Overview
Title
Whitetail Solar 3, LLC; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FERC is checking if the plan by Whitetail Solar 3, LLC to charge people for electricity is fair. They will decide when to start giving money back if it's not.
Summary AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has started an investigation to determine if the proposed rate schedule by Whitetail Solar 3, LLC is unfair or illegal. The case relates to section 206 of the Federal Power Act, and the refund effective date will be when this notice is published in the Federal Register. Interested individuals who want to be involved in the case must submit a notice or motion to intervene within 21 days after the order's date. The Commission prefers electronic submissions, but paper filings are also accepted at specific addresses provided in the notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding an investigation into Whitetail Solar 3, LLC's proposed rate schedule. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, which aims to ensure that rates set by utilities are just and reasonable and not discriminatory or preferential.
General Summary
In simple terms, the FERC is looking into whether the rates proposed by Whitetail Solar 3, LLC are fair to consumers and legal under federal guidelines. The Commission has established that any refunds that may result from this investigation will be effective as of the publication date of this notice in the Federal Register. Individuals or organizations interested in participating in the proceedings must file an intervention request within 21 days from the order's issuance.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One significant concern is the technical nature of the language used throughout the document, which revolves around legal codes and procedures. References like "Section 206 of the Federal Power Act" and "Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure" can be daunting to those not familiar with legal or regulatory jargon. This complexity may pose challenges for individuals not versed in such matters, potentially limiting broader public engagement.
Moreover, the notice includes specific mailing addresses for interventions, which differ based on whether the submission is sent via the U.S. Postal Service or another carrier. This might lead to confusion, especially for those not accustomed to dealing with governmental procedures.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this document underscores the efforts of regulatory bodies to ensure fairness in energy pricing, which can affect utility bills for consumers. While the direct impact on individuals will depend on the investigation's outcome, the process highlights oversight to protect consumers from potential price abuses in the energy sector.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For Whitetail Solar 3, LLC, this investigation represents a critical review of their proposed rate schedule, which could lead to significant revisions if deemed unjust or unlawful. Should the rates be adjusted, and if refunds are mandated, it could affect their financial planning and operations.
For consumers, particularly those within Whitetail Solar's service area, the investigation could lead to potential financial relief or better pricing structures. Customers may see benefits from the regulatory action protecting their interests against unfair pricing.
Additionally, other energy companies and stakeholders observing this proceeding may take it as a cautionary example of what could happen if rate proposals do not meet federal standards, potentially influencing how they set future rates.
Overall, while the document is steeped in regulatory language, its core aim is to maintain fair practices within the energy market, seeking to balance the interests of both consumers and energy providers. The challenge remains in making these processes and actions as accessible and understandable to the general public as possible.
Issues
• The document does not specify any particular spending, so wasteful spending or favoritism cannot be determined.
• The document's language is largely technical, referring to specific legal codes and procedures, which may be difficult for non-experts to understand.
• The process for intervention is described using legal references (Rule 214, 18 CFR 385.214), which assumes familiarity with the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, potentially limiting accessibility for the general public or small entities unfamiliar with these references.
• The alternative mail addresses for submissions might confuse individuals, especially since two different addresses are specified for USPS and other carriers.