This article is based on
Belton Zeigler’s presentation to E4 Carolinas' South Carolina Energy CLE on Dec. 18, 2020.
The utility planning and investment cycle begins with planning to comply with Federal reliability standards, proceeds through Integrated Resource Planning reviews at the Commission level, then results in Siting Act proceedings to certificate the construction of new facilities. The utility’s investment in the new facilities is recovered through rate proceedings that follow the commencement or completion of construction.
1. Federal Reliability Standards
Electric utility reliability requirements are established and enforced by the National Electric Reliability Council (“NERC”) under Section 1211(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 1995.