Before the chill of last winter’s polar vortex, many in the industry may not have even heard the term uplift payments. If you are still wondering exactly how it works, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) has a docket and workshop for you (Docket No. AD14-14-000). At this docket you will find an educational staff report on uplift payments in RTOs/ISOs. On Monday, September 8, 2014, FERC will hold a workshop to explore the technical, operational and market issues that give rise to uplift payments and the levels of transparency associated with uplift payments. The daylong informative workshop will begin at 8:45 a.m. and conclude at 5:15 p.m.
Panel 1 will address the basic issue of “What is uplift?” and explore issues that give rise to uplift payments as well as:
- Drivers of uplift payments in RTOs/ISOs
- Uplift payments that have been highly concentrated and persistent on a geographic or resource basis
- Technical, operational and market issues driving uplift payments
- The relationship between uplift payments and unit flexibility
Panel 2 will explore the impact of uplift on market participants.
Panel 3 will explore the adequacy of and the potential to enhance uplift transparency and recent market design changes that may address some of the causes of uplift.
Panel 4 will explore broader price formation issues and discuss next steps.
This agenda provides further details. As expected, the event will be held at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426. This workshop is free of charge and open to the public.