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Press Advisory - Commission Schedules RTO Hearing
April 14, 2000 (2000-018)
Contacts: Ron Eachus, Chairman, 503 378-6611; Roger Hamilton, Commissioner 503 378-6611; Joan H. Smith, Commissioner, 503 378-6611; Bob Valdez, Public Information Officer, 503 378-8962
Salem, Oregon - The Oregon Public Utility Commission will hold a hearing April 17, 2000 in the main hearing room at the PUC building in Salem to discuss progress toward creating a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) in the Pacific Northwest.
The Commission views the formation of an effective RTO as essential for a fair and efficient wholesale electricity market in the Northwest. Commissioner Roger Hamilton said, "All suppliers, including independent power producers and renewable resources like wind farms, must have equitable access to the grid in order for Oregon consumers to fully benefit from industry restructuring."
Late last year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) called on all transmission owners to join RTOs to boost competition and bring consumers the lowest possible prices for electricity.
Creation of RTOs is viewed by FERC as the most significant action on electric industry restructuring since 1996, when it ordered public utility transmission owners to provide transmission access and comparable service to competitors.
Agenda included
Agenda of Special RTO Public meeting April 17, 2000
| 9:00 - 9:15 |
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Commission remarks and context |
| 9:15 - 10:30 |
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Panel of Transmission Owners: BPA, PacifiCorp, PGE and Idaho Power Company. |
| 10:30 - 10:45 |
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Break |
| 10:45 - 11:15 |
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Panel of Transmission Dependent Users: EWEB and PNGC |
| 11:15 - 11:45 |
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Panel of Transmission End-Users: ICNU, CUB, NRDC, Renewable Northwest Project. |
| 11:45 - Noon |
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Commission reaction and closing comments |
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