Mr. Chuck Buechel
Background
Mr. Buechel is President of Utility and Economic Consulting, Inc. and an Associate Consultant with Vantage. Since UEC was formed by Mr. Buechel in 1989, he has worked on numerous consulting assignments for electric, gas, water, and telephone utilities. The primary focus of many of these assignments has been regulatory matters, however, he has consulted on other matters, including corporate and strategic planning, incentive regulation, least-cost planning, workforce management, and competitive bidding.
Prior to consulting, Mr. Buechel held various positions for over nine years on the Staff of the Kentucky Public Service Commission. During his tenure at the Commission, he was Public Utility Economist, Director of Research Division, and Deputy Executive Director. His assignments at the Commission included: the preparation of an integrated resource planning regulation; directing staff in rate cases and special investigations; writing orders as directed by the Commission; establishing a management audit program; and testifying in selected cases.
Education
B.S. in Economics with Honors, University of Kentucky
M.A. in Economics, University of Kentucky
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Kentucky
Functional Experience
Industry Restructuring
Operational Audit of the California Independent System Operator for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Evaluated the first performance-based ratemaking mechanism for gas procurement and generation and dispatch at SDG&E.
Analyzed and evaluated mid-term performance-based ratemaking base rates incentives in the area of price performance at SDG&E.
Developed recommendations and methodologies for future competitive services between utilities and energy service companies through financial analysis and comparison of a Demand-Side Management Pilot Bidding Program for four California IOUs.
Analyzed financial affiliated transactions and allocation, accounting procedures and control, improper disclosure, and insulation and segregation of regulated and non-regulated affiliates at Entergy Corporation.
Prepared utility application to establish a holding company, including proposed guidelines to be utilized in financial dealings between the subsidiary companies, as well as, the allocation of costs between the companies.
Regulatory Affairs
Prepared a joint response for a consortium of four utilities in Kentucky discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various regulatory incentives with regard to DSM and conservation.
Performed five comprehensive management audits of utilities with areas of responsibility including requirements forecasting, rates and regulatory relations, system planning, and financial management, planning and economic analysis.
Developed regulatory policy positions for presentation to the Commissioners of numerous jurisdictions, including revised regulatory schemes to promote a more competitive environment.
Testified on rate design for Delta Natural Gas Company.
Managed and provided direction for the economic research staff of the Kentucky PSC to provide economic advice to the Commission concerning regulatory issues arising in the electric, telephone, gas, and water industries.
Assisted the Kentucky PSC in implementing procedures and policies to meet the federal mandates of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).
Operation Performance
Analyzed fuel procurement policies and procedures for a rural cooperative Board of Directors.
Provided advice and consultation with regard to the preparation of an application for a certificate of convenience and necessity, to construct additional peaking capacity at a mid-west utility.
Acted in role as facilitator for an internal reorganization of the marketing and customer service function of Kentucky Utilities Company.
Project Coordinator for an "Investigation Into Alternative Load Forecasting Methods and Planning Considerations for the Efficient Provision of Electric Generation and Transmission Facilities" to review the forecasting methods of the state's electric utilities; provide alternative forecasts; examine the potential benefits of conservation; evaluate alternative construction scenarios assuming the formation of a statewide power pool; and estimate the financial impact of the alternative scenarios.
Selected
Clients
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