CIEA believes that utilities should procure long-term power supplies in a systematic and open process that assures utility customers that they will receive the best value. The utility should first identify their future resource requirements through preparation of an integrated resource plan. They should then secure the identified resources by holding competitive, independently monitored, requests for proposals. Ratepayers benefit when utilities pursue multiple resource supply options including negotiating long-term power purchase agreements with least-cost independent power producers.

CIEA believes that utilities in this region must make optimization of existing transmission infrastructure a priority while simultaneously pursuing investment in new transmission capacity. Independent transmission providers (transcos) have proven that they can contribute significantly to enhancing the grid and their projects.  Where they are shown to economically increase total transmission capacity, they should be encouraged.

Members of CIEA are committed to constructively participating in local and regional legislative, planning and regulatory initiatives to enhance transmission capacity, encourage competitive procurement and participate in planning that will improve the economic and environmental performance of the electric power system in C