A broad coalition of Minnesota electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, consumer advocates, and environmentalists has joined the debate over the restructuring of the state's electric industry.
The staff of the Arizona Corporation Commission have recommended rejection of a Tucson Electric Power Co. (TEP) proposal to form a holding company, with TEP becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary. The proposal reflects TEP's desire to pursue opportunities in the domestic and international power markets, including development of independent power projects, acquisition of interests in existing power facilities privatized by foreign governments, and construction of cogeneration facilities to serve the energy needs of large industrial customers.
The challenges facing the information technology (IT) industry into the next century are significant. Yet so are the opportunities.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has set for hearing a request by Koch Gateway Pipeline Co. (KGP) to charge market-based rates for firm and interruptible natural gas transportation services (Docket No. RP95-362-000). First, however, the FERC must conclude Docket No. RM95-6-000, which will delineate the circumstances under which it may approve market-based rates.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has approved a plan by Jersey Central Power & Light Co. to replace its existing economic development tariffs with a new "Business Enhancement Incentive" rider. The tariff revision would continue programs designed to further the building expansion and use plans of large customers by offering discounted rates, but would eliminate ineffective programs such as per-worker rebates, priority location rebates, and high energy-efficiency programs.
IT has become strategic. And important. So important that utility companies are seeking outside expertise to help them leverage technology to conduct business more efficiently, help grow revenues, and hone their edge in the new competitive world. Time has become an unaffordable luxury.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has set for hearing a request by Koch Gateway Pipeline Co. (KGP) to charge market-based rates for firm and interruptible natural gas transportation services (Docket No. RP95-362-000). First, however, the FERC must conclude Docket No. RM95-6-000, which will delineate the circumstances under which it may approve market-based rates.
While approving a proposed rate discount program for new electric heating customers, the Maine Public Service Commission (PSC) has ruled that the program must meet "permanent load" requirements designed to protect ratepayers. Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. had filed proposals to market power to new electric heating customers at 5 cents per kilowatt-hour, as a temporary addition to its load requirements, with a price floor based on short-run marginal costs.
The decision to outsource, however, now goes beyond cost-cutting considerations. Companies are just as likely to turn to outsourcing when they want to concentrate on new business opportunities or dramatically change their overall structure.