WASHINGTON – IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: In a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) urged the commissioners to back electricity transmission competition warning of rising prices for consumers if a right of first refusal were reinstated.

EnergyWire via Politico Pro:

The two senators, both members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asked commissioners in a letter to rescind the proposed right of first refusal (ROFR) plan, which would allow some utilities to have a guaranteed opportunity to obtain a contract for transmission projects.

“We strongly encourage FERC to pursue these transmission reforms in a manner that uses an approach that fosters market competition for high-voltage transmission projects to the greatest extent possible,” the senators wrote.

Politicians and regulators are increasingly aware the nation will need significant amounts of power lines and other forms of transmission to meet the nation’s needs. That’s why FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in March to alter the processes for planning and paying for new transmission lines.

But the ROFR policy included in the rulemaking has generated significant concern, with the senators’ letter part of a chorus of criticism alleging that the rule would drive up already high electricity costs. (read more)

You can read the full letter from Senators Heinrich and Lee here.

The bipartisan Senate letter opposing provisions in the FERC NOPR follows an outpouring of filings from a broad and diverse set of stakeholders registering concerns with the proposal. Over 150 entities, including federal agencies, state commissions, trade associations, and consumer groups, have filed comments with FERC.

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About the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition (ETCC) is a broad-based, nation-wide coalition committed to increasing competition in America’s electricity transmission infrastructure. We advocate for common-sense policies and solutions that result in competitively priced transmission projects, which reduce energy costs for all ratepayers – from large manufacturers to residential consumers. The ETCC represents a diverse group of more than 70 companies and organizations from all 50 states, including manufacturing groups, retail electric consumers, state consumer advocates, public power representatives, think tanks, and non-incumbent transmission developers.

For more information, visit: www.electricitytransmissioncompetitioncoalition.org.

About SAFE

SAFE unites prominent military and business leaders to develop and advocate for policies that improve America’s energy security by significantly curtailing our dependence on oil and promoting responsible use of our domestic energy resources.

Press Contact:
Julian Graham
jgraham@signaldc.com