Wyoming to investigate claims Rocky Mountain Power dodges industry requests for more electricity
The state will investigate allegations that Rocky Mountain Power is slow or unwilling to accommodate requests from existing and prospective customers who want large amounts of new electrical power. The three-member Wyoming Public Service Commission — which holds authority over monopoly utilities like Rocky Mountain Power to provide reliable, lowest-cost services — voted unanimously Oct. 29 to “direct the company to provide relevant information and take such other action as the public interest may require.” It is not yet clear what actions the commission might take if the investigation reveals shortcomings in the utility meeting its legal obligations in Wyoming. The commission is still finalizing the investigation order, an official told WyoFile. What many in Wyoming see as a slow, years-long response to “large load” requests is due to a complex set of state and federal regulations, according to the company. The rules, along with Rocky Mountain Power’s own mission, are intended to protect against speculative investments so they don’t fall on the backs of existing customers to pay for if plans don’t pan out, Rocky Mountain Power President Dick Garlish told the commission. “We’re not going to do any deal for [just] any reason,” he said. “We take our
