FR 2025-02515

Editorial Commentary

The Federal Register document titled "Notice of Filing; Western Area Power Administration" pertains to a tariff filing submitted by the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) on February 4, 2025. This document serves as a formal notification of WAPA's intention to implement a new formula rate, referred to as Rate Order No. WAPA-221, which is set to take effect on April 1, 2025. Stakeholders interested in participating in this regulatory process, whether through intervention or protest, are required to adhere to the procedures specified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

General Summary

The notice is an official declaration that the Western Area Power Administration has made a filing concerning a new method of calculating rates, known as a formula rate. This filing will be instituted starting April 1, 2025. The document outlines the process for individuals or organizations wishing to express concerns or support regarding this change, specifically by filing interventions or protests. All related submissions must be made by March 6, 2025.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues present themselves within this document:

• Lack of Contextual Information: The document refers to "Rate Order No. WAPA-221" without providing a detailed explanation or context. This omission could leave readers, particularly those unfamiliar with energy regulations, uncertain about what this order entails.

• Complexity of Language: References to legal rules, such as 18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214, are included without further elaboration. For individuals who do not possess a background in legal jargon or regulatory procedures, this can present a barrier to understanding and participating efficiently in the process.

• Filing Instructions Confusion: While electronic submissions are strongly recommended, the document also provides a physical mailing address for submissions. This dual approach might lead to uncertainty regarding the most efficient or preferred submission method.

• Public Participation Guidance: Although the document provides contact information for the Commission's Office of Public Participation, it lacks detailed instructions on what individuals can expect upon reaching out, such as response times or available resources, potentially leaving interested parties in the dark about next steps.

Impact on the Public

The proposed formula rate potentially impacts a broad range of stakeholders:

• General Public: For the average consumer, changes in the formula rate might affect electricity pricing. While not immediate, such regulatory changes can eventually influence utility bills, either through direct rate adjustments or indirectly through shifts in how energy costs are managed by utilities.

• Specific Stakeholders:

• Landowners and Community Organizations: These groups might have specific concerns about the implications of the new rate structure on land use or community energy planning. The document's complexities could hinder their ability to engage meaningfully.
• Tribal Members and Indigenous Communities: Given the historical and ongoing interactions between energy projects and tribal lands, these stakeholders may have interests in ensuring the new rates align with community development goals and sovereignty rights.

Potential Positive and Negative Impacts

Positive Impacts: - Efficiency in Rate Setting: A formula rate can provide a more predictable and transparent mechanism for rate setting, possibly leading to a more stable pricing environment. - Encouragement of Public Engagement: Inclusion of the Office of Public Participation’s contact details symbolizes an intent to foster greater public involvement and feedback in energy regulatory processes.

Negative Impacts: - Accessibility Issues: The technical nature of the document may discourage or prevent comprehensive engagement from the broader public, particularly those unversed in regulatory language. - Stakeholder Readiness: With a relatively tight timeline for feedback and interventions, certain stakeholders may struggle to articulate or organize their positions effectively by the comment deadline.

In summary, while the notice effectively informs stakeholders of WAPA's upcoming rate change, the barriers presented by its technical language and procedural complexity could limit informed public participation. Stakeholders, especially those less familiar with regulatory processes, may face challenges in understanding and engaging with the filing.