Regulatory Support

 

Every utility, regulator and energy stakeholder is unique. Whether a utility requires a rate application, stakeholder communication or a risk management plan, Elenchus tailors its solutions to ensure regulatory compliance and ratepayer satisfaction while delivering fair returns to utilities.

We work with utilities to help them deliver successful Cost of Service (COS) applications and Incentive Rate Mechanism (IRM) rate filings on time and cost effectively. With our team's expert knowledge we develop straightforward approaches to solving the most complex regulatory challenges, work in concert with utility staff to address filing requirements and improve business performance.

For each application, Elenchus draws on its deep industry expertise, serving more than one-third of the LDCs in Ontario and many more clients around the country.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our Services

     

  • Project Management and Reporting For every project we undertake, we create a Project Management Package based on the specific needs of the client that includes dates for major milestones, progress metrics and identification of key issues to be addressed in the upcoming period. The package is delivered on a regular basis (weekly or monthly) in a concise report suitable to the utility’s executive management.
     
    In working closely with utilities across the province, Elenchus relies on information and communication technologies that enable simple information sharing and effective discussion. No special software or computer configuration is required when working with Elenchus.
     

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  • Application Preparation and Evidence Drafting Elenchus offers assistance to utilities by providing filing templates and experienced resources for the preparation of schedules and tables as well as for drafting the supporting evidence. We assist with parts of the application (such as with the variance analysis or capital additions) or provide a more comprehensive solution, all depending on utility needs. Our collaborative approach ensures a tailored and cost-effective solution.
     
    Our dedicated regulatory analysts and senior advisors can complete an entire turn-key application or complement the utility’s own staff when needed and our senior advisors and expert personnel deal with sensitive and strategic issues.
     
    Elenchus can also assist with electronic filings, desktop publishing and printing production with its skilled support team which can quickly coordinate the details of the application.
     

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  • Ongoing Strategic Support Elenchus works very closely with utilities as they develop their application to ensure that it effectively meets regulatory requirements and addresses stakeholder issues identified in an initial strategic review. Our most senior personnel will also assess and advise on additional issues that may arise during the course of the application process.
     
    In our experience, initial reviews of sections as they are drafted represent the most effective and efficient approach to avoid extensive revisions of completed drafts. These reviews address strategic direction, potential gaps and risk exposures.
     

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  • Measuring and Improving Performance Utilities are facing regulatory expectations for improved productivity, an aging labour force and infrastructure renewal. Elenchus helps clients understand the implications of the changing regulatory and business environments, assess the risks and opportunities, and develop practical tailored solutions. Our expertise comes from significant experience in the energy sector and HR.
     
    Elenchus stays current on OEB decisions to provide insights, such as a performance-based approach to regulation: specific measures and targets, annual balanced scorecard, benchmarking, incentives and consequences.
     
    We help you improve your operations: to plan, implement, measure and tell the productivity story effectively within the evolving regulatory model. Our services also include strategic planning, organizational design, HR risk assessment, talent management and development, succession planning and knowledge management.
     

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  • Review of Application and of Special Studies Elenchus offers a “second set of eyes” to utilities that are ready to file an application. Our reviews focus on the application’s consistency, the editorial aspects of the written evidence and the numerical precision of tables and schedules. We can also review special studies to help to ensure compliance and regulatory approval.
     

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  • Interrogatory Support Elenchus works with utilities to identify the most effective strategy for handling and responding to interrogatories under tight timelines. We assist in drafting or reviewing responses in order to further the goal of a successful application.
     

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  • Settlement Conferences And Hearing Services We provide strategic and tactical advice to utilities involved in Technical and Settlement Conferences to support the application and ensure a fair settlement with stakeholders.
     
    Our senior personnel can also assist with hearing preperation, which includes witness training, attendance at the hearing and advice on the final and reply arguments. Our Senior Advisors have extensive experience in hearing processes and in appearing as witnesses.
     

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  • Draft Rate Orders Elenchus provides guidance to utilities in submitting clear draft rate orders to the Board by analyzing the decision and undertaking the finalization of the cost allocation model, updating the rate schedules, and final bill impact analysis. Elenchus also helps utilities integrate the decision into their business processes.
     

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  • Off-Cycle Applications Elenchus can provide assistance in completing IRM applications from completion of individual modules to production and submission of the entire application. We conduct IRM application reviews, provide interrogatory support, and a final review of decision Tariff sheets.
     
    Elenchus assists utilities prepare Off-Cycle Applications such as Smart Meter Disposition, special purpose applications, mergers and acquisitions (MAADs) in the same way it does cost of service applications: with the client’s success in mind. For smaller, specific applications, Elenchus provides templates and models and can create custom solutions, as required.
     

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  • Elenchus Can Help Elenchus provides assistance in completing special projects (i.e. Conditions of Service reviews, Economic Evaluation Models) on an individual client or group of LDCs basis.
     

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Our Tools

     

  • RateMaker For Cost of Service Applications Our widely used MS Excel-based tool is a comprehensive model that uses financial data to compute a utility’s revenue requirement and all its supporting schedules, generate distribution rates, riders and rate impacts and produce pro forma financial statements. It can also derive variance analysis of key rate-making data.
     
    RateMaker can be tailored to particular requirements and is well accepted by the OEB and its staff.
     
    RateMaker is the integrated model utilities need to prepare their applications and efficiently perform sensitivity analysis of multiple scenarios.
     

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  • Application Filer for Document Management Application Filer is an MS Excel based tool specifically designed to significantly simplify the creation and management of documents which comprise your entire application.
     
    Application Filer is a valuable tool to put together documents from various MS Office software applications such as Word, Excel and portable document format (pdf) into a single, edited document. Once all sections are complete, a comprehensive PDF version of the application document is generated. Page headers and titles for Word or Excel files are fully automated. Sections are automatically renumbered when changes to the master index are made.
     
    A generic master index serves as a checklist for the OEB’s Filing Requirements and can be augmented with additional items to address client-specific circumstances. Application Filer allows for status tracking of individual sections of the application and of outstanding issues.
     

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Special Studies

     

  • Load Forecasting Elenchus supports utilities with the analysis needed to weather-normalize past consumption, prepare a normalized load forecast and file expert evidence for the test year.
     
    Various approaches and statistical techniques may be used, depending on the extent, detail and quality of the historical data available and particular circumstances of the utility. The selection of a particular approach is substantiated in a formal report, which presents all forecast data and the details on the methodology used.
     

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  • Cost Allocation We provide fully updated cost allocation studies and related reports. We develop new weather-normalized load profiles for each customer class leveraging smart and interval meter data.
     
    Our systematic process enables a full understanding of changes in allocated costs and ensures OEB requirements are addressed, including the proper treatment of street light and unmetered loads. Final evidence is prepared and supported by expert testimony as required.
     

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  • Lead-Lag Study Elenchus can assist or prepare on behalf of a utility a Lead-Lag study to determine the working capital requirement in which a utility needs to finance its daily operations.
     
    Elenchus provides a plan to conduct the study and works closely with the utility’s accounting personnel to gather, analyze and draft the study. Final evidence is prepared and supported by expert testimony as required.
     

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