Overview
Title
Wallingford Renewable Energy LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization
Agencies
ELI5 AI
Wallingford Renewable Energy wants to set their prices based on what the market decides and asks permission to do this from a government group. People who want to say "yes" or "no" to this idea need to tell the group by a certain date, and because of COVID, they mostly need to do this online.
Summary AI
Wallingford Renewable Energy LLC has applied for permission to set rates based on the market and has requested blanket approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for future securities issues and liabilities, as outlined in 18 CFR part 34. Individuals interested in challenging or supporting this request must file their interventions or protests by January 25, 2021. FERC encourages electronic submissions but also accepts mail-in filings at their Washington, DC address. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, access to FERC's Public Reference Room is suspended, but documents can be accessed online through their website.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
This document is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) about an application made by Wallingford Renewable Energy LLC. The company is seeking permission to set their rates based on prevailing market conditions. Additionally, they have requested blanket authorization for future dealings involving securities and liabilities, which is a standard procedural step under the regulations outlined in 18 CFR part 34. The notice invites individuals or parties who wish to challenge or support this request to submit their interventions or protests by January 25, 2021.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document is largely technical, laden with references to specific parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and FERC's procedures. Such language might pose difficulty for those unfamiliar with regulatory jargon or with the specifics of energy market regulations. For instance, the reference to "18 CFR part 34" may not be immediately meaningful to a layperson, even though it is crucial to understanding the scope of Wallingford Renewable Energy LLC's requests.
Another noteworthy concern is the strong emphasis FERC places on electronic submissions, ostensibly due to restrictions related to COVID-19 safety protocols. However, the instructions regarding the electronic filing process are not detailed; individuals unfamiliar with FERC’s eFiling and eRegistration requirements may find the process cumbersome without additional guidance.
The document also mentions “the proclamation declaring a National Emergency” in the context of a suspended access to FERC's Public Reference Room, which is implied to be related to COVID-19. This phrasing could be seen as vague, as it assumes that readers are aware of the March 2020 proclamation, potentially leading to confusion.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this notice may seem distant unless they are directly affected by the operations of Wallingford Renewable Energy LLC or have vested interests in energy market rates or securities issues. However, the shift towards market-based rates can influence energy prices, potentially affecting electricity costs for consumers indirectly.
The emphasis on electronic submissions reflects how regulatory bodies are adapting to COVID-19, which could impact how citizens engage with federal commissions. While this shift presents an opportunity to streamline processes, it might also disenfranchise individuals who lack digital access or literacy, unless further accommodations are implemented.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders within the energy sector or those with financial interests in Wallingford Renewable Energy LLC, the application for market-based rate authority and the blanket authorization could significantly influence business operations and investment opportunities. For companies and investors, market-based rates often mean a more competitive and potentially profitable business environment, provided they can capitalize on market trends.
On the other hand, consumer advocacy groups or environmental organizations might view the move to market-based rates with caution. They could raise concerns about potential price spikes or the environmental implications of the company’s operations, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight to balance corporate freedom with public interest and ecological sustainability.
Overall, while the notice facilitates procedural transparency, it underscores the need for accessible communications and clear guidance for the public and stakeholders navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Issues
• The document does not appear to contain any financial details that could indicate wasteful spending or favoritism towards particular organizations or individuals.
• The language used in the notice is technical, referring to specific CFR parts and commission rules, which may be difficult to understand for individuals not familiar with regulatory procedures or energy market regulations.
• The notice references the need for electronic submission due to COVID-19, but the instructions could be clearer, particularly for someone who may not be familiar with FERC's eFiling and eRegistration process.
• The document refers to 'the proclamation declaring a National Emergency' without explicitly naming it as related to COVID-19; however, the context implies it, which may create ambiguity for readers unfamiliar with the specific proclamation.
• Instructions for those unable to file electronically direct them to a physical address without guidance on potential health or safety protocols that might be in place due to COVID-19.