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Commission approves Southwest Gas tariff revision to equal payment plan; staff clarifies treatment of balances
Summary
The commission approved Southwest Gas27s advice letter to revise Nevada Gas Tariff No. 7 for the equal payment plan. Staff and the utility clarified that tariff language on customers who leave the EPP did not change, that customers with credits would receive a check, and that remaining balances may be placed on payment plans or paid when a customer exits EPP.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada unanimously approved a proposed revision to Southwest Gas Corporation27s Nevada Gas Tariff No. 7 addressing the equal payment plan (EPP), and staff responded to commissioner questions about how remaining balances are treated when a customer leaves the program.
Commissioner Brown asked whether, if a customer leaves the EPP after the 12-month period and a balance remains, the utility would collect that balance over 12 months or only if the customer remained on EPP. Anita Castledine, speaking "for the record," said she did not have the tariff in front of her but that "the portion of the tariff that explains what happens if they leave the equal payment plan program did not change," and added that a customer with a credit balance would receive a check. Ann Marie Cuneo, director of regulatory operations, said Southwest Gas "will allow customers to put any remaining balance on a payment plan that they will work out with Southwest Gas themselves," or customers may pay the balance when they remove themselves from EPP; she said the utility has been flexible in offering payment plans.
Following that clarification, Chair Hillary Williamson moved to accept staff recommendations and issue the appropriate order for agenda item 4D; Commissioner Brown seconded. The commission voted Aye and the motion carried, approving the tariff revision as presented.
Why it matters: the equal payment plan affects how residential customers smooth their gas bills over a year. The commission27s action adopted the tariff revision in advice letter 539 and the record indicates the tariff language governing the consequences of leaving EPP was unchanged; staff and the utility described payment-plan flexibility for customers who owe a balance on exit.
What to watch: customers and consumer advocates seeking precise mechanics and effective dates should consult the tariff filing and the commission docket for text and implementation timing.
