Wind groups protest in PURPA SPP case

Att. Editors and Reporters, 

 

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the Wind Coalition, and
several companies have filed a joint motion with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) in opposition to application by several
utilities for PURPA relief in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) (Docket Nos
QM07-5-000 and QM07-5-001, AWEA motion filed November 21, 2007).    

 

AWEA Policy Director Rob Gramlich made the following statement about the
filing: 

 

"Some regions like Texas and the Northeast can accommodate a lot more
wind energy due to their advanced market structures.  SPP has made
progress over the last few years by setting up its Regional Transmission
Organization, and the SPP RTO makes the region more wind-friendly than
much of the West.  But EPAct and FERC set standards for the abilities of
wind and other renewables to meaningfully access competitive markets in
order to relieve utilities of their must-purchase obligation under
PURPA, and the SPP region isn't there yet." 

 

If you would like a PDF copy of the filing or additional information,
please contact Christine Real de Azua by return email or at (202)
383-2508.   

 

Background:  

 

The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 allows utilities to opt out of
their obligations under the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of
1978 to purchase power from qualifying facilities, provided the
utilities show and FERC determines that the markets where they seek such
relief are competitive.  AWEA contends that, in this case, the
application should be rejected because the region fails to meet the
standards set by EPAct 2005 and by FERC for the amount of wholesale
competition and transmission access required.  The filing details why
the SPP "is not there yet."

 

Christine Real de Azua

Assistant Director of Communications 

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

Direct phone: (202) 383-2508

Email: Christine@awea.org

Web: www.awea.org

"Wind: Powering a Cleaner, Stronger America"