FR 2021-03496

The Federal Register notice, published on February 22, 2021, details a series of filings received by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) related to various electric corporate matters, rate changes, securities, and compliance issues within the energy sector. These filings involve multiple energy companies, including well-known names such as Duke Energy and PJM Interconnection. The document highlights significant procedural actions, such as applications for changes in the market status, self-certifications, compliance updates, and requests for the issuance of securities.

General Summary of the Document

The notice primarily serves as an official communication from FERC regarding several electric-related filings. It provides detailed docket numbers and descriptions for each filing, along with essential dates and deadlines. Stakeholders are given until specific dates in March 2021 to submit comments or intervene in the lodged proceedings. Various types of filings are represented, including rate changes, compliance filings, and applications for regulatory authorizations.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document contains a mixture of highly technical terms and industry-specific jargon that may pose a challenge for individuals who are not familiar with the energy sector. Terms like "§ 205(d) Rate Filing," "Accession Number," and "Docket Numbers" may not be intuitive for a general audience and could impede their understanding of the notice's content. Additionally, several filings reference effective dates that appear to predate the filing date by several years or even decades, such as being "effective 11/27/2012." This could create confusion about the current relevance or applicability of certain filings.

Another potential concern is the lack of detailed instructions related to public resources and processes mentioned in the document. Although stakeholders are directed to the Commission's eLibrary system for more information, specific guidance on how to navigate and utilize these resources is not provided. Furthermore, the document indicates comment deadlines without clearly explaining who is eligible or required to submit comments, which can lead to ambiguities regarding stakeholder participation.

Public Impact

The notice is likely to have broad implications for energy consumers and producers alike, as the actions and decisions made pursuant to these filings can influence electricity rates, infrastructure development, and the overall functioning of energy markets. For the general public, the complexities and technical nature of the document could hinder engagement and awareness about changes in the energy industry that may ultimately affect them.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved or impacted by these proceedings—such as energy companies, investors, regulators, and consumer advocacy groups—the notice outlines critical procedural information and deadlines. Participating in these regulatory processes can provide opportunities to influence outcomes favorable to their interests, whether by supporting or objecting to proposed changes and actions. However, the document’s technical language and procedural references might also impose barriers for smaller entities or those without dedicated regulatory expertise, potentially disadvantaging their participation.

In conclusion, the notice signifies a routine but essential part of regulatory proceedings in the energy sector. It underscores the importance of having clarity and accessibility in public regulatory documents to ensure that all stakeholders, regardless of expertise or resources, can effectively engage in the regulatory process.