In our final dispatch from the CERAWeek conference by S&P Global, Felipe Alice shared some insights and key takeaways from a luncheon and dialogue session featuring tech entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Bill Gates.
Power & Pipes
FERC, CFTC, and State Energy Law Developments
Our coverage of the CERAWeek conference by S&P Global in Houston, running from March 18 to March 22, continues with more updates. Today’s missive comes from the Innovation Agora, which is connected to the Executive Conference at CERAWeek. The Innovation Agora is described as a “vibrant and interactive marketplace of ideas on energy innovation and emerging technologies.” It includes several amphitheaters or “hubs” that are designed for presentations and conversations involving the latest trends in climate change, carbon, hydrogen, and emerging energy technologies.
We’re back with another update from CERAWeek 2024 by S&P Global to highlight some key takeaways from day two of the conference. Many of the sessions on this day were dedicated to infrastructure development and highlighted the opportunities and the challenges facing energy project developers.
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed a class action lawsuit claiming a California utility was liable for blackouts that were allegedly caused by inadequate electric system maintenance.
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice of inquiry (NOI) in December 2023 seeking comments on whether and, if so, how FERC should revise its policy on providing blanket authorizations for investment companies under Section 203(a)(2) of the Federal Power Act (FPA). This policy has permitted certain nonactive investors (such as mutual funds) to purchase and sell equity interests in utilities and holding companies without the typical FERC review of such investments.