August 20, 2003
The Honorable Spencer Abraham Dear Secretary Abraham: I understand that yesterday you announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) along with Canadian officials will be investigating the cause of the recent blackout. Already officials of the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) have been conducting investigations. While it is appropriate that your Department conduct an investigation of the blackout, I am concerned that it should not in any way compromise the independence of the ongoing investigations by NERC. According to an AP report today,
As you are well aware, your Department has supported electricity legislation, and the investigation of the causes of the blackout will have a direct effect upon that legislation. Not only will the conclusions of the investigation affect the legislation, but so will the timing, particularly in light of statements that you and others in Congress wish to conclude the conference on the energy bill in the next month. It is important that your Department take no action that will compromise the current investigation by NERC. Since your press conference, I note that both DOE and NERC have put out press releases that the NERC’s investigation "would supplement and contribute" to your investigation. The public deserves nothing less than complete, parallel, and independent investigations both by DOE and NERC. Sincerely, John D. Dingell
cc: The Honorable W.J. "Billy" Tauzin,
Chairman Mr. Michehl R. Gent,
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