December 19, 2001—According to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, a newly revised draft of electricity legislation, the “Electric Supply and Transmission Act” (HR 3406), has been released. Its language would grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to mandate participation in regional transmission organizations and the Federal Trade Commission authority to regulate unfair consumer practices in deregulated electricity markets. This version of the bill omits language related to net metering, transmission jurisdiction, and tax issues.
HR 3406 would complement the House-passed comprehensive energy bill (HR 4) and the Price-Anderson reauthorization bill (HR 2983), which provides indemnification for nuclear industry contractors. However, with Congress preparing to adjourn for the year, it is unlikely the bill will see further action this year.
Meanwhile, in the US Senate, Democrats introduced their long awaited energy bill (S 1766) Dec. 5.
The “Energy Policy Act of 2002” includes incentives for energy producers to build an Alaskan natural gas pipeline and measures that would strengthen federal oversight of holding company mergers. It also authorizes funding for nuclear energy research. Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle of South Dakota has said he plans to schedule floor debate on S 1766 after January 22 but before President’s Day.
Based on a report from BOMA International
