Grid operator feels congressional heat

CONNECTICUT - Connecticut's congressional delegation bolstered efforts to force the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate the New England electric grid operator's business conduct after it allegedly paid several power plants millions of dollars for electricity that was never produced.

The letter was sent in support of Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's complaint filed this spring against Independent System Operator New England.

Blumenthal alleges, according to the delegation, "power plants in New York were paid more than $50 million over two years to supply electricity to households in New England but failed to fulfill their responsibilities as an electricity supplier.

"We write to express our strong concern about a possible wrongdoing to Connecticut's electricity ratepayers," the delegation said in its letter to FERC. The Congress members then asked FERC to investigate the matter.

In a May 6 press release, ISO New England asserted that the payments were for capacity, not for the delivery of power and this was all a misunderstanding over the terms.

The grid operator said the power plants in question were never asked to send power, but agreed to be available to do so. And, under today's system those plants get paid for having that capacity ready.

Related News

chart

Electricity Payouts on Biggest U.S. Grid Fall 64 Per Cent in Auction

NEW YORK - Power-plant owners serving the biggest U.S. grid will be paid 64% less next year for being on standby to keep the lights on from New Jersey to Illinois.

Suppliers to PJM Interconnection LLC’s grid, which serves more than 65 million people, will get $50 a megawatt-day to provide capacity for the the year starting June 2022, according to the results of an auction released Wednesday. That’s down sharply from $140 in the previous auction, held in 2018. Analysts had expected the price would fall to about $85.

“Renewables, nuclear and new natural gas generators saw the greatest increases in…

READ MORE
iraqi electrician

Will Iraq have enough electricity for coming hot summer days?

READ MORE

coal power plant smoke

Carbon emissions fall as electricity producers move away from coal

READ MORE

electricity consumption graph

Americans Keep Using Less and Less Electricity

READ MORE

social media blogger

More people are climbing dangerous hydro dams and towers in search of 'social media glory,' utility says

READ MORE