PSE&G Reaches Agreement to Lower Transmission Rates; Will File Agreement With FERC; Electric Customers to Save Approximately $140 Million a Year

Rhea-AI Summary

PSE&G has reached an agreement with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities that could reduce transmission rates by approximately 3% for residential customers, equating to a $3 monthly saving. The base return on equity is set to decrease from 11.18% to 9.9%, resulting in an annual revenue reduction of about $140 million. The agreement, pending approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, aims for an effective date of August 1. Notably, this settlement is expected to lower PSE&G's net income by $50 million to $60 million in the first year, reflecting a reduction of $0.10 to $0.12 per share.

Positive

• Transmission rate reduction of 3%, saving approximately $3 monthly for residential customers.
• Base return on equity reduced from 11.18% to 9.9%, lowering annual revenue requirement by about $100 million.
• Annual depreciation expenses reduced by approximately $42 million, resulting in no net earnings impact.
• Transmission investments have improved reliability, resulting in an 80% reduction in outages.

Negative

• Expected decrease in net income by $50 million to $60 million annually, impacting earnings per share by $0.10 to $0.12.

NEWARK, N.J., July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G executed an agreement today with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel related to its transmission rates that would save the typical electric residential customer about 3% on their bill, or approximately $3 per month. If approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agreement would reset the base return on equity for PSE&G's transmission formula rate at 9.9%, reduced from 11.18%. Combined with other elements of the settlement, PSE&G's transmission revenues would be lowered by approximately $140 million per year.

"This settlement, under which PSE&G has voluntarily agreed to reduce its electric rates, is a balanced resolution that will deliver timely rate savings to customers," PSE&G President and Chief Operating Officer Kim Hanemann said. "PSE&G's transmission investments also have saved customers hundreds of millions of dollars in congestion costs, increased the reliability and resiliency of the grid and will support greater development of renewable resources to help New Jersey meet its clean energy goals."

Since 2007, PSE&G has built more than 500 miles of high-voltage transmission circuits, curing more than 200 reliability violations identified by PJM. These upgrades replaced transmission lines built long before most homes and offices were air-conditioned and businesses relied on around-the-clock energy supplies. These investments have significantly improved network reliability and led to an 80% reduction in transmission outages — supporting today's always-on lifestyles.

With all of these important investments in the system and before factoring in the rate reduction contained in this settlement, PSE&G's residential rates are still approximately 30% lower than a decade ago and 40% lower when adjusted for inflation.

PSE&G will seek FERC approval of the agreement and request that the rate reduction be effective on Aug. 1. FERC action is expected to take place later this year. If the agreement is approved, customers would then receive the full benefit associated with this change back to Aug. 1.

If approved by FERC, the agreement will provide benefits for customers and regulatory certainty for all parties. Key terms and impacts of the agreement include: 

• Reset of PSE&G's base transmission ROE to 9.9% from 11.18%, which will lower its annual transmission revenue requirement by about $100 million per year (pre-tax);
• Lower annual depreciation expenses of approximately $42 million with a corresponding reduction in revenue requirement (resulting in no net impact on earnings);
• Improved cost recovery methodologies regarding materials and supplies, as well as administrative and general costs;
• An increase in PSE&G's equity ratio from 54% to 55% of total capitalization;
• Settling parties cannot challenge the formula rate for three years from the effective date; and
• No impact on existing incentives, the ability for PSE&G to seek new incentives, or the ability for BPU and/or Rate Counsel to oppose such a request.

The financial impact of this settlement agreement is expected to lower PSE&G's net income by approximately $50 million to $60 million, or $0.10 per share to $0.12 per share, on an annual basis in the first 12 months, once implemented.

PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, serving three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2020, PSE&G was named the most trusted combined gas & electric utility in the East Region, by the Cogent Syndicated Brand Trust Index. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. PSEG has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 13 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

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Forward-Looking Statement

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements made by us herein are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and available on our website: https://investor.pseg.com. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and we cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by management will be realized or even if realized, will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements in making any investment decision. Forward-looking statements made in this press release apply only as of the date hereof. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements from time to time, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even in light of new information or future events, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws.

From time to time, PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power release important information via postings on their corporate Investor Relations website at https://investor.pseg.com. Investors and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the Investor Relations website to review new postings.  You can sign up for automatic email alerts regarding new postings at the bottom of the webpage at https://investor.pseg.com.

 

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SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G)

FAQ

What is the expected impact of PSEG's transmission rate reduction on customer bills?

PSEG's transmission rate reduction is expected to save the typical residential customer about 3%, or $3 per month.

When will the transmission rate reduction take effect for PSEG customers?

The transmission rate reduction is expected to take effect on August 1, pending FERC approval.

How much will PSEG's annual transmission revenues decrease?

PSEG's annual transmission revenues are expected to decrease by approximately $140 million due to the agreement.

What is the new base return on equity for PSEG's transmission formula rate?

The new base return on equity for PSEG's transmission formula rate will be set at 9.9%, down from 11.18%.

How will the transmission rate changes affect PSEG's net income?

The changes are expected to lower PSEG's net income by about $50 million to $60 million annually, equating to a reduction of $0.10 to $0.12 per share.