Briefly

eBay Seeks Market-Based Rate Authority

eBay Inc. applied for Market-Based Rate authority at FERC. The impetus of the petition is eBay's development of a 6 MW fuel cell generation facility in Utah, with the primary purpose of providing power to an eBay data center at that site. eBay was not explicit, however, in stating that its MBR activity would be limited to selling excess power from the fuel cell.

Houston Signs Contract with Electric Supplier

The City of Houston has signed an agreement with Reliant Energy to purchase over 140 MW of renewable power for the next two years. From July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015, the city's purchase of green power will account for half of its annual electricity demand. The City will be using almost 623,000 mWh of green power per year. The City has committed $2 million for this 2-year agreement, less than a $0.01 per kWh on top of the City's power price. The City said that it is also exploring creation of a Solar Benefit program that would reduce the complexity and cost of residential solar through a collective group discount program. The program would reach the residential sector via targeted outreach through employer organiza­tions in Houston