Mike Schmidt Topeka, Kansas Area

Company Name

Granite State Electric d/b/a Liberty Utilities (Utilities)

Position Held

Consulting Assignment

Dates

0000 - Present

Details

I advised the regulated operating companies of Liberty Utilities Co. on pricing matters and testified on their behalf before state regulatory agencies.

Company Name

Kansas Corporation Commission (Government Administration)

Position Held

Director Utilities

Dates

0000 - Present

Details

Appointed position. Directed a staff of 45 accountants, economists, and engineers in the regulation of electric, gas, telephone, water utilities. Also was responsible for pipeline safety in the state of Kansas. Five direct reports – Audit, Economics, Utility Operations, Telecommunications, and Pipeline Safety. My approach was to strive for a balance among residential consumers (reasonable rates), industry (cost based rates), and utility shareholders (the need to attract and reward capital investment).
• Interact daily in developing Staff (training/delegating/assignments/strategy/hiring).
• Routinely meet with utility management, Staff and utility attorneys, and government staff/officials.
• Negotiate settlements with utilities, identify litigation issues, and prepare and/or direct Staff testimony.
• Prepare and direct testimony in major rate cases, prudence reviews, certificate of need proceedings for transmission and generation upgrades.
• Meet with and advise the Commissioners on various technical issues – energy efficiency (emphasis on cost effective programs), major rate design overhaul (elimination of promotional rates, increases is fixed charges), telecommunications subsidies (Universal Service Fund and the Kansas Universal Service Fund), and cost of capital.

Company Name

Cleco Power (Utilities)

Position Held

Consulant - Major rate case

Dates

0000 - Present

Details

Consultant on general rate case - rate design