Voices

Dissenting voices both within and outside the state regulatory process got considerably louder recently regarding actions by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) with several billion dollars of impact — a rate case for Southern California Edison Co. (SCE) and an upgrade of the transition to advanced metering for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E). Ironically, at this same meeting the CPUC approved nearly $400,000 in compensation to consumer groups and individuals for contributions they have made in past regulatory cases.

Dissenting voices both within and outside the state regulatory process got considerably louder last Thursday regarding actions by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) with several billion dollars of impact — a rate case for Southern California Edison Co. (SCE) and an upgrade of the transition to advanced metering for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E). Ironically, at this same meeting the CPUC approved nearly $400,000 in compensation to consumer groups and individuals for contributions they have made in past regulatory cases.

Backers of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal last Wednesday cited two voices of support for their effort to develop the first LNG import facility on the U.S. West Coast: a favorable editorial in Oregon’s major newspaper and an industry study on LNG’s relatively lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared with coal when used for power generation.

Backers of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal Wednesday cited two voices of support for their effort to develop the first LNG import facility on the U.S. West Coast: a favorable editorial in Oregon’s major newspaper and an industry study on LNG’s relatively lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared with coal when used for power generation.

Opposing political voices across the river in Washington state are growing in number and volume regarding NorthernStar Natural Gas Co.’s proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal at Bradwood Landing, OR, in the Columbia River, the main economic artery for the Pacific Northwest. Three state legislators joined the chorus last Thursday, and a Feb. 28 U.S. Coast Guard report is being interpreted as classifying the site as “unsuitable.”

In an exclusive interview with NGI, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) on Friday voiced confidence that Texas is doing everything it can to prevent a blackout from occurring in the state. Cornyn made his comments after meeting with officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) at the end of the week and touring ERCOT’s control room.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) wants answers from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) about Morgan Stanley’s purchase of long-term transmission capacity owned by BPA’s transmission line. Among other things, the Oregon lawmaker argues in a recent letter to BPA’s acting administrator that Morgan Stanley’s utilization of only a small fraction of the capacity it purchased could be a sign that the financial services company is attempting to exert market power.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) wants answers from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) related to Morgan Stanley’s purchase of long-term transmission capacity owned by BPA’s transmission line. Among other things, the Oregon lawmaker argues in a recent letter to BPA’s acting administrator that Morgan Stanley’s utilization of only a small fraction of the capacity it purchased could be a sign that the financial services company is attempting to exert market power.

William McCormick, CEO of CMS Energy called for the Michiganlegislature to pave the way for added electric generation and fullcompetition in the state. He presented his comments to a group ofpeople at the Midland Cogeneration Venture (MCV) 10th yearanniversary ceremonies yesterday.