ScottMadden Energy Industry Update Examines the Clean Power Plan

An Unprecedented Stay of the EPA Rule


ATLANTA, June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ScottMadden, Inc., one of North America's leading energy consulting firms, recently released its newest edition of The Energy Industry Update. This highly anticipated semi-annual report provides bottom-line insights, distills recent events, and helps you as you prepare for emerging trends.

The Supreme Court has agreed to review EPA's Clean Power Plan (CPP) and issued an unprecedented stay of the rule. This extends—for a time—uncertainty in the utility and power generation sectors about the rule's validity and timing. The D.C. Circuit appeals court postponed arguments on the CPP until September and, in an unusual step, set up en banc review. Originally, hearings were expected in June with a decision expected by Fall 2016 and a certain appeal to the Supreme Court expected for its 2017 docket. With the delay, it is unclear when the Supreme Court would take up an appeal. Meanwhile the import of the stay is unclear and subject to debate.

In the meantime, numerous states have suspended compliance planning, pushing the process for developing and submitting implementation plans to the EPA into 2018. Owners of power generation are trying to navigate the time required to plan and implement CPP compliance strategies, their regulators' and legislators' wishes, and lack of clarity on the ultimate implementation dates and requirements of the CPP.

"States and utilities are faced with a difficult choice in how to approach planning for the CPP," said Chris Vlahoplus, partner and clean tech & sustainability practice leader at ScottMadden. "While litigation has temporarily stayed the rule, it has injected uncertainty: Is it better to continue dialogue and engagement between utilities and regulators on compliance options should the rule be upheld or wait until the ground rules are clear?"

This report provides an overview of how states are responding, key decisions in developing state implementation plans, and common themes from competing reports on CPP compliance costs and household impacts.

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We know energy from the ground up. Since 1983, we have been energy consultants. We have served more than 300 clients, including 20 of the top 20 energy utilities. We have performed more than 2,400 projects across every energy utility business unit and every function. We have helped our clients develop strategies, improve operations, reorganize companies, and implement initiatives. Our broad and deep energy utility expertise is not theoretical—it is experience based.

About ScottMadden, Inc.
ScottMadden is the management consulting firm that does what it takes to get it done right. Our practice areas include Energy, Clean Tech & Sustainability, Corporate & Shared Services, and Grid Transformation. We deliver a broad array of consulting services ranging from strategic planning through implementation across many industries, business units, and functions. To learn more, visit www.scottmadden.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn


            

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