Common use of Rate Design Clause in Contracts

Rate Design. No later than November 1, 2012, WMECO shall file a revenue-neutral rate design plan with the Department to realign customer rates in a manner that coincides with the decline in the transition charge resulting from the termination of the pay-down of the securitized bonds, which is expected to occur during May of 2013, and in a manner that is consistent with the Department’s rate design principle of rate continuity and gradualism to address open rate design issues cited in the Department’s order in D.P.U. 10-70. Prior to filing with the Department, WMECO will consult with the Attorney General to develop a proposal so that the combination of this distribution rate realignment and the reduction in the transition charge preclude a cumulative increase in rates to any rate class. Furthermore, any distribution rate increase to a class shall be set on a uniform cents per kilowatt-hour basis, unless WMECO and the Attorney General agree prior to filing that customers would be more reasonably and equitably served by a different approach. WMECO shall consult with the Attorney General’s office at least 30 days prior to the filing to review and discuss the proposals that will be made in the rate design filing.