Fortnightly Magazine - February 1 1995

Frontlines

In the energy industry, no question defies resolution more than electromagnetic fields (EMF).

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) reported in late December that electric utilities have contributed close to $80 million for EMF research since the early 1970s. And new efforts are taking shape.

Defending Against EMF Property Devaluation Cases

Late last year, New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, ruled that the owner of property adjacent to a utility's high-power electrical transmission lines could seek damages for a decrease in the market value of the property caused by the fear that the power lines might cause cancer, even if such a fear was not medically or scientifically reasonable.

People

Irl F. Englehardt, president and CEO of Peabody Holding Co. Inc., was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the National Coal Association. Steven F. Leer, president and CEO of Arch Mineral Corp., was elected vice chairman. Englehardt will be the 49th industry executive to serve as chairman in NCA's 77-year history.

Gerald E. Putman was made senior v.p. of a new customer service business unit at New York State Electric & Gas Corp.

CPUC Delays Electric Rate Decision

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has decided to adopt a "wait and see" approach in general rate proceedings for utilities affected by its generic industry restructuring case. Southern California Edison Co. asked the CPUC to postpone ruling on marginal cost, rate design, and cost-allocation issues in its 1995 general rate case until it issues a policy order in the restructuring proceeding.

DOE Prepares to Tighten its Belt

The Department of Energy (DOE) will definitely be leaner in the future, if not outright abolished by the newly Republican Congress. To get a jump on Republicans as well as to help pay for a middle-class tax cut, President Clinton proposes to cut DOE's budget by $10.6 billion over the next five years-a 10-percent cut in the agency's $18-billion annual budget.

Energy Secretary Hazel R.

DC Modifies Preconstruction Review

The District of Columbia Public Service Commission (PSC) has amended regulations governing the scope of its authority over facilities constructed outside of the municipality. Late last year, the District of Columbia Public Service Commission (PSC) issued comprehensive regulations governing the preconstruction review of utility power plants, transmission lines, cogeneration facilities, and independent power production facilities.

Williams Moves into the Northeast

On December 12, the Williams Companies Inc. and Transco Energy Co. announced a cash tender offer by Williams to acquire up to 24.6 million shares, or 60 percent of Transco stock, for $17.50 per share. Combined with assumed debt and preferred shares, Williams' acquisition cost will total about $3 billion. Following completion of the tender offer, a newly formed subsidiary of Williams will be merged into Transco, with Transco continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Williams. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction.

Maine PUC Asserts Right to Review Utility EWG Investments

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has rejected a settlement agreement that would have allowed Central Maine Power Co. to invest $30 million over the next three years in unspecified, unregulated power projects. The utility originally applied to create exempt wholesale generation (EWG) entities and related subsidiaries.

Cajun Files for Chapter 11

Succumbing to the pressure of its debts, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has halted construction on three nuclear power plants, the only remaining incomplete plants in the nation. According to chairman Craven Crowell, TVA can no longer foot the bill alone. So far, TVA has invested about $4.6 billion in two unfinished units at the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Alabama, and $1.7 billion in Watts Bar 2 in Tennessee. TVA estimates it will cost as much as $8.8 billion to finish all three units. (The Bellefonte units are 88 percent and 57 percent complete, respectively.

DSM Bidding Dispute Left to Utility

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has refused to mediate a dispute between Washington Water Power Co. and a bidder in the utility's 1991-92 resource procurement auction. The bidder, SESCO Inc., complained after the utility found its demand-side management (DSM) program proposal not cost-effective. The UTC said the decision to close the bidding and not pursue a contract with SESCO was a matter for review in the utility's next general rate case.

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