Enbridge files to amortize energy‑efficiency deferred account; DPU backs increase to limit interest

Enbridge asked the Utah Public Service Commission in Docket 25‑057‑18 to increase amortization for its energy‑efficiency deferred account to address an undercollected balance of about $3.66 million (as of July 31, 2025). The Division of Public Utilities supported the change and recommended interim approval.

Why it matters: Energy‑efficiency program budgets and amortization rates affect program continuity and ratepayer interest charges; setting an appropriate amortization rate reduces interest and balances future collections.

Filing and DPU analysis

Enbridge said the undercollected deferred account balance was $3,655,549 as of July 31, 2025, and proposed increasing the amortization rate so the company collects sufficient revenue to support the program while minimizing interest expense. Enbridge estimated the proposed change would raise a typical residential customer’s annual bill by $1.93 (0.3%).

DPU analyst Savannah Torman reviewed Enbridge’s exhibits and prior filings and recommended the commission approve the amortization rate on an interim basis while DPU completes a program audit. DPU noted Enbridge historically files multiple concurrent applications that change rates simultaneously and recommended the company include an exhibit in future filings showing cumulative bill impacts if multiple dockets are approved at once.

Ending

DPU recommended interim approval and requested better cumulative impact disclosure in future concurrent filings; the commission admitted the corrected exhibits into the record and will consider final audit results before a final order.