WASHINGTON, DC - Concluding a banner week for the committee’s Architecture of Abundance efforts, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power today concluded a two-day hearing that examined Title IV’s Subtitle A on Energy Efficiency and Subtitle B on Accountability. Both government and non-government witnesses provided input on the two discussion drafts that seek to build on the committee’s work on its Architecture of Abundance energy legislation. The hearing comes on the heels of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz’s testimony on the relevant discussion drafts released by the committee as part of its work to draft a comprehensive energy bill.
The efficiency draft seeks to build on the committee’s prior work on improving energy efficiency. Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) noted, “Many of these provisions deal with ways the federal government can reduce its energy consumption." Within the draft are provisions that seek to expand the use of energy savings performance contracts for federal buildings, encourage DOE to look into potential savings at federal data centers, and eliminate the unrealistic requirement that new and modified federal buildings use no fossil fuels by 2030.
Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency at the U.S. Department of Energy added, “The administration looks forward to continuing to work with the Congress on bipartisan legislation to support energy efficiency and boost U.S. competitiveness and job creation."
In addition to the efficiency draft the committee and witnesses also engaged in a constructive dialogue on the accountability section of the committee’s energy legislation that seeks to bring increased transparency, fairness, and certainty to energy market participants. The draft seeks to reform the process by which FERC implements its enforcement authority over electricity markets which was expanded in a 2005 energy bill. Since its authority was expanded, “Many have raised concerns about the actions of FERC’s Office of Enforcement particularly regarding fairness, consistency, transparency, and due process," said Whitfield.
Susan N. Kelly, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association recognized the need for reforms to improve the wholesale electricity markets, especially since FERC Order No. 2000 advanced the formation of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs). “Many of APPA’s members must face the day-to-day complexity and costs of operating in these markets. Adding to APPA’s concerns are the time consuming and resource intensive stakeholder processes, and the lack of transparency in the governance processes of some of the RTOS," said Kelly.
Full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) concluded, “I appreciate the constructive and bipartisan discussion on these issues. The accountability and energy efficiency provisions strengthen our energy bill and provide benefits for energy producers and consumers. Today’s hearing wrapped up what was a banner week for the Architecture of Abundance and I’m looking forward to further advancing this energy vision."
