As FERC conducts the rehearing process for the Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation Order 1920, it is vital that the agency has a full complement of commissioners so that they can work to lower electricity costs for consumers. Over the last two years, electricity prices have risen by a cumulative 14% as compared to 8% for the CPI, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 
WASHINGTON – The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition called on the Senate to approve the nomination of three commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission so that they can begin work on the implementation and rehearing of Order 1920. The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will vote on the nominations of Judy Chang, David Rosner and Lindsay See. 

“It is vital that FERC has a full suite of commissioners as it goes through the rehearing process on Order 1920 and moves towards implementation” said Paul Cicio, Chair of the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition. “We urge the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to approve the nominees and for the Senate to quickly take up a vote for final confirmation. Lowering electricity transmission costs for consumers and modernizing our energy infrastructure is a bipartisan priority.” 

A Princeton University study scenario concluded that the U.S. would need to spend upwards to $2.1 trillion on transmission by 2050, all of which will be passed onto homeowners, farmers and business ratepayers. This adds up to $636 per year per household in electricity payments. Competition is the key to lowering costs for consumers and saving Americans money.

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