WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Energy and Power Subcommittee today continued its work to build the Architecture of Abundance with review of a discussion draft that seeks to improve energy reliability and security. Innovation and advancements in technology have offered new opportunities to improve our nation’s electric system for the better; however, changes in market dynamics and new environmental regulations have created new challenges for our electric grid. This section of the bill works to update our nation’s electricity infrastructure and ensure it is secure, resilient, and reliable.
“America was the first nation to electrify, and overall our system of generating and delivering power remains the best in the world. But to stay that way in the years ahead we need to better address existing and emerging threats, and I believe the ideas in this discussion draft are a good start,” said Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield.
Click HERE to watch the video of Whitfield’s opening remarks
Thomas Fanning, Chairman, President and CEO of Southern Company praised the committee for their work in building the Architecture of Abundance and voiced strong support for their efforts on the draft. “The committee is demonstrating leadership by proposing the discussion draft language to enhance system security and resiliency, retain the reliability and economic benefits provided by baseload generation, and protect electric reliability,” said Fanning.
Elinor Haider, Vice President of Veolia Energy North America testified on behalf of the Alliance of Industrial Efficiency and explained that the “Committee’s Discussion Draft takes an important step to help keep the lights on during extreme weather events, improve grid reliability, capture wasted energy, and make our nation more competitive.”
Joseph Dominguez, Executive Vice President of Exelon Corporation said that the committee’s draft addresses many challenges the electricity sector is facing today. “The draft requires the consideration of criteria that include a diverse and flexible generation portfolio, long-term reliability and stable pricing, price adequacy and certainty, and enhanced operational performance assurances during peak-demand periods,” said Dominguez.
Emily Heitman, VP and GM of ABB Inc., testifying on behalf of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), voiced support to the draft’s section creating a Strategic Transformer Reserve. “ABB and NEMA support this legislation as we believe the creation of a Strategic Transformer Reserve would fill a gap in our nation’s capability to respond to the catastrophic loss of several LPTs,” said Heitman.
John Di Stasio, President of the Large Public Power Council explained, “Electric utilities face a confluence of challenges requiring them to balance needs that have not previously converged, both individually and as part of an interconnected grid.” He commended the subcommittee for its focus on this critical issue.
Gerry Cauley, NERC noted that this bill is an important step to recognizing the nature of our grid. “NERC appreciates the recognition this bill provides on several important topics related to reliability and security. As the international electric reliability organization, consultation with Canada and Mexico throughout the bill is an important recognition of the interconnected nature of our North American grid,” said Cauley.
