§ 32.7370 - Special charges.

Link to an amendment published at 67 FR 5699, Feb. 6, 2002. This amendment was delayed until Jan. 1, 2003, at 67 FR 20052, Apr. 24, 2002.

This account shall include the following costs that are typically given special regulatory scrutiny for ratemaking purposes. Unless specific justification to the contrary is given, such costs are presumed to be excluded from the costs of service in setting rates.

(a) Lobbying includes expenditures for the purpose of influencing public opinion with respect to the election or appointment of public officials, referenda, legislation, or ordinances (either with respect to the possible adoption of new referenda, legislation or ordinances, or repeal or modification of existing referenda, legislation or ordinances) or approval, modification, or revocation of franchises, or for the purpose of influencing the decisions of public officials. This also includes advertising, gifts, honoraria, and political contributions. This does not include such expenditures which are directly related to communications with and appearances before regulatory or other governmental bodies in connection with the reporting utility's existing or proposed operations;

(b) Contributions for charitable, social or community welfare purposes;

(c) Membership fees and dues in social, service and recreational or athletic clubs and organizations;

(d) Penalties and fines paid on account of violations of statutes. This account shall also include penalties and fines paid on account of violations of U.S. antitrust statutes, including judgements and payments in settlement of civil and criminal suits alleging such violations; and

(e) Abandoned construction projects.

Effective Date Note:

At 67 FR 5699, Feb. 6, 2002, § 32.7370 was removed, effective Aug. 6, 2002. At 67 FR 20052, Apr. 24, 2002, the effective date was delayed until Jan. 1, 2003.