FR 2025-03908

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced a technical conference on March 20, 2025, to discuss cost submissions by Various Federal Agencies (OFAs) related to administering Part I of the Federal Power Act. This event will provide a platform for OFAs and licensees to engage in discussions about the reported costs and any associated documentation or analyses. For those interested, the conference will be available via conference call through Microsoft Teams, and a transcript will be made available for download after two weeks.

General Summary

The document outlines the purpose and logistics of an upcoming technical conference organized by FERC. This conference is designed to scrutinize the costs submitted by other federal agencies for administering part of the Federal Power Act. It aims to ensure transparency and accountability by providing a discussion forum where stakeholders can review submissions and share insights. Additionally, it details how the conference will be accessible and provides contact details for inquiries and accommodations.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A key concern highlighted is the lack of specific details on the criteria or methodology that will guide what constitutes acceptable cost submissions. Without clear guidelines, there is potential for inconsistency and inefficiency in the process as agencies may interpret the requirements differently. Furthermore, the document does not outline how evaluations will be conducted during the technical conference or specify the documentation required for an effective review. This ambiguity might result in confusion or inequity among participating federal agencies.

Moreover, the document does not specify the expected outcomes from the conference, leaving it unclear how effective the discussion might be in resolving the issues related to cost submissions. The communication about accessing the conference transcript is also complex and might benefit from simpler language to ensure a clearer understanding.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the effectiveness of this process impacts the accountability and transparency of federal agencies managing public resources. If cost submissions are not adequately scrutinized, there may be inefficiencies in how federal agencies are utilizing funds related to the Federal Power Act. This, in turn, can affect the outcomes of federal power projects and initiatives often crucial for communities and the environment.

Impacts on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impacts: Federally regulated agencies and licensees might benefit from the opportunity to openly discuss and clarify any ambiguities in cost submissions with the chance to rectify any discrepancies. The conference could foster better practices and enhance the transparency of cost management within federal operations.

Negative Impacts: Conversely, agencies may struggle with uncertainty due to the lack of explicit criteria or guidelines for cost submissions. The uncertainty before the conference could lead to inefficiencies or inaccuracies. Additionally, without a clear framework for expected outcomes from the conference, agencies might find it challenging to navigate the preparatory aspects effectively.

In conclusion, while the conference represents a positive step toward enhancing dialogue and transparency, the effectiveness of these discussions will rely heavily on clear, structured guidelines and objectives to ensure a constructive outcome toward administering federal power resources.