People (Jan. 15, 2002)
Richard L. Rudman has been named to the new position of executive vice president at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Rudman joined EPRI in 1973, and was named COO in 1996. And others ...
Pat Packs a Punch
FERC's new chairman runs roughshod over a reeling industry.
By a vote of 3-1, FERC had crowned the Midwest Independent System Operator—MISO—as belle of the ball. In so doing, it scorned the proposed Alliance Regional Transmission Organization.
The Perils of Greenfield Gas Development
Sempra promised regulators they’d build a new utility, but Nova Scotia is still waiting.
A major gas discovery offshore Nova Scotia-3.5 trillion cf, based on conservative estimates-is generating healthy financial earnings for participating producers and pipelines. But residents and small businesses in Nova Scotia aren't seeing a molecule of gas flowing their way.
Resource Planning: The Need for a New Approach
New market risks have called on utilities to evaluate an expanding array of new resource options—with antiquated tools to evaluate them.
The choices faced by utilities in meeting still-present demand obligations have exploded, while the capability needed to evaluate those choices has shrunk.
The Rift Over Affiliate Conduct
Does FERC have the backbone for another jurisdictional turf war?
FERC's notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) on uniform standards of conduct for transmission providers seemed rather innocuous at the time of its release. However, FERC's prediction about the controversial nature of the bundled sales portion of the NOPR proved accurate.
Should I Stay or Should I Sell?
A very odd departure, indeed.
The lack of real information at the time left analysts scrambling for an accurate assessment of the company and created a confusing mess of commentary.
Waiting to Exhale
Courts Deliberate on the Fate of Order 2000: The transmission industry may have to wait even longer for a final decision on challenges to Order 2000 if FERC gets its way.
Though the D.C. Circuit Court could very well add to the delay in resolving some thorny issues of Order 2000, it appears that the court has essentially given the challengers a partial victory, even before a decision is rendered.
Who’s Minding The Grid?
Some argue that gas pipelines might substitute … but … nothing will do away with the need for more transmission.
Our nation’s transmission infrastructure is increasingly unable to meet new demands for power created by rapidly changing electricity markets. Although reliability protocols ensure against catastrophic failure, there is ample evidence today that the grid is too congested.
People (Jan 1, 2002)
El Paso Corp. announced that Britton White Jr. has retired as executive vice president and general counsel. He was appointed to this position after El Paso acquired Tenneco Energy in 1996. Peggy A. Heeg has been named as his replacement. Heeg previously served as senior vice president and deputy general counsel. She joined Tenneco Energy in 1990 and became vice president and associate general counsel for regulated pipelines for El Paso after the merger. El Paso also announced the retirement of David A. Arledge from its board of directors.
A Wrinkle in Time
Enron makes an exit; FERC cost-based rates return.
You have two cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank. Then, you execute a debt-equity swap with an associated general offer, so you get all four cows back, with a tax-exemption for the fifth cow, of course.