Res 095-2022 Atmos Mid-Tex RRM Settlement 2022 08/16/2022 Resolution No. 95-2022
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas,
approving a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities
Steering Committee ("ACSC") and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex
Division regarding the Company's 2021 Rate Review Mechanism
Filing; declaring existing rates to be unreasonable; adopting tariffs
that reflect rate adjustments consistent with the negotiated
settlement; finding the rates to be set by the attached settlement
tariffs to be just and reasonable and in the public interest; approving
an attached exhibit establishing a benchmark for pensions and
retiree medical benefits; approving an attached exhibit regarding
amortization of regulatory liability; requiring the company to
reimburse ACSC's reasonable ratemaking expenses; determining
that this resolution was passed in accordance with the requirements
of the Texas Open Meetings Act; adopting a savings clause;
declaring an effective date; and requiring delivery of this resolution
to the company and the ACSC's legal counsel
WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, Texas ("City") is a gas utility customer
of Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division ("Atmos Mid-Tex" or "Company"), and a
regulatory authority with an interest in the rates, charges, and services of Atmos Mid-Tex;
and
WHEREAS, the City is a member of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee
("ACSC"), a coalition of similarly-situated cities served by Atmos Mid-Tex ("ACSC Cities")
that have joined together to facilitate the review of, and response to, natural gas issues
affecting rates charged in the Atmos Mid-Tex service area; and
WHEREAS, ACSC and the Company worked collaboratively to develop a Rate
Review Mechanism ("RRM") tariff that allows for an expedited rate review process by
ACSC Cities as a substitute to the Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program ("GRIP")
process instituted by the Legislature, and that will establish rates for the ACSC Cities
based on the system-wide cost of serving the Atmos Mid-Tex Division; and
WHEREAS, the current RRM tariff was adopted by the City in a rate ordinance in
2018; and
WHEREAS, on about April 1 , 2022, Atmos Mid-Tex filed its 2022 RRM rate request
with ACSC Cities based on a test year ending December 31 , 2021 ; and
WHEREAS, ACSC coordinated its review of the Atmos Mid-Tex 2022 RRM filing
through its Executive Committee, assisted by ACSC's attorneys and consultants, to
resolve issues identified in the Company's RRM filing; and
WHEREAS, the Executive Committee, as well as ACSC's counsel and
consultants, recommend that ACSC Cities approve an increase in base rates for Atmos
Mid-Tex of $115 million applicable to ACSC Cities with an Effective Date of October 1 ,
2022; and
WHEREAS, ACSC agrees that Atmos' plant-in-service is reasonable; and
WHEREAS, with the exception of approved plant-in-service, ACSC is not
foreclosed from future reasonableness evaluation of costs associated with incidents
related to gas leaks; and
WHEREAS, the attached tariffs (Exhibit A) implementing new rates are consistent
with the recommendation of the ACSC Executive Committee, are agreed to by the
Company, and are just, reasonable, and in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, the settlement agreement sets a new benchmark for pensions and
retiree medical benefits (Exhibit B); and
WHEREAS, the RRM Tariff contemplates reimbursement of ACSC's reasonable
expenses associated with RRM applications.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The findings set forth in this Resolution are hereby in all things
approved.
Section 2. Without prejudice to future litigation of any issue identified by ACSC,
the City Council finds that the settled amount of an increase in revenues of $115 million
for ACSC Cities represents a comprehensive settlement of gas utility rate issues affecting
the rates, operations, and services offered by Atmos Mid-Tex within the municipal limits
arising from Atmos Mid-Tex's 2021 RRM filing, is in the public interest, and is consistent
with the City's authority under Section 103.001 of the Texas Utilities Code.
Section 3. Despite finding Atmos Mid-Tex's plant-in-service to be reasonable,
ACSC is not foreclosed in future cases from evaluating the reasonableness of costs
associated with incidents involving leaks of natural gas.
Section 4. The existing rates for natural gas service provided by Atmos Mid-Tex
are unreasonable. The new tariffs attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A,
are just and reasonable, and are designed to allow Atmos Mid-Tex to recover annually
an additional $115 million from customers in ACSC Cities, over the amount allowed under
currently approved rates. Such tariffs are hereby adopted.
Section 5. The ratemaking treatment for pensions and retiree medical benefits in
Atmos Mid-Tex's next RRM filing shall be as set forth on Exhibit B, attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
Section 6. Atmos Mid-Tex shall reimburse the reasonable ratemaking expenses
of the ACSC in processing the Company's 2021 RRM filing.
Section 7. To the extent any resolution or ordinance previously adopted by the
Council is inconsistent with this Resolution, it is hereby repealed.
Section 8. The meeting at which this Resolution was approved was in all things
conducted in strict compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government
Code, Chapter 551 .
Section 9. If any one or more sections or clauses of this Resolution is adjudged
to be unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the
remaining provisions of this Resolution, and the remaining provisions of the Resolution
shall be interpreted as if the offending section or clause never existed.
Section 10. Consistent with the City Ordinance that established the RRM process,
this Resolution shall become effective from and after its passage with rates authorized by
attached tariffs to be effective for bills rendered on or after October 1 , 2022.
Section 11. A copy of this Resolution shall be sent to Atmos Mid-Tex, care of
Chris Felan, Vice President of Rates and Regulatory Affairs Mid-Tex Division, Atmos
Energy Corporation, 5420 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1862, Dallas, Texas 75240, and to Thomas
Brocato, General Counsel to ACSC, at Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C., 816
Congress Avenue, Suite 1900, Austin, Texas 78701 .
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 16th day of August, 2022.
2
MAYOR
ATTEST:
IVanAL
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
e ,4‘,04 (clv
City Attorne
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RATE SCHEDULE: R—RESIDENTIAL SALES
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Application
Applicable to Residential Customers for all natural gas provided at one Point of Delivery and measured
through one meter.
Type of Service
Where service of the type desired by Customer is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional
charges and special contract arrangements between Company and Customer may be required prior to
service being furnished.
Monthly Rate
Customer's monthly bill will be calculated by adding the following Customer and Ccf charges to the
amounts due under the riders listed below:
Charge Amount
Customer Charge per Bill $21.55 per month
Rider CEE Surcharge $ 0.05 per month'
Total Customer Charge $21.60 per month
Commodity Charge—All Ccf $0.36223 per Ccf
Gas Cost Recovery: Plus an amount for gas costs and upstream transportation costs calculated
in accordance with Part(a) and Part(b), respectively, of Rider GCR.
Weather Normalization Adjustment: Plus or Minus an amount for weather normalization
calculated in accordance with Rider WNA.
Franchise Fee Adjustment: Plus an amount for franchise fees calculated in accordance with Rider
FF. Rider FF is only applicable to customers inside the corporate limits of any incorporated
municipality.
Tax Adjustment: Plus an amount for tax calculated in accordance with Rider TAX.
Surcharges: Plus an amount for surcharges calculated in accordance with the applicable rider(s).
Agreement
An Agreement for Gas Service may be required.
Notice
Service hereunder and the rates for services provided are subject to the orders of regulatory bodies
having jurisdiction and to the Company's Tariff for Gas Service.
'Reference Rider CEE-Conservation and Energy Efficiency as approved in GUD 10170. Surcharge billing effective July 1,2022.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RATE SCHEDULE: C—COMMERCIAL SALES
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Application
Applicable to Commercial Customers for all natural gas provided at one Point of Delivery and measured
through one meter and to Industrial Customers with an average annual usage of less than 30,000 Ccf.
Type of Service
Where service of the type desired by Customer is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional
charges and special contract arrangements between Company and Customer may be required prior to
service being furnished.
Monthly Rate
Customer's monthly bill will be calculated by adding the following Customer and Ccf charges to the
amounts due under the riders listed below:
Charge Amount
Customer Charge per Bill $63.50 per month
Rider CEE Surcharge ($ 0.01) per month'
Total Customer Charge $63.49 per month
Commodity Charge—All Ccf $0.14137 per Ccf
Gas Cost Recovery: Plus an amount for gas costs and upstream transportation costs calculated
in accordance with Part(a)and Part(b), respectively, of Rider GCR.
Weather Normalization Adjustment: Plus or Minus an amount for weather normalization
calculated in accordance with Rider WNA.
Franchise Fee Adjustment: Plus an amount for franchise fees calculated in accordance with Rider
FF. Rider FF is only applicable to customers inside the corporate limits of any incorporated
municipality.
Tax Adjustment: Plus an amount for tax calculated in accordance with Rider TAX.
Surcharges: Plus an amount for surcharges calculated in accordance with the applicable rider(s).
Agreement
An Agreement for Gas Service may be required.
Notice
Service hereunder and the rates for services provided are subject to the orders of regulatory bodies
having jurisdiction and to the Company's Tariff for Gas Service.
Reference Rider CEE-Conservation and Energy Efficiency as approved in GUD 10170. Surcharge billing effective July 1,2022.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RATE SCHEDULE: I—INDUSTRIAL SALES
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Application
Applicable to Industrial Customers with a maximum daily usage(MDU) of less than 3,500 MMBtu per day
for all natural gas provided at one Point of Delivery and measured through one meter. Service for
Industrial Customers with an MDU equal to or greater than 3,500 MMBtu per day will be provided at
Company's sole option and will require special contract arrangements between Company and Customer.
Type of Service
Where service of the type desired by Customer is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional
charges and special contract arrangements between Company and Customer may be required prior to
service being furnished.
Monthly Rate
Customer's monthly bill will be calculated by adding the following Customer and MMBtu charges to the
amounts due under the riders listed below:
Charge Amount
Customer Charge per Meter $1,204.50 per month
First 0 MMBtu to 1,500 MMBtu $0.4939 per MMBtu
Next 3,500 MMBtu $0.3617 per MMBtu
All MMBtu over 5,000 MMBtu $0.0776 per MMBtu
Gas Cost Recovery: Plus an amount for gas costs and upstream transportation costs calculated
in accordance with Part(a)and Part(b), respectively, of Rider GCR.
Franchise Fee Adjustment: Plus an amount for franchise fees calculated in accordance with Rider
FF. Rider FF is only applicable to customers inside the corporate limits of any incorporated
municipality.
Tax Adjustment: Plus an amount for tax calculated in accordance with Rider TAX.
Surcharges: Plus an amount for surcharges calculated in accordance with the applicable rider(s).
Curtailment Overpull Fee
Upon notification by Company of an event of curtailment or interruption of Customer's deliveries,
Customer will, for each MMBtu delivered in excess of the stated level of curtailment or interruption, pay
Company 200% of the midpoint price for the Katy point listed in Platts Gas Daily published for the
applicable Gas Day in the table entitled"Daily Price Survey."
Replacement Index
In the event the "midpoint" or "common" price for the Katy point listed in Platts Gas Daily in the table
entitled "Daily Price Survey" is no longer published, Company will calculate the applicable imbalance fees
utilizing a daily price index recognized as authoritative by the natural gas industry and most closely
approximating the applicable index.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RATE SCHEDULE: I—INDUSTRIAL SALES
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Agreement
An Agreement for Gas Service may be required.
Notice
Service hereunder and the rates for services provided are subject to the orders of regulatory bodies
having jurisdiction and to the Company's Tariff for Gas Service.
Special Conditions
In order to receive service under Rate I, Customer must have the type of meter required by Company.
Customer must pay Company all costs associated with the acquisition and installation of the meter.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RATE SCHEDULE: T—TRANSPORTATION
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Application
Applicable, in the event that Company has entered into a Transportation Agreement, to a customer
directly connected to the Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division Distribution System (Customer) for the
transportation of all natural gas supplied by Customer or Customer's agent at one Point of Delivery for
use in Customer's facility.
Type of Service
Where service of the type desired by Customer is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional
charges and special contract arrangements between Company and Customer may be required prior to
service being furnished.
Monthly Rate
Customer's bill will be calculated by adding the following Customer and MMBtu charges to the amounts
and quantities due under the riders listed below:
Charge Amount
Customer Charge per Meter $1,204.50 per month
First 0 MMBtu to 1,500 MMBtu $0.4939 per MMBtu
Next 3,500 MMBtu $0.3617 per MMBtu
All MMBtu over 5,000 MMBtu $0.0776 per MMBtu
Upstream Transportation Cost Recovery: Plus an amount for upstream transportation costs in
accordance with Part (b) of Rider GCR.
Retention Adjustment: Plus a quantity of gas as calculated in accordance with Rider RA.
Franchise Fee Adjustment: Plus an amount for franchise fees calculated in accordance with Rider
FF. Rider FF is only applicable to customers inside the corporate limits of any incorporated
municipality.
Tax Adjustment: Plus an amount for tax calculated in accordance with Rider TAX.
Surcharges: Plus an amount for surcharges calculated in accordance with the applicable rider(s).
Imbalance Fees
All fees charged to Customer under this Rate Schedule will be charged based on the quantities
determined under the applicable Transportation Agreement and quantities will not be aggregated for any
Customer with multiple Transportation Agreements for the purposes of such fees.
Monthly Imbalance Fees
Customer shall pay Company the greater of(i)$0.10 per MMBtu, or(ii) 150%of the difference per MMBtu
between the highest and lowest "midpoint" price for the Katy point listed in Platts Gas Daily in the table
entitled "Daily Price Survey" during such month, for the MMBtu of Customer's monthly Cumulative
Imbalance, as defined in the applicable Transportation Agreement, at the end of each month that exceeds
10%of Customer's receipt quantities for the month.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RATE SCHEDULE: T—TRANSPORTATION
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Curtailment Overpull Fee
Upon notification by Company of an event of curtailment or interruption of Customer's deliveries,
Customer will, for each MMBtu delivered in excess of the stated level of curtailment or interruption, pay
Company 200% of the midpoint price for the Katy point listed in Plaits Gas Daily published for the
applicable Gas Day in the table entitled"Daily Price Survey."
Replacement Index
In the event the "midpoint" or "common" price for the Katy point listed in Platts Gas Daily in the table
entitled "Daily Price Survey" is no longer published, Company will calculate the applicable imbalance fees
utilizing a daily price index recognized as authoritative by the natural gas industry and most closely
approximating the applicable index.
Agreement
A transportation agreement is required.
Notice
Service hereunder and the rates for services provided are subject to the orders of regulatory bodies
having jurisdiction and to the Company's Tariff for Gas Service.
Special Conditions
In order to receive service under Rate T, customer must have the type of meter required by Company.
Customer must pay Company all costs associated with the acquisition and installation of the meter.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RIDER: WNA—WEATHER NORMALIZATION ADJUSTMENT
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Provisions for Adjustment
The Commodity Charge per Ccf (100 cubic feet) for gas service set forth in any Rate Schedules utilized
by the cities of the Mid-Tex Division service area for determining normalized winter period revenues shall
be adjusted by an amount hereinafter described, which amount is referred to as the "Weather
Normalization Adjustment." The Weather Normalization Adjustment shall apply to all temperature
sensitive residential and commercial bills based on meters read during the revenue months of November
through April. The five regional weather stations are Abilene, Austin, Dallas,Waco, and Wichita Falls.
Computation of Weather Normalization Adjustment
The Weather Normalization Adjustment Factor shall be computed to the nearest one-hundredth cent
per Ccf by the following formula:
(HSFi x (NDD-ADD))
WNAFi = Ri
(BLi + (HSFi x ADD) )
Where
i = any particular Rate Schedule or billing classification within any such
particular Rate Schedule that contains more than one billing classification
WNAFi = Weather Normalization Adjustment Factor for the ith rate schedule or
classification expressed in cents per Ccf
Ri = Commodity Charge rate of temperature sensitive sales for the ith schedule or
classification.
HSFi = heat sensitive factor for the ith schedule or classification divided by the
average bill count in that class
NDD = billing cycle normal heating degree days calculated as the simple ten-year
average of actual heating degree days.
ADD = billing cycle actual heating degree days.
Bli = base load sales for the ith schedule or classification divided by the average
bill count in that class
The Weather Normalization Adjustment for the jth customer in ith rate schedule is computed as:
WNA; = WNAFI x
Where qij is the relevant sales quantity for the jth customer in ith rate schedule.
EXHIBIT A
2022 RRM Rate Tariffs
MID-TEX DIVISION
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
RIDER: WNA—WEATHER NORMALIZATION ADJUSTMENT
APPLICABLE TO: ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE MID-TEX DIVISION UNDER THE RRM TARIFF
EFFECTIVE DATE: Bills Rendered on or after 10/01/2022
Base Use/Heat Use Factors
Residential Commercial
Base use Heat use Base use Heat use
Weather Station Ccf Ccf/HDD Ccf Ccf/HDD
Abilene 10.58 0.1422 88.85 0.6666
Austin 9.90 0.1372 233.56 0.7819
Dallas 14.17 0.1938 186.38 0.9394
Waco 10.07 0.1308 140.10 0.7170
Wichita 11.43 0.1398 131.57 0.5610
Falls
Weather Normalization Adjustment(WNA) Report
On or before June 1 of each year, the company posts on its website at atmosenergy.com/mtx-wna, in
Excel format, a Weather Normalization Adjustment (WVA) Report to show how the company calculated
its WNAs factor during the preceding winter season. Additionally, on or before June 1 of each year, the
company files one hard copy and an Excel version of the WNA Report with the Railroad Commission of
Texas'Gas Services Division, addressed to the Director of that Division.
EXHIBIT B
Pensions & Retiree Medical Benefits
ATMOS ENERGY CORP.,MID-TEX DIVISION
PENSIONS AND RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR CITIES APPROVAL
TEST YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,2021
Shared Services Mid.Tex Direct
Post- Supplemental Post-
Line Pension Employment Pension Executive Benefit Employment Adjustment
No. Description Account Plan Benefit Plan Account Plan Plan Benefit Plan Total
(a) (b) (3) (d) (e) (f) (g)
Proposed Benefits Benchmark-Fiscal Year 2022 Willis Towers Watson
1 Report as adjusted(1)(2)(3) $ 1,715,323 S 832.708 $ 3,137022 $ 313,319 $ (341,412)
2 Allocation to Mid-Tex 44.72% 44.72% 76.88% 100.00% 76.88%
3 Proposed Benefits Benchmark Costs Allocated to Mid-Tex(Ln 1 x Ln 2) $ 767.038 S 435,436 $ 2,411,882 $ 313,319 $ (202,493)
4 O&M and Capital Allocation Factor 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
5 Proposed Benefits Benchmark Costs to Approve(Ln 3 x Ln 4)(3) S 767,038 S 439.436 $ 2,411,882 $ 313,319 S (262,493) $ 3,609,182
7
8 Summary of Costs to Approve(1):
10 O&M Expense Factor(WPF-2.3,Ln 2) 79.88% 79.88% 38.60% 11.00% 38.60%
11
12
13 Total Pension Account Plan $ 012,700 $ 931,100 $ 1,543,806
14 Total Post-Employment Benefit Plan S 351,016 $ (101,335) 249,681
15 Total Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan $ 34,465 34,465
16 Total(Ln 13+Ln 14+Ln 15) $ 612,700 S 351.016 $ 931,100 $ 34465 S (101.335) $ 1827,946
17
18 Notes:
19 1.Studies not applicable to Mid-Tex or Shared Services are omitted.
2_Mid-Tex is proposing that the Fiscal Year 2022 Willis Towers Watson actuarial amounts shown on WE_F-2.3 and WP_F-2.3.1,be approved by the RRM Cities as the benchmark
amounts to be used to calculate the regulatory asset or liability for future periods. The benchmark amount approved by the RRM Cities for future periods includes only the expense amount.
20 The amount attributable to capital is recorded to utility plant through the overhead process as described in the CAM.
21 3_SSU amounts exclude cost centers which do not allocate to Mid-Tex for rate making purposes.