News release: “Higher fuel prices, increased capital costs and continued uncertainty about climate policy are helping fuel the rising costs of electricity faced by consumers across the country, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) said… The rising cost trends are likely to continue for years, according to a report presented to the Commission by analysts from FERC’s Office of Enforcement. The report pegs current futures prices for natural gas at $2.50 to $5 above the average 2007 spot price for natural gas, and costs for everything from iron and steel to cement and copper wire rising significantly over the past several years. Those have contributed to increases in the cost of new generation for every type of power plant, from nuclear power to combustion turbine and wind generators.”