FERC FOUL-UP OR FOUL PLAY?

Wind industry fears FERC slip-up on proposed grid rules
James Cartledge, November 22, 2010 (Brighter Energy)

"The American Wind Energy Association said… there could be a “mistake” in proposed new grid connection rules from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

"…FERC said…[reforms] would make it easier for renewable energy projects to connect to America’s electricity transmission networks…But the wind industry trade association said it believed the proposed rule allows conventional power generators to remain ‘largely exempt’ from integration costs they impose on the system from any unexpected or emergency shutdowns, while renewable energy generators would have to pay ‘more than their share’…"

New Energy needs FERC to connect it to its customers. (click to enlarge)

[AWEA:] “We hope this was a mistake. Mistakes like this can be fixed before proposed rules turn into final rules. AWEA will provide FERC an alternative method that treats all generators fairly which we hope will be included in any final rule.”

"Under the proposed rules…conventional power generators do not have to pay for the back-up resources that grid operators require when conventional power plants shut down unexpectedly. These costs add up to billions each year… However, variable energy producers like wind farms and solar power plants would have to pay for these back-up electricity supplies, even when outages are caused by large fossil fuel plants or nuclear generators, the wind industry fears."

FERC needs to get busy getting wires built. (click to enlarge)

"AWEA also accused FERC of overstating costs of connecting up and managing renewable energy supplies on the grid in its proposals, calculating the variability of clean energy projects in isolation of other energy sources transmitting power through the grid…

"Noting the FERC’s intention to help reduce the discrimination faced by new renewable energy generators on the grid, the AWEA said it was ‘gravely concerned’ that the proposals as currently drafter would ‘exacerbate’ the discrimination…FERC’s proposals are currently open for public comment for a two-month period."