the team can work efficiently and avoid unnecessary steps and potential rework. It also allows us to tailor the level of expertise to specific tasks to reduce project costs while maintaining our high standards of excellence.
Regulatory Strategy
Utility regulation is becoming increasingly complex. As utilities and regulators explore alternative regulatory models, they are now faced with a “menu” of tools to design a regulatory regime that achieves specific business and public policy objectives. KB&A advises utilities and regulators on the design of well-structured regulatory regimes, rate designs, and related matters.
Recent Projects:
Advised the City of Westerville Electric Division (Ohio) on matters related to its Cost-of-Service, Rate Design, and Fee Structures and redrafted the Terms of Service.
Provided strategic advice to an Alberta distribution utility on its 2023 Performance-Based Regulation proposal before the Alberta Utilities Commission under a confidentiality agreement.
Advised a Canadian electric utility on rate design matters, including redesigning consumer and industrial transmission tariffs.
Assisted the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Agency in a workshop on performance-based regulation.
Policy Advice
KB&A provides public policy and regulatory policy advice related to the public utility sector to utilities, regulators, governments and other parties. Our advice is grounded in sound economic principles and extensive research.
Recent Projects:
Assisted the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Agency in a workshop on performance-based regulation.
Assisting a Canadian telecom carrier in negotiations with electric utilities regarding facility access.
Assisted two Canadian Utility Associations in providing regulatory policy advice to the federal government.
Expert Testimony
When assisting our clients in developing their regulatory strategies, we frequently support them with expert testimony. Our testimony provides the essential evidence and key messages required to support our clients’ submissions. We also respond to information requests, assist our clients in drafting their information requests, provide rebuttal testimony as required and defend our expert opinions under examination at public proceedings.
Recent Projects:
Assisting a gas and electric utility company in New Hampshire in developing its first performance-based regulation filing before the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission including providing expert testimony. (Current)
Assisted a gas and electric utility company in Massachusetts in developing its first performance-based regulation filing before the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and provided expert testimony.
Advised a client in a confidential arbitration and filed expert evidence before an arbitration tribunal.
Research Reports
KB&A produces meticulous research reports for our clients on matters related to the public utility sector. Our reports are well-researched, with complete citations and references, well-written and understandable. Our reports are frequently included as expert testimony in regulatory and legal proceedings.
Recent Projects:
Drafted a survey report on electric vehicle charging rates in North America for a Canadian electric utility.
Drafted a research report on load attraction plans in North American electric utilities for a Canadian electric utility.