Chasing the Uncatchable
Why trying to fix mandatory capacity markets is like trying to win a game of Whack-A-Mole (Parts I & II)
FERC has little to show for more than a decade of tinkering with mandatory capacity markets.
Energy Policy & Legislation
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.
The British Electricity Model: 25 Years of Experience
Should We Follow U.K.’s Lead?
British price cap regulation quickly became the international gold standard for regulation. It looked so simple. But if the purpose was to provide a dramatically different and less expensive electricity experience, it failed.
Energy Policy Development Potential New Paradigm, and a Challenge
Towards a consensus-based outline of how technological advances can be encouraged and risk-managed.
We need to more seriously and collaboratively explore concepts across stakeholder groups, to gain a better understanding of different perspectives and priorities.
Federal Versus State Jurisdiction in the Electricity Business
Two back-to-back decisions by the Supreme Court in 2016 will fundamentally redefine the jurisdictional split.
If the Supreme Court holds to the principles and logic of its ruling in EPSA, it will restore states’ traditional central role in resource planning.
FPA § 203(a)(1)(B): A Deal is a Deal, No Matter How Small?
With apologies to Dr. Seuss.
There are questions whether FERC and industry resources are being expended on matters once considered, and arguably should continue to be considered, de minimis.
FERC Chasing the Uncatchable
Trying to fix mandatory capacity markets like trying to win whack-a-mole, Part I
FERC’s efforts to get capacity markets “right” have led to endless – and futile – tinkering. The cure proposed – making capacity auction markets mandatory – has unfortunately proved far worse than the disease.
Response to Radford Re: EPSA Complaints at FERC on Ohio Contracts
A response to the ‘Following FERC’ column by Bruce Radford in our April 2016 issue.
The PUCO was not, and never will be, in a position to ensure terms of PPAs meet requirements of FPA.
Illicit Marketing Practices
State PUCs take aim at unscrupulous electric and gas suppliers.
We’ll cover state PUC rulings from New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio, dealing with 1) billing overcharges, 2) deceptive promises of savings, 3) faulty enrollment practices, 4) “slamming,” 5) misleading sales scripts used in telemarketing, 6) hidden fixed charges, and 7) concealed pass-through clauses.
Order 745: Challenge to Plain Old Power Markets
The Order will extend application of load-reducing technologies and marketing to a new class of services.
The marginal external benefits provided by demand response prove more than sufficient to overcome concerns that paying LMP was too expensive.