ECS

ECS Services

Econalysis offers services to a wide range of stakeholders in regulatory proceedings in the electricity and natural gas sectors: test

• public interest/customer groups;

• utilities;

• industry participants;

• regulators/government agencies.

We provide one-stop shopping for the regulatory expertise required by our various clients to participate effectively in regulatory processes. Our broad array of regulatory services includes analytic support, hearing preparation, expert evidence, assistance in negotiations, facilitation and industry monitoring.

ECS has been providing assistance to participants in Canadian regulatory matters since 1980.

Electricity Sector Expertise

ECS offers consulting services to public interest clients concerned with regulatory matters related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, market operations and retailing. We also provide advice and support on electricity industry regulatory matters to other special interest and customer groups.

Since 1990, ECS has been actively involved in regulatory proceedings before the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BC Hydro and West Kootenay Power), the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (Manitoba Hydro), the Ontario Energy Board (Ontario Hydro, Hydro One Networks (formerly Ontario Hydro Network Services), and numerous municipal electric utilities), and the Régie de l'énergie (Hydro Quebec). Issues addressed include general revenue requirement, cost allocation and rate design issues, as well several specific issues, including:

• performance-based regulation (PBR)

• rate-setting methodology

• competitive rates

• integrated resource planning

• major capital projects

• licensing, codes of conduct and rules

• electricity tariff applications.

Natural Gas Sector Expertise

ECS provides consulting services to public interest clients concerned with regulatory matters related to natural gas transmission, storage, distribution, and marketing. ECS also offers advice and support on natural gas industry regulatory matters to other special interest and customer groups.

Since 1990, ECS has been actively involved in regulatory proceedings before the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BC Gas, Centra BC and Pacific Northern Gas), the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (Centra Manitoba), the Ontario Energy Board (Enbridge Gas Distribution, Union Gas (and Centra Gas Ontario, prior to its amalgamation with Union Gas)) and the Régie de l'énergie (Gazifère and Gaz Métropolitain). Issues addressed include general revenue requirement, rate of return, cost allocation and rate design issues as well several specific issues, including:

• performance-based regulation (PBR)

• rate-setting methodology

• direct purchase

• the impact of major capital investments

• unbundling of services

• demand-side management programs

• ADR settlement negotiations.

The industry expertise of ECS Consultants has been further enhanced through their recent participation in ADR Settlements, DSM Consultatives, PBR Stakeholder Groups and Facilitation of utility/customer meetings.