FAQ

WHAT IS THE GRID?

The electric grid is a complex and interconnected network of facilities that produce electricity (generators) and transmit electricity (transmission and distribution lines, transformers, and substations) for use in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. Electricity is produced at numerous generating stations connected to the system or grid, converting renewable, fossil fuel, or nuclear resources to electrical energy. Electricity is then carried efficiently by high-voltage transmission lines to the regions in which it is needed.

WHAT ARE TRANSMISSION FACILITIES?

Transmission facilities consist of transmission lines, substations, transformers, and other related equipment. It is more efficient to transmit electricity at a higher voltage. As power plants generate energy, transmission facilities transport high-voltage electricity from generation facilities to local distribution systems, which then disperse lower-voltage electricity to homes and businesses. Substations are intersections of transmission lines where electricity can be added and/or removed from the transmission system. Transformers transfer electricity from one circuit to another while also changing the voltage.

WHAT IS A ROFR?

A Right of First Refusal (ROFR) is an anti-competitive statutory provision allowing incumbent utilities to construct, own, and operate new transmission facilities in the absence of competitive bidding. ROFR laws harm consumers in the states in which they are enacted and in nearby states where the costs of new transmission projects are shared.

WHAT IS FERC?

The Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC), is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil, and electricity. FERC also regulates hydropower projects. FERC’s mission is to assist consumers in obtaining economically efficient, safe, reliable, and secure energy services at a reasonable cost through appropriate regulatory market means and collaborative efforts.

WHAT IS THE CPUC?

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies. The five Governor-appointed Commissioners, as well as staff, are dedicated to ensuring that consumers have safe, reliable utility service at reasonable rates, protecting against fraud, and promoting the health of California’s economy.

WHAT IS THE DPSC?

The Delaware Public Service Commission (DPSC) works to ensure safe, reliable, and reasonably priced cable, electric, natural gas, wastewater, water, and telecommunications services for Delaware consumers. For those services that are moving toward competitive markets, the DPSC makes rules to level the playing field between competing providers and resolves disputes between these providers.

WHAT IS THE IPUC?

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) regulates investor-owned or privately owned utilities that provide gas, water, electricity, or some telephone services for profit. In addition to rates, billing issues, quality of service, and customer relations, the Commission is responsible for safe operations of the utilities it regulates. The Commission does not regulate utility cooperatives (owned by the customers) or utilities operated by cities.

WHAT IS IURC?

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) is an administrative agency that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on the evidence presented in those cases. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the IURC is required by state statute to make decisions in the public interest to ensure the utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

WHAT IS THE NEW YORK DPS AND PSC?

The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) has a broad mandate to ensure access to safe, reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates. This department is the staff arm of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The New The New York State Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating the state’s electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities, and overseeing the cable industry. The Commission is charged by law with setting rates and ensuring New York’s utilities provide adequate service. In addition, the Commission exercises jurisdiction over the siting of major gas and electric transmission facilities and has responsibility for ensuring the safety of natural gas and liquid petroleum pipelines.

WHAT IS THE NJBPU?

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJPBU) is the state agency with authority to oversee the regulated utilities, which provide critical services such as natural gas, electricity, water, telecommunications, and cable television. The law requires the NJPBU to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for customers in New Jersey.

WHAT IS THE PUCN?

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is a regulatory agency that ensures investor-owned utilities comply with laws enacted by the Nevada Legislature.

WHAT IS THE PUCT?

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates and oversees the delivery of electricity to ensure the safety and reliability of electric service in Texas. The PUCT’s mission is to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high-quality infrastructure.

WHO IS CAISO?

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) manages the flow of electricity across high-voltage, long-distance power lines, operates a competitive wholesale energy market, and oversees transmission planning.

WHO IS ERCOT?

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to more than 27 million Texas customers — representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric load. ERCOT also operates electricity markets and performs transmission system planning. ERCOT also operates electricity markets and performs transmission system planning.

WHO IS MISO?

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is the electric grid operator for the central United States. MISO ensures power flows reliably and affordably across 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Additionally, MISO facilitates the buying and selling of electricity in its region, and partners with its stakeholders to plan the grid of the future.

WHO IS NYISO?

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) is the organization responsible for managing and planning New York’s electric grid and its competitive wholesale electric marketplace. NYISO does not generate power or own transmission lines, but works with power producers, utility companies, and stakeholders to provide power to meet New Yorkers’ electricity needs on a daily, hourly, and minute-to-minute basis.

WHO IS PJM?

The PJM Interconnection (PJM) is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. PJM also operates electricity capacity and energy markets and performs transmission planning.