Commission Watch

“In 2020, Virginia got the Clean Economy Act. It imposed the 100% renewable standard. That’s a mandatory RPS standard, and the percentage is gradually increased to 2045.”

A conversation with the Director and Deputy Director for Utility Accounting and Finance.

“The Commission exercises both legislative and judicial power. Most utility matters, like setting rates, are legislative cases. Judicial cases usually involve fines or someone showing why they should not have a license taken away.”

“In Virginia, the SCC is not just a utility Commission. It’s also the banking Commission and the insurance Commission. We also oversee railroad safety, gas pipeline safety, and security brokers.”

“We do complement each other. Judge Jagdmann has the experience and depth of knowledge. Judge Hudson coming from FERC, has that federal experience. My experience is more on the public policy side.”

“We Commissioners also work with HR, the CAO, and the Comptroller's Office to address matters related to running the business side of the agency.”

“Each Commissioner is Chair once every three years. If you weren’t already inclined to be collegial, this practice provides a little extra incentive.”

Conversations with the chair, commissioners and more.

This article puts forth a practical resolution of this issue – and the one currently favored by FERC – which is for the bankruptcy courts and FERC to share jurisdiction over matters related to wholesale energy contracts during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

The General Counsel has to feel comfortable in that they have to tell the Commissioner sometimes bad news or what the law is in certain areas.