(1) In determining whether property is needed to serve customers more than five full years after the end of the test period as provided by Section 367.081(2)(a)2.c., F.S., the Commission shall consider the rate of growth in the number of equivalent residential connections (ERCs); the time needed to meet the guidelines of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for planning, designing, and construction of plant expansion; and the technical and economic options available for sizing increments of plant expansion.
    (2)(a) Property needed to serve customers after the end of the test year shall be calculated as follows:
EG x PT x U = PN
where:

EG
=
Equivalent Annual Growth in ERCs determined pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c), below, not to exceed 5 percent per year
PT
=
Post Test Year Period determined pursuant to Section 367.081(2)(a)2.b. and c., F.S.
U
=
Unit of measurement utilized in the used and useful calculations for plant components
PN
=
Property needed expressed in the units of measurement utilized
    (b) The equivalent annual growth in ERCs (EG) is measured in terms of the projected annual growth and shall be calculated in Schedules F-9 and F-10 of Form PSC 1028 (12/20) for Class A utilities and Form PSC 1029 (12/20) for Class B utilities, incorporated by reference in Fl. Admin. Code R. 25-30.437
    (c) The utility shall also submit a linear regression analysis using average ERCs for the last 5 years. The utility may submit other information that will affect growth in ERCs.
    (3) As part of its application filed pursuant to Fl. Admin. Code R. 25-30.437, the utility shall submit its most recent wastewater capacity analysis report, if any, filed with DEP.
Rulemaking Authority 350.127(2), 367.121 FS. Law Implemented 367.081(2)(a)2.b., c. FS. History-New 12-14-99.