Electricity

EIB Energy Highlights: Nat Gas Outpowers Coal, NC Renewables, CPP En Banc, Fed Energy Bill Awaits Conference & More

EIB Energy Highlights: SCOTUS on FERC, Nat Gas Record Year, Oil & Gas Exports, Winter Outlook, Cybersecurity & More

Supreme Court Questions FERC Authority to Regulate Electricity Market Demand Response to Bolster Grid Reliability

Ensuring the reliability of the electric power grid in times of extreme weather and other times of peak usage is critical to avoid interruptions in power and black outs. Reflecting on the 2014 Polar Vortex, the paramount importance of a secure and reliable grid is made abundantly clear. Balancing the supply of electricity with fluctuating … Continue reading →

FERC Technical Conference re: Winter 2013-14 Operations and Market Performance in RTO/ISOs

On April 1, 2014, The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) held its technical conference discussing the recent cold weather events and actions taken by the Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators (RTO/ISO) in response. You can view a webcast of the conference, FERC’s Presentation, and additional participant materials are available here. FERC is accepting written public … Continue reading →

EIA Electric Power Monthly Update Reports “Shakeup” of Regional ISO Operations

The U.S. Energy Information Administration released its latest Electric Power Monthly Update on March 21, 2014, which reflects significant changes in regional electricity system operations that the report calls “the biggest shakeup in regional operating electric systems in recent years.”  The update discusses the MidContinent Independent System Operator (“MISO”) absorption of the Entergy electric system and 14 … Continue reading →

FERC Technical Conference re: Winter 2013-2014 Operations and Market Performance in RTOs and ISOs Apr 1, 2014

FERC TECHNICAL CONFERENCE RE: WINTER 2013-2014 OPERATIONS AND MARKET PERFORMANCE IN RTOs AND ISOs APRIL 1, 2014: On April 1, 2014, FERC will hold a technical conference to discuss the impacts of recent cold weather events on the Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators (RTO/ISO), and actions taken to respond.  Info and link to register here.  Posted … Continue reading →

House Energy & Power Subcommittee Hearing Series: “Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century”

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Energy & Power Subcommittee recently held the second hearing in its series “Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century.”  The hearing focused on fuel supply and infrastructure issues, including “the critical need for modern infrastructure to meet new challenges of increasing U.S. energy abundance, … Continue reading →

Barriers to Cooperation between the CFTC and FERC Hinder Investigations into Energy Market Manipulation – A Legislative Fix May be on the Horizon

            The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) has initiated investigations into energy market manipulation in the last two years that have resulted in nearly $1 billion in penalties and profit disgorgements from companies and traders.  See our previous posts here, here, and  here.  Despite the significant enforcement efforts undertaken thus far, FERC Chairman Wellinghoff recently identified additional … Continue reading →

The Energy Markets Under a Microscope: Government Investigations into Market Manipulation

            The paths of the energy industry and probing government investigations are crossing more and more often, as regulators and legislators have made it a priority to ensure the integrity of energy markets.  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”), Office of Enforcement has made fraud and market manipulation one of its top four priorities, prompting … Continue reading →