The IESO’s Market Assessment and Compliance Division (MACD) and the Market Surveillance Administrator of Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support increased cooperation and information-sharing between both organizations. The IESO explains that with the understanding, “consumers will be better protected from anti-competitive practices and will help ensure a fair and level playing field in the electricity markets.” To learn more, visit this location.
On December 12 it was announced that Glenn McDonald, Vice President of MACD, had signed a separate MOU with the Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) to encourage information-sharing and discussion of regulatory practices, including investigative processes and methods, and market monitoring and oversight activities, subject to confidentiality obligations.
“In sharing information about the markets each of us oversees, the MOU will help us better fulfill our mandates to investigate, evaluate and encourage compliance with the relevant rules,” says McDonald, who signed the agreement with FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee. “Fostering strong and collaborative relationships with our regulatory counterparts is central to our efforts to deliver a fair, competitive and innovative electricity marketplace.”
The MOU will help both take appropriate enforcement actions. In recognition of the two organizations’ regulatory responsibilities and common interests, the agreement will also promote discussion of energy issues of mutual interest, joint visits, and the coordination of education and training activities.
The MOU is market-focused and does not relate to information, conduct or activities related to the enforcement of North American Electricity Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards.