N.M. Admin. Code § 17.1.3.7

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 20, October 22, 2024

Section 17.1.3.7 - DEFINITIONS

In addition to the definitions in 17.1.2 NMAC, 17.9.530 NMAC, 17.10.630 NMAC, 17.12.1 NMAC, 17.12.730 NMAC, 17.12.780 NMAC, 17.13.1 NMAC, 17.13.930 NMAC and 17.13.980 NMAC, as used in this rule:

A. "adjusted base period" means a utility's base period data that includes fully explained annualizations, normalizations and adjustments for known and measureable changes and regulatory requirements that occur within the base period; the primary purpose of including the adjusted base period year with these changes in the filing is to provide staff and intervenors the ability to test the validity of the information in the future test year period;

B. "base period" means a historical 12-month period terminating (1) at the end of a quarter and (2) no earlier than 150 days prior to the date of filing;

C. "cost center" means a department, division, or organizational grouping of departments or divisions at which operating expense planning and evaluation takes place;

D. "cost driver" means a factor that influences or contributes to the expense of a business activity or operation; a business activity or operation may have more than one cost driver attached to it;

E. "data rules" means rules 17.1.2 NMAC, 17.9.530 NMAC, 17.10.630 NMAC, 17.12.1 NMAC, 17.12.730 NMAC, 17.12.780 NMAC, 17.13.1 NMAC, 17.13.930 NMAC, and 17.13.980 NMAC;

F. "elements of cost" means types of cost such as labor, materials, outside services, contract costs, important clearings, and all other types of cost combined as one category;

G. "future test year period" means a 12-month period beginning no later than the date the proposed rate change is expected to take effect;

H. "linkage data" means a specific and detailed description of all line items for the period of time between the end of the base period and the beginning of the future test year period required by this rule to create a verifiable link between future test year period data and base period data; linkage data does not constitute a test period and is provided for the purpose of validating the information contained in the future test year period;

I. "major plant additions" means plant for which the utility is required to file:

(1) an application for a certificate or public convenience and necessity; or

(2) prior notice with the commission pursuant to 17.5.440 NMAC;

J. "material change" or "material variance" means a change or variance in cost between the adjusted base period and the future test year period for a cost center if budget estimates are being used and for a uniform system of accounts (USOA) account otherwise that:

(1) exceeds 6% and $100,000 total company for investor-owned electric utilities;

(2) exceeds 6% and $100,000 total company for investor-owned gas utilities with 250,000 or more customers;

(3) exceeds 6% and $1,000 total company for investor-owned gas utilities with fewer than 250,000 customers;

(4) exceeds 6% and $1,000 total company for investor-owned water utilities; and

(5) exceeds 6% and $1,000 total company for investor-owned sewer utilities;

K. "this rule" means 17.1.3 NMAC;

L. "total company" means the costs of the utility's total operation without regard to jurisdiction.

N.M. Admin. Code § 17.1.3.7

17.1.3.7 NMAC - N, 2-14-13