An apparently routine rate incentive request from a MISO transmission developer who has yet to be assigned a project turned into a debate between FERC commissioners over capital structures in ratemaking.

FERC Chair Mark Christie, a vocal critic of high transmission costs and transmission incentives “candy” that impact every consumer in the nation, has only a couple of weeks to act to reduce consumer costs, says Paul Cicio.

FERC Chair Mark Christie presided over his final open meeting, as he plans to step down in the coming weeks after completing work on several orders.

FERC rejected the formula rates and hypothetical cost structure proposed for the Valley Link portfolio of transmission projects but granted it incentives.

Advanced transmission technologies can help utilities meet the rising levels of demand that are stressing the grid, according to a report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research.

FERC approved two incentives Pacific Gas and Electric requested to support work it will undertake with LS Power for four transmission projects included in CAISO’s 2021/22 transmission plan.

FERC approved four rate incentives to Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development to serve offshore wind in New Jersey under the State Agreement Approach with PJM.