THE PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT: ISSUES IN FEDERAL AND STATE IMPLEMENTATION

Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 removes institutional obstacles to electricity generation by parties other than the electric utility industry using cogeneration and renewable resources. Reasons underlying the successful implementation of this section are cited and several policy issues which could influence its continued success are identified. Congressional mandates affecting implementation are surveyed, as are state and utility roles. The legislative goals were clear and the necessary authority provided to FERC to obtain compliance from the states and utilities. ( 15 references, 3 tables, )