California carbon price at $14.50

Trading picked up this week with 50,000 California carbon allowances (CCAs) trading at $14.50 each.

The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) saw the majority of the trading action, which was welcome after last weeks sluggish market.

A put option for 100,000 CCAs cleared ICE as well, with a strike price of $10/ton and a premium of 80 cents.

There is debate over the market rule requiring Independently Owned Utilities (IOUs) to acquire allowances through public requests for offers (RFOs). IOUs would prefer to deal directly with brokers, since that would be easier and take less time.