Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1: Cost of Service/Rate Design Including but not limited to the following: - Analysis and evaluation of cost of service and rate design in utility rate cases, including determination of appropriate functionalization, classification, and allocation of distribution revenue requirements to various customer classes - Analysis and evaluation of proposed alternative ratemaking methodologies, including multi-year rate plans, decoupling, other proposed surcharges Task 2: General utility filings, including rate change requests Including but not limited to the following: - Analysis and evaluation of rate base components and capital expenditures - Analysis and evaluation of utility operations and maintenance expenses, including depreciation - Analysis and evaluation of utility revenues, including weather normalization adjustments and projected load increases - Cost benefit analysis for utility programs, such as energy efficiency, demand response, or other load management proposals - Analysis and evaluation of utility expansion proposals - Review and analysis of utility mergers and acquisitions Task 3: Capital structure, cost of capital, cost of equity and overall rate of return issues Including but not limited to the following: - Analysis and evaluation of proposed capital structure, cost of capital, cost of equity, overall rate of return, proposed debt issuances, and other related matters. Task 4: Electric Engineering Analysis Including but not limited to the following: - Review and analysis of electric utility infrastructure planning and maintenance, and related issues including load forecasting, smart grid initiatives, distributed resource integration, EV integration, and non-wire solutions and interconnection standards. Task 5: Natural Gas Engineering Analysis Including but not limited to the following: - Review and analysis of natural gas utility infrastructure planning and maintenance, and related issues including leak rates, Lost and Unaccounted for gas, and nonpipe alternatives.
