FERC Meetings discuss Rebate Disputes

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is hosting some hot debates over refunds from California's 2000-2001 Energy debacle:

For two days last week, the feuding parties met behind closed doors at Federal Energy Regulatory Commission headquarters here to haggle over alleged overcharges — and learn whether the conflict might be shifting into a more flexible phase of deal making rather than accusation flinging.

No breakthroughs were reported from the confidential talks among power sellers, state officials and federal regulators. But that the talks even took place was viewed by some as encouraging.

"For everybody that's got a dog in this fight, it's a positive direction to go," said Jan Smutny-Jones, executive director of the Independent Energy Producers Assn., a Sacramento-based trade group. "It's a very important development."

Recent negotiations have resulted in settlements--rather than court battles--which will help to mitigate the costs of electricity to California's ratepayers.