NEWS & RESOURCES

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition is a leading source for news, policy, research, and education on electricity transmission competition.

NEWS & RESOURCES

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition is a leading source for news, policy, research, and education on electricity transmission competition.

ICYMI: Springfield Lawmakers Considering 11th Hour Bill to Block Competition for Electricity Transmission Projects – Crain’s Chicago Business

May 25, 2023

Springfield lawmakers are considering a last ditch attempt to ram through legislation that would block electricity transmission competition in Illinois, according to Crain’s Chicago Business

Missouri Legislature Makes Wise Decision to Not Support Anti-Consumer ROFR Bill SB 568

May 12, 2023

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition welcomed the decision by the Missouri legislature to not take action to advance SB 568 before the legislative session expired. 

Indiana Governor Signs Bill to Increase Electricity Prices on Households and Businesses

May 1, 2023

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition was disappointed in the decision by Governor Eric Holcomb to sign HB 1420, which will lead to higher electricity transmission rates in the state of Indiana.

Consumers Call on Senate Energy Committee to Support Electricity Transmission Competition

April 25, 2023

In a letter to the Senate Energy Committee Chair Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso, the ETCC asked the two leaders to urge FERC to embrace electricity transmission competition.

Consumers Call on Governor Eric Holcomb to Veto HB 1420, Which Will Result in Higher Electricity Prices

April 24, 2023

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition wrote a letter to Governor Eric Holcomb calling on him to veto HB 1420 and put consumers first. 

Consumers Urge Governor Eric Holcomb to Veto HB 1420 - Reduce Consumer Electricity Costs and Stand Up Against Monopoly Interests

April 20, 2023

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition called on Governor Eric Holcomb to put consumers first and veto HB 1420, which will significantly raise the price of electricity for Hoosiers.

Consumers Urge Indiana House to Oppose HB 1420

April 19, 2023

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition urged members of the Indiana House to oppose HB 1420, a right-of-first-refusal law (ROFR). urged members of the Indiana House to oppose HB 1420, a right-of-first-refusal law (ROFR). Similar ROFR laws have been shown to raise rates on consumers by as much as 40%.

Electricity Price Inflation Soars to 10.2%, Outpacing CPI Again – FERC Must Act

April 12, 2023

Inflation data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics today showed another month of skyrocketing electricity inflation, while overall inflation slowed. FERC must act and support transmission competition. 

Iowa Supreme Court Blocks “Anticompetitive” Right of First Refusal Bill

March 24, 2023

The Iowa Supreme Court struck a blow against anticompetitive monopoly interests in its decision to issue an injunction against the state’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR).

Consumers Disappointed by Mississippi Governor Reeves’ Decision to Sign Unconstitutional, Anti-Competitive Electricity Transmission Bill into Law

March 7, 2023

An 86-member consumer coalition expressed disappointment in Mississippi Governor Reeves’ decision to sign a new bill that would prevent transmission competition projects.

Montana Right-of-First-Refusal Law Fails to Advance-Consumers Win!

March 1, 2023

Lawmakers in Montana yesterday voted 11-1 in favor of tabling Senate Bill 353 that would favor incumbent utility monopolies and lead to higher electricity prices for consumers. 

Oklahoma ROFR Bill Defeated – A Victory for Consumers

February 24, 2023

Consumers welcomed the defeat of SB 498 in the Oklahoma State Senate yesterday in a victory for consumers over the interests of incumbent monopoly utilities.

ICYMI: Kansas City Star Exposes Chiefs Tickets Gift Giving to Public Officials from Utility Companies with Pending Legislation

February 21, 2023

Consumer Coalition Urges Kansas Lawmakers to Reject a Right-of-First-Refusal (ROFR) Bill that Would Lead to Higher Rates for Consumers.

Electricity Price Inflation Rate of 11.9 Percent Continues to Outpace the CPI

February 14, 2023

The latest inflation data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the long-term trend of electricity price inflation has continued into 2023, despite cooling in the overall rate of inflation.

Electricity Price Inflation Soars to 14.3%, Despite Decline in Overall Inflation Rate

January 12, 2023

The latest inflation data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms the historic rise in long-run electricity prices, which far outpaces the overall consumer price index.

Consumers Welcome Appointment of Willie Phillips as Acting FERC Chair

January 4, 2023

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition welcomed the appointment of Commissioner Willie Phillips to the position of Acting Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Consumers Urge FERC to Back Electricity Transmission Competition, Consistent with FTC and DOJ Support

December 13, 2022

The most recent batch of inflation data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed sustained long-run electricity price inflation for consumers, continuing the trend of soaring costs this year.

Interregional Electric Transmission Projects Must be Competitively Bid

December 6, 2022

In response to the FERC workshop on Interregional Transfer Capability Transmission Planning & Cost Allocation Requirements, Paul Cicio, Chair of the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition, released the following statement.

Consumers Urge Biden to Back Electricity Transmission Competition, Consistent with FTC and DOJ Support

November 14, 2022

The ETCC has sent a letter urging President Biden to back electricity transmission competition in the fight against inflation, consistent with the support from the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission.

Competitive Electricity Transmission Bidding Process Saves New Jersey Ratepayers Billions of Dollars

November 1, 2022

New Jersey has embarked on the largest-ever competitive bidding process for a transmission project in the country, which will help facilitate the provision of electricity from offshore wind facilities to households and businesses—saving ratepayers billions of dollars.

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Competitive Electricity Transmission Bidding Process Saves Maine Consumers Over $1 Billion

October 26, 2022

The Maine Public Utilities Commission unveiled two new electricity transmission projects that will make significant investments in renewable energy while saving consumers over one billion dollars – thanks to a competitive bidding process.

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ETCC: FERC Must Support Electricity Transmission Competition to Fight Electricity Price Inflation

October 13, 2022

Electricity price inflation continues to outpace overall CPI increases, placing serious financial strain on homeowners and businesses. FERC must embrace electricity transmission competition if it wants to fulfill its mandate of providing affordable electricity to Americans

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ICYMI: EnergyWire – Lawmakers Tell FERC to Scrap Anti-Competitive Grid Plan

October 11, 2022

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.

East side view of the United States Capitol building.

Senators Heinrich and Lee Urge FERC to Embrace Electricity Transmission Competition

October 5, 2022

In a letter to the Commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Senator Michael Lee (R-UT) urged the regulator’s five commissioners to embrace electricity transmission competition and abandon the right of first refusal (ROFR) proposals. 

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FERC Does Not Have the Record to Support Their Anti-Transmission Competition NOPR

September 19, 2022

The ETCC filed reply comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) calling on the Commission to to abandon its proposals to establish new federal Rights of First Refusal for jointly-owned facilities and right-sizing, reject calls for more expansive ROFRs, and firmly and unquestionably embrace competition.

Electric Pylons

ETCC: Fifth Circuit Holds Right of First Refusal Laws Violate Dormant Commerce Clause in Victory for Consumers

August 31, 2022

Paul Cicio, Chair of the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition issued the following statement in response to today’s decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on the constitutionality of right of first refusal laws in Texas.

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ICYMI: U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice Urge FERC to Preserve Robust Competitive Wholesale Electricity Markets

August 18, 2022

In a joint comment submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in response to a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) on transmission planning, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urged FERC not to restore a right of first refusal (ROFR).

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ETCC: FERC Cannot Provide Just and Reasonable Electricity Rates Without Robust Transmission Competition

August 17, 2022

The ETCC has called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (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.

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ETCC Responds to Report by Incumbent Monopoly Utilities

August 16, 2022

The ETCC released a statement in response to a new, misleading report being touted by incumbent monopoly utilities, which makes false claims about the transmission competition and – by its own admission – uses data with limited transparency.

Electric Pylons

ETCC: In Response to Electricity Price Inflation Increase of 15.2%, FERC Must Support Electricity Transmission Competition to Lower Consumer Costs

August 10, 2022

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July measured annualized electricity services inflation at 15.2%, an increase of 1.6% over the month of June, outpacing overall CPI. Even as energy commodity prices drop, the savings are not being passed on to consumers.

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ETCC Urges Secretary Granholm to Support Electricity Transmission Competition to Fight Inflation

August 2, 2022

The ETCC has sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging her to support electricity transmission competition to fight inflation. In addition to the Inflation Reduction Act, FERC has an opportunity to reduce electricity price inflation

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ETCC: In Response to Electricity Price Inflation Increase of 13.7%, FERC Chairman Glick Must Support Electricity Transmission Competition to Lower Consumer Costs

July 13, 2022

The Consumer Price Index for June measured annualized electricity services inflation at 13.7%, an increase of 1.7% over the month of May. In response, the ETCC calls on FERC to embrace electricity transmission competition.

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Statement from ETCC Chair Paul Cicio on NYISO’s New, Competitively Bid Empire State Line Project

July 12, 2022

Statement from Paul Cicio, Chair of the ETCC,  on the July 11 commissioning of NextEra Energy Transmission’s Empire State Transmission Line.

East side view of the United States Capitol building.

Consumers Urge Congress to Fight Electricity Price Inflation by Supporting Electricity Transmission Competition in FERC Transmission NOPR

June 23, 2022

The ETCC sent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Finance, calling on them to embrace electricity transmission competition.

Large electric pylon tower. Taken in Maple Grove, Minnesota

Press Release: ETCC: Electricity Consumer Price Index Increases 12%, Confirms that FERC Chairman Glick Should Embrace, Not Oppose Electricity Transmission Competition

June 10, 2022

The ETCC calls on FERC and Chairman Glick to embrace competition as the CPI for May measured electricity services at 12%, outpacing overall CPI.  

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Press Release: Latest MISO Transmission Proposal Could Make Electricity Price Inflation Even Worse

May 26, 2022

The ETCC condemns MISO’s new proposal for a multi-state transmission project that is not subject to competition, missing out on billions in savings.

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Press Release: Consumers Urge Senator Lankford to Follow the Example of Oklahoma on Transmission Competition

May 23, 2022

The ETCC urges Oklahoma Senator James Lankford to support policies that promote competition in electricity transmission nationally.

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Press Release: West Virginia Consumer and Business Groups Join ETCC to Urge Senator Manchin to Support Transmission Competition

May 12, 2022

The West Virginia Manufacturing Association and the West Virginia Energy Users Group joined the ETCC in calling on Senator Joe Manchin to support electricity transmission.

Large electric pylon tower. Taken in Maple Grove, Minnesota

Press Release: Consumers Urge Congress to Support Competition to Combat Inflation and Reduce Consumer Costs

May 9, 2022

The ETCC has sent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committees, calling on them to embrace electricity transmission competition.

A United States national flag in front of the Capitol building in Washington DC, USA. The Federal government building, home of the U.S. Congress and legislative branch of United States.

Press Release: Consumers Say FERC’s Proposed Rule Abandons Electricity Transmission Competition

April 27, 2022

Statement from ETCC Chair Paul Cicio on FERC’s Proposed Rule which abandons electricity transmission competition and supports monopoly incumbent electric utilities.

East side view of the United States Capitol building.

Press Release: ETCC Statement on FERC Meeting on Transmission Reform

April 21, 2022

Statement from ETCC Chair Paul Cicio on FERC meeting on transmission reform.

Electricity power pylons over sunset

Press Release: ETCC Urges DOE Secretary to Champion Competition

April 19, 2022

ETCC urges Secretary Jennifer Granholm to champion electricity transmission competition.

A United States national flag in front of the Capitol building in Washington DC, USA. The Federal government building, home of the U.S. Congress and legislative branch of United States.

April 12, 2022

ETCC urges Senator Manchin (D-WV) to include transmission competition in his legislative agenda.

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Press Release: Defeat of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 892

March 10, 2022

ETCC applauds defeat of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 892 which would have prevented electricity transmission project competition and led to higher electricity prices.

Large electric pylon tower. Taken in Maple Grove, Minnesota

Press Release: Minnesota Anti-Competitive Law

February 24, 2022
ETCC applauds Minnesota Senate bill to eliminate law which gives preferential treatment to the incumbent utility, restricting competition and innovation.
A United States national flag in front of the Capitol building in Washington DC, USA. The Federal government building, home of the U.S. Congress and legislative branch of United States.

Press Release: ETCC Urges FERC to Support Competition

October 12, 2021

ETCC urges FERC to support competition on electricity transmission projects to reduce costs to ratepayers.

A United States national flag in front of the Capitol building in Washington DC, USA. The Federal government building, home of the U.S. Congress and legislative branch of United States.

April 12, 2022

ETCC urges Senator Manchin (D-WV) to include transmission competition in his legislative agenda.

Electricity pylons

Press Release: Defeat of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 892

March 10, 2022

ETCC applauds defeat of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 892 which would have prevented electricity transmission project competition and led to higher electricity prices.