News Analysis

 

IPPs and other stakeholders long have called for standards, but this time, the FERC just might oblige.

 

"Certain transmission owners ... have impeded the interconnection process and, thereby, new generation construction."

"Many transmission providers also refuse to offer network transmission service to merchant generators ... ."

Those are strong words-utilities might even call them fighting words-coming from the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) in its "Position Statement on Bill of Rights for New Generation Interconnection." () In that statement, EPSA calls on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to create an interconnection policy. Of course, EPSA also takes the opportunity to give the FERC a hand by laying out its own set of specific recommendations for such a policy statement.

Up until now, FERC has tackled the issue with a piecemeal approach, handling disputes on a case-by-case basis and, in so doing, creating somewhat of a patchwork policy of precedent. Yet, although the EPSA decree is now over a year old, there is increased hope that the fed will take comprehensive action. With the face of the FERC having changed recently, now up to three out of the four commissioners have indicated that they want to see interconnection standards put in place. Certainly the drumbeat for the commission to tackle the issue summarily is as loud as ever, as generators continue clamoring about frustrating dealings with transmission providers, who themselves view some FERC actions as inequitable.

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