[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 115 (Thursday, June 15, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31428-31429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-14662]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
18 CFR Parts 141 and 388
[Docket No. RM95-9-000]
Real-Time Information Networks; Order on Motions for Extension of
Time for Filing Preliminary Comments
May 26, 1995.
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE.
ACTION: Order on motions for extension of time for filing preliminary
comments.
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SUMMARY: On March 29, 1995, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
issued a notice of technical conference and request for comments (60 FR
17726, Apr. 7, 1995) to announce a technical conference to be scheduled
at a later date, and, in preparation for that conference, to request
comments on: Whether real-time information networks (RINS) or some
other option is the best method to ensure that potential purchasers of
transmission services receive access to information to enable them to
obtain open access transmission service on a non-discriminatory basis
from public utilities that own and/or control facilities used for the
transmission of electric energy in interstate commence; and what
standards should be adopted if the Commission requires such public
utilities to institute RINS systems. By this order, the Commission
grants an extension of time for filing preliminary comments.
DATES: The time for filing preliminary comments is extended to July 6,
1995.
ADDRESSES: Office of the Secretary, 825 North Capitol Street NE.,
Washington, D.C. 20426.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary D. Cohen, Office of the General
Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 825 North Capitol Street
NE., Washington, D.C. 20426, (202) 208-0321.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Before Commissioners: Elizabeth Anne Moler, Chair; Vicky A.
Bailey, James J. [[Page 31429]] Hoecker, William L. Massey, and
Donald F. Santa, Jr.
Introduction
For the reasons stated below, we will allow a 30-day extension of
time, until July 6, 1995, for the filing of preliminary comments in
this proceeding.
Background
On March 29, 1995, the Commission issued Real-Time Information
Networks, Notice of Technical Conference and Request for Comments, 60
FR 17726 (Apr. 7, 1995), 70 FERC para.61,360 (1995) (Notice), that
initiated this proceeding and invited comments in preparation for a
forthcoming technical conference. The Notice invited interested persons
to file preliminary comments on or before June 6, 1995, and to
participate in a technical conference where they can make oral
presentations on their positions.
On May 4, 1995, New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) participants filed
a motion that requested a 60-day extension, until August 7, 1995, for
the filing of comments in response to the Notice. This same request was
made in a similar motion filed by members of the Pennsylvania-New
Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) on May 5, 1995, in a letter from
the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) filed on May 8, 1995,
and in a joint motion by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the
American Public Power Association (APPA) filed on May 19, 1995.
Additionally, the member systems of the New York Power Pool filed a
letter in support of the NEPOOL request on May 16, 1995.
Discussion
We will allow a 30-day extension of time--until July 6, 1995--to
file preliminary comments. In granting this extension, we have balanced
the nature and complexity of the issues presented and the efforts that
interested persons need to exert in order to respond to these issues,
against the need to take final action in this proceeding no later than
the time that we take final action on our notice of proposed rulemaking
on open access non-discriminatory transmission service.1 We
emphasize that the two proceedings need to run on parallel tracks if we
are to successfully implement non-discriminatory open access and
minimize uncertainty to utilities who will be required to comply with
the Commission's final requirements in both proceedings. We believe a
30-day extension of time properly balances these competing concerns.
\1\See Promoting Wholesale Competition Through Open Access Non-
Discriminatory Transmission Services by Public Utilities and
Recovery of Stranded Costs by Public Utilities and Transmitting
Utilities, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Supplemental Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, 60 FR 17662 (Apr. 7, 1995), IV FERC Stats. &
Regs. para. 32,514 (1995).
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Additionally, we emphasize that we are requesting parties to file
preliminary comments. The Notice describes a process--of which the
preliminary comments, now due on or before July 6, 1995, are just the
first step. These comments are being solicited to help the Commission
prepare for the forthcoming technical conference, by identifying the
issues important to the participants, how far along the participants
are in identifying possible means to accomplish the Commission's
objectives, or possible obstacles to particular approaches that the
Commission needs to consider. Following the technical conference, there
will be other opportunities for participants to comment. Moreover,
participants will not be limited to the issues, approaches, arguments,
and concerns that they present at this stage of the proceeding. We
fully expect that participants' recommendations may change as the
proceeding progresses.
We are now only at the beginning of what we hope will be an
iterative, consensus-building process. Given the important and complex
work yet to be done, it is imperative that we avoid any additional
delay at this early stage of the process. We, therefore, will grant
only a 30-day extension of time, and will deny the requested 60-day
extension of time.
The Commission Orders
The motions filed by NEPOOL, PJM, EEI, APPA, and NPCC for
extensions of time to file comments are hereby granted in part, to
allow a 30-day extension of time. All preliminary comments will now be
due on or before July 6, 1995.
By the Commission.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-14662 Filed 6-14-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
