The electric power “grid” that serves our country is a complex and highly technical system that depends on hundreds of organizations working together, each responsible for specific roles, to make it work. Its reliability and stability also depend on common-sense rules from federal regulators and power system operators that direct the actions of electricity providers, both large and small. I have voiced my concerns, on occasion, about ill-conceived or over-reaching regulations that add costs or undermine reliability with little or no benefit to consumers.
I’d like to take note of some recent actions by federal regulators to restore some common sense to the rules that govern the functioning of our electric power grid. Energy Secretary Rick Perry has told federal regulators to consider the benefits of baseload coal and nuclear power plants in the design and operation of wholesale power markets. These large plants, which require huge investments to build and maintain, provide the backbone of our power supply system. Yet, for years, the rules of power system operators have favored less-robust sources of supply — such as wind, solar, and natural gas plants — that are designed for operation only during peak-demand periods. Common sense tells us that we need a balance of sources to have the robust and resilient bulk power system we expect.
U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has placed under review the so-called “Clean Power Plan” issued by his predecessor. The plan not only was legally questionable, it threatened to make our power system less reliable and more expensive, in exchange for only minimal environmental benefit. More sensible rules can provide less risky and lower-cost ways to reduce emissions.
Recently, hurricanes have tested the resilience of our power system with both high winds and flooding in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Puerto Rico. These threats should serve as a reminder not to take our electric power system for granted.
All of us who work for Ohio’s electric cooperatives thank you for your patronage and support again this year as we work to overcome the challenges of providing you and your family with clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
Best wishes for the Thanksgiving holiday.
