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FERC Chairman James J. Hoecker indicated earlier this week thattransmission-owning utilities are intentionally submitting sub-parcompliance filings in response to the Commission’s regionaltransmission organization (RTO) rule to delay the onslaught of fullcompetition in the bulk power market for as long as possible.

With phase one (regional meetings) of the formation of regionaltransmission organizations (RTOs) wrapped up, FERC Chairman JamesHoecker gave the electric industry a “solid B” for its efforts sofar. There haven’t been any “breakthroughs” yet, he reported, just”frank talk….. and widespread commitments to continue workingtoward a productive conclusion.”

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) released a letter last week fromFERC Chairman James J. Hoecker that is “sharply critical” ofelectric restructuring bill H.R. 2944, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton(R-TX) and reported out of the House Energy and Power Subcommitteelast November. Hoecker’s letter was a response to a Nov. 3 inquiryby Markey.

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) released a letter this week fromFERC Chairman James J. Hoecker that is “sharply critical” ofelectric restructuring bill H.R. 2944, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton(R-TX). The bill was reported out of the House Energy and PowerSubcommittee last November. Hoecker’s letter was a response to aNov. 3 inquiry by Markey.

FERC Chairman James J. Hoecker was eager to give thanks lastweek after recently being renominated for a fresh term by PresidentClinton, but Commissioner Vicky Bailey seems burned out and readyto plan her departure.

While FERC Chairman James J. Hoecker said he’s honored by beingrenominated to the Commission by President Clinton earlier thismonth, Commissioner Vicky Bailey may be contemplating a jobelsewhere.

FERC Chairman James Hoecker said yesterday the Commissionintends to proceed with a vote on the hotly contested MarketLinkexpansion next week despite New Jersey Gov. Christine ToddWhitman’s threat of a lawsuit if the project is approved.

FERC Chairman James J. Hoecker announced last week that staffhas developed new timelines that could reduce the litigation timeby one-third for cases set for hearing before the Commission’sadministrative law judges (ALJ). The new timelines take effectimmediately, and apply to new cases and any pending cases thathaven’t had a procedural schedule set by a presiding judge.

FERC Chairman James J. Hoecker announced yesterday that staffhas developed new timelines that could reduce the litigation timeby one-third for cases set for hearing before the Commission’sadministrative law judges (ALJ). The new timelines take effectimmediately, and apply to new cases and any pending cases thathaven’t had a procedural schedule set by a presiding judge.