Frontlines
Carrots haven't worked. FERC needs to get tough on backing its SMD vision.
Fossil Fuel Politics: How the New Congress Might Change the Mix
How the New Congress Might Change the Mix
Fossil Fuel Politics
How the New Congress Might Change the Mix
The 108th Congress will very likely resurrect the comprehensive energy and environmental legislation introduced in the 107th Congress, again raising questions about the effectiveness of market intervention in the area of electric generation.
FERC's Market Design: The End of a 'Noble Dream'
How state opposition cowed the feds and turned a powerful rule into just a set of talking points.
How state opposition cowed the feds and turned a powerful rule into just a set of talking points.
A funny thing happened on the way to a standard market design (SMD). What began as a full-fledged rulemaking-with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) giving instructions and imposing deadlines on the electric utility industry-now has degenerated into little more than a set of talking points.
Talk about cold feet.
Off Peak
Energy scandals have made the industry the target of CBS prime-time morality soap operas and a movie.
As the Megawatt Turns
Energy scandals have made the industry the target of CBS prime-time morality soap operas and a movie.
One can only guess which energy company CBS-TV's "Touched by an Angel" was thinking of when it featured the character David Satterfield, an executive at "Dyna Energy." And the CBS movie, "The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth about Enron," left no doubt about which company was being thought of.
Technology Corridor
Can utilities make a credible play for power line communications?
It's Now or Never for Power Line Broadband
Business & Money
A top investor explains what it would take for utilities to be included in one of the best-performing funds in the U.S.
Measuring Up to Jensen
A top investor explains what it would take for utilities to be included in one of the best-performing funds in the U.S.
Passing the standards for inclusion in the $1 billion plus Jensen Portfolio Fund is like being crowned the best-of-the-best in a given industry, analysts say.
Commission Watch
FERC looks ahead to the new year as it wraps up loose ends from 2002.
FERC: SMD/Grid Issues Lead 2003 Agenda
Perspective
Ontario's government has imposed substantial burdens on customers, with no benefits.
On the Brink: Avoiding a Canadian California
Ontario's government has imposed substantial burdens on customers, with no benefits.
On a recent trip through Toronto's Pearson International Airport, I was stopped by an immigration official who, upon learning my business, snapped, "Why would anyone hire a Yank to advise on the Ontario electricity sector?"
People
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California Gov. Gray Davis named Michael Peevey president of the state's PUC, replacing Loretta Lynch. Lynch was expected to remain with the commission until the completion of her term, in January 2005. Peevey has served on the commission since March of 2002. He previously was president of Edison International. Davis also appointed Susan Kennedy commissioner, replacing Henry Duque.
Richard G. Newman, chairman and CEO of AECOM Technology Corp., joined the Sempra Energy board of directors.
Frontlines
How Einstein discovered relativity, locational pricing, and participant-funded transmission.