FERC Misses the Mark on the Southeast Energy Exchange Market

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following is a statement from Gizelle Wray, director of regulatory affairs and counsel at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) inaction on the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM) proposal, causing it to go into effect by order of law:

“The Southeast deserves an open, transparent, and competitive energy market that does not play favorites. The SEEM proposal is not a real market, and it will only serve the interests of entrenched monopoly utilities. This proposal will embolden utilities to put up roadblocks for independent power producers and will slow our transition to clean energy.

“SEIA remains in favor of a wholesale energy market for the Southeast that puts ratepayers and our environment first. We need a true market that encourages new entrants and competitive bidding, all of which could help bring Southeast utilities into the 21st century.

“We are in a race against the clock on climate change, and structures like SEEM will only hinder our progress. We are currently evaluating all legal options as it relates to SEEM.

“This decision is a clear sign of what can go wrong when there’s a 2-2 split on FERC and proposals go into effect by law. We urge the Senate to quickly confirm DC Public Service Chairman Willie Phillips so we can have a fully functioning commission.”

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org (202) 556-2886