Transmission & Distribution
FERC: Critical Juncture in Energy
The United States must develop “technologically vibrant” energy infrastructure to meet future energy needs and challenges, the recently appointed chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission emphasized at his first meeting in the post.
“We are at a critical juncture in the development of our nation’s energy policies,” Jon Wellinghoff said at the April 16 session. “Our existing infrastructure too often is inefficient.”
Consequently, Wellinghoff said, while FERC will maintain its commitment to fundamental responsibilities such as infrastructure development, fostering and enforcing competitive markets, and overseeing and enforcing reliability, it also will act on other key issues. They include the following:
- Exploring the incorporation of demand response and other demand resources into wholesale electric markets;
- Enhancing transmission planning and market rules and operations to allow reliable integration of renewable energy resources; and
- Pursuing improvements in operational and technical efficiency across all aspects of the industries FERC regulates.
Additionally, Wellinghoff said, “The intersection between environmental policy and energy policy is becoming increasingly important.”
In this regard, issues surrounding climate change, renewable resources, energy efficiency and developing a Smart Grid are emerging as drivers for energy policy, he said.
The same issues are prominent in the emerging energy policies of the Obama administration and are the subject of several legislative initiatives under consideration, he added.
Wellinghoff indicated he would look for ways to encourage and incorporate “new ideas and fresh approaches.” As part of that effort, he announced the creation of a new FERC office, Energy Policy and Innovation, effective May 4.
Tags: Electric Grid, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Renewable Energy, Smart Grid, Transmission and Distribution