Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1983

(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #23 (288-113))

Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that nothing in such Act shall be construed to affect the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authority to approve the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) in the rate base of a public utility with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels.

Permits a public utility whose internal generation of funds during a test period established by the Commission is 40 percent or less of planned construction expenditures during such period to apply for the inclusion of the cost of construction work in progress in the public utility's rate base. Sets forth the items required in such an application.

Requires the Commission to permit the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress in a public utility's rate base if such utility files an application which contains a valid certification of severe financial difficulty.

Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon receipt of an application from a public utility. Requires the Commission to approve the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress in the utility's rate base if: (1) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; and (2) the utilty's financial condition would prevent the financing of such facility except at a cost significantly higher than the average cost of financing within the electric utility industry. Sets forth limitations on the amount of the costs of construction work in progress which may be included in a public utility's rate base.

Requires public utilities to discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs which are included in the rate base.

Provides that the costs of construction work in progress shall not be included in a public utility's rate base when the facility involved becomes operational.