Utilities propose consolidating annual RAM filings; stakeholders urge safeguards for discovery and consumer protection

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority convened a technical roundtable in January 2026 to solicit stakeholder feedback after utilities proposed consolidating the annual reconciling adjustment mechanism (RAM) filings into a single March 1 package and holding one consolidated hearing in May.

"We would propose to eliminate the known and measurable filing and the February rates filing," Heather Tabitz, director of regulatory for UI, said during a presentation outlining a consolidated calendar that would move the bulk of filing content to March 1 and aim for an interim decision by late April so rate changes could take effect May 1.

UIand other company representatives said a single comprehensive filing could reduce repetitive submissions and administrative burden, giving parties a complete package to examine in one cycle rather than piecing together January, February and March filings. Jacob Pruetz, UIsenior director of revenue requirements, said the idea was intended to "make things a little smoother, a little more efficient," not to eliminate any core steps in the RAM process.

Stakeholders said efficiency is desirable but raised concerns about shortening the period for discovery and public input. Claire Coleman, consumer counsel at the Office of Consumer Counsel, said she shared "the desire to make this process more efficient, but I have some serious concerns" and warned that "changing rates without a hearing really concerns us." Coleman and other intervenors asked that any consolidated schedule preserve time for accounting review, prudence review and public participation.

Eversource executives said they are broadly open to procedural streamlining but flagged practical constraints. Doug Horton, senior vice president for regulatory and strategic financial planning at Eversource, told the panel that preparing a full, credible RAM filing depends on year-end books and that accelerating the March 1 filing back to mid-January or earlier is unlikely. Eversource also urged clarity on interim-decision timing so companies have sufficient time to file and obtain approval of tariffs before proposed effective dates.

The meeting also reopened a broader debate about forecasts versus the commission's existing "known and measurable" standard. Several commissioners and intervenors discussed whether permitting limited, clearly defined forecasts (or a "preliminary/subject-to-review" lexicon) could allow earlier, more informative filings without undermining prudence review. Utilities argued that some types of forecasted information (for example, LMP futures or short-run PPA exposures) are quantifiable and useful; consumer advocates countered that meaningful review windows and safeguards must remain.

Participants agreed on the need to prioritize review resources on the most material drivers of volatility, with many panelists pointing to power purchase agreements (PPAs) and locational marginal price (LMP) assumptions as the largest contributors to year-to-year swings. Stakeholders suggested approaches including "baskets" of expenditures that receive different procedural treatment and targeted supplemental filings for highly volatile items.

No formal changes were adopted at the meeting. Chair Tom Wheel said the commission might issue follow-up comment prompts and advised stakeholders to file specific written proposals or recommendations for the record ahead of the March RAM filings. PURA staff and parties will evaluate the feedback as possible inputs to decisions issued later in the spring and summer.