FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): June 20, 2002
Exact name of registrant as specified | I.R.S. | |
in its charter, state of incorporation, | Employer | |
Commission | address of principal executive offices, | Identification |
File Number | Telephone | Number |
1-16305 | PUGET ENERGY, INC. | 91-1969407 |
A Washington Corporation. | ||
411 - 108th Avenue N.E. | ||
Bellevue, Washington 98004-5515 | ||
(425) 454-6363 |
1-4393 | PUGET SOUND ENERGY, INC. | 91-0374630 |
A Washington Corporation | ||
411 - 108th Avenue N.E. | ||
Bellevue, Washington 98004-5515. |
ITEM 5. Other Events
On June 20, 2002 the Company issued the following press release.
Puget Sound Energy electric-rate plan approved by WUTC
collaborative process results in one of the lowest rate hikes in NW
BELLEVUE, Wash. Puget Sound Energy, the utility subsidiary of Puget Energy (NYSE: PSD), today announced that the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) has issued final regulatory approval of the comprehensive electric-rate settlement submitted by the utility, key constituents and customer groups, state regulatory staff, and the state attorney generals Public Counsel Section.
The new rates, which will be implemented July 1, will provide for the companys financial health and at the same time give PSEs electric customers one of the regions smallest rate hikes. Approval by the WUTC marks the successful conclusion of a collaborative effort by all of the parties in the rate case to reach a negotiated settlement.
We are very appreciative of the effort put forth by the Commission and all of the parties involved in this case, said Puget Energy President and CEO Stephen P. Reynolds. This collaborative process has been very productive and has allowed many significant issues to be addressed and resolved. We hope this serves as a model for future rate proceedings
Rate Case Background
The Commission approved the recommended overall 4.6 percent rate increase, which will generate about $59 million annually for PSE. The rate increase means a typical households monthly bill will be about $2.70 higher than in 2001. With the removal of the temporary surcharge granted in March of this year, the net effect on customer bills will actually be a reduction of about $1.85 per month compared to customers June 2002 bills.
Aside from the permanent rate increase, PSE will gain other financial benefits from the agreement through changes in the way the utility recovers its costs for certain investments in power plants, energy metering, and other systems.
The agreement also includes a power-cost adjustment mechanism that triggers if PSEs costs to provide customers electricity exceed a certain threshold. The mechanism apportions increases or decreases in power costs, on a graduated scale, between PSE and its customers. In addition, the settlement accelerates the start of the requested rate increase from mid-fall 2002 to July 1, 2002 thereby requiring a smaller hike in rates. The rate increase is less than PSE originally sought last winter because certain negotiated elements in the agreement reduced PSE expense levels, stabilized its balance sheet, and will help the utility rebuild its financial integrity.
The new rates are expected to produce financial results consistent with Puget Energys previously announced earnings guidance for 2002 and 2003.
Other important elements of the collaborative settlement agreement include:
Aside from the electric-rate agreement, PSE will continue working with state regulators and others on a long-term natural-gas rate settlement. The utility is seeking a gas-rate boost in September to cover increases in the cost of serving gas customers over the past seven years. The companys last increase in rates for its gas-delivery service as opposed to PSEs costs for purchasing customers natural gas supplies was in 1995.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
PUGET ENERGY, INC. |
PUGET SOUND ENERGY, INC. |
/s/ Stephen A. McKeon | |
Stephen A. McKeon | |
Senior Vice President Finance and Legal, Chief Financial Officer |
Date: June 21, 2002 |