unofficial english translation only the french text of decision d-2013 ...

D-2013-036, R-3809-2012 Phase 2, 2013 03 05 7“ DECLARE that the rate of return established by applying the formula for theyear 2013 is not reasonable;ALLOW a rate of return of 9.3% on the common equity of Gaz Métro for ratedeterminationpurposes; ” [Gaz Métro emphasis]2. PROCEDURAL DECISIONS[6] On January 14, 2013, the Régie handed down procedural decision D-2013-003, inwhich it set the timetable for phase 2, specifically with respect to the application todetermine the distributor’s rate of return (the Application).[7] In that decision, the Régie laid out a specific approach with respect to theApplication. A review of the relevant paragraphs would seem appropriate:“ [20] Following a prima facie examination of the application, the Régie wondersif the context described previously and the reasons given by the distributor justifya further “in-depth review” of its rate of return.[21] In its decision D-2011-182, the Régie determined that a reasonable rate ofreturn to be authorized for the distributor was in the range of 7.71% to 9.60%. Itnoted that the rate of return of 7.92% generated by the AAF falls within thatrange.[22] However, the Régie notes that there is indeed a significant gap between theanticipated risk-free rate that it had used in its decision D-2011-182 to determinethe distributor’s authorized rate of return and the average of the anticipated riskfreerates established in August 2012 that are used in applying the AAF. Therange used last year was between 3.91% and 4.50%, whereas the August 2012average was 2.7%.[23] Again, concerned with the regulatory costs associated with applications todetermine the distributor’s rate of return, and for reasons of efficiency andeffectiveness, the Régie feels that an approach tailored to the circumstances andone that respects both the interests of Gaz Métro and its customers needs to beadopted.