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A Brave New World Cathy Woollums , SVP, Environmental and Chief Environmental Counsel

A Brave New World Cathy Woollums , SVP, Environmental and Chief Environmental Counsel NASUCA Mid-Year Meeting – June 2, 2014. Pending EPA Regulations on Electricity Sources – rules not issued in coordinated fashion. Climate. Air. Land & Natural Resources. Waste & Chemical Management.

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A Brave New World Cathy Woollums , SVP, Environmental and Chief Environmental Counsel

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  1. A Brave New World Cathy Woollums, SVP, Environmental and Chief Environmental Counsel NASUCA Mid-Year Meeting – June 2, 2014

  2. Pending EPA Regulations on Electricity Sources – rules not issued in coordinated fashion Climate Air Land & Natural Resources Waste & Chemical Management Water NSPS – New & Modified Sources 316(b) Utility MACT Transmission Siting and Permitting Coal Ash NSPS – Existing Sources Effluent Guidelines Limitations Interstate Transport (CAIR/CSAPR) Avian Protection PCBs in Electrical Equipment BACT Permitting Waters of the U.S. Regional Haze/Visibility Endangered Species HazMat Transport International Negotiations NPDES Pesticide Permits Multiple NAAQS Vegetation Management Waterbody – Specific Standards New Source Review (NSR)

  3. Disruptive Changes Facing U.S. Utilities • Rising expectations for reliability • Aging plants (nearly 80% of coal plants >30 years old) • Move from centralized power to customer-generated power • Changing relationship between utility and customer • Flat load growth nationwide – due to: • Low economic recovery from recession • Distributed generation • Energy efficiency

  4. Changes and Trends • Impact of: • Flat to lower demand for electricity? • Less reliance on coal, more on natural gas and renewables? • Increased energy efficiency? • EPA regulations? • Significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions • 2013: U.S. power sector CO2 emissions were 15% below 2005 emission levels • Lowest levels since 1996 • 2020 reduction target under Waxman-Markey climate change bill was 17% below 2005 levels

  5. Uncertainties in the Market • No price on carbon (yet), but utilities act like there is one • Renewables and nuclear need a price or penalty on carbon emissions in order to grow • Impact of intermittent resources and renewable integration costs • Minimal growth while investment needs and mandates increase • Obligations to build renewables (renewable portfolio standard, PURPA requirements) • Associated transmission • Compliance with EPA rules (pollution controls, fuel switching) • With flat demand and rising capital needs, the unit cost of electricity will rise

  6. Changing Customer Relationships and Expectations • Choices • Options on renewables • Energy efficiency • Independence (limited connections to grid) • Enhanced reliability • How to meet or exceed expectations • Transparent • Fair • Cost effective • Informed

  7. Legislative and/or Regulatory Changes? • Legislation • Colorado Clean Air Clean Jobs Act, Nevada SB 123 • Regulation • Iowa Biennial Emissions Plan and Budget filing • Hybrids • New Hampshire scrubber bill • Other Influences • The “Polar Vortex” • Capacity • Reliability • Natural gas prices • New ideas and consumer protections

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