The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) has proposed new rules and changes to procedures for setting and reviewing tariffs for electricity supply.
The IRC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for stakeholder feedback, which describes its general approach to amending the “Tariff Regime for Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC). The IRC may issue an NPRM when it intends to amend rules or place a position in its Decision Documents, and request public comment on its proposals.
The current NPRM has proposed guidelines that will resolve preliminary tasks that should be performed before DOMLEC issues its Notice of Intent to File for new electricity rates.
DOMLEC is required to submit its tariff proposals to the IRC, as part of the general procedures for the review of electricity rates.
The Commission’s argument is that the 60-day period, as stated in the Electricity Supply Act of 2006 does not provide sufficient time to review and approve DOMLEC’s submission of new rates. The Standard Filing Requirements for the Rate Review Application of the Decision Document must therefore be amended, in a bid to ensure an efficient and effective process towards the determination of new electricity rates and modernization of the tariff structure.
The specific changes being proposed are contained in the NPRM. A notable additional amendment that the IRC has proposed is to change the tariff review period from three to five years.
The Commission welcomes the participation of all stakeholders of the electricity sector of Dominica, including DOMLEC, and members of the public to express opinions on the NPRM.
It can be accessed on the IRC’s website at this link https://lnkd.in/dvf-hpcW as a downloadable document – ‘Notice of Proposed Rule Making.’ Individuals can submit comments by e-mail or post or deliver them to the IRC’s office by Thursday, June 21st, 2022. There is also a specific period for respondents to view and comment on non-confidential responses on the IRC’s website.