Factors to be considered during a rate proceeding

(a) During each proceeding on a rate amendment under section 16-19 proposed by an electric or gas public service company, as defined in section 16-1, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, when determining rates for individual rate classes, shall give consideration to the energy cost of manufacturers by analyzing the following: (1) The effect of different rates of return among rate classes upon manufacturers; (2) the use of different cost allocation methodologies; (3) the use of flexible pricing; and (4) any other issue deemed relevant by the authority. (b) During each proceeding on a rate amendment under section 16-19 proposed by an electric distribution company, gas company or water company, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority shall consider the following factors in determining a reasonable rate of return: (1) Macroeconomic conditions at the time the rate amendment is pending before the authority; (2) the company's compliance with state law, regulations and the decisions and policies of the authority and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; (3) the burden of the public service company's costs on residential ratepayers, measured as a percentage of household income, under the current and proposed rate; (4) trends in the company's accrual of bad debt; (5) the rate impact on all residential and nonresidential customers; and (6) any other issue deemed relevant by the authority.