FERC Still Trying to Crack Transmission Problem (Politico)

(WASHINGTON, DC) -- FERC is putting out a call to learn more about why, five years after Order 1000, more long distance transmission isn't getting built. The commission asked utilities, grid planners to respond to more than two dozen questions staff posed as part of the agency's review of its transmission policies. The commission is considering tweaking parts of its landmark order that allows businesses to come into what had been a local utility monopoly and bid on major transmission projects and required better regional and inter-regional coordination on grid planning. Some of the questions, which follow a June technical conference, focus on whether the commission should change what rates of return it grants utilities for transmission investments.