Jul 17, 2020   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Supports PURPA Ruling

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today approved a final rule modernizing its regulations implementing the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Berkshire Hathaway Energy supports the ruling to modernize PURPA, as policy revisions address the significant changes that have taken place in the nation’s energy markets since those rules first took effect, and the revisions will allow the company to provide additional value to its customers.

“We appreciate Chairman Chatterjee’s leadership and the thoughtful efforts of FERC and its staff in issuing this final rule,” said Pat Reiten, Berkshire Hathaway Energy senior vice president of government relations. “Reforming PURPA’s regulations better promotes competitive procurement of renewable generation. These changes will help encourage development of even more renewable energy for the benefit of customers and the environment by lowering the cost of their acquisition.”

Through its subsidiaries MidAmerican and PacifiCorp, Berkshire Hathaway Energy is No. 1 among U.S. investor-owned utilities for owned wind power capacity in operation. MidAmerican currently has more than 7,000 megawatts of wind in operation or under construction; PacifiCorp’s 2019 Integrated Resource Plan includes accelerated coal retirements and investment in transmission infrastructure that will facilitate adding over 6,400 megawatts of new renewable resources by the end of 2023, with nearly 11,000 megawatts of new renewable energy resources over a 20-year planning period through 2038. This includes 1,150 megawatts of new wind coming on-line with Energy Vision 2020. As Berkshire Hathaway Energy acquires increasing amounts of renewable generation, the modernization of PURPA provides greater opportunities to ensure customers receive fair energy prices.

About Berkshire Hathaway Energy

From our roots in renewable energy, Berkshire Hathaway Energy has grown to a $100.8 billion portfolio of locally managed businesses that share a vision of being the best energy company in serving our customers, while delivering sustainable energy solutions. These businesses deliver affordable, safe and reliable service each day to more than 12 million electric and natural gas customers and end-users around the world. Our employees pride themselves in putting customers first in all they do, and as a result, our businesses consistently rank high among energy companies in customer satisfaction. Berkshire Hathaway Energy is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A. Learn more at www.brkenergy.com.