In a presentation for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) forum in Chicago, Jim Lazar discussed the intricacies of smart rate design. Mr. Lazar, co-author of Smart Rate Design for a Smart Future, explores utility cost recovery, including the implications of residential fixed charges, demand charges, minimum bills, revenue decoupling, and rates for consumers with solar photovoltaics. He also emphasizes the three main principles of equitable rate design.