At its June open meeting, FERC issued a Final Rule establishing new requirements to better integrate wind and solar generators into the interstate electric grid.  The new policies are aimed at addressing the grid reliability and forecasting challenges posed by renewables, whose output is dependent on the availability of variable inputs (i.e., wind and sunshine).  The Final Rule, which caps a closely-watched rulemaking beginning in 2010, will have substantial implications for renewable generators, as well…

On Friday, June 15, 2012, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will hold a joint meeting at FERC’s headquarters to continue ongoing discussions to address grid reliability and the roles of the respective agencies in addressing this issue.  On September 2, 2009, the NRC and FERC signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to facilitate actions between the agencies on matters of mutual interest pertaining to the nation’s electric power grid…

Ex-Im Bank offers favorable financing options to facilitate the export of U.S.-produced renewable energy goods and services. These financing options, and Ex-Im Bank’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of renewable energy financing, make Ex-Im Bank an attractive source of financing for international companies seeking to purchase U.S.-made renewable energy products and services. OPIC provides medium- and long-term financing to renewable energy projects in developing countries and emerging markets, with a particular focus on high-impact projects.…

During its May open meeting, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced the process it will follow for advising the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on requests from power generators for an additional year to comply with the EPA’s recently promulgated mercury and air toxics standard (MATS).   The announcement marks a major step toward reconciling the missions of the nation’s energy and environmental regulators, as coal and oil fired power generation units begin finding ways to comply…

FERC issued a final rule approving new ongoing data reporting requirements for Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators.  The new rule will require the six RTO/ISOs – PJM, NYISO, ISO-New England, Midwest ISO, Southwest Power Pool, and the California ISO – to begin supplying FERC with a treasure trove of new, non-public transactional data from the wholesale electric markets.  This development, which will substantially enhance FERC’s ability to scan market data to identify potentially…

At FERC’s April open meeting, staff from the Office of Enforcement (OE) presented its 2011 State of the Markets Report.  The report represents OE’s annual assessment of the natural gas, electric, and other energy markets, but does not necessarily reflect the views of FERC, its Chairman, or individual Commissioners According to OE, 2011 saw reduced natural gas and electricity prices, due to several key factors, including: the addition of approximately 2,100 miles of new gas…

CFTC Commissioner Scott D. O’Malia recently released a copy of the agency’s draft rulemaking schedule for 2012 (below and available here).   …