http://blog.fortnightly.com Industry perspectives and analysis from Fortnightly.com Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:16:05 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Finds FERC acted reasonably in approving ARC terms Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4055: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has affirmed a pronouncement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which ruling adopted a tariff proposed by a regional transmission organization, PJM Interconnection. The ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2012/01/30/court-upholds-pjm-tariff-governing-demand-response-and-aggregators/ Connecticut reverses itself, decides to exercise jurisdiction Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4055: Vacating an earlier order in which it had declined to review the proposed merger of two Massachusetts-based holding companies, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has determined that the transaction could have implications for two Connecticut-based ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2012/01/30/nunstar-merger-deal-to-come-under-closer-scrutiny/ Consider forward-looking policies despite stay of new rule Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4055: In acknowledgement that at some point new power plant emissions strictures are going to be implemented and enforced, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Missouri Public Service Commission have laid the groundwork for compliance with ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2012/01/30/indiana-missouri-eye-csapr-compliance-plans/ Cites complexity of issues raised Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4054: Careful to stress that its ruling should not be taken as an indication of its opinion on the merits, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has temporarily halted implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2012/01/27/federal-appeals-court-stays-cross-state-air-pollution-rule/ Prompts suggestions about shale gas options Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4054: The California Public Utilities Commission has approved changes to certain of its renewable energy plans, so as to incorporate recent legislative amendments to the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) program, which amendments increase from 20% to 33% the ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2012/01/27/california%e2%80%99s-rps-target-and-associated-costs-rise-again/ Invokes use of a wind proxy Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4054: Reviewing the methodology used by Rocky Mountain Power for its purchases of energy and capacity from wind-based qualifying small power production facilities (QFs), the Wyoming Public Service Commission has adopted a permanent avoided-cost pricing method for the utility. ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2012/01/27/wyoming-refines-pricing-method-for-wind-power-purchases/ Ruling permits Columbia Gas to switch auction protocols. Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4037: In authorizing a natural gas local distribution company (LDC), Columbia Gas of Ohio, to begin following a standard choice offer (SCO) bidding structure rather than continue adhering to its longtime standard service offer (SSO) process, the ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2011/10/18/ohio-facilitates-ldc%e2%80%99s-exit-from-supply-market/ Commission says its job is to regulate, not micromanage. Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4037: Although acknowledging that a corporate outsourcing arrangement between a natural gas local distribution company (LDC) and an independent consultant was of a significant magnitude, the Maryland Public Service Commission nevertheless has determined that negotiation of ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2011/10/18/maryland-lets-expansive-outsourcing-agreement-stand/ Finding nuclear case less compelling, commission caps allowable costs through 2013. Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4037: Citing last spring’s earthquake in Japan, ongoing economic woes, and faltering Congressional enthusiasm for carbon regulation, the North Carolina Utilities Commission has retreated from its prior showing of strong support for an electric ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2011/10/18/north-carolina-rethinks-support-for-duke%e2%80%99s-new-reactor/ DEADLINE: Friday, Sept. 30, 5:00 p.m. Eastern time Fortnightly has opened the nominations process for this year's Top Utility Lawyers honors. You'll find the nomination form here ... And the FAQ document here ... And last year's Top Lawyers article here. Nominations are invited from executives at utility and energy companies, regulatory agencies, and trade associations serving the U.S. electric and ... http://blog.fortnightly.com/2011/09/26/seeking-nominations-for-top-utility-lawyers/