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Law & Lawyers

The Case That Mattered

What’s the story with AES Ocean Express?

In January 2004, FERC authorized AES Ocean Express LLC (AES) to construct and operate natural-gas pipeline facilities to transport revaporized LNG from an offshore receipt point at the boundary between the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to onshore delivery points on the east coast of Florida. AES proposed to connect its planned pipeline to the pipeline system of Florida Gas Transmission (FGT). AES and FGT were unable to agree upon the terms and conditions to be included in FGT’s tariff regarding the LNG delivered through AES’ proposed pipeline, leading to AES filing a formal complaint with FERC, wherein it alleged that FGT sought to impose unreasonably restrictive gas quality and interchangeability standards on LNG delivered into the FGT system.

Byline: 

James E. Goddard

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People

(August 2007) Avista Corp. announced that its board of directors elected Vice President Ann Wilson as vice president and treasurer, and Vice President Christy Burmeister-Smith will take over the post of vice president and controller. UniSource Energy shareholders voted to extend the service of its current board of directors. Sierra Pacific Resources elected Glenn C. Christenson to its board of directors. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. appointed John T. Conway site vice president of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. And others...

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Wind Goes Hollywood

The spotlight is on. But true stardom will require more direction from utilities.

Wind has become today’s hit—a potential blockbuster, even—but still needing that one big break. To make it big, utilities will have to lead the charge as owners. That will force utilities to consider and evaluate the significant credit implications that can arise when signing a power purchase agreement with developers that lack deep pockets, or implement fly- by-night schemes.

Byline: 

Richard Stavros, Executive Editor

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Walking the Walk

Eco-Developer Pat Wood III explains how competitive markets are good for green business.

The debate over implementing comprehensive electric-competition policies throughout the U.S. economy still rages to this day. Pat Wood III, as the federal regulator, had to fight many tough, public battles in defense of his beliefs on open markets. But there is no bitterness from those battles, if there ever was. It’s quite the opposite. Interviewed at the American Wind Energy Association conference in early June, Wood punctuated his answers in the go get ’em, optimistic view of the world many remember him for at FERC.

Byline: 

Richard Stavros

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Report Slams TXU LBO

Consultant Roger Gale concludes that the TXU leveraged buyout does not provide inherent or long-term advantages to the customer.

Just when everyone thought the dust had cleared on the highly contentious leveraged buyout of TXU by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co. (KKR), new challenges have sprung up from the most unexpected place.

Byline: 

Richard Stavros

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Energy Reform: A Legislative Washout?

Congress is shifting U.S. energy policies toward green alternatives. Is the new direction temporary or permanent?

Fundamental questions about fuel supply, efficiency standards, and environmental performance have splintered Republicans and Democrats into warring factions. As a result, the only proposals legislators can agree upon seem to be watered down half-measures.

Byline: 

Michael T. Burr

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Asian Electric Competition Custom Tailored For Success

Taking the anti-FERC approach to the grid.

A common response to energy-market risk is a complex market infrastructure, with significant administrative effort and cost dedicated to managing the risks and ensuring that the market functions in a transparent and effective manner. But is market complexity a necessary byproduct of competitive markets?

Byline: 

Vikram Janardhan, Ajit Kulkarni, Ph.D., Narottam Aul, and Ng Meng Poh

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When Two Worlds Collide

Energy guru Joseph A. Stanislaw explains how the battle between government and the marketplace is changing.

It is a debate that rages to this day: whether rate-based regulation (government) or electric competition (marketplace) is a more effective model for the utilities industry and world economies. Joseph Stanislaw gives us a uniquely authoritative view on this perennial question.

Byline: 

Richard Stavros

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People

(August 2007) Atmos Energy Corp. announced that John Paris has assumed duties as president of the company’s Mid-Tex Division. ISO New England Inc. elected two new board members: Roberta S. Brown, president of Sassafras River Associates LLC, and Richard E. Kessel, president and CEO of Environmental Power Corp.The board of directors of Public Service Enterprise Group named Richard J. Swift as its presiding director. And others...

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Kelliher's "Believe It or Not!"

FERC attempts to reform competitive markets.

The fact that FERC actually released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in late June, on competitive markets of all subjects, has many in disbelief.

Byline: 

Richard Stavros, Executive Editor

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