Benefits Add Up
SW Utilities Show Efficiency Benefits
The southwest region saw more energy saved from utility energy efficiency programs than was generated from solar power, both distributed and utility-scale.
Law & Lawyers
Path Forward for Storage
Managing Aging Nuclear Storage Canisters
The Electric Power Research Institute, EPRI, will publish nuclear aging management and inspection guidance in early 2017. These will address the potential for chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking in welded stainless steel canisters in dry-cask storage systems.
Refocusing Rate Design Debates
Public Interest before Special Interest
We must get back to pricing fundamentals. The goals of performance and or incentive-based regulation apply to consumers and not just producers. Here are three questions that every rate design investigation should consider.
2016 Annual Rate Case Survey
It is often said that ratemaking is as much art as science.
It is the process of setting a return on equity that is fair to both shareholders and consumers that demonstrates the art and science practiced by regulators. One case reported here provides a good glimpse at the entire range of issues put before regulators: a decision by the Michigan Public Service Commission setting electric rates for Consumers Energy Company.
Energy Memories: Regulatory Economist Michael Crew
Memories by Faruqui and Littlechild
His books, articles, journals and conferences were familiar to many in utility regulation. The California PUC passed a resolution last year acknowledging his contributions to regulation.
Electric Utility History in History
George Bernard Shaw, President McKinley, Dr. Benjamin Spock, Al Capone
George Bernard Shaw got his start with Edison and Insull; President McKinley collapsed in his arms, later he founded EEI; Dr. Spock’s child care book, and Reddy Kilowatt; Scarface Al Capone thwarted by utilities’ Sam Insull
November Birthdays: Sam Insull
Insull literally created our system of regulated monopolies and cost-of-service regulation.
Off Peak: The Genie of the Gas Age
In 1931, Public Utilities Fortnightly commissioned one of the most popular poets of the 20th century to write a poem for PUF's readers.
Hiding Electricity's Complexity
Should We Lift the Curtain?
Almost nobody realizes the most advanced technology helps us manage grids, operate plants, integrate renewables, route flows, limit peak demand, and restore service after storms. Should we lift the curtain covering the network’s complexity?
Energy People: Chair Audrey Zibelman
We talked with Audrey Zibelman, Chair of the New York Public Service Commission
Chair Zibelman has been responsible for designing and leading the regulatory market changes of the electric industry under Gov. Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision, a comprehensive plan to modernize and transform New York’s electric industry. Previously she served as COO of PJM.