PJM EIS Launches Environmental Tracking System For Electric Generation
‘GATS' supports states' emissions, fuel requirements
(Valley Forge, Pa. – April 15, 2005) – An environmental and emissions attributes tracking system for electric generation is being launched in the PJM Interconnection region. The data in the system will be used to meet the information disclosure requirements of states' fuel mix and emissions disclosure requirements or renewable portfolio standard requirements.
PJM Environmental Information Services, Inc. (PJM EIS) held its introductory meeting for subscribers to its Generation Attributes Tracking System (GATS) on Friday, April 15 at Valley Forge.
The GATS tracks generation attributes and the ownership of the attributes as they are traded or used to meet government standards. It creates generator-specific electronic certificates that identify the generation attributes necessary for electricity suppliers to satisfy state policies and to document "green" power. Data in the GATS include megawatt-hours produced, emissions data, fuel source, location, state program qualification and ownership of attributes for each megawatt-hour tracked. There is one certificate with a unique serial number identifying the attributes of the generation for each megawatt-hour produced.
The functional design of the GATS was developed through collaboration with state utility regulators, state environmental protection offices, state energy offices, consumer advocates, electric market participants, environmental advocates and other stakeholders.
Jeanne M. Fox, president, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, one of the agencies participating in GATS development, said, "New Jerseyans are serious about the environment, and they want clean energy. GATS gives us, as regulators, the effective measure we need to ensure compliance with New Jersey's renewable portfolio standards."
Enforcement of renewable portfolio standards also is important to Kenneth D. Schisler, chairman, Maryland Public Service Commission. "We look forward to realizing GATS as the method of tracking our renewable energy portfolio standards," Schisler said. "We see merit in a regional approach to monitor and verify compliance with our renewal energy policy."
"It's exciting to bring this tool to state agencies and electricity producers and suppliers," said Kenneth W. Laughlin, president and chief executive officer of PJM EIS. "For generators GATS provides a means to sell or transfer generation attributes to buyers. For states it provides a means to implement environmental and renewable energy policies and regulations. For load serving entities the system is an effective, efficient means to comply with disclosure and portfolio standards."
Participation in the GATS is by paid subscription. At the initial GATS subscriber group meeting, PJM EIS will review the GATS implementation schedule, the subscription agreement, fee structure and operating rules. The GATS is expected to be operational in the third quarter of this year.
The GATS will be available in the area served by the PJM Interconnection, but initially will be used in New Jersey and Maryland. PJM ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 45 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market, the world's largest; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion.
PJM Environmental Information Services, Inc. (PJM EIS) owns and administers the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS). PJM EIS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PJM Technologies, Inc. PJM EIS was formed to provide environmental and emissions attributes reporting and tracking services to its subscribers in support of renewable portfolio standards and other information disclosure requirements that may be implemented by government agencies. Visit PJM EIS at www.pjm-eis.com.
Source: PJM Environmental Information Services, Inc.