Microsoft Supports MidAmerican Renewable Subscription Program with Recommendations

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft, a leading technology company, has reaffirmed its support for the MidAmerican Renewable Subscription Program (RSP) with specific recommendations to enhance the program and expand rate options. The company filed its comments with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) on May 18, 2021, in response to the additional information filed by MidAmerican, Google, Facebook, and the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA). Microsoft's recommendations aim to improve the RSP and increase customer-focused rate options, including market-based rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft supports the RSP program, noting that it has the potential to improve the program and expand rate options.
  • The company recommends that the IUB direct MidAmerican to convene a stakeholder process to develop customer-focused rate options, including market-based rates.
  • Microsoft suggests that the stakeholder process should require stakeholders to file a progress report in three months.
  • The company recommends that MidAmerican track the output and share any additional upside with customers should the resources outperform MidAmerican's P50 projection.
  • Microsoft supports the request to require MidAmerican to account for the RSP projects separately and to report on the performance of the projects.
  • The company recommends that the IUB and stakeholders review and revise the RSP design should MidAmerican propose future tranches.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft filed its comments with the IUB on May 18, 2021.
  • The IUB held a technical conference on March 29, 2021, to address Board staff questions on the RSP.
  • MidAmerican filed its additional information on May 3, 2021.
  • Google, Facebook, and the OCA filed comments on various elements of the RSP.
  • Microsoft's comments were filed in response to the additional information filed by MidAmerican, Google, Facebook, and the OCA.

Sources:

  • Washington, DC: Microsoft Corporation Tel 425 882 8080
  • One Microsoft Way Fax 425 936 7329 Redmond, WA 98052-6399 http://www.microsoft.com/ Microsoft Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
  • In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Utilities Board Docket No. TF-2020-0273, Order Requesting Additional Information and Scheduling Technical Conference (March 19, 2021).
  • In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Utilities Board Docket No. TF-2020-0273, Order Establishing Date for Additional Comment (April 26, 2021).
  • In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Utilities Board Docket No. TF-2020-0273, Comments of Google LLC (April 16, 2021).
  • In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Utilities Board Docket No. TF-2020-0273, Comments of Facebook, Inc. (April 27, 2021).
  • In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Utilities Board Docket No. TF-2020-0273, Additional Comments of OCA and Proposed Tariff Revisions (May 7, 2021).
  • In Re: MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa Utilities Board Docket No. TF-2020-0273, Reply Comments of MidAmerican (May 11, 2021).