BYLINE
Michael T. Burr
BYLINE
As a former independent power producer, George Lagassa is sympathetic to the woes of the merchant power industry. Until just a few years ago, he held the license to a micro-hydro qualifying facility (QF) in New Hampshire, so he understands what it takes to compete in a regulated-franchise industry. Yet, as the principal of Mainstream Appraisals in North Hampton, N.H., Lagassa is also a dedicated pragmatist. He sees the industry's consolidation trend as a sort of correction in the U.S. power market.
The consequences of exuberance are all around us.
Edward N. Krapels
Business & Money
The consequences of exuberance are all around us.
Much of the 160 GW of new generation capacity added to the U.S. inventory since 1998 is now under water, economically speaking. At a per-megawatt cost of $300, this represents $50 billion of investment-much of which is concentrated in Texas (23 GW), Illinois (14 GW), and Georgia (11 GW). The key question for both merchant and other plant owners is how long it will take for plant values to recover.
The commission nails companies, but orders payments.
Lori A. Burkhart
The commission nails companies, but orders payments.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) finally dealt with the many issues that arose out of the 2000/2001 California energy crisis. On June 25, FERC issued a slew of orders that settled some old disputes, gave a glimpse of the future, and offered insight into the commissioners' thinking.
The collapse of wholesale markets has utilities once again making the purchasing decisions, and taking all the risks.
Michael T. Burr
The collapse of wholesale markets has utilities once again making the purchasing decisions, and taking all the risks.
If a common theme is emerging from the various policy directions across the country, it seems to be that responsibility for supply resources is moving away from open markets and back into the hands of load-serving utilities.
Is FERC overstepping its jurisdiction and attempting to force a standard into a one-size-fits-all category?
Stan Blazewicz and Eugene Shlatz
Who should have "green tag" ownership under power purchase agreements, the buyers or the sellers?
Paul N. Belval and Mary F. Rossetti
Who should have "green tag" ownership under power purchase agreements, the buyers or the sellers?
A legal controversy is brewing in the electric industry over who should reap the financial benefits of the green characteristics of power plants, under existing power purchase agreements (PPA).
Why it happened? Who lost in the bust? Who will survive to build another turbine?
Robert L. Sansom and A. Michael Schaal
Why it happened? Who lost in the bust? Who will survive to build another turbine?
The period from late 2001 to April 2002 witnessed a classic industry shakeout as a result of a merchant power development sector that became too ambitious in its power plant development plans.
An independent system operator's view on the energy crisis and the realities of maintaining reliability.
Ziad Alaywan
Declaring Emergencies in California: The Realities of ISO Operation
Centralized federal oversight sounds good, but what about squabbles between separate federal agencies?
Carl J. Levesque
FERC Docket No. ER01-2076-000, protest filed June 15, 2001.
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