Overview
Title
Eagle Creek Racine Hydro, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization
Agencies
ELI5 AI
Eagle Creek Racine Hydro, LLC wants permission to set their own prices for electricity and to make it easier for them to borrow money or sell stocks in the future. People have until March 3, 2021, to tell the government if they agree or not, but they need a computer and internet to do it.
Summary AI
Eagle Creek Racine Hydro, LLC has applied for market-based rate authority, along with a rate tariff. Their application also seeks blanket authorization for future securities issuances and assumptions of liability under certain federal rules. The public can protest or intervene in this matter by submitting filings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by March 3, 2021. The Commission encourages electronic submissions and detailed instructions are provided for those wishing to file or access documents online.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
This document is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning an application by Eagle Creek Racine Hydro, LLC. The company is seeking market-based rate authority and requests a blanket authorization for future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability. The public is invited to protest or intervene in this application by March 3, 2021.
General Summary
Eagle Creek Racine Hydro, LLC, has filed an application for permission to establish market-based rates. This application is accompanied by a related rate tariff and seeks ongoing permission to issue securities and assume financial liabilities without needing further individual approvals. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission provides an opportunity for the public to engage with this process through protests or interventions. The document outlines procedures for electronic and physical submissions but emphasizes electronic filing.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several significant issues arise from the document:
Financial Transparency: The document does not specify how the blanket authorization could financially affect stakeholders, such as ratepayers or investors. The lack of detailed financial implications might obscure potential risks or benefits.
Complex Terminology: The use of technical terms like "blanket authorization" and references to specific regulatory sections may be challenging for laypersons to comprehend.
Digital Divide: The reliance on electronic submission and internet resources might exclude individuals without easy internet access or the technical skills required to navigate online filings.
Access Limitations: With the closure of the Public Reference Room due to COVID-19, individuals who rely on physical access to documents are disadvantaged, potentially limiting their ability to engage with the application process.
Public Impact
For the general public, this notice marks a procedural step in how energy rates and market dynamics are managed. The move towards market-based rates could potentially affect energy pricing and availability. The public's ability to intervene provides an avenue for concerned parties to express opposition or support, though the technical nature of the process might deter participation.
Stakeholder Impact
Legal and Regulatory Professionals: For those within the regulatory and legal fields, the document presents routine procedural information. The need for electronic filing aligns with broader governmental shifts towards digital processes.
Energy Consumers: Consumers might face changes in energy prices if the application influences broader market rate structures. However, the specific effects remain unclear due to the absence of detailed financial information.
Rural or Technologically Disadvantaged Individuals: These groups may find themselves at a disadvantage due to the emphasis on electronic processes, potentially limiting their ability to intervene or access information.
In conclusion, while the document provides a framework for public participation in an important regulatory process, the complexity and technical nature of the information may limit its accessibility and effectiveness for broader public engagement. It underscores a need for balance between efficient digital processes and inclusivity for all stakeholders.
Issues
• The document does not specify any costs or financial impacts associated with the blanket authorization for future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability. This lack of detail could obscure potential financial implications.
• The text assumes familiarity with terms like 'blanket authorization' and references to specific CFR parts without providing context or explanations, which could be unclear to those not intimately familiar with regulatory language.
• The process for electronic submissions and eRegistration requires users to have internet access and technical capabilities, which might exclude those without such access or expertise.
• The document provides multiple links and references to online resources for the full text and filing processes, which could be problematic for individuals with limited internet access or those who rely on physical documentation.
• The suspension of the Commission's Public Reference Room due to COVID-19 limits physical access to documents, potentially affecting those unable to access online resources.