Energy Policy & Legislation

Reflecting on COP28

The New Normal of Extreme Weather

“In the lead up to COP28 to held in Dubai Nov. 3 to Dec.12, these questions are critical as we search for solutions for the energy transition and for achieving sustainable development goals. In July, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres announced that the era of global boiling has arrived.”

Importance of FERC Order 881

POWER Engineers

The energy and utilities industry is scrambling for any answer to overcome the transmission line capacity issue brought on by the transition to cleaner energy. In short, more renewables sited in far-away locations means more transmissions lines are needed. Full stop.

Regulating Utility Data

West Monroe

“The reality is that how regulators rule on the accessibility and availability of utility data may determine whether a state can remotely achieve state decarbonization goals.”

First Year at FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

“What I’m focused on is making sure we bring everybody to the table, and we work together in a bipartisan manner. I believe that FERC is a bipartisan Commission for a reason. FERC is an independent agency for a reason. As a regulator, I guard that independence.”

Commissioner Wright on Nuclear's Future

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

“We recognize the NRC can license new and advanced designs using existing regulations, but applicants need exemptions to do so. Nobody wants to use the exemption process indefinitely to regulate. At some point, regulations need to be aligned.”

Unintended Consequences of FERC Order 1000

ITC

“Pre-Order 1000, there was a fair amount of regional transmission development, and the most prominent examples are MISO MVPs, CapX2020, Balanced Portfolio in SPP. Those continue to provide massive benefits to customers. It makes a strong case for policymakers to say, ‘it’s time to go back to the federal right of first refusal.’”

New Nuclear's Role in Decarbonization

NEI, Breakthrough Inst.

“As difficult as it might seem to build a nuclear power plant, building multi-state transmission has proven more difficult. The Princeton study shows need for 3 or 4 times as much new transmission capacity added if you do the whole job with just renewables versus firm clean generation from things like nuclear.”

Leading BPA

Power Markets

“There was a 2.5% rate decrease in our last rate case on the power side. Business is promising. I wouldn’t be surprised if we can manage our rates at least flat or in the zone of keeping them flat, this upcoming rate case.”