Recently, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff published a White Paper detailing what they believe could be new and effective ways of incentivizing utilities to invest more heavily in cybersecurity. Currently, utilities are only required to meet the minimum
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Oil and Natural Gas Infrastructure Systems – DOE Needs Your Guidance!
The Department of Energy (“DOE”), Office of Electricity, recently issued a Request for Information (“RFI”), seeking comments regarding cost-effective ways to make oil and natural gas infrastructure systems more resilient against severe weather events primarily, as well as cyber and
DOE Seeks Guidance for Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid
The Department of Energy (“DOE”), Office of Electricity, recently issued a Request for Information (“RFI”), seeking comments regarding cost-effective ways to make electric infrastructure systems more resilient against severe weather events. DOE says, “The purpose of this RFI is to
Blockchain in the Energy Industry
While blockchain technology is most closely associated with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin and more recently the financial industry, there is a new category of tech companies that are focused on using blockchain technology to reshape the energy industry. These companies are
A Guide to Utility Ratemaking
Lawyers, consultants and business leaders working in the rates and regulatory area will find the recently released Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PaPUC or Commission) Guide to Utility Ratemaking helpful, even if you don’t practice in Pennsylvania.
The original Rate Case
ICC Commissioner Edwards Discusses NextGrid and the Future of the Electric Industry
Commissioner Sherina Edwards just completed her term on the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC” or “Commission”). I am honored to catch up with her this month to discuss NextGrid and the future of the electric industry. This is a must-read for
Electricity in Times of Disaster
Emergency Preparedness and Operations Reliability Standards Most of the world was stunned to hear that Hurricane Maria left the island of Puerto Rico completely without electricity. When Hurricane Irma hit Florida, utilities across the United States sent thousands of linemen
It’s Official – FERC Finally Has a Quorum
Yesterday, former Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner (PaPUC), Robert F. Powelson, was officially sworn in as a Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner, ending a six month drought in which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) did not have a quorum. The FERC
New Report: Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation’s Electricity System
The Board on Energy and Environmental Systems (BEES) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provides independent advice to the United States government and the private sector on science and technology policy issues related to energy and the
Illinois Announces NextGrid
This week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC or Commission) launched NextGrid, an initiative to explore the utility of the future. It will be an 18-month statewide collaborative aimed at transforming Illinois’ energy landscape and economy. The study will focus on