Originally published January 2006

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission began issuing final rules in December to implement parts of a new energy law that President Bush signed on August 8.

The new law repealed a 1935 statute, called the Public Utility Holding Company Act, or "PUHCA," thereby eliminating restrictions that currently prevent parent companies of utilities from owning non-utility businesses or owning utilities in other regions of the United States. Congress gave new authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over a larger group of "holding companies." It gave FERC expanded authority over mergers, securities and asset acquisitions under the Federal Power Act, or "FPA," and radically modified the rights of qualifying facilities, or "QFs," under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or "PURPA."

FERC has issued final rules relating to PUHCA and modifications to the FPA....

This service is completely FREE but for the full article and thousands of other articles from 100+ countries please tell us about yourself by registering (and yes, our lawyers like to think you've read our Disclaimer). It only takes 30 seconds and as well as great content you get articles more relevant to you and other advanced features like an optional personalised once-weekly news alert and forward-to-colleague capabilities. We'll also remember your details so you don't have to login again - if you've registered before please login here or if you've forgotten your username click here and we'll remind you. We appreciate your time is important and will respect your privacy - THANK YOU for registering.

Specific Questions relating to this article should be addressed directly to the author.

Do you have a question for the author?