The utility regulatory agenda is likely to make headlines in October.

➤ Decisions could be issued in at least 30 pending rate proceedings that Regulatory Research Associates is covering across 18 jurisdictions.

➤ Stakeholders and consumer groups are poised to file testimony in 12 pending proceedings being followed by RRA. In addition, administrative law judges are expected to file recommendations on five rate-change proposals.

➤ US electric and gas utilities could file at least 10 new rate cases in October as they look to address a variety of infrastructure investments and an increased operating cost profile.

➤ Action could occur regarding several commissioner seats in the coming weeks.

➤ The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will hold its monthly agenda meeting.

As of Sept. 30, roughly 134 electric and gas rate cases were pending across 41 jurisdictions. The rate changes sought in these pending proceedings amount to more than $17 billion in net rate increases, excluding some of the later-year steps in multiyear rate requests.

RRA observed that 2025 was busier than usual. The fourth quarter is generally the most active time of the year for rate case decisions, with December the busiest month on average as regulators try to clear their slates before the new year begins. However, filing activity tends to taper off toward the end of the year.

A list of events for September and beyond is available in the RRA Events Calendar.

Expected decisions

Arkansas — Black Hills Energy Arkansas Inc. — Black Hills Corp. subsidiary Black Hills Energy Arkansas' rate case (25-064-U) could conclude Oct. 1. The utility has signed a settlement that calls for a $22.0 million gas distribution base rate increase premised upon a 9.80% return on equity (40.18% of a regulatory capital structure) and a 6.00% return on a $1.089 billion rate base.

Indiana — AES Indiana — A decision could be issued in a pending transmission, distribution and storage system improvement charge (TDSIC) proceeding (45264-TDSIC-12) for AES Corp. subsidiary Indianapolis Power and Light, which does business as AES Indiana. The utility filed for a $17.7 million electric rate increase that reflects an $811.2 million rate base. The revenue requirement was calculated using a 9.90% return on equity (40.52% of a regulatory capital structure) and a 6.80% overall return.

Indiana — Duke Energy Indiana LLC — A decision could be issued in a pending TDSIC proceeding (45647-TDSIC-6) for Duke Energy Corp. subsidiary Duke Energy Indiana. The utility filed for a $16.7 million electric rate reduction calculated using a 9.75% return on equity (43.78% of a regulatory capital structure) and a 6.19% overall return.

Kansas — Black Hills Kansas Gas Utility Co LLC — A decision may be issued in Black Hills Corp. subsidiary Black Hills Kansas Gas Utility's gas system reliability surcharge (GSRS) rider proceeding (27-BHCG-0130-TAR). The utility proposes a $1.3 million rate increase under the rider that reflects a $12.8 million rate base. An 8.37% gross-of-tax carrying charge is to be used to calculate rate adjustments under the company's GSRS rider.

Kansas — Kansas Gas Service Co. Inc. — An order could be issued in One Gas Inc. division Kansas Gas Service's GSRS rider proceeding (27-KGSG-0007-TAR). The utility proposes a $14.3 million rate hike that reflects a $185.1 million rate base.

Massachusetts — NSTAR Gas Co. — A decision on NSTAR Gas' performance-based ratemaking adjustment proposal could be issued by Oct. 31 in DPU 26-64. The Eversource Energy utility proposes a $19.8 million rate increase under its performance-based regulation plan.

Michigan — Consumers Energy Co. — A decision is expected to be issued in CMS Energy Corp. subsidiary Consumers Energy's gas distribution rate case (U-21981). The company supports a $231.5 million base rate hike premised upon a 10.25% return on equity (44.16% of a regulatory capital structure) and a 6.46% return on a $12.364 billion rate base.

Montana — MDU Resources Group Inc. — A decision could be issued in MDU Resources' electric rate case (2025-09-072) in Montana. The company has signed a settlement that calls for a $10.0 million rate increase based on a 9.65% return on equity (51.12% of capital) and a 7.37% overall return.

Nevada — Southwest Gas Corp. — A decision is expected to be issued Oct. 31 in Southwest Gas Holdings Inc. subsidiary Southwest Gas' rate proceeding for its northern and southern territories (26-03021). For its northern territory, the company supports a $4.4 million rate increase based on a 10.00% return on equity (51.35% of capital) and a 7.27% return on a $263.6 million rate base. For its southern territory, the company supports a $69.8 million rate increase based on a 10.00% return on equity (51.35% of capital) and a 7.24% return on a $2.130 billion rate base.

New York — Consolidated Edison Co. of New York Inc. — A decision could be issued by Oct. 31 in Consolidated Edison Inc. subsidiary Consolidated Edison Co. of New York's steam rate case (25-S-0741). A joint proposal has been reached calling for a $13.3 million first-year rate increase based on a 9.50% return on equity (48.00% of capital) and a 7.07% return on a $2.118 billion rate base.

North Carolina — Duke Energy Carolinas LLC — A final order is expected to be issued in Duke Energy subsidiary Duke Energy Carolinas' electric rate case (E-7 Sub 1329). The company has signed onto a settlement calling for a $496.0 million rate hike based on a 9.80% return on equity (53.00% of capital).

North Carolina — Duke Energy Progress LLC — A final order is expected to be issued in Duke Energy subsidiary Duke Energy Progress' electric rate case (E-2 Sub 1380). The company is a signatory to a settlement calling for a $556.6 million rate increase based on a 9.80% return on equity (53.00% of capital).

Ohio — The Dayton Power and Light Co. — A decision may be rendered in AES subsidiary Dayton Power and Light's multiyear rate plan case (25-0958-EL-AIR). The utility is a signatory to a settlement that calls for a $175.8 million aggregate rate increase over the full three-year term of the plan, premised upon a 9.50% return on equity (50.50% of capital) and a 7.31% return on a $2.083 billion rate base.

Oklahoma — Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. — An order could be issued in One Gas Inc. division Oklahoma Natural Gas' performance-based ratemaking proceeding (PUD2026-000010). The utility proposed a $28.7 million rate increase based on a $2.620 billion rate base. The company's performance-based ratemaking plan incorporates a 100-basis-point dead-band around a 9.40% authorized ROE benchmark.

Oregon — Cascade Natural Gas Corp. — The target date for issuance of an order in Cascade Natural Gas' rate case (UG-525) is Oct. 22. The MDU Resources Group Inc. subsidiary has signed a settlement calling for a $12.0 million rate increase premised upon a 9.50% return on equity (50.00% of capital) and a 7.42% overall return.

Oregon — Northwest Natural Gas Co. — The target date for issuance of an order in Northwest Natural Gas' rate case (UG-527) is Oct. 21. The Northwest Natural Holding Co. subsidiary has signed a settlement calling for a $13.0 million rate increase; traditional rate case parameters were not specified.

Pennsylvania — UGI Utilities Inc. — A decision may be issued in UGI Corp. subsidiary UGI Utilities' gas distribution rate case (R-2025-3059523). A settlement has been filed calling for a $65.0 million rate increase. The settlement is largely silent regarding traditional ratemaking parameters.

Texas — Electric Transmission Texas LLC — A decision could be issued in Electric Transmission Texas' rate case (59642). A settlement was recently reached calling for a $7.6 million rate increase premised on a 9.60% return on equity (41.00% of capital) and a 6.64% return on a $2.897 billion rate base.

Texas — Southwestern Electric Power Co. — A decision could be issued in American Electric Power Co. Inc. subsidiary Southwestern Electric Power's pending rate case (58819). A settlement was recently filed calling for a $47.5 million Texas-jurisdictional base rate increase premised on a 9.53% return on equity (51.98% of capital) and a 7.15% overall return.

Virginia — Roanoke Gas Co. — A decision is likely to be rendered in RGC Resources Inc. subsidiary Roanoke Gas' Rider RNG proceeding (PUR-2026-00079) in October. The utility proposes a nearly $200,000 rate increase under the rider premised upon a 10.90% return on equity (58.18% of capital) and an 8.02% return on a $6.5 million rate base. The requested 10.90% equity return reflects the 9.90% return approved in the company's 2024 base rate case, plus a 100-basis-point incentive premium permitted by state law. The rider pertains to the company's investment in a renewable natural gas facility.

Virginia — Roanoke Gas — A decision is likely to be issued in October in Roanoke Gas' SAVE rider proceeding (PUR-2026-00098). The utility proposes a $1.4 million rate increase under the rider and a $28.8 million rate base. The requested rate-of-return metrics are those approved in the company's 2025 base rate case decision, namely a 9.90% return on equity (58.18% of capital) and a 7.44% overall return.

Virginia — Washington Gas Light Co. — A decision is likely to be issued in Washington Gas Light's rate proceeding (PUR-2025-00091). The company is a signatory to a settlement that calls for a $74.0 million rate increase premised upon a 9.80% return on equity (53.11% of capital) and a 7.39% overall return. Washington Gas Light is a subsidiary of AltaGas Ltd.

West Virginia — Hope Gas Inc. — An order could be issued in Hope Gas' pipeline replacement and expansion program rider proceeding (26-0544-G-390P). The utility — majority-owned by Ullico Inc. — proposes a $27.6 million rate increase under the rider, reflecting a 9.75% return on equity that was previously authorized in the utility's most recent base rate case.

Wisconsin — Wisconsin Electric Power Co. — A final decision is expected in WEC Energy Group Inc. subsidiary Wisconsin Electric Power's electric and gas rate proceeding (5-UR-112). The company proposed a $347.1 million electric rate increase that reflects a 9.90% return on equity (55.93% of capital) and an 8.86% return on an $8.477 billion rate base. A $35.2 million gas rate increase is also being sought based on a 9.90% return on equity (55.93% of capital) and an 8.76% return on a $2.228 billion rate base.

Wisconsin — Wisconsin Gas LLC — A decision is expected in WEC Energy Group subsidiary Wisconsin Gas' rate proceeding (5-UR-112). The company is seeking a $96.5 million rate increase that reflects a 9.90% return on equity (53.30% of capital) and an 8.74% return on a $2.306 billion rate base.

Wisconsin — Wisconsin Public Service Corp. — A final decision is expected in WEC Energy Group subsidiary Wisconsin Public Service's electric and gas rate proceeding (6690-UR-129). The company proposed a $132.7 million electric rate increase that reflects a 9.90% return on equity (56.06% of capital) and an 8.01% return on a $4.493 billion rate base. A $28.5 million gas rate hike is also being sought based on a 9.90% return on equity (56.06% of capital) and a 7.94% return on a $1.010 billion rate base.

Wyoming — Black Hills Power Inc. — A final decision is expected to be issued Oct. 18 in Black Hills Corp. subsidiary Black Hills Power's electric rate case (20002-148-ER-26). The company has signed a settlement that calls for a $4.0 million rate increase that reflects a 9.60% return on equity (53.00% of capital) and a 7.65% return on an $87.0 million rate base.

Administrative law judge recommendation

Illinois — North Shore Gas Co. — An administrative law judge's proposed order is due Oct. 5 in WEC Energy Group subsidiary North Shore Gas' rate case (26-0066). The utility requested a $14.4 million base rate increase that reflects a 10.10% return on equity (54.00% of capital) and a 7.58% return on a $448.6 million rate base.

Illinois — Northern Illinois Gas Co. — An administrative law judge's recommendation is due Oct. 2 in Southern Co. subsidiary Northern Illinois Gas' rate case (26-0099). The utility has signed a settlement that calls for an $81.6 million base rate increase that reflects a 9.48% return on equity (50.00% of capital) and a 6.92% return on a $6.849 billion rate base.

Illinois — The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Co. — An administrative law judge's proposed order is due Oct. 5 in WEC Energy Group subsidiary Peoples Gas Light and Coke's rate case (26-0065). The utility filed for a $205.1 million base rate increase premised upon a 10.10% return on equity (54.00% of capital) and a 7.20% return on a $4.678 billion rate base.

Michigan — SEMCO ENERGY Gas Co. — An administrative law judge's proposed decision is expected to be filed Oct. 9 in SEMCO Energy Gas' rate proceeding (U-22002). The AltaGas Ltd. subsidiary is a signatory to a settlement that calls for a $33.0 million rate increase based on a 9.85% return on equity.

Virginia — Roanoke Gas — A hearing examiner's report could be issued in Roanoke Gas' expedited rate case (PUR-2025-00209). The utility is a signatory to a settlement that calls for a $3.9 million rate increase but is largely silent regarding rate base. The settlement specifies that the company should be authorized a 9.90% return on equity (58.73% of capital) and a 7.66% overall return that would be used to set rates in any non-base-rate proceeding until Roanoke Gas seeks to change its base rates.

Other

South Carolina — The Office of Regulatory Staff is due to file testimony Oct. 28 in Dominion Energy Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc.'s merger proceeding.

Virginia — A Virginia State Corporation Commission staff report is due Oct. 19 in Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy's merger proceeding (PUR-2026-00112). Intervenor testimony is also due the same day.

Commissioners

Developments are expected in October that will impact the composition of several state commissions.

Effective Oct. 9, Phil Bartlett (Democrat), chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, is expected to step down. Commissioner Patrick Scully will serve as acting PUC chair until a permanent replacement is named by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The following commissioners are serving beyond the expiration of their terms, pending reappointment or replacement: Chairman John Espindola of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA); Maida Coleman (Democrat) of the Missouri Public Service Commission; Chairman Robert Gerwatowski of the Rhode Island PUC; Chairman Justin Williams, Vice Chairman H. David Britt and Florence Belser of the PSC of South Carolina; Kenneth Hill (Republican) of the Tennessee PUC; Courtney Hjaltman of the Texas PUC; and Chair Charlotte Lane (Republican) of the PSC of West Virginia.

In several instances, commissioners have been appointed or reappointed and are serving pending confirmation, including Julie Vogler of RCA; Christine Harada (Democrat) of the California PUC; Chairman Ted Trabue Jr. of the PSC of the District of Columbia; Barry Mayfield of the Kentucky PSC; Patricia Hazlewood of the Tennessee PUC; Morgan Johnson and Patrick Rhode of the Texas PUC; and Kristy Nieto and Marcus Hawkins of the PSC of Wisconsin.

There are also vacancies on the District of Columbia PSC, the Iowa Utilities Commission, the Kentucky PSC and the Missouri PSC.

On March 25, Gov. Daniel McKee (Democrat) nominated Donna Sams to serve on the Rhode Island PUC, pending Senate confirmation. Sams is to replace Abigail Anthony, who continues to serve beyond the end of a term that extended to March 2023. The legislature adjourned on June 11 and did not hold a confirmation hearing on Sams' nomination, which will have to wait until the legislature reconvenes in January 2027 for any Senate action on the nomination. In the meantime, Anthony may remain in her position as commissioner, as permitted under state law.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (Republican) on Aug. 26 appointed Kirk Bushman to serve as Commissioner for District 2 on the Montana PSC, filling a vacancy created by the suspension of Commissioner Brad Molnar. Gianforte suspended Commissioner Brad Molnar for one year on July 9, following a formal complaint filed May 21 by the PSC. The suspension was based on results from two independent misconduct investigations completed in 2025 and supplemental findings from a Montana Department of Public Service Regulation report adopted by regulators May 6. Bushman will serve until July 9, 2027, when Molnar's suspension ends. Effective immediately, Bushman holds the full rights and responsibilities of a sitting commissioner, including full participation in all votes.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (Republican) announced the appointment of Ron Burgess, Fred Johnson, Demarcus Joiner and Quinton Ross to the Alabama PSC on June 17. Following the passage of House Bill 475, the number of PSC commissioner seats expanded to seven from three, and the governor was given the authority to appoint the four new commissioners from a candidate pool. The new terms for the four commissioners will commence on Jan. 18, 2027.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (Republican) recently appointed Stan Wise (Republican) to the Georgia PSC, following the resignation of Commissioner Tricia Pridemore, effective Sept. 4. Wise will serve out the remainder of Pridemore's term through Dec. 31. Upon being sworn in, he will step down from being an associate at a consulting firm.

FERC

On Oct. 15, the FERC will hold its regularly scheduled monthly open agenda meeting.

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