FERC rejected a North Carolina environmental group’s request to reconsider its decision not to investigate the group’s market manipulation allegations against Duke Energy (EL15-32).

The North Carolina Waste Awareness and Reduction Network (NC WARN) had complained that Duke was building excess power plants instead of purchasing power from neighboring utilities, resulting in unjust rates. It asked that the commission fund a study evaluating the benefits of Duke joining an RTO. In its request for rehearing, the group asserted the study would show that the creation of a southeastern RTO would result in savings for customers.

FERC denied NC WARN’s request for lacking certain filing requirements, including a “statement of issues.”

“This requirement is not a mere formality,” the commission said. “Rather, the purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the filer, the commission and all other participants understand the issues raised by the filer, and to enable the commission to respond to these issues and avoid wasteful litigation.”

— Michael Brooks