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Regulatory ConsultingWe are here so that you know the rules, how the rules impact your business, and how you can influence the rules. In the energy industry, there are a large number of regulatory and industry collaborative forums, at several jurisdictional levels, all over the country. Some forums address broad sector issues, while others have a very narrow scope. Customized Energy Solutions will represent you in these forums, advocate for your interests and report to you on all relevant developments. We will adapt any regulatory consulting package to suit your business needs; together, we'll identify which forums need attention. We have expertise in the following areas:
Each Independent System Operator (ISO) or Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) is developing independently. Some regions, such as the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, have a long history as power pools and fully developed operations. Others are still in the early stages of market development. In both cases, many of the market rules are in the process of being developed or reworked through an extensive set of committees and working groups. Market participants are faced with the challenge of doing business in an evolving and changing marketplace. It's difficult to know the players, much less the rules. We can help. Understanding the intricate workings of ISOs, RTOs, and other transmission control organizations is one of our core competencies. We have staff actively involved in the stakeholder committee processes in PJM, the Midwest ISO, the New York ISO, ISO-New England, California ISO and ERCOT.
Many issues that are not resolved at the ISO/RTO level have their final hearing at the FERC. With the in-depth knowledge that is derived from our extensive involvement in the major ISO/RTOs, we are well-prepared to provide technical consulting, reporting, and testimony before the FERC Commissioners and Staff on issues of importance to your organization.
Retail energy deregulation falls largely under the jurisdiction of state government, and each state has a separate regulatory board to manage deregulation and its process. The processes for development of rules and market standards at each commission vary, from hearing-driven processes to industry working group processes. Our experience working at the state level, at hearings and working groups, gives us an edge in tracking developments and influencing decisions.
In some areas, national groups have been formed to address industry concerns. It is important not to overlook these groups; often the standards for business processes are developed in these settings and then replicated and modified at the state level. For regional or national companies, influencing standards in these groups is much more effective than trying to influence the implementation at each state Public Utility Commission. Some examples of industry working groups are: Edison Electric Institute's Uniform Business Practices Collaborative (UBP), the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), and the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). |
