Implementing PURPA: the selection of an appropriate methodology for determining avoided costs in Utah

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · J. Energy Law Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:5985837

Stirba, A M; Higgins, K C; Gutting, S A

The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978 requires electric utilities to offer to purchase electric energy generated by qualifying cogeneration facilities and small power producers, with power purchase rates based upon the full avoided costs of the utility - a rule set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The author reviews PURPA and the FERC rules as they relate to regulatory hearing in Utah, where the Public Utility Commission considered two methods for calculating avoided costs: a relatively complex, but theoretically sound method of expansion planning and a simpler, but less accurate proxy unit approach. Utah chose the first method in 1984 because the calculations had already been made and verified.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Utah Coll. of Law, Salt Lake City
• OSTI ID: 5985837
• Journal Information: J. Energy Law Policy; (United States), Journal Name: J. Energy Law Policy; (United States) Vol. 6:1; ISSN JELPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
296000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320603* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Public Utilities-- (1980-)
CALCULATION METHODS
ELECTRIC POWER
FEDERAL REGION VIII
IMPLEMENTATION
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
NATIONAL ENERGY ACT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER
PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT
RATE STRUCTURE
SELLBACK
US DOE
US FERC
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
UTAH