Lieberman-Snowe Circulate Letter to FERC on NEPPA's Behalf
On Thursday, January 25, Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) requested support from other New England Senators on a letter to FERC Chairman Kelliher expressing concern about the Commission's action on a New England (NE) incentive rate case. In the NE case, FERC overturned an Administrative Law Judge's opinion and allowed an additional 100-basis point "adder" to transmission owners to build new transmission in the region. In December, FERC acted on a "national" rule (Order No. 679-A) that includes additional consumer protections whereby the transmission owner must show there is a sufficient "nexus" (i.e. that the incentive is needed to address "demonstrable risks or challenges") in building the proposed transmission facility.
In the letter, Lieberman and Snowe point out that consumers in NE states may not benefit from the changes set forth in the National rule and urge the Commission to reconsider and reverse its approval of the 100 basis point "adder" at issue in New England case. The Senators say, "We believe reversal would provide ‘substantive parity' for New England electric consumers, who deserve to benefit equally with all other consumers in the country from the Commission's decision to enhance the consumer protections in the transmission incentive rule."
The letter is a result of coordinated efforts made by a delegation of NEPPA members, including Glenn Steiger (MMWEC), Brian Forshaw (CMEEC) and Steve Kaminski (NHEC), who came to Washington D.C. on January 23 & 24h to meet with New England Senate offices on this issue. Lori Pickford of Morgan Meguire and Scott Strauss of Spiegel & McDiarmid join the group. Efforts are underway to garner additional signatures on the Lieberman-Snowe letter.
APPA to Host a Symposium on Restructured Electricity Markets
On Monday, February, 5, APPA will be hosting a day-long symposium to release a number of studies assessing the restructured electricity markets. The symposium is part of APPA's "Electric Market Reform Initiative" and will be held in Washington, DC. FERC staff, Congressional staff and key public power systems have been invited to participate in the forum.
National Energy Assistance Directors' Association calls on Congress to Maintain LIHEAP Funding; "LIHEAP Day" Planned
On January 17, the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NEADA), which represents the state directors of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), wrote to Congress urging lawmakers maintain LIHEAP funding at the FY 2006 level of $3.2 billion as part of the FY 2007 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The $3.2 billion is comprised of 1.98 in FY06 funding and an "emergency" addition of 1.2 billion on a once-time basis, championed by Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI). LIHEAP provides heating and cooling assistance to low-income households and the benefits are targeted to the elderly, disabled, and families with young children and those with low-incomes and high-energy costs.
To garner support for LIHEAP funding, the National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN) is hosting a "Washington Action Day for LIHEAP" on February 1, 2007. NFFN represents over 300 nonprofit organizations, utilities and government agencies, builds awareness on energy assistance and is also an important advocate for additional federal funds for LIHEAP. The group will participate in a press conference with key Senators and Representatives, before joining an effort to lobby the Hill in support of maintaining LIHEAP funding at $3.2 billion.
Unfortunately, Congress is expected to pass a continuing resolution (CR) that will fund LIHEAP at its FY06 funding level of $1.98 billion unless Members insist on increasing this amount to last year's level of $3.2 billion. The House is expected to vote on the measure this week. Given current fiscal constraints and Democrats' desire to keep the CR free from amendments, it is unclear who will champion an effort to raise LIHEAP funding above the $1.98 billion FY06 level.
Ethics Rules Pass in the Senate; May Restrict NEPPA's Congressional Tour
On January 18th, the Senate passed an ethics bill (S. 1) to reform lobbying and earmark practices. Although the House-adopted a similar package on January 5, it was approved as part of the House rules changes and did not need legislative authorization. Therefore, in order for the Senate changes to take effect, S. 1 will need to go to conference with similar House legislation. It is unclear when, and if, the House will consider a legislative reform package.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the new House rules significantly restrict staff and Members from participating in certain travel, and prohibits the participation and involvement of lobbyists, and organizations that employ them, in congressional staff trips. Therefore, NEPPA may not be able to host a 2007 Congressional Staff tour to educate staff on issues and concerns to public power. Morgan Meguire is still analyzing the new rules, however, as legal guidance continues to emerge.