Energy People: Rob Powelson
We talked with NARUC President, Commissioner Rob Powelson
Commissioner Powelson was installed as the 128th president of NARUC in November 2016.
The States
New Jersey Eyes Microgrids to Augment Reliability
Excerpt from the December 9, 2016 issue of PUR's Utility Regulatory News
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities determined that microgrids, whether based on CHP, fuel cell, solar, or some other technology, offer the promise of increased system resiliency. Especially with CHP-based microgrids, energy efficiency is advanced as well.
Renewable Portfolio Standards: Changing the Industry
Updates and Forecast for 2017
Since 1983, renewable portfolio standards have been enacted in 29 states, with 8 others setting different benchmarks. In addition to increasing renewable energy generation in states that have adopted these standards, the standards have driven renewable energy development in states without them.
Energy People: Clint Vince
We talked with Clint Vince, chair of the Dentons LLP Energy sector
Clint Vince has directed the expansion of the U.S. energy team to more than 1,000 professionals in 58 countries. His experience involves major project development, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and litigation and appellate cases, including U.S. Supreme Court advocacy.
Energy People: Chair Audrey Zibelman
We talked with Audrey Zibelman, Chair of the New York Public Service Commission
Chair Zibelman has been responsible for designing and leading the regulatory market changes of the electric industry under Gov. Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision, a comprehensive plan to modernize and transform New York’s electric industry. Previously she served as COO of PJM.
Energy People: D.C. PSC Staff
We talked with seven staff members of the District of Columbia Public Service Commission
Commission staffs work behind the scenes, without much recognition, to make utility regulation effective. To hear some of their stories, we talked with seven staff members of the D.C. PSC.
Modernizing PURPA
Should FERC rewrite rules or let states make reforms?
Idaho has a problem with PURPA. So does North Carolina, and other states in between. Utilities have complaints too. Consider industry groups like EEI, representing investor-owned companies, NRECA, representing co-ops, and even NARUC, representing state utility regulators. Each has proposed new rules to fix PURPA, a longtime favorite of enviros. And don’t forget Berkshire Hathaway.
States Want to Know About Utility Biz Models
Issue brief being released this summer.
While details of electricity business models are the purview of commissions, governors can play a key role in shaping the conversation.
Illinois Approach to Regulating Distribution Utility of the Future
Annual formula rate is working to stabilize distribution ratemaking.
A lot has been said of alternative ratemaking approaches. The clearest, most direct path is what has been happening in Illinois, a success by any reasonable measure for a distribution utility.
Tale of Two Grids
What a review of PUC cases tells us about the future of consumer technology and grid modernization.
There may be a more fundamental schism that raises fundamental questions about the role of the distribution utility and footprint of the natural monopoly.