Overview
Title
Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization; Trent River Solar, LLC
Agencies
ELI5 AI
Trent River Solar, LLC wants permission from the government to sell electricity and borrow money easily, and people have until February 1, 2021, to tell the government what they think about it. During this time, people can look at the document online, but because of COVID-19, they can't visit the office in person.
Summary AI
Trent River Solar, LLC has filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for market-based rate authority and blanket authorization to issue securities and assume liabilities. This notice invites anyone interested to submit comments, protests, or requests to intervene to FERC by February 1, 2021. Participants are encouraged to file electronically through FERC's website, but paper submissions are also accepted. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, FERC’s Public Reference Room is currently closed, but the document is accessible online via FERC's eLibrary.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
In a recent filing, Trent River Solar, LLC has requested market-based rate authority from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including a request for blanket permission to issue securities and assume liabilities. This supplemental notice invites public participation by allowing individuals to submit comments, protests, or requests to intervene by February 1, 2021. The Commission emphasizes electronic submissions through their website as it is more efficient, though paper submissions are still accepted.
Summary of the Notice
The document is essentially a formal announcement regarding a procedural application by Trent River Solar, LLC for market-based rate authority—a position that allows them more flexibility in pricing their power as per market conditions. The company's filing includes a blanket request under federal regulation (specifically 18 CFR Part 34) to handle future financial responsibilities with less procedural burden. Public comments and protests are sought, with instructions provided for the electronic submission of these documents. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, FERC's physical reference room remains inaccessible, pushing even those wary of technology to use electronic systems if they wish to participate.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A few potential issues stand out in this notice. Firstly, the lack of an abstract in the document's metadata means that readers do not have a quick way to understand its purpose. The notice relies heavily on legal jargon, such as references to federal regulations, which can be bewildering for those not versed in legal codes. Furthermore, the multiple internet and email requirements may pose comprehension challenges due to their format. This reliance on electronic means also potentially alienates individuals without internet access or those uncomfortable with digital filings, contrasting starkly with ongoing COVID-19 concerns, which further hinder access to physical filing methods.
Impact on the General Public
The broader public might not immediately feel the impact of this internal regulatory process. However, approval of market-based rate authority can influence energy prices and availability, potentially affecting consumers' utility bills in the long run. By engaging in the process, the public could voice concerns or provide support regarding the wider implications of such rate adjustments.
Stakeholder Impacts
For specific stakeholders, including residents and businesses within the utility's service area, the approval of this filing might usher in significant changes. Positively, it could mean more competitive rates and improved service offerings due to the utility's increased operational flexibility. Conversely, concerns may arise regarding potential rate increases or the utility's growing financial risk due to broadened borrowing capabilities, which might ripple down to consumers.
FERC appears committed to maintaining public access to regulatory processes while adapting to the global health crisis. Yet, the intricate regulatory language and digital demands underscore a gap in accessibility for all stakeholders, indicating a need for more inclusive communication strategies moving forward.
Issues
• The document lacks an abstract in the metadata, which could make it harder for readers to quickly grasp the purpose of the notice.
• The use of legal references (e.g., '18 CFR part 34') without further explanation might be unclear to readers unfamiliar with regulatory codes.
• The text includes multiple URLs and email addresses which may be hard to comprehend due to format issues.
• The document requires people to contact or send physical mail to multiple addresses; this could be inefficient, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic mentioned in the text.
• There is a potential challenge for those without internet access or those facing technological barriers in accessing eFiling processes as emphasized in the text.