FR 2021-00686

The document at hand is a formal notice involving the City of Pasadena’s submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), regarding a tariff filing. This filing pertains to an annual adjustment, effective January 1, 2021, related to Pasadena's Transmission Revenue Balancing Account. It's crucial for individuals interested in the proceedings to understand the procedural nuances and the deadlines for comments or interventions.

General Summary

The City of Pasadena, a municipal electric utility, has filed a request for revision regarding its Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment. This submission, made on December 23, 2020, requires review under the regulatory oversight of FERC, even though the city is generally not under its jurisdiction. The filing is part of a customary process to ensure that revenue collected aligns with the costs incurred for energy transmission. Notably, the public is encouraged to intervene, protest, or comment on the filing by a specified deadline, following certain procedures laid out by FERC.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several noteworthy issues:

1. Lack of Explanation on Technical Terms: The document assumes a level of familiarity with terms like "Transmission Revenue Balancing Account Adjustment." This could confuse non-expert readers who are trying to grasp the filing's significance.

2. Complex Procedures for Public Participation: The rules for intervention are specific, potentially discouraging engagement from those unfamiliar with legal proceedings. This complexity may act as a barrier for individuals and entities that wish to have a say in such filings.

3. Digital Divide Considerations: The document emphasizes electronic submissions due to COVID-19 but does not address how individuals without internet access may still effectively participate. This aspect is significant given ongoing digital access disparities.

4. Reference to Regulatory Contexts Without Explanation: The notice includes references to the Federal Power Act and other dockets without giving a background, alienating those who are not well-versed in regulatory jargon.

Broader Public Impact

From the perspective of the broader public, the document underscores a crucial regulatory process that ensures fair pricing mechanisms for energy transmission. It impacts how costs are distributed and recovered, potentially affecting energy bills for Pasadena residents if transmission costs fluctuate.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• City of Pasadena: For the city, the filing is a routine yet important procedure ensuring their financial practices are transparent and compliant with broader market norms.

• Energy Consumers in Pasadena: The adjustment might influence the rates they pay, depending on how the balancing account’s adjustment reflects changes in transmission costs.

• Non-Governmental Organizations and Advocacy Groups: These organizations may find the process cumbersome, limiting their advocacy efforts for fair energy pricing unless they effectively navigate procedural rules.

• FERC and Associated Regulatory Bodies: For FERC, the document represents part of an ongoing mandate to regulate and oversee energy markets, ensuring public interest is served through transparency and accountability in energy pricing.

In summary, while the document serves as a critical component of regulatory compliance, its technical nature and procedural complexity can present challenges to broad public understanding and participation. Efforts to make these documents more accessible could enhance stakeholder engagement and public trust in energy-related decisions.