FERC’s implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, along with other major initiatives, made 2007 an active year for TAPS. TAPS 2007 efforts included the following significant activities:

Legislation

TAPS’ legislative agenda and priorities for 2007 included maintaining visibility and support in Congress and at FERC for the legislative victories we attained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, educating Commissioners, Members of Congress and staff on the need for and role of joint ownership in getting needed transmission built, and promoting understanding of the need for greater accountability by Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators. This agenda was accomplished, under the leadership of the TAPS Joint Ownership and RTO Accountability Task Forces, through several rounds of meetings between groups of TAPS members and Capitol Hill offices, Executive Branch officials, FERC Commissioners and staff and trade press and through related activities by TAPS’ Washington representatives. As a result of these efforts, several FERC Commissioners have expressed interest in holding a technical conference on joint ownership of transmission, which we hope will be scheduled soon. In addition, there is increased interest on Capitol Hill in holding oversight hearings on wholesale electricity markets, including RTO accountability.

NERC/NAESB

TAPS has been active in the transformation of NERC into the Electric Reliability Organization authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish and enforce mandatory reliability standards subject to FERC review. This change has added importance to participating in the standards development process at NERC and, for the related business practices, at NAESB. Since his “retirement” from Vermont Public Power Supply Authority last summer, Bill Gallagher has mobilized and coordinated TAPS efforts to monitor and participate in NERC and NAESB activities to protect the interests of TDUs. In particular, TAPS has worked to ensure TDU representation at both NERC and NAESB, including on joint NERC/NAESB drafting teams.

As FERC has moved to implement the reliability provisions of the Energy Policy Act, TAPS has also actively participated in NERC-related filings at FERC (discussed below).

FERC

FERC Non-Reliability Initiatives (including EPAct Implementation)

Preventing Undue Discrimination and Preference in Transmission Service (RM05-25) (OATT Reform) and Available Transmission Capability (RM05-17)