Renewable Northwest Project Responds to BPA FERC Filing on Over-Generation Policy

Advocate says fundamental principle still not addressed, but welcomes BPA’s awareness of need for more durable solutions and interim nature of proposal

Portland, Ore. -- Following today’s Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) filing in response the December 7, 2011 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling on the “Environmental Redispatch and No Negative Pricing policy,” Rachel Shimshak, executive director of non-profit advocacy group Renewable Northwest Project, issued this statement:

Bonneville’s response to FERC still does not resolve the fundamental issue of fairness for all generators using its transmission system. However, we are pleased that the proposal has been scaled back from three years to a one-year interim proposal. We believe this signals that BPA recognizes its policy is flawed and should not be continued, and that better solutions are attainable.

The proposal BPA filed today speaks to only half of what was addressed during regional discussions; it focuses on money and cost allocation but sidesteps the fundamental principle of treating others‘ generation as it treats its own--the transmission “golden rule.” Wind generators, several utilities and advocates will only support a two-part solution that includes an enforceable tariff to ensure that non-discriminatory practices and Open Access Transmission provisions are adhered to in the future, along with an equitable cost allocation proposal.  This certainty is critical to attract long-term investments in clean energy. 

Renewable Northwest Project looks forward to continued work with BPA and regional partners toward solutions to over-generation that are economical, equitable and good for the environment.

 Renewable Northwest Project is a regional nonprofit advocacy organization promoting the responsible development of renewable energy resources in the Northwest. For more information, visit www.rnp.org.

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Related past statements:

• Renewable Advocates Call Draft Policy Deficient, Incongruous with FERC request, February 13, 2012 http://www.rnp.org/index.php?q=node/1389 
• Renewable Northwest Project Applauds FERC Ruling on BPA Over-generation policy, December 7, 2011 http://www.rnp.org/index.php?q=node/1303 
• Renewable Northwest Project Responds to BPA Over-Generation Decision, May 13, 2011 http://www.rnp.org/index.php?q=node/1212