Will Southerners Pay More for Electricity? U.S. Rep. Burr, Experts Plan Charlotte Meeting to Assess Federal Plan

1/22/2003

From: David Fish of The Progress & Freedom Foundation 202-289-8928

News Advisory:

The Federal government already has jurisdiction over much of the interstate electricity system. Now, in a 600-page proposal, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking to create new transmission authorities and direct their operation from Washington. What does this plan, called Standard Market Design, mean for southern states? U.S. Rep. Richard Burr (R-NC) and a panel of experts will meet in Charlotte, NC on Friday, January 24, to help answer that question.

Sponsored by The Progress & Freedom Foundation, the event features a keynote speech by Burr and a roundtable discussion. It will be held at the Charlotte Marriott City Center at 100 West Trade Street, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Those wishing to attend should register by contacting Brooke Emmerick at bemmerick@pff.org, 202-289-8928 (phone), or 202-289-6079 (fax). The following is the program:

Welcoming Remarks 9:30 a.m.

Thomas M. Lenard, Senior Fellow and Vice President for Research, The Progress & Freedom Foundation

Keynote Presentation: 9:40 a.m.

The Honorable Richard Burr, United States Representative, North Carolina

Panel Presentations 10:15 a.m. (or conclusion of keynote)

-- (Moderator) Kent Lassman, Research Fellow, The Progress & Freedom Foundation -- James "Buddy" Atkins, Commissioner, South Carolina Public Service Commission -- Ed Holland, EVP & Gen. Counsel, The Southern Company -- William Hall, SVP for Corporate Energy Policy and Strategy, Duke Energy -- James Y. Kerr, Commissioner, North Carolina Utility Commission and President, SERUC -- Thomas M. Lenard, The Progress & Freedom Foundation -- Scott Miller, Exec. Dir. for Market Applications, PJM -- Steve Rodgers, Director, Division of Tariffs & Market Development-South, FERC

The FERC plan is said to pit southern and western states, which enjoy reliable and relatively cheap electricity, against high-cost eastern states and energy traders like Enron. Experts say SMD could result in higher prices, shortages, and California/Enron-type market fiascos. The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the impact of the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.