FR 2021-00256

The document from the Federal Register details a filing by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regarding its annual report on certain compliance programs. This filing, submitted on December 30, 2020, is part of a regulatory process overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Stakeholders interested in the proceedings have the chance to participate by submitting interventions or protests by January 20, 2021. The document is accompanied by instructions for electronic submissions, reflecting a preference for utilizing online methods to streamline the process.

Summary of the Document

The main purpose of the document is to inform that NERC has submitted its annual report on the Find, Fix, Track and Report (FFT) and Compliance Exception (CE) programs. This is in response to previous orders from FERC requiring such compliance measures. The document also provides administrative details about how interested parties can engage in the process by filing protests or motions to intervene.

Issues and Concerns

Several issues within the document could present challenges to understanding and accessing the process:

• Complexity of Filing Procedures: The document refers to avenues for electronic and manual submission of protests and interventions. However, it does not provide detailed steps for manual submissions, which might be necessary for some individuals who are uncomfortable with or unable to use electronic systems.

• Unclear Time Zones: While a comment deadline is provided, the document assumes an Eastern Time zone, which could cause confusion among individuals residing in other time zones, potentially affecting timely submissions.

• Reference to Past FERC Orders: The footnotes mention several past FERC orders without context. For those not familiar with these orders, understanding the full relevance and implications for the current filing may be challenging.

• Impact of Public Access Restrictions: The notice about the suspension of the FERC Public Reference Room due to COVID-19 does not clarify when access might be resumed or outline how this change impacts stakeholders who rely on physical resources for research and participation.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

General Public: The document addresses matters pertinent to national energy reliability, which indirectly affects the public by influencing how grid reliability issues are managed. However, the technical nature and procedural details might not engage a general audience without specific interest or prior knowledge in energy regulation.

Stakeholders: Entities such as energy companies, regulators, and environmental groups may find this document directly impacts their operations or advocacy. These stakeholders need to stay informed on the proceedings and may be active participants through the intervention or protest process. The lack of clarity around some procedures and past orders could hinder effective engagement, especially for smaller organizations or individuals without legal counsel.

Ultimately, the document highlights the ongoing processes through which energy reliability and compliance are maintained, yet suggests areas where communication could be improved for broader and more effective public participation.