Energy and Utilities Energy Regulations and Policy 2

Question 1

What is a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) or Independent System Operator (ISO)?

Accepted Answer

An independent entity that manages the electric transmission grid and wholesale markets in a region

Answer

A state public utility commission

Answer

A private utility company

Answer

A federal reliability standard-setting body

Question 2

What is a 'general rate case' in state utility regulation?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive regulatory proceeding to set a utility's rates for the coming years

Answer

A lawsuit against a utility for overcharging

Answer

A FERC audit of interstate rates

Answer

A class-action suit by ratepayers

Question 3

What does the Clean Power Plan / EPA's power sector greenhouse gas rules primarily aim to do?

Accepted Answer

Reduce CO2 emissions from existing and new power plants

Answer

Mandate renewable energy use by consumers

Answer

Ban natural gas pipelines

Answer

Require utilities to install nuclear plants

Question 4

What is 'fuel adjustment clause' or 'energy cost adjustment' on a utility bill?

Accepted Answer

A bill component that passes through changes in fuel costs directly to customers

Answer

A penalty for high energy use

Answer

A discount for customers using renewable energy

Answer

A charge for meter reading services

Question 5

Under US law, who has jurisdiction over retail electricity rates paid by consumers?

Accepted Answer

State public utility commissions (PUCs)

Answer

FERC

Answer

The US Congress

Answer

The Department of Energy

Question 6

What is an 'integrated resource plan' (IRP) for electric utilities?

Accepted Answer

A long-term plan showing how a utility will meet future energy and capacity needs

Answer

A daily operations schedule for dispatch

Answer

An emergency response plan for outages

Answer

A federal filing for new power plant permits