Mayor Bowser Settles With Exelon, Threatens District Solar Jobs

At today’s press conference, Mayor Bowser, the Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) and Exelon’s CEO Chris Crane addressed the settlement agreed to by several parties in the Exelon-Pepco merger application. The proponents of the deal talked a lot about renewable energy, but noticeably absent from the supporting parties were any of the four intervenors associated with solar, wind, and other renewable energy groups.
WASHINGTON - Oct. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- MDV-SEIA strongly believes that this settlement, and the merger itself, are not in the interest of our member companies, and it’s important to note that this is not a “done deal.” The regulatory process allows for commenting on the proposal, as well as an opportunity for the PSC to reject the application (again) or impose additional requirements upon the applicants. Mayor Bowser’s decision to settle with Exelon is, however, a clear signal to local businesses that this administration does not stand by its commitment to renewable energy and the creation of local jobs.

Business groups, such as MDV-SEIA, a regional association representing MD, DC, DE, and VA, have strongly opposed the merger from the onset, arguing that the inherent conflict of interest between Exelon’s generation assets could not be addressed. OPC answered press questions regarding this issue, noting that the ring fencing provisions in the settlement would insulate renewable companies and ratepayers from potential harm.

Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3), a leading merger opponent in the city's legislative body, noted that the ring fencing portions of the settlement "almost make you want to start laughing" because they will do little to insulate D.C. ratepayers from the risks of Exelon's generation fleet. "Anyone who knows anything about creative accounting knows that we will not be insulated from the loss of money from their huge power plants," she said after the press conference. "Inevitably that will all be incorporated and we will pay for their folly of being a 20th century company."

When asked how the application itself would proceed, Mayor Bowser noted that the applicants had submitted a motion to the PSC asking for clarification whether they should proceed under the current docket or a new one. The Joint Applicants, in their filing submitted just before the press conference, requested that the Commission reopen the record in the existing proceeding to allow for consideration of the settlement agreement, supporting testimony and exhibits.

“The fact that the settlement agreement was announced the day before the PSC meeting to rule on the requested stay is a clear indication that Exelon does not have the endurance or interest to engage in another full application,” said Dana Sleeper, Executive Director of MDV-SEIA, in response to the filed motion. “This extended timeline could also weaken their position in other states.”

The association looks forward to the opportunity to comment upon the full settlement agreement in the docket and urges the Commissioners to once again reject the merger.

Contact
Dana Sleeper
***@mdvseia.org
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