PUCN approves Sierra Pacific MAOP plan with annual informational filings

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approved Sierra Pacific’s Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) plan on the commission’s motion with a requirement that the company provide annual informational filings until the plan is complete.

Commissioner Cordova raised whether the commission should set the docket for further proceedings because staff had suggested additional proceedings if policy advisers or commissioners had questions. Cordova said she was comfortable approving the plan now if staff was comfortable, or alternatively comfortable setting it for further proceedings; she asked what additional proceedings would accomplish.

An unidentified staff attorney explained that General Counsel’s recommendation to set the docket for further proceedings was based on staff’s representation that further proceedings would permit investigation into whether the MAOP plan is appropriate and whether other procedures should be addressed; staff counsel Domino Malho said staff is comfortable with the company’s MAOP plan but recommended including annual informational filings until the plan is complete. Commissioner Cordova moved to grant the petition as modified to include a requirement that Sierra Pacific provide annual informational filings until the plan is complete; Chair Williamson seconded the motion and the commission approved it.

The order therefore grants the MAOP petition as modified and requires annual informational filings; the transcript records no additional technical changes requested on the record.