FERC has asked for comments on the pros and cons of six potential rule changes, proposed by NIPSCO, intended to push PJM and MISO to create cross-border transmission projects.

More than a decade after the MISO-PJM seam was formed, no cross-border projects have been approved and built, NIPSCO said.

FERC increased its pressure on PJM and MISO to resolve their longstanding boundary disputes, saying it was considering taking action “to improve the efficiency of operations” at the RTOs’ seam.

Fourth-quarter earnings of NIPSCO parent NiSource rose to $154.2 million ($0.49/share), up nearly 2% from $151.8 million ($0.48/share) a year ago.

FERC last week approved new rules governing how transmission customers can challenge formula rate filings by MISO transmission owners.

NIPSCO asked FERC to dismiss a complaint by two wind farm operators alleging they were overcharged by the utility for transmission upgrades.

Two more wind farms have joined a complaint against NIPSCO, asking FERC to cut the $35.8 million bill the utility assessed them for transmission upgrades.

FERC is starting the process of arbitrating interregional Order 1000 compliance filings, beginning last week with PJM and MISO.

NIPSCO has reached an agreement with environmentalists and consumer advocates on a new renewables tariff that will boost payments to small wind farms.

News briefs on companies in PJM Interconnection, this week including PPL, Atlantic City Electric Co. and Hess Corp.