Ensuring Accurate Schedule M Tracking for Rate Case Filing

The Challenge

As part of its rate case filing with the Public Utility Commission (PUC), CenterPoint Energy needed a precise and efficient process for tracking Schedule M project costs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Schedule M applies to plant additions exceeding $250,000, including:

Transmission lines requiring a CCN (Certificate of Convenience and Necessity)
Transmission lines not requiring a CCN
Substations with transmission voltage facilities
High-voltage switching stations

Accurately identifying, categorizing, and reporting these projects was essential to support CenterPoint Energy’s cost recovery and regulatory compliance efforts in the rate case. The complexity of the process required a detailed variance analysis to verify project eligibility and ensure all necessary work orders and costs were properly documented.

The Solution

Think Power Solutions worked closely with CenterPoint Energy’s regulatory and finance teams to develop an efficient, accurate tracking process that supported their rate case filing and cost recovery efforts. Our approach included:

Data Consolidation & Analysis: Extracted and reviewed project financials to ensure all relevant work orders and costs were accounted for.
Variance Analysis & Compliance Review: Conducted a detailed variance analysis to determine which projects met Schedule M criteria for rate case inclusion.
Ongoing Collaboration & Adaptability: Adjusted reporting as project scope evolved, ensuring all work orders and cost summaries remained accurate and aligned with regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Filing Support: Assisted in preparing the necessary documentation to support CenterPoint Energy’s Schedule M submission for the rate case.

Key Benefits

On-Time Regulatory Filing: Assisted CenterPoint Energy in submitting Schedule M filings to the PUC within the required timeframe to support cost recovery.
Accurate Cost Documentation: Provided detailed variance analysis, ensuring all project costs were properly documented for the rate case.
Streamlined Compliance Process: Identified and categorized all transmission and substation projects that fit Schedule M criteria, simplifying the rate case filing process.
Regulatory Compliance & Data Integrity: Our attention to detail and data accuracy ensured compliance and eliminated the risk of errors in financial submissions.

The Results

A successful rate case filing requires accurate, well-documented cost tracking and regulatory compliance. Think Power Solutions’ expertise in Schedule M tracking and variance analysis provided CenterPoint Energy with a seamless, efficient, and accurate solution to support its rate case filing.