FR 2021-00685

The document in question, published by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), announces a forthcoming technical conference. Scheduled for February 24, 2021, this conference aims to reassess the Electric Quarterly Report (EQR) requirements and will be conducted via webcast. As part of preparing for the event, a supplemental notice will be issued to provide additional details concerning the agenda and registration.

General Summary

FERC's announcement expresses their intention to convene a technical conference to review and potentially revise the EQR data fields. This initiative marks the beginning of what the agency envisions as a series of conferences dedicated to improving and updating the EQR framework. These adjustments indicate FERC's proactive approach to maintaining the relevance and accuracy of its reporting requirements.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable issue with the document is its lack of specificity regarding what potential changes to the EQR data fields might be discussed. This absence of detail may lead to ambiguity for those preparing to participate in or follow the outcomes of the conference. Participants might find it challenging to prepare invitations, responses, or relevant materials in advance.

Additionally, the document briefly references the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to denote the accessibility of the conference. However, readers not well-versed in legal terminologies or standards for accessibility might find this reference less meaningful without a brief explanatory note on its relevance.

The contact information provided is comprehensive, listing multiple communication methods, including email, phone, and FAX, to request accommodations and gather further details. While comprehensive, this multi-channel approach could appear complex, potentially benefiting from a more streamlined presentation.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document signals an opportunity for the public to engage with regulatory processes affecting electric quarterly reporting. By inviting stakeholders to this conference, FERC presents an avenue for public involvement and transparency in regulatory reassessment, impacting how electricity market data is reported and accessed.

Stakeholders such as electric market participants, data analysts, and regulatory bodies may either benefit from or face challenges due to any resultant changes in EQR requirements. Enhanced data fields might improve the accuracy and usefulness of EQRs, which can aid in better decision-making and market analysis. Conversely, changes might also impose additional compliance burdens, necessitating adjustment in reporting processes.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For industry participants, the impact may swing positively in terms of improved data transparency and utility, which could lead to better operational efficiencies and strategic planning. Yet, there is a possibility of increased compliance costs and effort if the changes demand significant alterations to existing reporting systems and operations.

Overall, the notice reflects FERC's commitment to ensuring that their reporting requirements remain current and effective, which is crucial for maintaining trust and efficiency in energy markets. Nonetheless, the execution of this reassessment must balance innovation and practicality to serve the diverse needs of its stakeholders effectively.