6.6. ERMUSR 01-11-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CaPX 2020 INTERIM REPORT DECEMBER 2004 Additionally, the state of Minnesota has a biennial transmission planning process. Minnesota law requires each electric transmission-owning utility to file a biennial transmission planning report. State rules prescribe the process of soliciting public input into biennial planning reports, including a requirement for public planning meetings in different parts of the state. CURRENT REGULATORY STRUCTURE Regulatory oversight of transmission occurs at several levels and by different regulatory bodies, including: ^ The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which has authority over interstate transmission and wholesale transmission rates and regulates regional entities such as MISO. ^ Regional transmission organizations (RTOs), such as MISO, which oversee and coordinate regional transmission planning and services to facilitate fair and competitive wholesale markets. ^ Regional reliability councils, such as MAPP, which set protocols for grid operations and standards for reliability. ^ State public utilities commissions, which set retail rates for public utilities and often decide whether new generation and transmission projects are needed. ^ State environmental agencies, which may oversee the new transmission routing. A series of FERC orders during the past five years has dramatically changed the regulatory landscape for electricity transmission. Continued change, such as the transition to MISO's Day 2 Market with use of regional wholesale electricity markets and significantly different pricing for transmission service, is forthcoming. Here in Minnesota, state regulatory authority is vested in several agencies, including: ^ The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUG), which oversees retail utility rates including transmission investment recovery, transmission planning, and need determinations for certain new transmission projects through the state's certificate of need process. ^ The Environmental Quality Board (EQB), which oversees transmission line routing, taking into consideration various environmental issues associated with proposed routes. ^ The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOG), which is charged to be the primary public advocate in proceedings before the PUG. As such, it investigates and evaluates utility proposals and advances recommendations for the PUC to consider. ^ The state's Reliability Administrator, housed within the DOG, who is charged by law to develop information regarding the need for transmission and work with stakeholders to ensure the continued reliable provision of electric service within the state. ^ The Minnesota Office of Attorney General, which represents residential and small business customers in proceedings before the PUC and also may advance recommendations for the PUC to consider. 12