Webcast
To coincide with the release of the latest Energy Industry Update, ScottMadden joined forces with Energy Central to present an interactive webinar, “ScottMadden’s Energy Industry Update: Recalibration.” During this session, our industry experts shared their views and fielded questions related to changes to corporations buying renewable power, Clean Power Plan (CPP) repeal and replacement, and energy storage.
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The Energy Industry Update – Volume 18, Issue 1
Recalibration
We are well over a year into a new Presidential administration, changes in policy and priorities—as well as changes in personnel in agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission—continue to affect the energy industry. But changes in our business context are not limited to policies. Technology development continues, increasing interest in energy resources like solar and energy storage. How are states and the private enterprise responding?
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A First-of-Its-Kind Move: D.C. Council Proposes a Revolutionary Approach to Distribution Planning
On April 10, D.C. Council members Mary Cheh and Charles Allen introduced the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Authority Act of 2018, calling for several notable and unprecedented changes to distribution planning. Specifically, the bill introduces a new independent body that would undertake several activities normally performed by electric utilities, including non-wires alternative (NWA) planning and evaluation, customer data sharing, and distribution resource plan (DRP) development.
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New York Initiates Proceeding to Explore Utilities’ Role in EVs
On April 24, 2018, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated a new proceeding as part of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) to explore the role of electric utilities in providing infrastructure and rate design to accommodate the needs and electricity demand of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure.
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FERC Digs Deeper into Distributed Energy Resource Aggregation
April 2018 FERC Technical Conference on Distributed Energy Resources: Technical Considerations for the Bulk Power System
On April 11 and 12, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held a technical conference to address the participation of distributed energy resource (DER) aggregations in markets managed by independent system operators (ISOs) and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and, more broadly, the potential effects of DERs on the bulk power system (Dockets RM 18-9 and
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Missouri Utility Rate Bill to Encourage Grid Modernization Investments
In February 2018, the Missouri Senate passed a bill aimed at simplifying the rate case process and providing incentives to encourage Missouri utilities to invest in infrastructure improvements. Senate Bill 564 (SB 564) will affect Missouri utilities Ameren Missouri, Empire District Electric Company, Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L), and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations (GMO). This bill now lies with the Missouri House of Representatives, where the House Utility Committee has proposed HB 2256, an amended version of SB 564. If passed by the House in an upcoming vote, the bill will head back to the Senate for further legislation and negotiation. Previous attempts to modernize the current rate case framework have not been fruitful; however, a successful outcome for this bill could offer Missouri utilities an improved rate structure by January 2019.
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Employee Spotlight: Titi Ellis
Titi Ellis
Titilayo “Titi” Ellis joined ScottMadden in September 2014 as a marketing strategist. This was a new position at the firm and she quickly jumped in to develop a robust marketing plan for the coming year. Since the completion of the planning process, she has been leading key marketing initiatives for the firm and interfacing with ScottMadden’s practice areas and communities of practice to guide and support these groups with their marketing strategies. Titi shared, “Working at ScottMadden has given me the opportunity to work with people who have a deep understanding and vested interest in their client’s needs. It’s great to see partners, directors, and managers alike all working toward one common goal, and that is the long-term success of their client’s businesses.”
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Employee Spotlight: ScottMadden Veterans
ScottMadden Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, our ScottMadden family would like to thank our American veterans for their dedication and service to our country. Our firm is privileged to work with 10 veterans from four U.S. military branches. Each of our veteran employees brings undeniable perspective, discipline, and integrity into our consulting practice. From their time in service, they understand the dynamics of leadership and teamwork and demonstrate accountability and efficiency in all that they do.
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Employee Spotlight: David Israel Mendez
David Israel Mendez
David Israel Mendez joined ScottMadden in 2015 as an associate after completing his MBA at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Within the firm, David is a member of the supply chain, human resources, and regulatory communities of practice. Outside of ScottMadden, David is a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and High Museum Young Professionals.
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Natural Gas Faces Resistance in Some Areas
Natural gas is now the leading fuel for electric generation in the United States as it surpassed coal in 2015, and in 2017, it was used to generate 32% of electricity, while coal was used to generate about 30%. While natural gas is forecasted to remain the primary source of electric generation for at least the next two years, its role is being challenged in some parts of the country. The resistance is being led by state policy makers, renewable energy advocates, and environmental groups who argue that some existing and proposed natural gas plants are not needed or should be replaced by renewable energy.
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Welcome to ScottMadden!
Sussex Economic Advisors is now part of ScottMadden. We invite you to learn more about our expanded firm. Please use the Contact Us form to request additional information.