The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has conditionally allowed QST Energy Trading, Inc., a subsidiary of Central Illinois Light Co. to make sales to nonaffiliates as well as to an affiliate, QST Energy, Inc. (FERC Docket No. ER96-553-000). In turn, QST Energy would sell power in Illinois to customers located outside the service territory of Central Illinois.
TET had asserted in February that its monthly imbalance mechanism enabled shippers to game the cash-out mechanism during the recent rapid and large price fluctuations in the spot gas market.
Since the federal Court of Appeals decision in the Calvert Cliffs case over 25 years ago, no power plant may be built without a thorough socioeconomic impact statement. Yet, schemes to alter the entire supply system of a state - or even the nation - are currently proposed with only cursory attention to socioeconomic consequences.
The Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has begun formal action against U S WEST Communications, Inc., alleging noncompliance with service-quality standards. The PUC will decide whether to continue, modify, or terminate its regulatory agreement with that company. Staff have recommended that the PUC terminate alternative regulation for U S WEST.
PUC staff first found the company out of compliance with standards in 1994. Although the situation stabilized for a few months, network performance has deteriorated.
Pennsylvania Power Co. (PP) has asked the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve a 10-year "Rate Stability and Economic Development Plan," which includes a freeze on electric rates until May 1, 2006; enhanced customer assistance programs; rate incentives; and reduction of fixed costs and regulatory assets.
Rates would not be affected by future PP decisions on new generating capacity, removing or retiring generating facilities from service, or bulk-power purchases.
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on March 14 approved utility restructuring plans aimed at opening up the local natural gas markets to competition. Residential, small business, and commercial/industrial gas users now may purchase their gas supplies from a variety of sources, just as larger industrial customers may purchase from sources other than the local utility (Docket No.
Genco Risk: "Location, Location, Location"Vinod Dar's recent article, "Competition, Convergence . . . and Cashflow? The Power Business in the Next 20 Years" (Apr. 1, 1996, p. 31), highlighted some of the risks inherent in investments in new power generation plants in a restructured electric industry.
Aquila Power Corp., a UtiliCorp United subsidiary, has hired two executives to expand its market into the western United States. Timothy J. Culbertson, from Portland General Electric, will lead power marketing in the Pacific Northwest. David L. Metz will lead power marketing in the Southwest. Metz comes from Arizona Public Service Co.Consolidated Natural Gas Co. has named Bruce E. Plichta international financial analyst and James M. Mulcahy senior financial analyst.
I don't know about you, but the Internet is driving me carzy. Every week I discover a half-dozen new home pages to add to my reading list. Some may view NetscapeÔ as an investment play. I see it as drama.
As a magazine editor (em someone who gets paid to follow the news (em I feel guilty if I don't click on every link and download every file. I call it the "obligation to surf." And the problem grows worse as more government agencies post their decisions online.