Electricity, Generation

Texas PUC Rejects Petition Targeting Small Electric Generators

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by Jim Malewitz        www.texastribune.org

The Texas Public Utility Commission on Friday unanimously rejected a petition to overturn its “small fish, swim free” rule, which gives small electricity generators an absolute defense against allegations of market power abuse.
Commissioner Brandy Marty, however, suggested that the commission should “keep an eye on” the question of whether a small electric generator could potentially manipulate prices.
“I think that it’s an interesting question. I’m glad that this was brought up,” she said. “But at this time I’m reluctant to add any regulations that could…

Generation

US utilities shift capital spending as distributed generation grows

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Platts

Utility officials on Tuesday highlighted how low load growth and the emergence of distributed generation resources are leading them to shift capital spending toward bolstering infrastructure and away from generation investments.
“You see a lot of utilities in the country moving this way, and that really defines the utility of the future in many respects,” said Nick Akins, president and CEO of American Electric Power.
Speaking on a panel at the Edison Electric Institute’s annual convention, Akins said that this period of 1-1.5% load growth provides a “distinct opportunity” for the industry to balance the generation portfolio while…