FERC Plan on PURPA Draws Cheers, Jeers in Initial Reactions

摘要

FERC’s proposed rule to bring its regulations under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) more in line with current markets is drawing praise from utility interests and criticism from at least one renewable energy group. Commissioner Richard Glick dissented in part to the notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) (RM19- 15, AD16-16), asserting that FERC is effectively gutting the law and trying to impose its will beyond the directives of Congress. During the September 20 open meeting, Glick said Congress has tried numerous times to overhaul PURPA purchasing requirements since the last reform in 2005, without success, and FERC “should not be seizing the reins from Congress in order to isolate an important debate about national energy policy within an independent regulatory agency.”