Regulated Utility Services

Regulated utilities provide essential services to nearly every household in the United States. The utility industry operates in a complex legal and economic landscape that benefits from participation by consumers, producers, and third-party interests. Bardwell Consulting provides expert analysis and expert testimony relied on by public utility commissioners in making regulatory decisions. Bardwell Consulting has utility experts in financial, economic, and engineering analysis, including:

  • General Rate Case. A general rate case proceeding establishes a fair and reasonable level of utility costs and rates. Such proceedings provide an opportunity to review nearly every aspect of a utility’s operations. Bardwell Consulting has the breadth of expertise to address most issues that arise during a general rate case. However, our practice focuses on the following general rate case topics: revenue requirement, cost of service studies, rate spread, rate design, and capital investment prudence determinations.
     
  • Planning and Policy. Effective planning and policy are key tools for maintaining fair and reasonable utility rates. State legislation, administrative rulemakings, and integrated resource planning provide opportunity for utility stakeholders to participate and contribute to utility planning and policy. Bardwell Consulting’s analysis and comments have influenced utility planning models and policy decision makers.
     
  • Program Design and Evaluation. Utilities often design and develop special programs and options for customers. Examples of special programs include green tariffs, decoupling programs, and competitive energy supply options. Our experts have experience to vet new program designs and evaluate the performance of existing programs.
     
  • Modeling and Forecasting. Most utility proceedings require or rely on modeling and forecasting. Experts play a key role in vetting and verifying the validity of models and forecasts. Bardwell Consulting’s team of mathematicians, statisticians, engineers, and economists allows us to create an analytic team aligned with the unique needs and challenges of each modeling engagement.