Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure

Summary

In August 2005, the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 was enacted, which amended the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Among other requirements, EPAct 2005 adopted new standards for fuel diversity and fossil fuel generation efficiency. In compliance with these standards, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an Order in Case No. 07-1496-E-GI in April 2010 which sets reporting standards for utilities. Utilities must file a report with the PSC on or before December 1 of each year with their current fuel mix, a five-year forecast of the fuel mix, and a report on CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions. Certain portions of the report sent to the PSC are considered confidential and shall not be disclosed to the public, including portions of the Unit Performance Data and the Efficiency Plans. Background On August 16, 2000, the West Virginia PSC issued proposed rules for disclosure by all retail electricity suppliers. However, in late 2000, the legislative subcommittees studying the electric industry decided to delay immediate consideration of the tax law changes necessary for restructuring to be implemented. As a result, the adoption of final disclosure rules has was delayed indefinitely. The proposed rules would require all retail electricity suppliers to provide information to the PSC regarding the fuel mix and emissions associated with electricity products.