PSC grants temporary waiver to Xcel on meter‑reading display, requires reporting and customer communications

Commissioner Nieto summarized staff findings that Xcel Energy's new AMI interval meters, coupled with its legacy customer information system, had produced bills that did not display "previous" and "current" meter readings as required by Wisconsin admin. code PSC 113.0406, instead showing a zero for previous readings and cumulative usage for current readings.

Nieto presented options: deny the waiver (which she said would not provide a path to compliance), a temporary waiver until 12/31/2028 to require an interim fix, a temporary waiver through 2031 to align with Xcel's planned new CIS, or a permanent waiver (which she opposed). After discussing tradeoffs, she said she was "inclined to approve a temporary waiver until 2031 pending the new billing system," but recommended additional reporting and customer‑communications requirements to protect consumers and maintain oversight.

The commission adopted the temporary waiver consistent with that discussion and added compliance steps: within 60 days Xcel must file a report describing steps to prevent inaccurate billing adjustments; Xcel must work with PSC staff on customer communications that explain changes and provide contact information; and the utility must report complaint volumes and dispositions at an annual cadence until bills and tariffs are consistent with PSC code. Commissioners agreed annual reporting (rather than quarterly) would be sufficient for ongoing oversight. The motion to approve the waiver with these conditions carried by voice vote.