Shortened timelines and increased accountability for issuing cost claim and review and variance decisions

After a successful pilot project the AUC is announcing new performance targets four our cost claim and review and variance application review process. Through the pilot project we were able to find efficiencies that resulted in reducing our timelines by half.

In an effort to continue to reduce regulatory burden, the AUC evaluated its procedures and activities to become more efficient in its decision-making process. Today’s bulletin​ outlines revised performance targets for our cost claim and review and variance application review processes. During a pilot project initiated in the fall of 2020, the AUC was able to achieve a significant,​ 53 per cent reduction in processing timelines for these applications.​

Setting aggressive performance targets was a key recommendation in the independent Report of the AUC Procedures and Processes Review Committee (also called the Yates report). These new performance metrics will benefit applicants and interveners with certainty and predictability regarding AUC cost, and stage one review and variance, decisions.

The AUC is accountable to release decisions in a timely manner, even for complex files, and will be meeting these new timelines in future applications.

Quick facts

• Benefits to interveners and participants: a shortened timeline for costs decisions means that out-of-pocket expenses are returned more quickly.
• Benefits to applicants: improved forecasting regarding expenses associated with utility projects.

Background of cost claims

Participants involved in the AUC’s review of facility development applications, and rate applications may be eligible to recover the reasonable costs of their participation in an AUC proceeding in accordance with Rule 009, and Rule 022. This funding helps support quality submissions from eligible claimants and permits their fair representation at AUC proceedings.

Background of review and variance requests

Participants and applications involved in a proceeding that considers an application may, within 30 days, file a request with the AUC to review and vary (called an “R&V”) its decision. Details of the AUC’s R&V process can be found in Rule 016.