FR 2025-00352

The document, originating from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and published in the Federal Register, outlines a technical issue within the electronic tariff filing system known as eTariff. Specifically, the notice announces that filers using the eTariff system are unable to add additional names to the service list through FERC Online. This document provides what can be seen as an interim solution and confirms that efforts to rectify the problem are currently underway.

General Summary

The notice informs filers and stakeholders that due to a current limitation in the eTariff system, additional names cannot be manually added to the service list; instead, they are added automatically through an entity labeled as the "account manager" in the Company Registration. To mitigate this issue, the notice suggests that filers who need to add names should do so by filing an Intervention through FERC Online. This guidance was issued on January 3, 2025, by Secretary Debbie-Anne A. Reese.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the lack of clarity and detail in the notice. Firstly, the document does not explain the specific nature of the technical problem or its impact on stakeholders who rely on the eTariff system. Secondly, there is no indication of a timeline for when this issue might be resolved, creating uncertainty for those affected. Additionally, the document suggests an alternative method—filing an Intervention—but does not provide enough context or guidance on how this can be effectively accomplished, potentially leading to confusion among users. Finally, terms like "account manager in Company Registration" may be perplexing to stakeholders unfamiliar with FERC's internal systems and processes, due to the lack of definitions or explanations.

Public Impact

For the general public, this issue may seem distant and technical, primarily affecting those directly involved in electronic tariff filings and regulatory processes within the energy sector. However, the smooth operation of regulatory processes is part of broader energy sector reliability and efficiency, potentially influencing energy services and infrastructure developments that eventually impact everyday consumers.

Impact on Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, particularly utility companies and legal professionals engaged in energy regulation, may experience immediate effects due to this eTariff system constraint. These individuals rely on the accurate and timely management of service lists to fulfill regulatory obligations. The inability to add names could lead to delays and additional administrative burdens, especially if the alternative intervention filing is not clearly understood or efficiently executed. Furthermore, the lack of timeline or detailed guidance might exacerbate operational disruptions, prompting stakeholders to allocate more resources to track and manage document filings and communications.

Overall, though the document addresses a specific technical issue, its clarity and completeness are essential for stakeholders to minimize disruptions and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements effectively.