Texas Electric Policy News

Texas Electric Policy News

Covers Issues Mainly at the PUCT such as Electric Rulemakings and Decisions on Major Issues.
–Reports on the PUCT Open Meetings
–Email Notices of Significant Daily Filings Made at the PUCT

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New: What are the new rulemaking projects started in 2017?
This issue of TEPN provides a detailed summary of the new rules effective in 2017, recently opened projects, and the progress of ongoing projects. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: Should the parties be granted more time to review a model in SWEPCO’s rate case?
At the 11/17/17 open meeting, the PUCT deliberated whether to remand SWEPCO’s rate case, discussed a proposed rule for non-IOU rate cases, and aired FERC jurisdictional concerns related to certain recent cases. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: What are the next steps for the Commission and stakeholders in the price formation rules project?
At the 10/26/17 open meeting, the Commission reviewed several preliminary orders, discussed a couple of recent topics related to the Entergy Texas area, and considered how to proceed in the project on price formation rules in ERCOT. .If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: What was the final resolution of several dockets that all stemmed from one Sharyland rate case?
At the 10/11/17 open meeting, the Commission discussed the hearing schedule for Sempra and Lubbock cases, finalized Sharyland/Oncor dockets, and considered revisions to several preliminary orders.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: PUCT Open Meeting 9/28/17
At the 9/28/17 open meeting, the newly appointed PUCT Chairman DeAnn Walker’s first open meeting was a busy one, with extensive presentations on the hurricane recovery efforts and detailed discussion of Sharyland-Oncor cases. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: Improving Price Formation in ERCOT – IMM’s View
The ERCOT IMM and the authors of the recent paper on price formation enhancements mostly agreed on their recommendations. But IMM’s filed comments reveal some differences as to what would be the most effective approach. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: What are the latest numbers on restoration efforts in Houston?
At the 8/31/17 open meeting, the Commission heard an update on the Harvey recovery work, laid out the path forward for Lubbock’s integration into ERCOT, and discussed several Sharyland dockets. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: What are the next steps in the proposed Berkshire Hathaway purchase of Oncor?
At its 8/17/17 open meeting, the PUCT reviewed several CCN cases, addressed an Oncor complaint case, and discussed next steps for the Oncor purchase case and the price formation project. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: What is next for Lubbock’s integration case?
At the 7/28/17 open meeting, the Commission addressed several transmission cases, including hearing oral arguments in one CCN case; discussed next steps for Lubbock’s integration into ERCOT, and made a decision for how to proceed with the Smart Meter Texas. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151

New: Will Rayburn Move its Load to ERCOT? 
In a second such case, Rayburn Country co-op has also decided to have all its load in ERCOT. How is this case different from that of Lubbock Power & Light and what are the main issues and estimated costs?.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

What Are the Next Steps in Assessing the ERCOT Market Design?
At the 6/7/17 open meeting, the PUCT finalized an order on rehearing, laid out next steps for the price formation project, and discussed a complaint case against Oncor.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 5/18/17
At the 5/18/17 open meeting, the Commission finalized an LCRA transmission case, opined on NextEra’s motion for rehearing, and set out a path for a project to evaluate ERCOT’s current market design.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 5/4/17
At the 5/4/17 open meeting, the Commission heard oral arguments in an LCRA CCN case, addressed the Southern Cross case, and finalized an Entergy transmission line application. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 4/13/17
At the 4/13/17 open meeting, the Commission finalized its decision in the Oncor purchase case, discussed the need for the real-time co-optimization process, and recognized a resolution of Sub-synchronous Resonance issues by stakeholders. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 3/30/17
At the 3/30/17 open meeting, the Commission settled an old complaint case, laid out its preliminary decision in the Oncor acquisition case, and discussed next steps for Entergy’s integration into MISO. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 3/9/17
At the 3/9/17 open meeting, the PUCT addressed a utility appeal of a city’s ordinance, finalized a Southern Cross order, and discussed the way forward for the Emergency Response Service rule. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Hearing on NextEra’s Acquisition of Oncor – Feb 21-24, 2017
During the four-day hearing on the merits in the proposed acquisition of Oncor by NextEra, parties extensively debated the ability of Oncor to remain independent and increases to its risk and debt levels. While NextEra was willing to revise some of its regulatory commitments, the question remains whether it will be enough to satisfy the PUCT. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 2/9/17
At the 2/9/17 Open Meeting, the Commission finalized a decision in a substation location case; agreed on how to proceed in Entergy fuel cases; and discussed a draft order in the Southern Cross case. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 1/26/17
At the 1/26/17 open meeting, the PUCT heard oral arguments in a case involving location of a substation, finalized a preliminary order in a rate case, and discussed a Southern Cross case. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 1/12/17
At the 1/12/17 open meeting, the PUCT approved revisions to the deemed savings manual, took action on an ETT rate case, and finalized an order on a solar company application.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 12/16/16
At the last open meeting of 2016, the Commission discussed the need for real-time market co-optimization, considered a rulemaking on DG interconnection, and agreed on a set of legislative recommendations. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 12/1/16
At the 12/1/16 open meeting, the Commission approved a preliminary order in the Oncor acquisition case, finalized a merger case, and discussed legislative recommendations. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Rulemakings, 11/11/16
The latest issue of the Texas Electric Policy News provides updated substantive information on rules that became effective in 2016, ongoing rulemaking projects, new rulemakings opened in 2016, and several monitoring projects. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 11/10/16
At the Open Meeting on 11/10/16 the PUCT Commissioners discussed the Southern Cross transmission line, battery facilities for AEP Texas North, and the Oncor/Next Era deal, among other issues.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 10/28/16
At the 10/28/16 open meeting, the Commission discussed a DG rulemaking, decided to call one utility for a rate case, and suggested additional steps for the reliability standard review.. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 10/7/16
At the 10/7/16 open meeting, Commissioners addressed a couple of rate cases, dismissed a complaint, and approved a draft rule for publication. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 9/22/16
At the 9/22/16 open meeting, the Commission discussed how to proceed in the Sharyland rate case and the Lubbock integration proceeding. It also suggested next steps for the review of Reliability Standards in ERCOT and expressed “deep concerns” about the proposed sale of Oncor to NextEra.   If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 9/8/16
The 9/8/16 PUCT open meeting featured several important decisions, including in an LCRA CCN, cost recovery factor cases, and a REP violation case. The Commission discussion pointed to the opening of several new rulemakings and a possible new direction for the ERS program. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 8/25/16
At the 8/25/16 open meeting, the PUCT discussed and finalized only one case: the complex application of Garland for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to interconnect with Southern Cross facilities, with the main purpose of of exporting renewable power out of ERCOT. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 8/18/16
At the Open Meeting on 8/18/16 the PUCT discussed the docket on Pedernales Electric Cooperative vs Georgetown Utility Systems, the El Paso Electric voluntary community solar project, and a City of Garland CCN, among other topics. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 7/20/2016
At the 7/20/16 open meeting, the Commission made a split decision in a two co-ops’ appeal case, finalized a Brazos CCN case, and discussed the process for Lubbock’s integration proposal. The Commission also took note that more load may be asking to move into ERCOT. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: Rulemaking on Use of Handheld Devices for Customer Enrollment
The PUCT is in the process of revising certain rules on customer enrollment to allow for the use of a hand-held device. Retail providers say revisions are needed to account for technological change; consumer representatives disagree. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 6/29/16
At the 6/29/16 open meeting, the Commissioners discussed a Sharyland advanced metering case, finalized an Entergy cost recovery docket, and discussed how to proceed in the project on Lubbock’s integration into ERCOT. They also noted a new report on alternative ratemaking. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 6/9/16
At the 6/9/16 PUCT open meeting, the Commissioners asked for a briefing in a Brazos appeal case, approved several rules for publication/adoption, and discussed the next steps for the Power-to-Choose review. They also took note of an SPP proceeding to determine compensation for certain transmission upgrades, which would impact Texas customers.  If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 5/19/16
At the 5/19/16 open meeting, the PUCT finalized the two Oncor cases, addressed the notice requirement in an El Paso Electric rate case, and heard oral argument in a dispute case between a town and electric co-opsIf you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 5/4/16
At the 5/4/16 open meeting, the PUCT discussed at length the latest developments in the Oncor acquisition case (Docket No. 45188) and how to proceed. It also addressed an Entergy cost recovery case and potential changes to the Emergency Response Service. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 4/14/16
At the 4/14/16 Open Meeting, the Commissioners discussed a monopole controversy in a CenterPoint transmission line CCN, an undergrounding controversy in a Brazos Electric Power Cooperative transmission line CCN, a resolution to an Entergy cost recovery case, a Notice of Violation case against Viridity Energy, an LCRA transmission line CCN, and a rulemaking on federal income tax expense.  The also heard an update on activity pursuant to a non-unanimous settlement. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 3/24/16
The one item every one was waiting for at the 3/24/16 open meeting, was the consideration of the Oncor purchase by the Hunts and an investor consortium. After a two-hour discussion, the purchase was approved by a split Commission, and with various conditions.If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 3/3/16—
Texas Commission May Approve Oncor Acquisition with Conditions
On 3/21/16, the PUCT took up the draft order in Docket No. 45188, Joint Report and Application of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, Ovation Acquisition 1, LLC, Ovation Acquisition II, LLC, and Shary Holdings, LLC, for Regulatory Approval Pursuant to PURA §§ 14.101, 37.154, 39.262 (l)-(m) and 39.915, in an effort to finalize its decision on the Hunts’ acquisition of Oncor.  The Commission made a number of cuts, including that any potential tax sharing will be decided in the next rate case (and could be a part of the public interest finding) and that the potential Sharyland merger with Oncor could be one of the benefits (it may be studied)……………Click here for more

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 3/3/16
At the 3/3/16 open meeting, the Commission heard oral arguments in two CCN cases, heard a staff update on the Sharyland complaint case, and spent several hours discussing Hunts’ purchase of Oncor. It also addressed an emergency item on Brazos CCN.  If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Rulemakings 2/29/16
The latest issue of the Texas Electric Policy News reviews the new projects opened in 2015 and 2016, including rules that became effective in 2015, and projects set up for reporting and comments. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 3/3/16
At the 3/3/16 open meeting, the Commission heard oral arguments in two CCN cases, heard a staff update on the Sharyland complaint case, and spent several hours discussing Hunts’ purchase of Oncor. It also addressed an emergency item on Brazos CCN.  If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

New: TEPN: PUCT Rulemakings 2/29/16
The latest issue of the Texas Electric Policy News reviews the new projects opened in 2015 and 2016, including rules that became effective in 2015, and projects set up for reporting and comments. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 2/11/16 
At the 2/11/16 open meeting, the Commission held an in-depth discussion on a number of cases, addressed in detail Hunts’ acquisition of Oncor, and agreed to open a project to investigate rates posted on the Power-to-Choose website. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 1/15/16 
At the 1/15/16 open meeting, the PUCT extended time to consider issues in a rate case, adopted an order in a CCN case, and deferred action in the Oncor acquisition docket. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 1/7/16 
At the 1/7/16 open meeting, the Commission clarified a recent ruling in a transmission case and postponed certain motions for rehearing. The Commissioners also had an extensive discussion about some of the issues in the Oncor purchase case, which is scheduled to be heard starting on 1/11/16.. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 12/17/15
At the 12/17/15 open meeting, the Commission considered an Entergy’s fuel case, finalized decision in a transmission project, and discussed how to proceed with the System Benefit Fund. It also addressed Lubbock integration. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 12/3/15
At the 12/3/15 open meeting, the PUCT heard oral argument in a CCN case, discussed distribution of proceeds from a letter of credit, and set a date for a new rate case to be filed. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 11/19/15
At the 11/19/15 open meeting, the PUCT finalized a transmission line case and Oncor’s petition for a declaratory order. The Commissioners also discussed how to proceed with the real-time co-optimization in ERCOT. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 11/5/15
At the 11/5/15 open meeting, the PUCT heard oral argument in an LCRA transmission case, agreed to proceed in a solar power pilot, and scheduled some utilities for a rate case If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 10/15/15
The 10/15/15 open meeting was called to discuss only one item – the application of the Hunt companies to buy Oncor. It opened with the consideration of the parties’ diametrically opposing views regarding the sufficiency of the application and a possibility of dismissing it without prejudice.  If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 10/8/15
At the 10/8/15 open meeting, the PUCT discussed a pilot solar project and decided two cases related to Sharyland. Commissioners also expressed their views on the Real-Time Co-optimization and ERCOT budget. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 9/24/15
At its 9/24/15 open meeting, the PUCT discussed three cases related to Sharyland Utilities, including a dramatic testimony on rates from some of SU’s customers. The Commission also agreed to proceed with a rulemaking on CREZ lines and a workshop on reliability standards. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 9/11/15
At the 9/11/15 open meeting, the PUCT  finalized its decision on a Lubbock transmission project, decided how to proceed on a couple of Sharyland cases, and again addressed Luminant’s bankruptcy filing. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Review of Advanced Metering System Web Portals
In 2014, the PUCT opened a review of the Smart Meter Texas portal to consider its future. This issue of the Texas Electric Policy News summarizes the proceeding, comments, and recommendations, including the possibility of transferring SMT to ERCOT.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 8/14/15
At the 8/14/15 open meeting, the PUCT heard oral arguments in an SPS transmission case and provided guidance to staff for a DG rulemaking. Also, one Commissioner made a statement regarding the possible EFH bankruptcy case. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 7/30/15
At the 7/30/15 open meeting, the PUCT discussed opening a possible rulemaking on third-party verifications for REP products, in light of changing technologies. The Commission also dismissed Entergy’s application related to the review of its purchase of Unit 1, Union Power Station. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 7/2/15
At the 7/1/15 Open Meeting, the Commissioners discussed a Rate Case filed by Entergy.  The case includes a revenue requirement related to a power plant acquisition underway but not yet completed.  After discussing pros and cons of the case, a number of questions for briefing were issued, with initial briefs due 7/10/15 and replies due 7/17/15.   To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: Reviewing Sharlyand Utilities’ REIT
With Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) so much in the news recently, this issue of the Texas Electric Policy News looks at InfraREIT, a Texas utility structured as a REIT.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 6/18/15
At the 6/18/15 open meeting, the PUCT provided initial guidance on how it views the question of ‘what reliability standard should be used in ERCOT,’ as reflected in a staff’s memo. Commissioners also discussed possible comments on a recent proposal by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regarding a certain filing by SPP. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 5/1/15
At the 5/1/15 open meeting, the PUCT approved a settlement related to an Ancillary Services violation; discussed circumstances for a possible approval of underground lines; and provided guidance to staff, ERCOT, and stakeholders on a subsynchronous oscillation rulemaking.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: Review of RPS Provisions Across the Country
Considering an almost certain repeal of Texas’ Renewable Portfolio Standard, this Texas Electric Policy News reviews Senate Bill 931, other states’ RPS provisions, and possible implications of a repeal.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 4/17/15
At the 4/17/15 Open Meeting, the PUCT Commissioners discussed the Sharyland Utilities application for approval of a Rate for Wholesale Transmission at Distribution Level Voltage, as well as the Application of Sharyland Utilities for Approval of an Advanced Metering System Deployment Plan, Surcharge, and Non-Standard Metering Service Fees.  Also discussed was the Project on ERCOT Planning and System Costs Associated with Renewable Resources and New Large DC Ties. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 3/26/15
At the 3/26/15 open meeting, the Commission focused on issues related to Entergy’s plant purchase and discussed how to proceed on Competitive Renewable Energy Zone projects, given the CREZ’ proposed repeal. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 3/6/15
On 3/6/15, the PUCT approved several Agreed Notices of Violation and Settlement Agreements, revised an order in an Entergy case, and delayed some rulemakings. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: Market Issues Raised in Complaint against CNP
The latest issue of the Texas Electric Policy News explores in greater detail a complaint filed by a small commercial customer against his TDSP and REP. The complaint raises important policy issues, with implications for the entire Texas retail market. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 2/12/15
At the 2/12/15 open meeting, the Commission ruled on an appeal of an order denying intervention in a CCN case, and discussed staff’s recommendations in two separate rulemakings. The Commission may hold a special meeting to review reliability standard in the ERCOT region.To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 1/30/15
At the 1/30/15 open meeting, the Commission discussed a customer complaint case with important implications for the Texas electric market.  Also, Commissioner Marquez announced an addition to her staff.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting, 1/15/15
On 1/15/15, the PUCT held its first open meeting of the new year. The Commissioners decided a tariff case, provided guidance to staff on a rulemaking, and consented several cases. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: Electric Projects and Rulemakings at the PUCT, 12/22/14
This issue of the Texas Electric Policy News summarizes PUCT projects and rulemakings from the last six months, and provides links to the most recent filings in each project.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 12/18/14
At the 12/18/14 open meeting, the PUCT discussed the need to develop better evidence on the reasonableness of certain capital investments, approved a new Oncor line, and finalized the scope report. The Commission also deliberated about how to proceed in the reliability standard project. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 12/1/14
At its annual Dec. 1 meeting, the PUCT approved interest rates for 2015, and comments to be filed with the EPA on the Clean Power Plan. The Commission also discussed further changes to the legislative recommendations. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 11/14/14
At the 11/14/14 open meeting, the Commission heard oral arguments in a case about energy efficiency bonuses for El Paso Electric; denied a complaint against ERCOT; and directed staff to open a couple of new projects, including one related to Entergy.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: Calpine’s and NRG’s Complaint Against ERCOT
At the 11/14/14 open meeting, the PUCT will take up Calpine’s and NRG’s complaint against ERCOT regarding the Houston Import Project. Read about the case, main issues, and the hearing in the latest Texas Electric Policy News. The summary also lays out parties’ positions and latest developments.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: Exploring Reliability Standards in ERCOT
Last spring, the PUCT embarked on a project to review what should be the appropriate Reliability Standard in the ERCOT region. The latest issue of the Texas Electric  Policy News summarizes what led to the project and the staff’s workshop on relevant issues. It includes discussion of an ERCOT LOLE presentation, Brattle Group’s Economically Optimal Reserve Margin Report, and discussion by stakeholders. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 10/17/14
At the 10/17/14 open meeting, the Commissioners discussed staff’s findings on utilities’ overearnings, touched on resource adequacy issues, and heard a comprehensive update on the October storms’ restoration efforts. They also agreed to collect more data on utilities’ distribution investments. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 9/26/14
At the 9/26/14 open meeting, the Commissioners quickly resolved CenterPoint’s complaint case against ERCOT, approved designations of Providers of Last Resort with corrections, and provided guidance to staff on the Subsynchronous Oscillation rulemaking. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 9/5/14
At the PUCT Open Meeting on 9/5/14 the application of Entergy for a CCN was discussed. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

TEPN: PUCT Open Meeting 8/21/14
At the 8/21/14 open meeting, Commissioners focused on the Proton case, discussed potential changes to several CCN orders, and provided instructions to staff on how to revise the rulemaking on discovery in rate case expense proceedings.   To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 8/7/14
At the PUCT Open Meeting on 8/7/14 there was a long discussion about several dockets concerning issuing Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCNs) for proposed transmission lines.  In addition, there was discussion about Centerpoint Energy Houston’s appeal and complaint against ERCOT, and also the complaint of Calpine and NRG against ERCOT, both complaints being related to the determination of transmission service providers for the Houston Import Project.  The Commissioners also discussed the rulemaking relating to Limitations on Discovery in Rate Proceedings. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Workshop: Amendments Related to DG Interconnection
The latest Texas Electric Policy News summarizes the 7/14/14 PUCT workshop in Project No. 42532, Amendments Relating to Interconnection of On-site Distributed Generation. While the discussion provided suggestions for improvements, it also led to calls for additional rulemakings. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Electric Projects and Rulemakings Update
This comprehensive, 15-page summary covers 59 current and recent Projects and rulemakings at the PUCT. Included for each item are links to the relevant documents and control numbers for easy access to the proceedings. The summary describes recent developments in the projects/rulemakings, including discussions from the open meetings, and provides links to all the rules that were revised or adopted in 2014.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 7/10/14
At the 7/10/14 open meeting, the PUCT decided a CCN case (Certificate of Convenience and Necessity) and adopted a revised rule on rate case expenses. Out of three pending appeals of ERCOT actions, the Commissioners agreed to hear two of them, while the third one was settled. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 6/20/14
With full Commission at the dais, the 6/20/14 open meeting addressed several weighty cases. The Commission approved an interim order in Oncor’s complaint docket, finalized its decisions in the Proton and Odessa cases, and responded to Raiden’s petition. There were also discussions about new legislative issues, potential rulemakings, reliability standard, and PUCT participation at FERC.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

ERCOT TAC Workshop on ORDC 5/29/14
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) held a workshop on 5/29/14, to agree on a solution to price reversals and impacts to the Operating Reserve Demand Curve (ORDC) from certain deployments. The latest issue of the Texas Electric Policy News (TEPN) follows the evolution of the ultimate compromise and the next steps. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 5/30/14
While being careful to stress that their order be narrowly crafted, the Commissioners today nevertheless made a decision in a transmission line case that may have significant impact on future such cases. They also discussed third-party access to customer data and considered a proposed rule on affiliates’ conduct.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 5/16/14

The 5/16/14 PUCT open meeting focused mostly on the oral arguments in a case pitting a ranching family from North Texas against Oncor. For more than an hour, the parties argued their cases, hoping to sway the Commission. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Cross State Pollution Rule – Review of the Supreme Court’s Decision
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

The latest issue of Texas Electric Policy News presents background information on the 4/29/14 U.S. Supreme Court decision, upholding the EPA’s Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), including a summary of UBS analysis.  The TEPN also considers the court’s action within the larger context of EPA’s drive to address air pollution and the response from the electric industry across the country.To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 4/17/14
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

The 4/17/14 PUCT open meeting resulted in an agreement to open a new project and the filing of comments to a federal agency. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

PUCT Open Meeting 3/27/14
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the 3/27/14 open meeting, the PUCT finalized its decision on an important transmission line, gave guidance to stakeholders on the Operating Reserve Demand Curve, and adopted several rulemakings. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

PUCT Open Meeting 3/6/14
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the3/6/14 open meeting, the Commission considered a controversial transmission project, with testimony from many affected parties. It also reviewed several proposed rules, and opened a new project on resource adequacy. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

PUCT Open Meeting 2/21/14
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The PUCT addressed several proposed rulemakings at its 2/21/14 open meeting and took steps to deal with price suppression during scarcity events. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

PUCT Open Meeting 2/6/14
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the 2/6/14 open meeting (OM), Commissioner Anderson noted high prices in  Entergy’s area, which have become more apparent once Entergy joined MISO.  This, he said, has implications for the company’s next rate case.  For other discussions at the OM,  please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

PUCT Open Meeting 1/23/14
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the 1/23/14 open meeting, the PUCT finalized rate cases for SWEPCO and Sharyland, and approved several rulemakings for publication.  The Commission also addressed issues related to resource adequacy, including requesting cost estimates for real-time co-optimization and several market design scenarios. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.  

PUCT Open Meeting 1/9/14
Copyright 2014 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the 1/9/14 open meeting, the Commission finalized orders in a couple of dockets, deferred two rulemakings, and agreed on comments for the EPA.  The Commissioners discussed possible dates for the resource adequacy workshop, originally scheduled for the end of January and also observed that the recent cold spell caused problems at MISO and PJM. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 12/19/13
Copyright 2013 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the 12/19/13 open meeting, the Commission agreed to re-hear certain issues in SWEPCO’s rate case, dismissed Entergy’s asset transfer application (while noting the company’s 12/19/13 go-live at MISO), and approved several violation settlements.  Out of eight proposed rulemakings on the agenda (for either publication or adoption), most were approved, but the rules on POLR and rate case expenses were deferred. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151. 

Report: Texas House Representative Keffer Speaks at ERCOT Annual Meeting
Copyright 2013 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

The featured speaker at the 43^rd ERCOT Annual Membership Meeting was the Chair of the Texas House Committee on Energy Resources, Representative Jim Keffer.  He spoke about the robustness of the state’s oil and gas sector and the leading role Texas plays in the energy industry overall.  The resulting boom in the economy is allowing the state to take care of its infrastructure needs, including the approval of Proposition 6 for water, and the expected proposal for highway construction.  Concluding that the state’s cooperative political process ought to be emulated, he urged the participants to get involved in the coming legislative races. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.  

PUCT Sets New Interest Rates for 2014
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On 12/2/13, the PUCT approved the new interest rates for 2014, which REPs and utilities have to pay on deposits and over-billings. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.   

Senator Fraser Tells PUCT, “Slow Down!” 
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Amid accusations of “agency creep,” the Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources reprimanded the PUCT at the 11/25/13 hearing about getting ahead of itself and “putting the cart before the horse” in its deliberations about resource adequacy and mandated reserve margin. Senator Fraser asked the Commissioners to slow down, reminding them that the change to a capacity market would be major, and that the legislature also has an opinion on the matter.  The Committee then heard from various stakeholders, mostly in opposition to a potential capacity market.   To read a complete summary of the hearing, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue (including the supplemental issue), please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151. 

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 11/15/13
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The 11/15/13 PUCT open meeting was light in the number of decisions made, but made up for it in the intensity of the discussions, as the three Commissioners addressed resource adequacy issues.  And this was just the procedural issues!  To find out more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

PUCT Open Meeting 10/25/13
PUCT Open Meeting 10/25/13 Excerpt of Discussion on Reserve Margin
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At the 10/25/13 open meeting, the Commission delved into a discussion on whether to have the planning reserve margin (PRM) be a mandate or a target.  Chairman Nelson – in a somewhat surprising move – asked that the Commission decide this question today.  Commissioner Anderson opposed making the decision and said that he did not “appreciate the surprise.”  Commissioner Marty was leaning toward the Chair’s position during a discussion, which at times became quite heated and contentious.

After a recess, and an agreement on the schedule to consider resource adequacy further (through January 2014), Chairman Nelson again pushed for a vote on the mandate/target determination for the reserve margin.  There was an additional discussion, partly about the appropriate reliability standard and also on whether the Commission would be locking itself into the future approval of a capacity market with this vote (this was a question Commissioner Marty wanted resolved before voting).  The Chairman then repeated that she wants a vote and got confirmation from Commissioner Marty on her support for the reserve margin to be a mandate. 

Commissioner Anderson made a strong statement in opposition to the vote at this time and the approval of the reserve margin as a mandate, saying that this was a slippery slope toward destroying “the economic engine that is Texas.”  Chairman Nelson stated that she is making this move so that the economy of Texas would not suffer from unreliable power supply and that it is a balancing act. 

When asked whether she wants to proceed with a vote today, the Chair briefly said “No.”  It appears, however, that the intent may have been to put everybody on notice that there are at least two votes to designate ERCOT’s reserve margin as a mandate.  (Some other press outlets have interpreted the entire discussion as a positive vote (i.e., 2-1) on the mandated reserve margin; while others have not drawn this conclusion.) 

The latest issue of the Texas Energy Policy News “PUCT Open Meeting 10/25/13 Excerpt of Discussion on Reserve Margin“ summarizes only what at times was a heated and contentious debate about this topic and clarifies the final outcome. If you are interested in purchasing just the Excerpt, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151. 

In addition, a full report on Today’s Open Meeting is available and if you are interested in purchasing this full TEPN issue, please click here.

PUCT Open Meeting 10/3/13
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At its 10/3/13 open meeting, the Commission ruled on three customer complaints, finalized the SWEPCO rate case, and approved a Proposal for Publication in Project No. 41659 (Rulemaking to Implement Cease and Desist Authority under PURA Chapter 15 as Required by HB 1600 (83^rd Regular Legislative Session)).  As was reported earlier, the Commission also asked for additional comments in Project No. 40000, related to resource adequacy. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 9/12/13
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At its 9/12/13 open meeting, the Commission finalized decisions in the SWEPCO rate case, provided guidance on the rulemaking on “Concerning Payment in Lieu of Taxes,” and gave directions to ERCOT staff on how to proceed with the Operating Reserve Demand Curve (ORDC).  A number of items were consented, including several violations cases and rulemakings. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 8/29/13
Copyright 2013 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

At the 8/29/13 open meeting, the Commission decided most of the SWEPCO rate case, ruling that the coal-fired Turk plant was prudently built, but deferred several issues, including a possible adjustment to the Return on Equity.  The Commission also laid out a path for the implementation of the Operating Reserve Demand Curve. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Electric Projects and Rulemakings at the PUCT
Copyright 2013 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

The latest issue of the Texas Electric Policy News (TEPN) provides an update on over 50 ongoing and recently filed rulemaking proceedings and significant projects at the PUCT.  Read a summary of the latest developments in the resource adequacy project, several upcoming workshops, and deadlines for comments on newly published draft rules.  Moreover, see which PUCT projects have led to pilots and revision requests at ERCOT.  To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 8/9/13
Copyright 2013 by Competitive Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved

The 8/9/13 PUCT open meeting was mostly taken up with two items: a review of additional conditions in the Entergy/ITC/MidSouth Transco transmission assets transfer case and a lively debate about how to proceed on resource adequacy issues.  The former was dismissed, leaving open the possibility that Entergy would refile, and the latter was delayed. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 7/19/13

The Commission held a brief discussion about resource adequacy, noting Commissioner Anderson’s memo with proposed options for the Operating Reserve Demand Curve (ORDC) inputs.  The Commission asked for additional comments from parties, with specific numbers, as well as further data and analyses of several ORDC scenarios and the timing and cost of real-time co-optimization. The Commission also heard oral arguments in the SWEPCO rate case, discussed the need for a stringent review of attorney fees in rate case expenses, and laid out preliminary legal questions for the Entergy’s transmission assets transfer case. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Policy News. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151.

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 7/3/13

At  the 7/3/13 open meeting, the Commission refused to dismiss a REP from a complaint proceeding, approved a Non-Unanimous Stipulation on rate case expenses, set out criteria for smart-meter opt-out, and discussed how to proceed on resource adequacy.  More details in the latest TEPN. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 6/6/13

At the 6/6/13 open meeting (OM), the PUCT heard oral arguments in a case pitting CenterPoint’s use of its brand name for a website of a competitive affiliate  and several retail-electric providers (REPs).  The REPs claim that such use is prohibited by PURA and substantive rules.  The case may be decided at the next OM. If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151

Report: PUCT Open Meeting 5/23/13

At the 5/23/13 open meeting, the Commission was finally able to resolve a long-running case on Entergy’s “competitive-generation service” cost rider, as some parties entered into a stipulated agreement. (To read more, subscribe to the Texas Electric Policy News.) If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151

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Report: PUCT Open Meeting 5/9/13

At the 5/9/13 PUCT open meeting, the Commission dismissed what it called “an interesting case” on distributed-generation inter-connection, after one party withdrew,  and delayed approving a settlement between Entergy and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers on competitive generation sales. (To read more, subscribe to the Texas Electric Policy News.) If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here.  If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151

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Report: PUCT Open Meeting 4/25/13

At the 4/25/13  Open Meeting, the PUCT makes decisions in three Entergy-related cases, and the appeal of Austin Energy’s recent rate increase is finally settled.   (To read more, subscribe to the Texas Electric Policy News.) If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151

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Report: PUCT Open Meeting 3/28/13

The Commissioners made a precedential decision concerning “highly sensitive” and “protected” materials.  In addition, the Commissioners thought that comments concerning the Capacity, Demand, and Reserves report were not helpful, and that the process to establish the reserve margin needs to be clarified. (To read more, subscribe to the Texas Electric Policy News.) If you are interested in purchasing this TEPN issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Policy News, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151