Public concerns spur FERC to schedule meetings on grid redesign

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will begin Nov. 4 a three-month series of public meetings to address concerns about its sweeping attempt to redesign the nation's electricity market and aging transmission system.

Ever since the FERC issued its proposal in July, state regulatory commissions and consumer advocates have accused federal regulators of trying to end state control of power transmission lines and of crafting standard rules for power trading that could raise electricity costs for consumers in certain parts of the nation.

Critics also say FERC's plan to create super regional transmission organizations to connect the nation's electricity grid could damage efforts in various states to restructure the electric industry.

The FERC said it will use the meetings to address concerns.