News 
2006
| Statement: September 21, 2006 | 
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| Docket Nos: ER06-615-000 et al. | |
Commissioner Spitzer's statement on California Independent
System Operator, Corp.
"First, I would like to thank Commission Staff for their hard work on this lengthy
Order. I appreciate their efforts and those of my colleagues in refining the final
product. The extensive service list on the filing also reflects a high degree of
participation. The concerns of the parties and the Commissioners are recognized and
reflected in the Order before us.
I became an Arizona Commissioner in January, 2001. The immediacy and
magnitude of the western electricity crisis of 2000-2001 are forever etched in my
memory. This Commission is acutely aware of the need to do everything possible to
prevent a repetition of that cataclysm.
The circumstances that produced the California crisis have been well-chronicled and
include an imbalance between supply and demand, inadequate transmission, an
absence of retail price signals, a total reliance on the spot market, flawed market
rules, market manipulation and misconduct and an abnormally low hydropower
season -- a perfect storm.
The question before the Commission is not whether this or any order will eliminate
any possibility the California electricity market will again malfunction. The variables
at issue are beyond the power of this Commission. Instead, the question is whether
these MRTU rules improve upon the status quo.
I am convinced MRTU, although not a perfect result, is a step in the right direction.
The resource adequacy measures address a matter of profound importance to
California's neighbors -- that they not be "leaned on" to their detriment. MRTU
represents a positive and structural change. The EPACT 2005 reliability provisions
enacted by Congress, with rules proposed by this Commission, underscore the
importance of adequate supply.
I recognize a concern that MRTU imposes a "market" unfamiliar to some western
participants. I would point out in response that long term contracts remain not only
viable but essential under the new rules. This Order has been amended to be
consistent with the Congressional mandate regarding long term firm transmission
rights. Moreover, the resource adequacy provisions are designed to mitigate price
volatility -- the bane of consumers throughout the region. Finally, the proposed
technical conference on seams issues affords the parties yet another opportunity to
air their concerns.
As Churchill stated, this Order is not the end of the end nor beginning of the end, but
the end of the beginning. The Commission will maintain a watchful eye over the
West to ensure reliability, transparency and just and reasonable wholesale markets."
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