FR 2021-03807

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced a technical conference to discuss resource adequacy in the evolving electricity sector. This virtual event is scheduled for March 23rd and 24th, 2021, and will be open to the public at no cost. This notice serves as an invitation for individuals and stakeholders interested in the future of electricity market design to participate in discussions without requiring attendance fees.

General Summary

FERC's notice outlines the logistics of the conference but leaves some details to be clarified later through a supplemental notice. Participants can expect a detailed agenda to become available on the FERC website. Furthermore, the conference proceedings will be transcribed, and anyone interested can purchase these transcripts. Contact information is provided to help with accessibility accommodations and additional inquiries regarding the conference.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues stand out upon examining the notice:

• Lack of an Abstract: The document does not include an abstract to succinctly convey its purpose and scope, which can hinder quick comprehension.

• Unclear Objectives: There is no explicit mention of the specific actions or outcomes planned from the conference, leaving its objectives somewhat ambiguous.

• Remote Attendance Details: While it is noted that the event will be held remotely, specific instructions on how to access the conference are not provided, aside from a reference to FERC's website.

• Accessibility Accommodations Clarity: The section on accessibility offers contact information but lacks clear, detailed directions on how such accommodations will be implemented.

• No Mention of Public Feedback Utilization: It is not clearly stated how public input during the conference will be managed or used, which might affect the transparency of the process.

• Multiple Contact Persons: Having several people listed for contact might cause confusion about which individual should be approached for specific issues.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broadly speaking, this conference may have a significant impact on how resource adequacy planning is approached in the future. With electricity markets and the sector evolving rapidly, largely due to factors such as renewable integration and changing demand patterns, these discussions could shape policy and regulatory frameworks that impact electricity consumers everywhere.

For specific stakeholders, like energy companies, regulators, and consumer advocacy groups, the conference represents an opportunity to voice concerns, share insights, and influence future market designs that balance efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the absence of explicit objectives might hinder some stakeholders from preparing substantive contributions.

Conversely, the lack of detailed guidance on remote participation could hinder public engagement, potentially restricting input from those who rely on clear instructions for attending such events. Additionally, the ambiguity regarding multiple contact points may lead to inefficiencies in addressing specific concerns or inquiries.

In conclusion, while FERC’s announcement represents a step towards addressing critical issues in the electricity sector, greater clarity and information in subsequent notices will be essential to maximize stakeholder engagement and transparent discussion outcomes.