Ever wanted to gain a better understanding of capacity markets? The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) will provide the perfect opportunity. On September 25, 2013, the Commission’s staff will hold a technical conference to consider how current centralized capacity market rules and structures in the regions served by ISO New England Inc. (ISO-NE), New
Transmission
Seventh Circuit Decision Benefits Renewable Energy
Although it was not the primary focus, a recent Seventh Circuit Decision about allocation of transmission project costs could be a game changer for renewable energy. The main purpose of the appeal by the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC”), Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”) and others was to contest FERC’s approval of the Midwest Independent Transmission…
The Electric Grid 101
As we celebrate the beginning of our independence, I challenge Smart Grid Legal News readers to take one action this week that moves our country closer to energy independence. It can be something as simple as changing your light bulbs to compact florescent bulbs or unplugging the cell phone charger when it is not in…
NERC Report Highlights Concerns About Long-term Electric Reliability
Over the next ten years, the electric industry will face a number of significant emerging reliability issues. The confluence of these uses will drive a transformational change for the industry, potentially resulting in a dramatically different resource mix, a new market for emissions trading, a need for enhanced modeling, and a new risk framework built
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PJM’s CEO Terry Boston discusses Cyber Security and Reliability
Although PJM headquarters is just minutes from Steven & Lee’s Valley Forge office, it took a recent trip to Washington, DC, for me to catch up with its President and CEO, Terry Boston. PJM manages the largest power grid in North America and the largest electricity market in the world. It is a regional transmission…
EPA’s Rules Spark Debate Over Reliability of the Electric Grid
FERC, RTOs, ISOs, NARUC, Governors and Politicians… there is no shortage of concern over the potential impact of the new Environmental Protection Agency rules regarding clean air. Will the cost of compliance force the shut down of many coal-fired power plants? Will reliability suffer as a result? These issues are at the core of the…
FERC Chairman Wellinghoff Will Testify Before House Subcommittee on Energy and Power
On Thursday, October 13, 2011 Chairman Wellinghoff will testify on “The American Energy Initiative: Transmission Issues, Including Topics Related to the Sitting, Planning, and Allocation of Costs for Electricity Transmission Infrastructure”, before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power. It will take place at 9:30 a.m. in room 2322 of the Rayburn…
ENBALA Discusses Grid Balance
I recently had a chance to talk with my friend, SaLisa Berrien, Senior Director of Business Development at ENBALA Power Networks to learn more about its grid balance service, also known as regulation service.
Evers: Please explain how Grid Balance services differ from DR.
Berrien: The difference between Regulation Service (aka Grid Balance)
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NARUC and 62 Others Concerned About FERC Order 1000
NARUC recently filed a Request for Rehearing and Clarification regarding FERC’s Order 1000 and it is not alone. At least 62 others have filed either a Request for Rehearing, Clarification or both, highlighting the widespread concern over FERC’s new order that addresses Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation by Transmission Owning and Operating Public Utilities. NARUC…
FERC Schedules Informational Conference on Order No. 1000
Last week, FERC issued a notice that it will conduct several informational conferences regarding Order No. 1000 on September 12 and 13, 2011, to address compliance issues. FERC will kick off the series on September 12, 2011, starting at 1 pm focusing on compliance issues related to Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators…