FR 2021-02499

The document in question is a notice from the Federal Register concerning a petition submitted by the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District and the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District. These organizations have approached the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), seeking a declaratory order to clarify their position concerning changes in transmission rates. Specifically, they want confirmation that FERC does not have jurisdiction under Section 211A of the Federal Power Act over their actions in establishing different transmission rates based on customer class or individual contracts.

General Summary

The notice outlines the procedural aspects of how interested parties can intervene or protest the petition. It sets a clear deadline—February 22, 2021—for these actions. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, FERC has emphasized electronic submissions to limit physical mailing where possible.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the primary concerns is the complexity of the document's language and procedure, as this notice is heavily laden with legal and technical terms. For instance, the term "unregulated transmitting utility" and references to specific rules such as 18 CFR 385.207 may be difficult to grasp without additional context or explanation. Furthermore, the notice does not explicitly detail the purpose or implications of the requested declaratory order, leading to potential confusion about the broader significance of this petition.

Public Impact

For the general public, this notice may appear opaque or technical. However, understanding its outcomes could be crucial for those impacted, particularly in areas served by the involved irrigation districts. If FERC agrees with the districts, these entities could have more flexibility in setting rates, potentially affecting the cost of services for diverse customer groups.

Impact on Stakeholders

Positive Impact

For the irrigation districts themselves, a favorable ruling from FERC could mean enhanced autonomy in managing their transmission rates. This might allow them more flexibility to optimize pricing structures according to different customer needs or contract stipulations without federal oversight. This could lead to improved financial and operational control for these utilities.

Negative Impact

Conversely, other stakeholders, such as consumers or competitors, might be negatively impacted if deregulated rate-setting leads to increased prices or perceived inequities in rate distribution. Without FERC oversight, there could be concerns about transparency or fairness in how rates are structured, leading to potential pushback from consumer advocacy groups.

In summary, while the document primarily serves procedural needs related to the submission of a petition, its broader implications could resonate across various stakeholders in the energy and utilities sectors, influencing both corporate operations and consumer experiences.