Overview
Title
Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-715); Comment Request; Extension
Agencies
ELI5 AI
FERC, a U.S. agency, wants people to share their thoughts on some reports about how big electricity systems are planned and checked every year, but they have not changed the questions they ask. They haven't clearly explained the costs or how safe it is to send in the answers, which might make it tricky for people to help out.
Summary AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking public comments on the information collection titled FERC-715, which covers transmission planning and evaluation reports. This information is collected annually from utilities that operate large transmission systems and is used to assess the reliability and efficiency of the nation's power grid. The current request is to extend this information collection for three more years without any changes to the reporting requirements. Comments are due by June 23, 2025, and can be submitted via email or postal mail.
Abstract
In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the currently approved information collection, FERC-715 (Annual Transmission Planning and Evaluation Report). There are no changes to the reporting requirements with this information collection.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), announces a call for public comments on the continuation of information collection under the identification FERC-715. This collection pertains to the annual transmission planning and evaluation reports submitted by utilities operating large transmission systems. The goal is to extend the current data collection requirements for another three years without changes. Comments are invited until June 23, 2025.
General Issues and Concerns
Several areas of concern arise from the document. Firstly, the lack of specific details regarding the estimated annual burden and cost for completing this information collection could hinder stakeholders’ ability to assess its implications. The document mentions that the average cost of wages and benefits aligns with FERC's estimation of $103 per hour, but it does not elaborate on how this figure was calculated or the specific roles involved.
Additionally, the document does not offer instructions on how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collection might be enhanced, leaving stakeholders without guidance on this critical aspect. Moreover, the references to legal and regulatory codes, such as 16 U.S.C. 824l and 18 CFR 141.300, may be unclear to some audiences lacking legal expertise, potentially complicating their understanding of the requirements.
The document also falls short on explaining the security and confidentiality measures in place for electronic submissions, which might be a primary concern for entities submitting sensitive information.
Broader Public Impact
The document requests comments to ensure that FERC's ability to evaluate and oversee the transmission grid remains robust. This impacts the general public by aiming to maintain reliable and efficient energy distribution across the nation. Efficient oversight can lead to improved grid reliability and potentially lower energy costs for consumers.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For utilities required to submit the FERC-715 forms, the continuation of this information collection represents a fixed administrative task they must complete annually. The collection process' reliability without changes might be reassuring for those who are already accustomed to the current process. However, the absence of new measures to reduce reporting burden or improve submission processes might be seen as a missed opportunity for further efficiency.
Stakeholders involved in energy regulation or planning may also be affected by the collection process. For these professionals, the ability of FERC to compile and use comprehensive data helps ensure a reliable grid. They might benefit from additional clarity on how the collected data will be used to influence regulatory practices.
In conclusion, while the document aims to maintain the integrity of energy transmission oversight, better clarification and transparency in cost, methods, and data security could enhance stakeholder engagement and confidence.
Financial Assessment
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) document involves requests for public comments on their information collection, known as FERC-715, which pertains to annual transmission planning and evaluation reports. This collection of information is proposed for extension without changes to the existing reporting requirements.
One of the key financial references in the document concerns the estimated industry costs related to the submission of this information. It notes that the industry's hourly cost for wages plus benefits is comparable to the Commission's $103.00 for the fiscal year 2025 average hourly cost for wages and benefits. This figure is a critical reference point for understanding the financial burden imposed on utilities required to comply with FERC's information collection requirements.
Financial Reference Context
- $103.00 Average Hourly Cost: This amount represents FERC's estimate of the industry's hourly cost regarding wages and benefits. However, it lacks detailed clarification. There is no explanation of how this figure was derived or what roles within the industry this cost pertains to. This lack of detail can make it challenging for stakeholders to evaluate whether the financial assessment accurately reflects the potential resource allocation needed for compliance.
Connection to Identified Issues
Estimate Clarity: Without a clear methodology for how the $103.00 hourly cost was determined, stakeholders may question the accuracy of FERC's estimate regarding the financial burden of complying with the information collection. The document does not detail the types of roles or activities these costs encompass, which could lead to misunderstandings or miscalculations by entities evaluating their own financial implications in relation to this requirement.
Guidance for Respondents: FERC invites comments on enhancing information quality and minimizing the collection burden. However, the document does not provide specific guidance or suggestions on how this could be financially achieved or improved. Clearer details on cost estimation methods and potential ways to mitigate compliance expenses would likely assist respondents in contributing more effectively to the discussion.
Overall, the financial reference in the document plays a significant role in understanding the compliance costs associated with the FERC-715 information collection, yet it lacks the necessary clarity and context for comprehensive assessment by the affected entities. Additional transparency regarding the financial estimation process would strengthen the ability of respondents to provide meaningful feedback.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific or detailed information about the estimated annual burden and cost for the information collection, which could make it difficult to assess financial or time implications for respondents.
• The phrase 'the industry's hourly cost for wages plus benefits is similar to the Commission's $103.00 FY 2025 average hourly cost for wages and benefits' is unclear. It lacks detail on how this figure was derived or what specific roles it pertains to.
• The document does not specify ways to enhance information quality, utility, and clarity, which are requested in the comments section, potentially leaving respondents without guidance.
• The legal references (e.g., 16 U.S.C. 824*l*) and regulatory references (e.g., 18 CFR 141.300) may be unfamiliar or unclear to some audiences without additional context or explanation.
• The method of data submission and whether the electronic submission process ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive information is not discussed, which may be a concern for respondents.