On May 29, FERC approved a request from Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (“BG&E”) to implement Order No. 679 transmission rate incentives for its portion of the 230-mile, 500 kV Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (“MAPP”) Project.
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FERC and Washington State Sign a MOU for Hydrokinetic Energy Projects
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On June 4, 2009, FERC and Washington State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to coordinate their review of projects that use emerging hydrokinetic technologies in Washington’s waters. Hydrokinetic facilities generate electricity from waves or directly from the flow of water in ocean currents, tides, or rivers.
FERC Holds Workshop on Pipeline Siting and Stakeholder Involvement
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On Monday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) held a workshop, hosted by Commissioner Philip Moeller, discussing natural gas pipeline siting and stakeholder involvement.
Ohio PUC Considers Forming Its Own Transmission Organization
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 25, 2009, market participants filed comments with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (“PUCO”) stating that the state should remain a member of regional transmission organizations (“RTO”) instead of forming its own transmission system operator.
Department of Energy Announces $256 Million Investment to Improve the Energy Efficiency of the American Economy
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On Monday, Department of Energy (“DOE”) Secretary Steven Chu announced plans to provide $256 million to support energy efficiency improvements in major industrial sectors across the American economy. The funding is authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is targeted at reducing energy consumption in manufacturing and information technology industries (“IT”), while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
FERC Releases Summer State of the Market Report
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 21, 2009, FERC released its “2009 Summer Energy Market Reliability Assessment” on energy expectations for the upcoming summer. Generally, FERC forecasted loads will be lower than the 2007 and 2008 summer seasons.
FERC Grants Declaratory Relief for the Funding of a Major Transmission Line between New England and Québec
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 22, 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) approved the funding arrangement for the construction of a 1,200 MW high-voltage direct current transmission line that will connect Hydro-Québec with ISO New England’s backbone 345 kV transmission system.
Bingaman’s Proposed Pieces of Legislation on RES and Cyber Security Progressing
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
Last week, two separate pieces of proposed legislation from Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), one on cyber security (“Cyber Security Legislation”) and one on renewable electricity standards (“RES Legislation”), continued to make their way through the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (“Senate Energy Committee”).
DOE Announces Significant Increase in Funding for Smart Grid Projects
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
On May 18, 2009, DOE Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department is increasing the maximum award available under the Recovery Act for Smart Grid programs. Secretary Chu and Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke also announced the first set of 16 interoperability standards for the Smart Grid.
FERC Announces Regional Planning Meetings to Focus on Interregional Challenges
By Troutman Pepper Locke on
Posted in Uncategorized
Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) announced that it will convene regional conferences to determine whether transmission providers’ planning efforts can meet the “challenges posed by wider integration of regional energy resources into the nation’s power grid for the benefit of consumers.”