Document
23 Berzina Direct Testimony
Durkin. 4
I explain NorthWestern’s proposed amortization related to the 5
recommendation to record Demand Side Management (“DSM”) costs 6
as a component of rate base. 7
I explain NorthWestern’s proposal for the future acquisition of natural 8
gas production assets and the recent acquisition of the Sleepy Hollow 9
natural gas distribution system. 10
Finally, I attest to the accuracy of the accounting data NorthWestern 11
submits with this filing. 12
13
Q., Historically, NorthWestern recorded pension and benefits expense in 14
FERC account 926 “Employee pensions and benefits”, and at the end of 15
each month, transferred the portion of pension and benefits expenses, 16
which were applicable to utility operations, non-utility operations, and 17
construction accounts, through a payroll loading process. 18
19
However, the Uniform System of Account Instructions for account 926 20
states, “There shall be credited to this account the portion of pensions and 21
benefits expenses which is applicable to nonutility operations or which is 22
charged to construction unless such amounts are distributed directly to the 23
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accounts involved and are not included herein in the first instance.”, Durkin 15
is responsible for the non-rate base-related items in Statement G, and I 16
am responsible for the rate base-related items, such as intangibles and 17
acquisition adjustments, in Statement G and Statement I. 18
19
Electric Demand Side Management (“DSM”) Rate Base Proposal 20
Q., The Commission’s rules (ARM 38.5.8218) allow NorthWestern to fully 1
recover prudently incurred costs related to procuring demand-side 2
resources., It is consistent with the concept of developing 21
demand-side resources to complement supply-side resources and 22
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balances the interests of shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders 1
by not creating further disincentive to NorthWestern’s investments in DSM. 2
3
Q.