SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event March 3, 2000 (February 17, 2000)
reported)
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ENERGY WEST INCORPORATED
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MONTANA 0-14183 81-0141785
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
1 First Avenue South, Great Falls, Montana 59401
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including (406)791-7500
area code -----------------------------------
Not applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
Energy West Incorporated (the "Company") has a pending application with
the Montana Public Service Commission (the "MPSC") seeking recovery of
approximately $2,960,000 in gas costs. The Montana Consumer Counsel has
intervened in this application and as of February 17, 2000, has provided the
Company and the MPSC with testimony recommending cost disallowances totaling
$686,113 over a period of three years. A hearing on the application is scheduled
for May 3, 2000.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(c) EXHIBITS. The following exhibits are filed herewith:
99.1 Press Release dated March 1, 2000.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 3, 2000
ENERGY WEST INCORPORATED
By:/s/ Edward J. Bernica
Edward J. Bernica, Executive
Vice-President, Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Operating
Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ENERGY WEST, INC.
MONTANA CONSUMER COUNCIL RECOMMENDS DISALLOWANCE OF COSTS
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Great Falls, Montana, March 1, 2000
ENERGY WEST, Incorporated's Montana Division currently has an application
for recovery of approximately three million dollars of gas costs pending before
the Montana Public Service MPSC (MPSC). In December, the MPSC provided interim
relief in the amount of approximately 1.5 million dollars. The Montana Consumer
Counsel (MCC) intervened in this proceeding and has discussed with EWM the
contents of the Company's application. During this interaction, the Company
became aware that the MCC was likely to recommend a disallowance of some portion
of the gas cost for which EWM has requested recovery.
On February 17, EWM received written testimony of the MCC which was
filed with the MPSC that same day. The testimony included a recommendation for
the MPSC to consider adjusting the recovery of gas costs contained in the
Company's application. Recommended cost disallowances amount to $686,113 spread
over three years, or $228,704 per year.
The MCC also called the attention of the MPSC to an adjustment to the
Company's case that could result in a further disallowance of $143,287 of the
Company's request. However, it also acknowledges that the MPSC could permit
recovery of this amount depending on the analysis employed.
The Company has analyzed the testimony of the Montana Consumer Counsel and
believes that it contains inconsistencies from previous recommendations in the
Company's applications. It also believes that the MCC recommendation is based on
errors made by that office in the preparation of its filed testimony. EWM
intends to vigorously contest the recommendations made by the Counsel.
The hearing regarding this matter is scheduled to begin May 3, 2000, and a final
decision from the MPSC is expected sometime this summer.
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For additional information or clarification please contact:
Larry D. Geske, CEO and President, 406-791-7501, [email protected]
Edward J. Bernica, Vice President, CFO and COO, 406-791-7543,
[email protected]
Our toll-free number is 1-800-570-5688. Our web address is www.ewst.com
Our address is P.O. Box 2229, Great Falls MT 59403-2229
