PJM seeks lawmakers’ aid to get guidance from FERC over pending reforms

摘要

With several significant market reform proceedings pending before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the head of PJM Interconnection sought lawmakers’ aid Tuesday in getting guidance from the agency needed to clear the regulatory path for electric storage resources. “A variety of policy issues” stand in the way of further incorporation of electric storage, PJM President and CEO Andrew Ott told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during a hearing on gridscale energy storage. “We certainly need some help from FERC,” Ott said. “As usual, I’m here asking you to help us get some answers out of FERC.” The commission issued a landmark electric storage participation rule last year that directed each regional transmission organization and independent system operator to create market participation rules that recognize the unique physical and operational characteristics of electric storage resources. Grid operators’ plans to comply with Order 841 (AD16-20, RM16-23) are still undergoing FERC review. Beyond that, Ott pointed to a number of open dockets before the commission that PJM is awaiting orders on to bring certainty to their market participants. Orders on those proceedings would also specifically benefit energy storage, he said.