Policy risk
Prices pose challenge for CFTC
The formation of the CFTC's new energy markets advisory committee (EMAC) has proven to be timely. David Watkins reports
CFTC seeks greater energy market transparency
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a series of new initiatives with which it hopes to increase the transparency of the energy futures markets.
CFTC energy markets committee members announced
Members of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s new Energy Markets Advisory Committee (EMAC) have been named.
Unclear for US nuclear
Uncertainty surrounding the US government's role in project finance for new nuclear generation is threatening to hold back the renaissance. David Watkins reports
A man with a mission
The future of Russian energy under president-elect Dmitri Medvedev largely depends upon his ability to navigate the country's Byzantine political climate, writes Robert Amsterdam
The rise or fall of CDM
European Commission proposals to limit the use of Clean Development Mechanism credits post-2012 came as a surprise to many carbon market participants. Kristian Tangen and Kjetil Røine of Point Carbon discuss the implications
A new generation of risk
The UK government recently committed to a new generation of nuclear power stations - the first in the UK for 13 years - funded by the private sector. Roderick Bruce examines the financial and regulatory risks facing potential stakeholders
Dark markets
New CFTC commodity regulations will close the Enron Loophole withtrading controls of ‘dark market’ trading, reports Daven Voorhies
Germany's new dawn
For years a liquid, transparent and competitive gas market has failed to appear in Germany. Now there are signs of progress as dominant incumbents, pushed by domestic and international pressure, move slowly towards a market model, writes Roderick Bruce
Proposed CFTC merger meets mixed reaction
The US Department of the Treasury has released a blueprint recommending the largest overhaul of the US financial regulatory structure since the Great Depression in a bid to boost US competitiveness in global markets.
Waiting in the wings
The long-mooted inclusion of the aviation sector in the European Union's emissions trading scheme is finally on the radar screen. Roderick Bruce discovers whether stakeholders are ready for take off
CFTC Establishes New Energy Markets Advisory Committee
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has set up an advisory committee providing a public forum to examine emerging issues related to the energy markets and the CFTC’s role in these markets under the Commodity Exchange Act.
US regulator casts doubt over CME/Nymex merger
In a briefing released today, the US Justice Department said that financial futures markets that offer their own clearing services could be anti-competitive, which may prove to be an obstacle to CME Group’s plan to acquire the New York Mercantile…
Less is more
Utilities are leading the chorus for greater energy efficiency in the US. But, as David Watkins discovers, their drive to secure profits while selling less power is proving to be a major regulatory challenge
EC sets out phase III plans for EU ETS
The European Commission (EC) today outlined its plans to expand the scope of the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) for the trading period of 2013 - 2020 (phase III).
Emissions trading in New Zealand
The recent policy framework put forward for New Zealand's emissions trading scheme (ETS) make it the most ambitious and stringent scheme yet proposed worldwide, but concerns over implementation have sparked fierce debate, finds Roderick Bruce
Renewables set to lose out as Energy Bill stalls in Senate
US Republicans have forced Democrat supporters of the Energy bill to drop a controversial tax provision that would have cut tax breaks to major oil companies in an effort to boost spending on renewables.
US Senate halts progress of energy bill
A package of energy measures passed by the House of Representatives Thursday stalled in the Senate Friday because of opposition to two key provisions.
Solid foundations?
In a recent landmark step, India's power regulator has given 'in principle' go-ahead to the setting up of a power exchange in India. However, there is discomfort amongst potential participants over some of the regulator's plans. Rakesh Singh of Wipro…
Amaranth denied by court
A New York judge has denied Amaranth Advisors’ request to prevent the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Ferc) from pursuing legal action against it while it was being sued by another federal agency.
US cannot cope with power demand: NERC
Electricity usage in the US is projected to grow more than twice as fast as capacity growth over the next 10 years, NERC has warned in its 2007 long-term reliability assessment. David Watkins reports
Mixed reception to oversight efforts
Attempts by the US Senate to grant the CFTC greater market oversight have met with a mixed response, writes David Watkins