Streamlining the Certification Process for New Power Plants in Texas

Abstract

The 1983 amendments to the Public Utility Regulatory Act require electric utilities to receive Public Utility Commission of Texas (Commission) approval in two regulatory proceedings prior to the construction of new power plants. Seven "notice of intent" applications and three power plant "certificate of convenience and necessity" applications have been filed with the Commission since 1983. The significant resource planning issues which have arisen in these proceedings are summarized and the Commission's recent and pending rule changes are discussed. Some features of a comprehensive integrated resource planning process are discussed to illuminate the current debate. The author suggests ways to streamline the current process -- with or without changes to the statute -- if all interested parties are willing to commit to a long-term planning process.