A new study takes a look at using the benefits of electric utility deregulation to increase trade and investment between the U.S. and Mexico. Published by the Salt River Project, or SRP, and the Comision Federal de Electricidad, the study aims to help companies understand the legal and regulatory regimes of the two countries and the potential opportunities to buy and sell power across the border via high-voltage interconnections. Others involved with the study included the
U.S. Agency for International Development, Price Waterhouse and Bechtel. Copies of the report, which will be discussed at an October symposium in Phoenix, can be obtained by calling (602) 236-5828.
In an unrelated matter, SRP selected Diebold Inc. to provide "automated utility transaction terminals" to help cut costs and enhance service. When installed, the nine, Phoenix-area terminals will allow SRP customers to pay utility bills 24 hours a day. SRP hopes to cut by a third the 100,000 customers who opt to pay bills in person.
The Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission awarded the first private-sector license to build and operate a natural gas system in northern Mexico. The system will be built by a consortium called Distribuidora de Gas Natural, made up of Enova International, Pacific Enterprises International and Proxima Gas S.A. de C.V. The partners expect to invest about $50 million and serve at least 50,000 customers in the first five years of the project.
New Energy Ventures Inc. and LG&E Energy Marketing have agreed to provide energy services to retail customers throughout the U.S. The agreement calls for LG&E to provide NEV services in electricity scheduling coordination, customer administration and customer energy management.
QST Energy Inc. signed a marketing services pact with Trebor Energy Resources to buy, transport and sell natural gas to utilities and commercial-industrial customers. Targeted markets are the Gulf Coast, Midwest and Northeast. QST is a second-tier subsidiary of CILCORP Inc.
An outsourcing contract worth as much as $30 million over five years was inked by Aquagenix Inc. and The Southern Co. Aquagenix will keep shrubs and trees clear of transmission/distribution rights-of-way and power stations. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., company also will manage tracts of utility-owned woodlands. Work was set to begin last month.
A "cooperation memorandum" was signed by the state of South Carolina, Santee Cooper and SCANA Corp. to develop an 800-megahertz radio communications network. The system, similar to a telephone switching system, would be used by public safety agencies and utility providers. Hurricane Hugo prompted the effort when it revealed inadequacies of radio communications; in some areas communication was impossible because of "dead zones" where no transmission sites existed. Agencies also used different frequencies and could not communicate with each other. t
Please submit items for this feature to: Joules Editor, PUBLIC UTILITIES FORTNIGHTLY, 8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 401, Vienna, VA 22182.
Articles found on this page are available to Internet subscribers only. For more information about obtaining a username and password, please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-368-5001.