Update:  On November 22, 2013, AEP Ohio submitted to the PUCO correspondence contending that neither Columbus Southern Power’s nor Ohio Power Company’s return on equity was excessive in 2011.  In support of its position, AEP Ohio submitted testimony of three individuals, Gary Spitznogle, Thomas Mitchell, and Anil Makhija.  Mr. Spitznogle serves as AEP Ohio’s overall policy witness supporting its position that Ohio Power and Columbus Southern Power pass the statutory Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET) for 2011.  Mr. Mitchell’s testimony describes the method AEP Ohio used for calculating Ohio Power’s and Columbus Southern Power’s 2011 earned return on common equity, including adjustments to exclude off-system sales net margins and special accounting items.  Dr. Makhija’s testimony describes the methodology he developed on behalf of AEP Ohio to implement the SEET for Ohio Power’s and Columbus Southern Power’s earnings during 2011.

To date, OCC and OEG have filed motions to intervene in the case.  A procedural entry was recently issued setting, among others, the following pertinent case deadlines:  motions to intervene are due on January 21, 2014, and a hearing on the cases is scheduled to take place on February 25, 2014.  Given OMA’s potential interest in these cases, we will be examining the efficacy of its intervention in the upcoming week.