FR 2021-02094

The document titled "Combined Notice of Filings #1," released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), provides a list of various corporate and rate filings related to the electric energy sector. This notice encapsulates applications and notices concerning changes in status, compliance with regulatory acts, and requests for authorizations under the Federal Power Act. It aims to inform interested parties about the recent submissions, giving them a chance to intervene or protest within the stipulated deadlines.

General Summary

The notice lists multiple filings from different applicants, such as R-WS Antelope Valley Gen-Tie, LLC and Kleen Energy Systems, LLC, covering a range of proceedings involving corporate transactions, status changes, and tariff postures. Each entry includes a docket number, a description of the request or notice, the date it was filed, an accession number for reference, and the deadline for submitting comments, typically set at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a specified date. This procedural setup provides a framework for ensuring regulatory compliance and enabling public participation.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A number of issues arise from the content and presentation of this document. Firstly, the notice does not delve into the specifics of financial transactions, rendering it difficult to discern any potential wasteful spending or favoritism in the power sector. Moreover, the language within the document is heavily laden with technical and legal jargon, which could perplex individuals not familiar with regulatory processes. Terms like "Accession Number" and "Docket Number" may require specific industry knowledge, which might exclude portions of the general audience from fully understanding the document's implications.

Additionally, while deadlines are mentioned in Eastern Time, there is a lack of explanation that they apply to standard business hours, potentially confusing international stakeholders who might not be accustomed to these conventions. Lastly, there is an evident absence of details regarding the potential outcomes of these filings. Without insights on how these filings might affect the public or stakeholders, transparency remains an area of concern.

Public Impact

On a broad level, this document facilitates regulatory oversight and ensures companies comply with the Federal Power Act. For the public, this is critical as it governs fair practices within the power sector. A well-regulated energy market can lead to fairer pricing, improved infrastructure, and better services which ultimately benefit consumers. However, the lack of accessible language and detail about the potential impacts of these applications seriously limits public engagement and understanding, which is an essential component of democratic accountability.

Stakeholder Impact

Specific stakeholders such as the companies listed in the filings, regulators, and industry competitors are directly affected by these proceedings. For the companies involved, these filings may lead to significant operational and financial changes, depending on the permissions and rulings made by FERC. Competitors and industry observers may track these filings to gauge market trends or opportunities for growth or change.

On the flip side, any individuals or entities intending to intervene or protest need to navigate a complex legal landscape to effectively participate in the process. The comprehensive details, deadlines, and formal language outlined in the filings present a barrier that might disadvantage parties without adequate legal or industry expertise.

In conclusion, while the document serves its procedural purpose for regulatory compliance, it could benefit from enhancement in clarity and transparency to promote broader public engagement and understanding.