News briefs on the federal agencies that impact those doing business in the RTO footprints. This week we include FERC, the Energy Department and the NRC.

NYISO last week asked FERC to exempt competitive transmission, including the Champlain Hudson project, from the ISO’s buyer-side mitigation rules.

News briefs on companies doing business with RTOs. This week we include Exelon, Dynegy, PPL, PSE&G and NRG.

SPP members last week approved spending $270 million on transmission improvements over the next five years but not before stakeholders expressed misgivings.

A summary of the issues scheduled for votes at the PJM MRC and MC on 01/22/15. Each item is listed by agenda number, description and projected time of discussion, followed by a summary of the issue and links to prior coverage.

Illinois legislative leaders haven’t decided on their next move following a report that offered options for aiding the finances of Exelon Nuclear's power plants.

FERC will accept comments until Feb. 19 on price formation in RTO and ISO energy and ancillary services markets.

MISO has asked FERC for a rehearing of its order requiring the RTO to modify the way it calculates the hurdle rate for determining whether to allow power flows between its north and south regions.

A summary of measures approved by the SPP Markets & Operations Policy Committee at its quarterly meeting Jan. 12-13.

Massachusetts needs additional natural gas pipeline capacity to avoid severe energy shortages in the next few decades, a study concluded.