The deadline to file reply comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on their proposed rule on electricity transmission planning is Monday, September 19.

FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) on April 21. Instead of embracing, or better yet, unleashing transmission competition to reduce ratepayer costs, the NOPR makes it easier for incumbent monopoly utilities to avoid competition resulting in higher costs for consumers.

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition, a coalition of more than 80 diverse consumer organizations, has called on FERC to require transmission competition for projects that are 100 kV or larger, and fulfill its mandate to provide affordable and reliable energy to households and businesses.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a joint comment and urged FERC not to restore a right of first refusal (ROFR). The agencies argue that the reinstatement of a ROFR would block competition and increase costs for consumers, citing examples where competition has led to lower costs and innovation. This position was endorsed unanimously by the FTC Commission with a 5-0 vote.

Many more state commissions, federal agencies, trade associations, consumer groups, and environmental advocates representing over a hundred individual entities agree that requiring transmission projects to be competitively bid, delivers cost discipline and is needed to ensure that dollars are spent on more efficient and cost-effective transmission solutions.