Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-27 RTO Meeting Minutes FINAL ___________________________________________________________________________ RTO Minutes 9/27/24 Page 1 of 4 RAILBELT TRANSMISSION ORGANIZATION (RTO) Meeting Minutes September 27, 2024. 10:00 AM Alaska Energy Authority 1. CALL TO ORDER Curtis Thayer, AEA, called the first meeting of the Railbelt Transmission Organization to order at 12:00 p.m. A quorum was established. 2. ROLL CALL (for Committee members) Joel Groves (Railbelt Reliability Counsel [RRC]); Travis Million (Golden Valley Electric Association [GVEA]); Tony Zellers (Matanuska Electric Association [MEA]); Brad Janorschke (Homer Electric Association [HEA]); Brian Hickey (City of Seward); Arthur Miller (Chugach Electric Association [CEA]); and Curtis Thayer (Alaska Energy Authority [AEA]). 3. PUBLIC ROLL CALL (for all others present) Jennifer Bertolini, Mark Billingsley, Conner Erickson, William Price (AEA); Joel Paisner (Ascent Law Partners); Matt Clarkson (CEA); David Grossklaus (Dorsey & Whitney); Daniel Heckman (GVEA); Sarah Lambe, Jessica Spuhler (HEA); and Tony Izzo (MEA). 4. AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION: A motion was made by Mr. Million to approve the agenda as presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Janorschke. The motion to approve the agenda passed unanimously. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. 6. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Thayer explained that this is the first meeting of the RTO Governance Committee, which was created by HB 307. Members include the Railbelt utilities, AEA, and the RRC. The RTO is expected to submit bylaws to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) by year-end. Mr. Thayer noted that AEA has drafted a set of bylaws for the RTO that are based on the structure of the Bradley Lake Project Management Committee (BPMC) bylaws. Mr. Thayer requested that members review the draft bylaws for future discussion. He noted that because the RTO was created by statute, the RTO is subject to ethics training and the Open Meetings Act. ___________________________________________________________________________ RTO Minutes 9/27/24 Page 2 of 4 A. RTO Working Group Update Mr. Thayer requested Daniel Heckman, GVEA, provide the RTO Working Group Update. Mr. Heckman explained that the RTO Working Group was established prior to the introduction and passage of HB 307. He noted that the RRC is a new member of the RTO Working Group. Mr. Heckman discussed that the RTO Working Group is focused on two primary objectives established by HB 307; the filing of the certificate to operate as an RTO consistent with the statutory certificate requirements of the RCA, and the filing of the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) and embedded cost recovery mechanism. Mr. Heckman reported that the RTO Working Group members are comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of individuals across the Railbelt electric utilities and AEA. The recent meetings have concentrated on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) standards that govern open access transmission tariffs and transmission networks. He noted that the RTO Working Group utilizes a consultant to lead the more technical based discussions, and utilizes counsel who have significant regulatory experience in Alaska. Mr. Heckman discussed that the RTO Working group requested that RCA issue an order on or before October 17, 2024 in the proceeding regarding the process the RCA will undertake to certificate the RTO. The intent is to give the RTO Committee time to review the RCA certificate application before the decision is made to forward the application at the December 6, 2024 RTO Committee meeting. Mr. Heckman highlighted the ongoing work and progress in the development of the OATT. He remains confident that the RTO Working Group and the RTO Committee will meet the statutory requirements of HB 307 and the OATT. There were no comments or questions. B. Draft Bylaws i. Open Meetings Act Mr. Thayer explained that he is in the position of leading the meeting until the bylaws are established and a Chair is elected. He noted that AEA’s general counsel Mark Billingsley and counsel David Grossklaus, Dorsey & Whitney, are both available to answer questions regarding the draft bylaws. Mr. Thayer requested Mr. Grossklaus to comment on the draft bylaws. Mr. Grossklaus reiterated that the draft bylaws presented follow best practices and the structure of the BPMC bylaws. He reviewed the draft and outlined the articles. Mr. Grossklaus commented that discussion should occur regarding the details of the articles and Attachment 1. Mr. Janorschke thanked Mr. Grossklaus for the update. He requested additional clarification regarding the duties of the Technical Subcommittee as it relates to the RTO Working Group. Mr. Grossklaus explained that the draft bylaws outline the expected operational aspects of the subcommittees. However, discussion is ongoing, and the members can decide which subcommittees are necessary. Mr. Billingsley explained that the lasting vision for the RTO bylaws anticipate the subcommittee ___________________________________________________________________________ RTO Minutes 9/27/24 Page 3 of 4 needs for the next 15 to 20 years, rather than the sole focus of the RTO Working Group during this initial stage. He requested Matt Clarkson, general counsel of CEA, to comment on the endeavors of the RTO Working Group. Mr. Clarkson explained that the RTO Working Group’s efforts include developing a durable formula definition and creating a list of assets. He noted that House Bill 307 contains guidance that indicate the standards must be consistent with FERC. Mr. Hickey requested that a side-by-side comparison of the BPMC bylaws and the draft RTO bylaws are presented and discussed at the next meeting. There was no objection. Mr. Hickey asked if Attachment 1 pertains only to the corresponding share of expenses during the creation phase of the organization or if the percentages apply to allocated transmission costs throughout the Railbelt. Mr. Billingsley explained that Attachment 1 relates only to corresponding share of expenses during the initial phase. The RTO Working Group will make recommendations to the RTO Committee regarding future transmission costs. Additionally, the percentages listed in Attachment 1 are not voting rights. Mr. Miller asked for the next steps regarding the review and adoption of the bylaws. Mr. Billingsley requested that members email their edits, and he will work with Mr. Grossklaus to compile the edits and revise the bylaws. Mr. Thayer asked Mr. Billingsley if it would be appropriate to create a bylaws working committee, compliant to the Open Meetings Act, to review and examine the corresponding edits. Mr. Thayer noted that the RCA filing date is approaching. Mr. Billingsley agreed that it would be helpful for each member to appoint a designee to collaborate on the bylaws. There was no objection. Mr. Thayer requested that Mr. Billingsley and Mr. Grossklaus are the organizers of that working group. Mr. Miller indicated the representative for CEA will be Mr. Clarkson. Mr. Million indicated the representative for GVEA will be Mr. Heckman. Mr. Zellers indicated the tentative representative for MEA is David Pease. Mr. Hickey indicated the tentative representative for Seward is Cody George. Mr. Janorschke indicated the tentative representative for HEA is Jessical Spuhler. Mr. Groves noted that a tentative representative for RRC has not yet been decided. There were no other comments or questions. C. RTO Schedule Mr. Thayer advised that today’s RTO meeting followed the BPMC meeting. He noted that the next RTO meeting is suggested for December 6, 2024. However, that date can change as necessary, and other meetings dates will be scheduled when needed. ___________________________________________________________________________ RTO Minutes 9/27/24 Page 4 of 4 7. MEMBERS’ COMMENTS Mr. Janorschke expressed appreciation for the update and efforts of Mr. Heckman. He requested that the next meeting also include updates from Tina Grovier and Carl Munro regarding their activities. Mr. Hickey thanked Mr. Thayer for conducting today’s meeting. He echoed Mr. Janorschke’s comments. Mr. Zellers echoed Mr. Janorschke’s comments. Mr. Million expressed appreciation for the updates, and is looking forward to the continued work on the bylaws. Mr. Groves apologized that the RRC has not been more involved to-date. He understands this process is important and hopes to be more engaged going forward. Mr. Groves commented that the timeline is tight. He asked for feedback regarding the expected duration and effort that will be necessary to complete and approve the bylaws. He looks forward to the process. Mr. Miller expressed appreciation to Mr. Thayer for arranging today’s meeting and for the updates and continued efforts in moving the process forward. Mr. Thayer suggested that the bylaws committee work until the end of October, and then report back. There were no additional comments or questions. 8. NEXT MEETING DATE – December 6, 2024 (tentative) 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business for the committee, the meeting adjourned at 12:33 p.m.