PUC authorizes up to $250,000 filing fee and consultant contracts for Northwestern rate filing

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted June 18 to assess a filing fee of up to $250,000 in docket EL26-019 to cover actual expenses incurred in reviewing Northwestern Energy's petition for a phase-in rate plan rider tariff revision, and to authorize the executive director to enter into necessary consulting contracts.

Logan Shaper, speaking for staff, told the commission: "We would request the commission assess a filing fee in the amount of up to $250,000 to account for actual expenses incurred in review of this filing commencing from the filing date and also to give the executive director authority to enter into necessary consulting contracts." Commissioners described the request as standard and necessary to continue the docket.

A motion to assess the fee and grant contracting authority passed unanimously on voice vote. The commission noted the action was standard operating procedure to ensure adequate review resources; no additional conditions were recorded at the June 18 meeting.

The fee assessment authorizes the commission to recover review costs; the transcript does not provide details on the specific consultants, scope of work, or how invoicing will be handled.