80 FR 36293 - Revisions to Emergency Operations Reliability Standards; Revisions to Undervoltage Load Shedding Reliability Standards; Revisions to the Definition of “Remedial Action Scheme” and Related Reliability Standards
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 121 (June 24, 2015)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 121 (June 24, 2015)
| Page Range | 36293-36301 | |
| FR Document | 2015-15432 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 121 (Wednesday, June 24, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 36293-36301] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-15432] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 18 CFR Part 40 [Docket Nos. RM15-7-000, RM15-12-000, and RM15-13-000] Revisions to Emergency Operations Reliability Standards; Revisions to Undervoltage Load Shedding Reliability Standards; Revisions to the Definition of ``Remedial Action Scheme'' and Related Reliability Standards AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standards and definitions of terms submitted in three related petitions by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission- approved Electric Reliability Organization. The Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standards EOP-011-1 (Emergency Operations) and PRC- 010-1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding). According to NERC, the proposed Reliability Standards consolidate, streamline and clarify the existing requirements of certain currently-effective Emergency Preparedness and Operations (EOP) and Protection and Control (PRC) standards. The Commission also proposes to approve NERC's revised definition of the term ``Remedial Action Scheme'' as set forth in the NERC Glossary of Terms Used in Reliability Standards, and modifications of specified Reliability Standards to incorporate the revised definition. Further, the Commission proposes to approve the proposed implementation plans, and the retirement of certain currently-effective Reliability Standards. The Commission discusses concerns regarding several of NERC's proposals and, depending on the comments provided in response, the Commission may direct NERC to develop further modifications to address the concerns and possibly delay the retirement of one currently-effective standard. DATES: Comments are due August 24, 2015. ADDRESSES: Comments, identified by docket number, may be filed in the following ways:Electronic Filing through http://www.ferc.gov. Documents created electronically using word processing software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. Mail/Hand Delivery: Those unable to file electronically may mail or hand-deliver comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Instructions: For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the Comment Procedures Section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Henery (Technical Information), Office of Electric Reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502-8636, Nick.Henery@ferc.gov. Mark Bennett (Legal Information), Office of the General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502-8524, Mark.Bennett@ferc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA),\1\ the Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standards and definitions of terms submitted in three related petitions by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-approved Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). In particular, the Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standards EOP- [[Page 36294]] 011-1 (Emergency Operations) and PRC-010-1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding). NERC explains that the proposed Reliability Standards consolidate, streamline, and clarify the existing requirements of certain currently-effective Emergency Preparedness and Operations (EOP) and Protection and Control (PRC) standards. The Commission also proposes to approve NERC's revised definition of the term ``Remedial Action Scheme'' as set forth in the NERC Glossary of Terms Used in Reliability Standards (NERC Glossary), and modifications of specified Reliability Standards to incorporate the revised definition. Further, the Commission proposes to approve assigned violation risk factors and violation severity levels, proposed implementation plans, and the retirement of certain currently-effective Reliability Standards. The Commission discusses concerns regarding several of NERC's proposals and, depending on the comments provided in response, the Commission may direct NERC to develop further modifications to address the concerns and possibly delay the retirement of one currently-effective standard. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 16 U.S.C. 824o. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Background 2. Section 215 of the FPA requires a Commission-certified ERO to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, subject to Commission review and approval.\2\ Once approved, the Reliability Standards may be enforced by the ERO subject to Commission oversight or by the Commission independently. In 2006, the Commission certified NERC as the ERO pursuant to FPA section 215.\3\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ 16 U.S.C. 824o. \3\ North American Electric Reliability Corp., 116 FERC ] 61,062, order on reh'g & compliance, 117 FERC ] 61,126 (2006), aff'd sub nom. Alcoa, Inc. v. FERC, 564 F.3d 1342 (D.C. Cir. 2009). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. On March 16, 2007, the Commission issued Order No. 693, approving 83 of the 107 Reliability Standards filed by NERC, including initial versions of EOP-001, EOP-002, and EOP-003.\4\ In addition, the Commission directed NERC to develop certain modifications to the EOP standards. In Order No. 693, the Commission also approved several Undervoltage Load Shedding (UVLS)-related Reliability Standards, including PRC-010-0, PRC-021-1 and PRC-022-1.\5\ Also, the Commission directed NERC to modify Reliability Standard PRC-010-0 to develop an ``integrated and coordinated'' approach to all protection systems.\6\ In Order No. 693, the Commission approved the NERC Glossary, including NERC's currently-effective Special Protection System and Remedial Action Scheme definitions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power System, Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242, order on reh'g, Order No. 693-A, 120 FERC ] 61,053 (2007). \5\ Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242 at PP 1509, 1560 and 1565. The Commission neither approved nor remanded Reliability Standard PRC-020-1, explaining that the standard only applied to Regional Reliability Organizations. Id. P 1555. \6\ Id. P 1509. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. NERC Petitions 4. NERC submitted three related petitions that we address together in this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR).\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ The proposed EOP and PRC Reliability Standards are not attached to this notice of proposed rulemaking, nor are the additional standards that NERC proposes to modify to incorporate the revised term Remedial Action Scheme. The proposed Reliability Standards are available on the Commission's eLibrary document retrieval system in the identified dockets and on the NERC Web site, www.nerc.com. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. NERC EOP Petition--Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 (Docket No. RM15-7-000) 5. On December 29, 2014, NERC submitted a petition seeking Commission approval of proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 and a revised definition of ``Energy Emergency.'' NERC explains that proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 consolidates the requirements in three existing Reliability Standards: EOP-001-2.1b, EOP-002-3.1 and EOP-003-2 ``into a single Reliability Standard that clarifies the critical requirements for Emergency Operations while ensuring strong communication and coordination across the functional entities.'' \8\ NERC seeks retirement of Reliability Standards EOP-001-2.1b, EOP-002- 3.1 and EOP-003-2, as well as the approval of the associated implementation plan and violation risk factors and violation severity levels for Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 detailed in the petition. NERC also asserts that proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 satisfies seven Commission directives set forth in Order No. 693.\9\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ NERC EOP Petition at 3. \9\ Id. at 12-18. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. NERC states that the purpose of proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 is ``to address the effects of operating Emergencies by ensuring each Transmission Operator and Balancing Authority has developed Operating Plans to mitigate operating Emergencies, and that those plans are coordinated within a Reliability Coordinator area.'' \10\ NERC notes that Requirements R2 and R6 of the proposed Reliability Standard incorporate Attachment 1, which describes three energy emergency levels used by the reliability coordinator and the process for communicating the condition of a balancing authority experiencing an energy emergency.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ Id. at 2. \11\ Attachment 1 describes three alert levels: Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 (all available generation resources in use, concern about sustaining required contingency reserves); Energy Emergency Alert Level 2 (load management procedures in effect, energy deficient balancing authority implements its emergency Operating Plan but maintains minimum contingency reserve requirements); and Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 (firm load interruption is imminent or in process, energy deficient balancing authority unable to maintain minimum contingency reserve requirements). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 includes six requirements, and is applicable to balancing authorities, reliability coordinators and transmission operators. Requirements R1 and R2 require transmission operators and balancing authorities to develop, maintain and implement reliability coordinator-reviewed operating plans to mitigate operating, capacity and energy emergencies.\12\ Requirement R1 specifies elements for the plans ``as applicable,'' which is intended to provide flexibility to account for regional differences and pre- existing emergency mitigation methods. NERC states that the requirement for transmission operators and balancing authorities to maintain operating plans includes the expectation that the plans are current and up-to-date.\13\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ Operating Plan is defined in the NERC Glossary as a ``document that identifies a group of activities that may be used to achieve some goal. An Operating Plan may contain Operating Procedures and Operating Processes. A company-specific system restoration plan that includes an Operating Procedure for black- starting units, Operating Processes for communicating restoration progress with other entities, etc., is an example of an Operating Plan.'' \13\ NERC EOP Petition at 8-9. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Requirement R3 requires reliability coordinators to review the operating plans submitted by transmission operators and balancing authorities and is designed to ensure that there is appropriate coordination of reliability risks identified in the operating plans. In reviewing operating plans, reliability coordinators shall consider compatibility, coordination and inter-dependency with other entity operating plans and notify transmission operators and balancing authorities if revisions to their operating plans are necessary.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \14\ Id. at 10-11. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Requirement R4 requires transmission operators and balancing authorities to resolve any issues identified by the reliability coordinator and resubmit their revised operating [[Page 36295]] plans within a time period specified by the reliability coordinator. Requirement R5 requires each reliability coordinator to notify balancing authorities and transmission operators in its area, and neighboring reliability coordinators, within thirty minutes of receiving an emergency notification. Requirement R6 requires a reliability coordinator with a balancing authority experiencing a potential or actual energy emergency to declare an energy emergency alert in accordance with Attachment 1. 10. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 also includes the following revised definition of Energy Emergency: Energy Emergency--A condition when a Load-Serving Entity or Balancing Authority has exhausted all other resource options and can no longer meet its expected Load obligations. NERC explains that the proposed revised definition is intended to clarify that an energy emergency is not limited to a load-serving entity and, based on a review of the impact on the body of NERC Reliability Standards, ``does not change the reliability intent of other requirements of Definitions.'' \15\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ Id. at 18. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. NERC PRC Petition--Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 (Docket No. RM15-12-000) 11. On February 6, 2015, NERC submitted a petition seeking approval of proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding), approval of a revised definition of Undervoltage Load Shedding Program (UVLS Program) for inclusion in the NERC Glossary, the implementation plan for the proposed Reliability Standard and the associated violation risk factors and violation severity levels and retirement of four PRC Reliability Standards.\16\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ Reliability Standard PRC-010-0 (Assessment of the Design and Effectiveness of UVLS Program); Reliability Standard PRC-020-1 (Under-Voltage Load Shedding Program Database); Reliability Standard PRC-021-1 (Under-Voltage Load Shedding Program Data); and Reliability Standard PRC-022-1 (Under-Voltage Load Shedding Program Performance). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. In its petition, NERC states that proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 is a single, comprehensive standard that addresses the same reliability principles outlined in the four currently-effective UVLS- related Reliability Standards.\17\ NERC explains that the purpose of proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 is to ``establish an integrated and coordinated approach to the design, evaluation, and reliable operation of Undervoltage Load Shedding Programs'' as directed by the Commission in Order No. 693.\18\ Also, according to NERC, proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 replaces the applicability to and involvement of ``Regional Reliability Organization'' in Reliability Standards PRC-020-1 and PRC-021-1 and consolidates the four currently- effective UVLS-Related Standards into one comprehensive standard. NERC states that proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 ``reflects consideration of the 2003 Blackout Report recommendations,'' \19\ particularly, Recommendation 21 for NERC to ``make more effective and wider use of system protection measures'' \20\ and Recommendation 21C that ``NERC determine the goals and principles needed to establish an integrated approach to relay protection for generators and transmission lines, as well as of UFLS and UVLS programs.'' \21\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \17\ NERC PRC Petition at 14. \18\ Id. (citing Order No. 693, FERC Stats & Regs ] 31,242 at P 1509). \19\ NERC PRC Petition at 2 (citing the U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force, Final Report on the August 14, 2003 Blackout in the United States and Canada: Causes and Recommendations, April, 2004 (2003 Blackout Report)). \20\ NERC PRC Petition at 4 (citing 2003 Blackout Report at 3, 158). \21\ NERC PRC Petition at 6. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 incorporates a proposed definition of UVLS Program, which reads: Undervoltage Load Shedding Program (UVLS Program): An automatic load shedding program, consisting of distributed relays and controls, used to mitigate undervoltage conditions impacting the Bulk Electric System (BES), leading to voltage instability, voltage collapse, or Cascading. Centrally controlled undervoltage-based load shedding is not included. NERC explains that ``to ensure that the applicability of the proposed Reliability Standard covers undervoltage-based load shedding systems whose performance has an impact on system reliability, a UVLS Program must mitigate risk of one or more of the following: Voltage instability, voltage collapse, or Cascading impacting the Bulk Electric System. By focusing on the enumerated risks, the definition is meant to exclude locally-applied relays that are not designed to mitigate wide- area voltage collapse.'' \22\ NERC states that the proposed UVLS Program definition ``clearly identifies and separates centrally controlled undervoltage-based load shedding, which is now addressed by the proposed definition of Remedial Action Scheme.'' \23\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \22\ Id. at 16. \23\ Id. at 15. NERC's petition for approval of the proposed definition of Remedial Action Scheme (Docket No. RM15-13-000) is discussed below. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14. Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 applies to planning coordinators and transmission planners because ``either may be responsible for designing and coordinating the UVLS Program . . . [and] also applies to Distribution Providers and Transmission Owners responsible for the ownership, operation and control of UVLS equipment as required by the UVLS Program established by the Transmission Planner or Planning Coordinator.'' \24\ NERC explains that the planning coordinator or transmission planner that establishes a UVLS Program is responsible for identifying the UVLS equipment and the necessary distribution provider and transmission owner (referred to as ``UVLS entities'' in the Applicability section) that performs the required actions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \24\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15. NERC states that proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 ``applies only after an entity has determined the need for a UVLS Program as a result of its own planning studies.'' \25\ NERC explains that the eight requirements in proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 meet four primary objectives: (1) The proposed standard requires applicable entities to evaluate a UVLS Program's effectiveness prior to implementation, including coordination with other protection systems and generator voltage ride-through capabilities; (2) applicable entities must comply with UVLS program specifications and implementation schedule; (3) applicable entities must perform periodic assessment and performance analysis; and (4) applicable entities must maintain and share UVLS Program data. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \25\ Id. at 14. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16. Proposed Requirement R1 requires each planning coordinator or transmission planner that is developing a UVLS Program to evaluate the viability and effectiveness of its program before implementation to confirm its effectiveness in resolving the undervoltage conditions for which it was designed, and that it is integrated through coordination with generator ride-through capabilities and other protection and control systems. Also, the planning coordinator or transmission planner must provide the UVLS Program specifications and implementation schedule to the applicable UVLS entities. Requirement R2 requires UVLS entities to meet the UVLS Program's specifications and implementation schedule provided by the planning coordinator or transmission planner or address any [[Page 36296]] necessary corrective actions in accordance with Requirement R5. 17. Requirement R3 requires each planning coordinator or transmission planner to perform periodic comprehensive assessments at least every 60 calendar months to ensure continued effectiveness of the UVLS program, including whether the program resolves identified undervoltage issues and that it is integrated and coordinated with generator voltage ride-through capabilities and other specified protection and control systems. Requirement R4 requires each planning coordinator or transmission planner to commence a timely assessment of a voltage excursion subject to the UVLS Program, within twelve calendar months of the event, to evaluate whether the UVLS Program resolved the undervoltage issues associated with the event. Requirement R5 requires a planning coordinator or transmission planner to develop a corrective action plan for any program deficiencies identified during an assessment performed under either Requirement R3 or R4, and provide an implementation schedule to UVLS entities within three calendar months of its completion. 18. Pursuant to Requirement R6, a planning coordinator must update the data necessary to model its UVLS Program for use in event analyses and program assessments at least each calendar year. Requirement R7 requires each UVLS entity to provide data to its planning coordinator, according to the planning coordinator's format and schedule, to support maintenance of the UVLS Program database. Requirement R8 requires a planning coordinator to provide its UVLS Program database to other planning coordinators and transmission planners within its Interconnection, and other functional entities with a reliability need, within thirty calendar days of a written request. 19. NERC proposes that PRC-010-1 and the revised definition of UVLS Program shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter that is twelve (12) months after the date that the standard and definition are approved by the Commission. NERC also proposes to retire PRC-010-0, PRC-020-1, PRC-021-1, and PRC-022-1 at midnight of the day immediately prior to the effective date of PRC-010-1.\26\ Further, NERC explains that proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 addresses reliability obligations that are set forth in Requirements R2, R4 and R7 of currently-effective Reliability Standard EOP-003-2.\27\ Since NERC has proposed to retire EOP-003-2 in the petition seeking approval of proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 (Docket No. RM15-7-00, discussed above), concurrent Commission action on the two petitions will prevent a possible reliability gap. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ Id. Ex. B (Implementation Plan). \27\ See NERC EOP Petition at 23. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. NERC RAS Petition--Revisions to the Definition of ``Remedial Action Scheme'' (Docket No. RM15-13-000) 20. On February 3, 2015, NERC submitted a petition seeking approval of a proposed revised definition of Remedial Action Scheme in the NERC Glossary. In addition, NERC seeks approval of modified Reliability Standards that incorporate the new definition of Remedial Action Scheme and eliminate use of the term Special Protection System.\28\ NERC states that the defined terms Special Protection System and Remedial Action Scheme are currently used interchangeably throughout the NERC Regions and in various Reliability Standards. NERC explains that ``[a]lthough these defined terms share a common definition in the NERC Glossary of Terms today, their use and application have been inconsistent as a result of a lack of granularity in the definition and varied regional uses of the terms. The proposed revisions add clarity and granularity that will allow for proper identification of Remedial Action Schemes and a more consistent application of related Reliability Standards.'' \29\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \28\ NERC RAS Petition at 1-2. NERC proposes to modify the following Reliability Standards to incorporate the proposed definition of Remedial Action Scheme and eliminate use of the term Special Protection System: EOP-004-3, PRC-005-3(ii), PRC-023-4, FAC- 010-3, TPL-001-0.1(i), FAC-011-3, TPL-002-0(i)b, MOD-030-3, TPL-003- 0(i)b, MOD-029-2a, PRC-015-1, TPL-004-0(i)a, PRC-004-WECC-2, PRC- 016-1, PRC-001-1.1(i), PRC-005-2(ii), and PRC-017-1. NERC does not propose any changes to the violation risk factors or violation severity levels for the modified standards. \29\ Id. at 4-5. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21. NERC states that the revised definition of Remedial Action Scheme consists of a ``core'' definition, including a list of objectives and a separate list of exclusions for certain schemes or systems not intended to be covered by the revised definition.\30\ NERC explains that it is proposing a broad definition because of ``all the possible scenarios an entity may develop'' for its Remedial Action Scheme and a ``very specific, narrow definition may unintentionally exclude schemes that should be covered.'' \31\ Accordingly, NERC proposes the following revised ``core'' definition of Remedial Action Scheme: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \30\ Id. at 16. NERC notes that ``for each exclusion, the scheme or system could still classify as a Remedial Action Scheme if employed in a broader scheme that meets the definition of Remedial Action Scheme.'' \31\ Id. at 17. A scheme designed to detect predetermined system conditions and automatically take corrective actions that may include, but are not limited to, adjusting or tripping generation (MW and Mvar), tripping load, or reconfiguring a System(s). (sic) RAS accomplish objectives such as: Meet requirements identified in the NERC Reliability Standards; Maintain Bulk Electric System (BES) stability; Maintain acceptable BES voltages; Maintain acceptable BES power flows; Limit the impact of Cascading or extreme events. The definition then lists fourteen exclusions, describing specific schemes and systems that do not constitute a Remedial Action Scheme, because each is either a protection function, a control function, a combination of both, or used for system reconfiguration.\32\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \32\ Id. at 18. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22. In the implementation plan, NERC proposes an effective date for the revised Reliability Standards and the revised definition of ``Remedial Action Scheme'' on the first day of the first calendar quarter that is twelve months after Commission approval.\33\ NERC also proposes that for entities with existing schemes that become newly classified as ``Remedial Action Schemes'' resulting from the application of the revised definition, the entities will have additional time of up to twenty-four months from the effective date to be fully compliant with all applicable Reliability Standards.\34\ Further, NERC asks the Commission to take final action concurrently with the NERC petition on proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 (Docket No. RM15-12-000) because ``[t]he proposed definitions of UVLS Program and Remedial Action Scheme in each project have been coordinated to cover centrally controlled UVLS as a Remedial Action Scheme. Final action by the Commission is needed contemporaneously on both petitions to facilitate implementation and avoid a gap in coverage of centrally controlled UVLS.'' \35\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \33\ Id. at 15-16. \34\ NERC RAS Petition, EX. C (Implementation Plan) at 4. \35\ NERC RAS Petition at 25. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. Discussion 23. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the FPA, the Commission proposes to approve as just, reasonable, not unduly [[Page 36297]] discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest the proposed Reliability Standards and NERC Glossary definitions set forth in NERC's three petitions pertaining to EOP-011-1, PRC-010-1 and a revised definition of Remedial Action Scheme. As discussed below, the Commission believes that the modified Reliability Standards provide greater clarity, and the consolidated EOP and PRC standards will provide additional efficiencies for responsible entities. A. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 24. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the FPA, we propose to approve proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 and the proposed new Energy Emergency definition, as well as the proposed violation risk factors and violation severity levels and implementation plan. We agree with NERC that proposed EOP-011-1 consolidates and reorganizes previously approved standards, and proposes modifications based on current operating practices and experience. We believe that the Reliability Standard enhances reliability by requiring that actions necessary to mitigate capacity and energy emergencies are focused in single operating plans, and ensures communication and coordination among relevant entities during emergency operations. Also, we are satisfied that the NERC petition adequately addresses the relevant Order No. 693 directives.\36\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \36\ Currently effective EOP-002-3.1 applies, inter alia, to load-serving entities. Proposed EOP-011-1, which would replace EOP- 002-3.1, would apply to balancing authorities, reliability coordinators and transmission operators, but not load-serving entities. The removal of load-serving entities raises questions on who would perform the roles traditionally performed by load-serving entities. For instance, NERC's Functional Model indicates that a load-serving entity has real-time responsibility to receive requests from a balancing authority to voluntarily curtail load and communicate such requests for voluntary load curtailment to end-use customers as directed by the balancing authority. In addition, NERC's Functional Model indicates that a balancing authority has a real-time function to coordinate the use of controllable loads with load-serving entities. The Commission notes that NERC is required to make a compliance filing in July 2015 in Docket No. RR15-4-000. The Commission's decision on that filing will guide our action on this question in this proceeding. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 25. Pursuant to section 215 of the FPA, we propose to approve proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 as just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential and in the public interest. We also propose to approve the proposed, revised definition of UVLS Program for inclusion in the NERC Glossary, the implementation plan and the associated violation risk factors and violation severity levels. Likewise, we propose to approve the retirement of PRC-010-0, PRC-020-1 and PRC-021-1.\37\ However, for the reasons explained below, we are concerned whether it is appropriate to retire PRC-022-1, as NERC requests, before an acceptable replacement Reliability Standard is in place to address the potential misoperation of UVLS equipment. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \37\ As noted above, the Commission in Order No. 693 did not approve or remand proposed Reliability Standard PRC-020-1 but, rather, took no action on the Reliability Standard pending the receipt of additional information. Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242 at P 1555. Approval of Reliability Standard PRC-010- 1, as proposed herein, will render PRC-020-1 ``retired,'' i.e., withdrawn, and no longer pending before the Commission. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26. The Commission agrees with NERC that proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 will improve system reliability by establishing an integrated and coordinated approach to the design, evaluation and reliable operation of UVLS Programs, and therefore satisfies the Commission's directive issued in Order No. 693.\38\ We also propose to approve the proposed UVLS Program definition and agree that it ``clearly identifies and separates centrally controlled undervoltage- based load shedding, which is now addressed by the proposed definition of Remedial Action Scheme.'' \39\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \38\ Order No. 693, FERC Stats & Regs. ] 31,242 at P 1509. \39\ NERC PRC Petition at 15. NERC's proposed revised definition of Remedial Action Scheme (Docket No. RM15-13-000) is addressed elsewhere in this NOPR. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27. In the ``Guidelines for UVLS Program Definition,'' NERC provides an example of a ``BES subsystem,'' in the diagram below, illustrating a UVLS system that would not be included in the definition of UVLS Program if the consequences of the contingency do not impact the BES.\40\ The Commission seeks clarification whether this example illustrates a centrally controlled UVLS and would therefore be considered a Remedial Action Scheme.\41\ The Commission also seeks clarification regarding the use of the term ``BES subsystem,'' since the term is not defined in the NERC Glossary. Depending on the response from NERC and others, a directive for further modification may be appropriate to ensure that the UVLS standards and related NERC guidance are consistent with the Commission-approved definition of ``bulk electric system.'' \42\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \40\ NERC PRC Petition, Ex. A (Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1) at 12. \41\ Id. at 3. \42\ Revisions to Electric Reliability Organization Definition of Bulk Electric System and Rules of Procedure, Order No. 773, 141 FERC ] 61,236 (2012); order on reh'g, Order No. 773-A, 143 FERC ] 61,053 (2013), order on reh'g and clarification, 144 FERC ] 61,174 (2013), aff'd sub nom., New York v. FERC, 783 F.3d 946 (2d. Cir. 2015). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 36298]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24JN15.001 28. NERC proposes to retire Reliability Standard PRC-022-1, which requires transmission operators, load-serving entities and distribution providers to analyze and document all UVLS operations and misoperations. Requirement R1.5 of this Reliability Standard requires that an applicable entity's analysis and documentation should include ``[f]or any Misoperation, a Corrective Action Plan to avoid future Misoperations of a similar nature.'' Proposed Reliability Standard PRC- 010-1, Requirement R5 addresses deficiencies in UVLS Programs that a planning coordinator or transmission planner identifies during assessments performed in accordance with either Requirement R3 (periodic UVLS Program effectiveness evaluations) or Requirement R4 (evaluations to assess UVLS Program responses to voltage excursions), and requires the entities to develop a Corrective Action Plan to address the deficiencies. 29. NERC correctly states that ``[w]hen a UVLS Program does not function as expected and designed during a voltage excursion event, this presents a risk to system reliability.'' \43\ However, we are not persuaded that proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1, Requirement R4 is an adequate replacement for currently-effective PRC-022-1, which contains requirements specifically addressing misoperations. Accordingly, we propose to deny NERC's proposal to retire currently- effective Reliability Standard PRC-022-1 concurrent with the effective date of proposed PRC-010-1. Rather, we propose that Reliability Standard PRC-022-1 remain in effect until an acceptable replacement standard is approved and implemented.\44\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \43\ Id. at 20. \44\ In the PRC Petition, NERC indicates that UVLS misoperations are currently being addressed in Project 2008-02.2 Phase 2 Undervoltage Load Shedding (UVLS): Misoperations. NERC states that ``[t]his phase of the UVLS project will address Misoperation of UVLS equipment to complete the work anticipated by the two standard drafting teams.'' Id. at 23. The Commission notes that, on June 9, 2015, NERC filed proposed Reliability Standards PRC-010-2 and PRC- 004-5, which include requirements and applicability criteria pertaining to UVLS misoperations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Revised Definition of Remedial Action Scheme 30. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the FPA, the Commission proposes to approve the proposed definition of Remedial Action Scheme, the proposed exclusions, the proposed Reliability Standards and proposed implementation plan, as just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. We are persuaded that the use of a broad, core definition with a wide scope, accompanied by a list of specific exclusions will help avoid confusion and achieve a uniform understanding across all the Regional Entities of the proper classification of what schemes and systems constitute a Remedial Action Scheme. We agree with NERC that the proposed definition will improve reliability by eliminating ambiguity and promoting the proper, consistent identification of Remedial Action Schemes and more consistency in the application of related Reliability Standards.\45\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \45\ NERC RAS Petition at 14-16. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. Information Collection Statement 31. The collection of information contained in this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations under section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).\46\ OMB's regulations require approval of certain informational collection requirements imposed by agency rules.\47\ Upon approval of a collection(s) of information, OMB will assign an OMB control number and an expiration date. Respondents subject to the filing requirements of a rule will not be penalized for failing to respond to these collections of information unless the collections of information display a valid OMB control number. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \46\ 44 U.S.C. 3507(d). \47\ 5 CFR 1320.11. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32. We solicit comments on the need for this information, whether the information will have practical utility, the accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected or retained, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondents' burden, including the use of automated information techniques. Specifically, the Commission asks that any revised burden or cost estimates submitted by commenters be supported by sufficient detail to understand how the estimates are generated. A. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 33. Public Reporting Burden: As of May 2015, there are 99 balancing authorities, 15 reliability coordinators and 171 transmission operators registered with NERC. These registered entities will have to comply with 6-8 new requirements in the proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011- 1. As proposed, each registered balancing authority will have to comply with Requirements R2, R4, and, under certain circumstances, R5. Each reliability [[Page 36299]] coordinator will have to comply with Requirements R1 and its subparts, R2 and its subparts, R3 and its subparts, R5 and R6. Each transmission operator will have to comply with Requirements R1 and its subparts and R4. 34. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 replaces a combined total of 40 requirements or subparts that are found in Reliability Standards EOP-001-2.1b, EOP-002-3.1 and EOP-003-2. These three Reliability Standards are proposed to be retired, concurrent with the effective date of proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1. Accordingly, the requirements in proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 do not create any new burdens for applicable balancing authorities or transmission operators because the requirements in Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 are already burdens or tasks imposed on this set of registered entities by Reliability Standards EOP-001-2.1b, EOP-002-3.1 and EOP-003-2 under FERC-725A (1902-0244). 35. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 requires reliability coordinators to perform the additional tasks of reviewing, correcting, and coordinating their balancing authorities' and transmission operators' operating procedures for emergency conditions. The Commission estimates that these tasks will add approximately 1,500 man- hours per year for each reliability coordinator as described in detail in the following table: RM15-7-000 (Mandatory Reliability Standards: Reliability Standard EOP-011-1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Total annual applicable Annual number Total number of Average burden burden hours & Cost per registered of responses responses (hours) & cost total annual respondent entities per respondent per response cost (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4) (3) * (4) = (5) / (1) (5) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RC tasks necessary for EOP-011-1 compliance......... 11 1 11 1,500 16,500 $92,387 \48\ 92,387 $1,016,257 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 36. Public Reporting Burden: As of May 2015, there are 450 registered distribution providers and 175 transmission planners that are not overlapping in their registration with the distribution provider registration. We estimate that five percent of all distribution providers (23) and transmission planners (9) have under voltage load shedding programs that fall under the proposed Reliability Standard. The proposed Reliability Standard is applicable to planning coordinators and transmission planners, distribution providers and transmission owners. However, only distribution providers and transmission owners would be responsible for the incremental compliance burden under proposed Reliability Standard PRC-010-1, Requirement R2, as described in detail in the following table: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \48\ The 1,500 hour figure is broken into 1,300 hours at the engineer wage rate and 200 hours at the clerk wage rate. These estimates assume that the engineer's wage rate will be $66.35 and the clerk's wage rate will be $30.66. These figures are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm; Occupation Code: 17-2071 (engineer) and 43-4071 (clerk). RM15-12-000 (Mandatory Reliability Standards: Reliability Standard PRC-010-1) \49\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Total annual applicable Annual number Total number Average burden burden hours & Cost per registered of responses of responses (hours) & cost total annual respondent ($) entities per respondent per response cost -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4) (3) * (4) = (5) / (1) (3) (5) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DP--Requirement 2....................................... 23 1 23 \50\ 36 828 $1,906 $1,906.32 $43,845.36 TP--Requirement 2....................................... 3 1 3 \51\ 36 324 1,906 $1,906.32 $17,156.07 DP--Requirement 2 Data Retention........................ 23 1 23 12 276 368 \52\ $367.92 $8,462.16 TP--Requirement 2 Data Retention........................ 3 1 3 12 108 368 $367.92 $3,311.28 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................................... .............. .............. .............. .............. $72,774.87 .............. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Remedial Action Scheme Revisions --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \49\ DP = distribution provider and TP = transmission planner. \50\ The 36 hour figure is broken into 24 hours at the engineer wage rate and 12 hours at the clerk wage rate. These estimates assume that the engineer's wage rate will be $66.35 and the clerk's wage rate will be $30.66. These figures are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm; Occupation Code: 17-2071 (engineer) and 43-4071 (clerk). \51\ Id. \52\ Clerk's wage rate is used for managing data retention. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37. Public Reporting Burden: The Commission approved the definition of Special Protection System (Remedial Action Scheme) in Order No. 693. We propose to approve a revision to the previously approved definition. The proposed revisions to the Remedial Action Scheme definition and proposed Reliability Standards are not expected to result in changes to the scope of systems covered by the proposed Reliability [[Page 36300]] Standards and other Reliability Standards that include the term Remedial Action Scheme. Therefore, the Commission does not expect the proposed revisions to affect applicable entities' current reporting burden. FERC-725G4, Mandatory Reliability Standards: Reliability Standard PRC-010-1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding). FERC-725S, Mandatory Reliability Standards: Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 (Emergency Operations). Action: Proposed Collection of Information. OMB Control No: OMB Control No. 1902-0270 (FERC-725S); OMB Control No. 1902-TBD (FERC-725G4). Respondents: Business or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions. Frequency of Responses: One time and on-going. Necessity of the Information: The proposed approval of the proposed Reliability Standards implements the Congressional mandate of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards to better ensure the reliability of the nation's Bulk-Power System. Specifically, the proposed Reliability Standards consolidate, streamline and clarify the existing requirements of certain currently-effective Emergency Preparedness and Operations and Protection and Control Reliability Standards. 38. Internal review: The Commission has reviewed the requirements pertaining to proposed Reliability Standards PRC-010-1 and EOP-011-1 and made a determination that the proposed requirements of these Reliability Standards are necessary to implement section 215 of the FPA. These requirements conform to the Commission's plan for efficient information collection, communication and management within the energy industry. The Commission has assured itself, by means of its internal review, that there is specific, objective support for the burden estimates associated with the information requirements. 39. Interested persons may obtain information on the reporting requirements by contacting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of the Executive Director, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426 [Attention: Ellen Brown, email: DataClearance@ferc.gov, phone: (202) 502-8663, fax: (202) 273-0873]. 40. Comments concerning the information collections proposed in this NOPR and the associated burden estimates, should be sent to the Commission in this docket and may also be sent to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs [Attention: Desk Officer for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission]. For security reasons, comments should be sent by email to OMB at the following email address: oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. Please reference the docket numbers of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Docket Nos. RM15-13-000, RM15-12-000, and RM15-7-000) in your submission. V. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis 41. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) \53\ generally requires a description and analysis of Proposed Rules that will have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The immediate rulemaking proposes action on three separate, but related, NERC petitions. As discussed above, the consolidated EOP standard and consolidated PRC standards are intended to provide additional efficiencies for responsible entities. Thus, the Commission estimates that the rulemaking will impose only a minimal additional burden on responsible entities, as described below. Proposed Reliability Standard EOP-011-1 is expected to impose an additional burden on 11 entities (reliability coordinators). The remaining 270 entities (balancing authorities and transmission operators and a combination thereof) will maintain the existing levels of burden. Comparison of the applicable entities with FERC's small business data indicates that approximately 7 of the 11 entities are small entities affected by this proposed Reliability Standard.\54\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \53\ 5 U.S.C. 601-12. \54\ The Small Business Administration sets the threshold for what constitutes a small business. Public utilities may fall under one of several different categories, each with a size threshold based on the company's number of employees, including affiliates, the parent company, and subsidiaries. For the analysis in this NOPR, we use a 500 employee threshold for each affected entity. Each entity is classified as Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control (NAICS code 221121). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42. On average, each small entity affected may have a one-time cost of $92,387, representing a one-time review of the program for each entity, consisting of 1,500 man-hours at $66.35/hour (for engineers) and $30.66/hour (for record clerks), as explained above in the information collection statement. Proposed Reliability Standard PRC- 010-1 is expected to impose an additional burden on 26 entities (distribution providers and transmission planners or a combination thereof). Comparison of the applicable entities with FERC's small business data indicates that approximately 8 are small entities affected by this proposed Reliability Standard. 43. On average, each small entity affected may have a cost of $1,906, representing a one-time review of the program for each entity, consisting of 96 man-hours at $66.35/hour (for engineers) and $30.66/ hour (for record clerks), as explained above in the information collection statement. The Commission estimates that the modified definition of the term Remedial Action Scheme and related modifications to Reliability Standards will have no cost impact on applicable entities, including any small entities. 44. The Commission estimates that the combined impact of proposed Reliability Standards EOP-011-1 and PRC-010-1 in this NOPR would impose an additional burden on a total of 47 entities. Further, the Commission estimates that 15 respondents are small entities affected by these proposed Reliability Standards. On average, each small entity affected may have a cost of $92,387 and $1,906 (EOP-011-1 and PRC-010-1 respectively), representing a one-time review of the program for each entity. The Commission does not consider these costs to be a significant economic impact on small entities. Accordingly, the Commission certifies that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Commission seeks comment on this certification. VI. Environmental Analysis 45. The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may have a significant adverse effect on the human environment.\55\ The Commission has categorically excluded certain actions from this requirement as not having a significant effect on the human environment. Included in the exclusion are rules that are clarifying, corrective, or procedural or that do not substantially change the effect of the regulations being amended.\56\ The actions proposed herein fall within this categorical exclusion in the Commission's regulations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \55\ Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Order No. 486, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 30,783 (1987). \56\ 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII. Comment Procedures 46. The Commission invites interested persons to submit comments on the matters and issues proposed in this notice to be adopted, including any related matters or alternative proposals [[Page 36301]] that commenters may wish to discuss. Comments are due August 24, 2015. Comments must refer to Docket Nos. RM15-13-000, RM15-12-000, and RM15- 7-000, and must include the commenter's name, the organization they represent, if applicable, and address. 47. The Commission encourages comments to be filed electronically via the eFiling link on the Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov. The Commission accepts most standard word processing formats. Documents created electronically using word processing software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. Commenters filing electronically do not need to make a paper filing. 48. Commenters that are not able to file comments electronically must send an original of their comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. 49. All comments will be placed in the Commission's public files and may be viewed, printed, or downloaded remotely as described in the Document Availability section below. Commenters on this proposal are not required to serve copies of their comments on other commenters. VIII. Document Availability 50. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the Internet through the Commission's Home Page (http://www.ferc.gov) and in the Commission's Public Reference Room during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time) at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426. 51. From the Commission's Home Page on the Internet, this information is available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, printing, and/or downloading. To access this document in eLibrary, type the docket number excluding the last three digits of this document in the docket number field. 52. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the Commission's Web site during normal business hours from the Commission's Online Support at (202) 502-6652 (toll free at 1-866-208-3676) or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the Public Reference Room at (202) 502- 8371, TTY (202) 502-8659. Email the Public Reference Room at public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. By direction of the Commission. Dated: June 18, 2015. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015-15432 Filed 6-23-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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applicable entities, and operational 90. From the Commission’s Home Operations (EOP) and Protection and
reliability data. The Commission Page on the Internet, this information is Control (PRC) standards. The
estimates that each of the small entities available on eLibrary. The full text of Commission also proposes to approve
to whom the proposed Reliability this document is available on eLibrary NERC’s revised definition of the term
Standards TOP–001–3, TOP–002–4, in PDF and Microsoft Word format for ‘‘Remedial Action Scheme’’ as set forth
TOP–003–3, IRO–001–4, IRO–002–4, viewing, printing, and/or downloading. in the NERC Glossary of Terms Used in
IRO–008–2, IRO–010–2, IRO–014–3, To access this document in eLibrary, Reliability Standards, and modifications
and IRO–017–1 applies will incur costs type the docket number of this of specified Reliability Standards to
of approximately $147,364 (annual document, excluding the last three incorporate the revised definition.
ongoing) per entity. The Commission digits, in the docket number field. Further, the Commission proposes to
does not consider the estimated costs to 91. User assistance is available for approve the proposed implementation
have a significant economic impact on eLibrary and the Commission’s Web site plans, and the retirement of certain
a substantial number of small entities. during normal business hours from the currently-effective Reliability Standards.
The Commission seeks comment on this Commission’s Online Support at 202– The Commission discusses concerns
proposal. 502–6652 (toll free at 1–866–208–3676) regarding several of NERC’s proposals
VI. Comment Procedures or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, and, depending on the comments
or the Public Reference Room at (202) provided in response, the Commission
85. The Commission invites interested 502–8371, TTY (202) 502–8659. Email may direct NERC to develop further
persons to submit comments on the the Public Reference Room at modifications to address the concerns
matters and issues proposed in this public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. and possibly delay the retirement of one
notice to be adopted, including any currently-effective standard.
related matters or alternative proposals List of Subjects in 18 CFR Part 40
DATES: Comments are due August 24,
that commenters may wish to discuss. Reliability standards.
2015.
Comments are due August 24, 2015.
Comments must refer to Docket No. By direction of the Commission. ADDRESSES: Comments, identified by
RM15–16–000, and must include the Dated: June 18, 2015. docket number, may be filed in the
commenter’s name, the organization Kimberly D. Bose, following ways:
they represent, if applicable, and their Secretary. • Electronic Filing through http://
address in their comments. [FR Doc. 2015–15433 Filed 6–23–15; 8:45 am] www.ferc.gov. Documents created
86. The Commission encourages BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
electronically using word processing
comments to be filed electronically via software should be filed in native
the eFiling link on the Commission’s applications or print-to-PDF format and
Web site at http://www.ferc.gov. The DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY not in a scanned format.
Commission accepts most standard • Mail/Hand Delivery: Those unable
word processing formats. Documents Federal Energy Regulatory to file electronically may mail or hand-
created electronically using word Commission deliver comments to: Federal Energy
processing software should be filed in Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the
native applications or print-to-PDF 18 CFR Part 40 Commission, 888 First Street NE.,
format and not in a scanned format. Washington, DC 20426.
[Docket Nos. RM15–7–000, RM15–12–000, Instructions: For detailed instructions
Commenters filing electronically do not and RM15–13–000]
need to make a paper filing. on submitting comments and additional
87. Commenters that are not able to information on the rulemaking process,
Revisions to Emergency Operations
file comments electronically must send see the Comment Procedures Section of
Reliability Standards; Revisions to
an original of their comments to: this document.
Undervoltage Load Shedding
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Reliability Standards; Revisions to the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Definition of ‘‘Remedial Action Nick Henery (Technical Information),
Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Scheme’’ and Related Reliability Office of Electric Reliability, Federal
88. All comments will be placed in Standards Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
the Commission’s public files and may First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426,
be viewed, printed, or downloaded AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory (202) 502–8636, Nick.Henery@ferc.gov.
remotely as described in the Document Commission, DOE. Mark Bennett (Legal Information),
Availability section below. Commenters ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. Office of the General Counsel, Federal
on this proposal are not required to Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
serve copies of their comments on other SUMMARY: The Commission proposes to First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426,
commenters. approve Reliability Standards and (202) 502–8524, Mark.Bennett@ferc.gov.
definitions of terms submitted in three SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VII. Document Availability related petitions by the North American 1. Pursuant to section 215 of the
89. In addition to publishing the full Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Federal Power Act (FPA),1 the
text of this document in the Federal the Commission-approved Electric Commission proposes to approve
Register, the Commission provides all Reliability Organization. The Reliability Standards and definitions of
interested persons an opportunity to Commission proposes to approve terms submitted in three related
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
view and/or print the contents of this Reliability Standards EOP–011–1 petitions by the North American Electric
document via the Internet through the (Emergency Operations) and PRC–010– Reliability Corporation (NERC), the
Commission’s Home Page (http:// 1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding). Commission-approved Electric
www.ferc.gov) and in the Commission’s According to NERC, the proposed Reliability Organization (ERO). In
Public Reference Room during normal Reliability Standards consolidate, particular, the Commission proposes to
business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. streamline and clarify the existing approve Reliability Standards EOP–
Eastern time) at 888 First Street NE., requirements of certain currently-
Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426. effective Emergency Preparedness and 1 16 U.S.C. 824o.
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plans within a time period specified by Commission in Order No. 693.18 Also, 14. Proposed Reliability Standard
the reliability coordinator. Requirement according to NERC, proposed Reliability PRC–010–1 applies to planning
R5 requires each reliability coordinator Standard PRC–010–1 replaces the coordinators and transmission planners
to notify balancing authorities and applicability to and involvement of because ‘‘either may be responsible for
transmission operators in its area, and ‘‘Regional Reliability Organization’’ in designing and coordinating the UVLS
neighboring reliability coordinators, Reliability Standards PRC–020–1 and Program . . . [and] also applies to
within thirty minutes of receiving an PRC–021–1 and consolidates the four Distribution Providers and
emergency notification. Requirement R6 currently-effective UVLS-Related Transmission Owners responsible for
requires a reliability coordinator with a Standards into one comprehensive the ownership, operation and control of
balancing authority experiencing a standard. NERC states that proposed UVLS equipment as required by the
potential or actual energy emergency to Reliability Standard PRC–010–1 UVLS Program established by the
declare an energy emergency alert in ‘‘reflects consideration of the 2003 Transmission Planner or Planning
accordance with Attachment 1. Blackout Report recommendations,’’ 19 Coordinator.’’ 24 NERC explains that the
10. Proposed Reliability Standard particularly, Recommendation 21 for planning coordinator or transmission
EOP–011–1 also includes the following NERC to ‘‘make more effective and planner that establishes a UVLS
revised definition of Energy Emergency: wider use of system protection Program is responsible for identifying
Energy Emergency—A condition when a measures’’ 20 and Recommendation 21C the UVLS equipment and the necessary
Load-Serving Entity or Balancing Authority that ‘‘NERC determine the goals and distribution provider and transmission
has exhausted all other resource options and principles needed to establish an owner (referred to as ‘‘UVLS entities’’ in
can no longer meet its expected Load integrated approach to relay protection the Applicability section) that performs
obligations. for generators and transmission lines, as the required actions.
NERC explains that the proposed well as of UFLS and UVLS programs.’’ 21 15. NERC states that proposed
revised definition is intended to clarify 13. Proposed Reliability Standard Reliability Standard PRC–010–1
that an energy emergency is not limited PRC–010–1 incorporates a proposed ‘‘applies only after an entity has
to a load-serving entity and, based on a definition of UVLS Program, which determined the need for a UVLS
review of the impact on the body of reads: Program as a result of its own planning
NERC Reliability Standards, ‘‘does not Undervoltage Load Shedding Program studies.’’ 25 NERC explains that the eight
change the reliability intent of other (UVLS Program): An automatic load requirements in proposed Reliability
requirements of Definitions.’’ 15 shedding program, consisting of distributed Standard PRC–010–1 meet four primary
relays and controls, used to mitigate
undervoltage conditions impacting the Bulk
objectives: (1) The proposed standard
B. NERC PRC Petition—Proposed
Electric System (BES), leading to voltage requires applicable entities to evaluate a
Reliability Standard PRC–010–1 (Docket
instability, voltage collapse, or Cascading. UVLS Program’s effectiveness prior to
No. RM15–12–000)
Centrally controlled undervoltage-based load implementation, including coordination
11. On February 6, 2015, NERC shedding is not included. with other protection systems and
submitted a petition seeking approval of NERC explains that ‘‘to ensure that generator voltage ride-through
proposed Reliability Standard PRC– the applicability of the proposed capabilities; (2) applicable entities must
010–1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding), Reliability Standard covers comply with UVLS program
approval of a revised definition of undervoltage-based load shedding specifications and implementation
Undervoltage Load Shedding Program systems whose performance has an schedule; (3) applicable entities must
(UVLS Program) for inclusion in the impact on system reliability, a UVLS perform periodic assessment and
NERC Glossary, the implementation Program must mitigate risk of one or performance analysis; and (4) applicable
plan for the proposed Reliability more of the following: Voltage entities must maintain and share UVLS
Standard and the associated violation instability, voltage collapse, or Program data.
risk factors and violation severity levels Cascading impacting the Bulk Electric 16. Proposed Requirement R1 requires
and retirement of four PRC Reliability System. By focusing on the enumerated each planning coordinator or
Standards.16 risks, the definition is meant to exclude transmission planner that is developing
12. In its petition, NERC states that a UVLS Program to evaluate the
locally-applied relays that are not
proposed Reliability Standard PRC– viability and effectiveness of its program
designed to mitigate wide-area voltage
010–1 is a single, comprehensive before implementation to confirm its
collapse.’’ 22 NERC states that the
standard that addresses the same effectiveness in resolving the
proposed UVLS Program definition
reliability principles outlined in the undervoltage conditions for which it
‘‘clearly identifies and separates
four currently-effective UVLS-related was designed, and that it is integrated
centrally controlled undervoltage-based
Reliability Standards.17 NERC explains through coordination with generator
load shedding, which is now addressed
that the purpose of proposed Reliability ride-through capabilities and other
by the proposed definition of Remedial
Standard PRC–010–1 is to ‘‘establish an protection and control systems. Also,
Action Scheme.’’ 23
integrated and coordinated approach to the planning coordinator or
the design, evaluation, and reliable 18 Id. (citing Order No. 693, FERC Stats & Regs transmission planner must provide the
operation of Undervoltage Load ¶ 31,242 at P 1509). UVLS Program specifications and
Shedding Programs’’ as directed by the 19 NERC PRC Petition at 2 (citing the U.S.-Canada
implementation schedule to the
Power System Outage Task Force, Final Report on
15 Id. the August 14, 2003 Blackout in the United States
applicable UVLS entities. Requirement
at 18.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
16 Reliability and Canada: Causes and Recommendations, April, R2 requires UVLS entities to meet the
Standard PRC–010–0 (Assessment of
the Design and Effectiveness of UVLS Program); 2004 (2003 Blackout Report)). UVLS Program’s specifications and
Reliability Standard PRC–020–1 (Under-Voltage
20 NERC PRC Petition at 4 (citing 2003 Blackout
implementation schedule provided by
Load Shedding Program Database); Reliability Report at 3, 158). the planning coordinator or
21 NERC PRC Petition at 6.
Standard PRC–021–1 (Under-Voltage Load transmission planner or address any
Shedding Program Data); and Reliability Standard 22 Id. at 16.
PRC–022–1 (Under-Voltage Load Shedding Program 23 Id. at 15. NERC’s petition for approval of the
Performance). proposed definition of Remedial Action Scheme 24 Id.
17 NERC PRC Petition at 14. (Docket No. RM15–13–000) is discussed below. 25 Id. at 14.
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necessary corrective actions in Standard EOP–003–2.27 Since NERC has definition may unintentionally exclude
accordance with Requirement R5. proposed to retire EOP–003–2 in the schemes that should be covered.’’ 31
17. Requirement R3 requires each petition seeking approval of proposed Accordingly, NERC proposes the
planning coordinator or transmission Reliability Standard EOP–011–1 (Docket following revised ‘‘core’’ definition of
planner to perform periodic No. RM15–7–00, discussed above), Remedial Action Scheme:
comprehensive assessments at least concurrent Commission action on the A scheme designed to detect
every 60 calendar months to ensure two petitions will prevent a possible predetermined system conditions and
continued effectiveness of the UVLS reliability gap. automatically take corrective actions that
program, including whether the may include, but are not limited to, adjusting
C. NERC RAS Petition—Revisions to the or tripping generation (MW and Mvar),
program resolves identified
Definition of ‘‘Remedial Action tripping load, or reconfiguring a System(s).
undervoltage issues and that it is
Scheme’’ (Docket No. RM15–13–000) (sic) RAS accomplish objectives such as:
integrated and coordinated with
20. On February 3, 2015, NERC • Meet requirements identified in the
generator voltage ride-through NERC Reliability Standards;
capabilities and other specified submitted a petition seeking approval of
• Maintain Bulk Electric System (BES)
protection and control systems. a proposed revised definition of stability;
Requirement R4 requires each planning Remedial Action Scheme in the NERC • Maintain acceptable BES voltages;
coordinator or transmission planner to Glossary. In addition, NERC seeks • Maintain acceptable BES power flows;
commence a timely assessment of a approval of modified Reliability • Limit the impact of Cascading or extreme
voltage excursion subject to the UVLS Standards that incorporate the new events.
Program, within twelve calendar definition of Remedial Action Scheme The definition then lists fourteen
months of the event, to evaluate and eliminate use of the term Special exclusions, describing specific schemes
whether the UVLS Program resolved the Protection System.28 NERC states that and systems that do not constitute a
undervoltage issues associated with the the defined terms Special Protection Remedial Action Scheme, because each
event. Requirement R5 requires a System and Remedial Action Scheme is either a protection function, a control
planning coordinator or transmission are currently used interchangeably function, a combination of both, or used
planner to develop a corrective action throughout the NERC Regions and in for system reconfiguration.32
plan for any program deficiencies various Reliability Standards. NERC 22. In the implementation plan, NERC
identified during an assessment explains that ‘‘[a]lthough these defined proposes an effective date for the
performed under either Requirement R3 terms share a common definition in the revised Reliability Standards and the
or R4, and provide an implementation NERC Glossary of Terms today, their use revised definition of ‘‘Remedial Action
schedule to UVLS entities within three and application have been inconsistent Scheme’’ on the first day of the first
calendar months of its completion. as a result of a lack of granularity in the calendar quarter that is twelve months
18. Pursuant to Requirement R6, a definition and varied regional uses of after Commission approval.33 NERC also
planning coordinator must update the the terms. The proposed revisions add proposes that for entities with existing
data necessary to model its UVLS clarity and granularity that will allow schemes that become newly classified as
Program for use in event analyses and for proper identification of Remedial ‘‘Remedial Action Schemes’’ resulting
program assessments at least each Action Schemes and a more consistent from the application of the revised
calendar year. Requirement R7 requires application of related Reliability definition, the entities will have
each UVLS entity to provide data to its Standards.’’ 29 additional time of up to twenty-four
planning coordinator, according to the 21. NERC states that the revised months from the effective date to be
planning coordinator’s format and definition of Remedial Action Scheme fully compliant with all applicable
schedule, to support maintenance of the consists of a ‘‘core’’ definition, Reliability Standards.34 Further, NERC
UVLS Program database. Requirement including a list of objectives and a asks the Commission to take final action
R8 requires a planning coordinator to separate list of exclusions for certain concurrently with the NERC petition on
provide its UVLS Program database to schemes or systems not intended to be proposed Reliability Standard PRC–
other planning coordinators and covered by the revised definition.30 010–1 (Docket No. RM15–12–000)
transmission planners within its NERC explains that it is proposing a because ‘‘[t]he proposed definitions of
Interconnection, and other functional broad definition because of ‘‘all the UVLS Program and Remedial Action
entities with a reliability need, within possible scenarios an entity may Scheme in each project have been
thirty calendar days of a written request. develop’’ for its Remedial Action coordinated to cover centrally
19. NERC proposes that PRC–010–1 Scheme and a ‘‘very specific, narrow controlled UVLS as a Remedial Action
and the revised definition of UVLS Scheme. Final action by the
27 See NERC EOP Petition at 23.
Program shall become effective on the 28 NERC
Commission is needed
RAS Petition at 1–2. NERC proposes to
first day of the first calendar quarter that modify the following Reliability Standards to
contemporaneously on both petitions to
is twelve (12) months after the date that incorporate the proposed definition of Remedial facilitate implementation and avoid a
the standard and definition are Action Scheme and eliminate use of the term gap in coverage of centrally controlled
approved by the Commission. NERC Special Protection System: EOP–004–3, PRC–005– UVLS.’’ 35
3(ii), PRC–023–4, FAC–010–3, TPL–001–0.1(i),
also proposes to retire PRC–010–0, FAC–011–3, TPL–002–0(i)b, MOD–030–3, TPL– III. Discussion
PRC–020–1, PRC–021–1, and PRC–022– 003–0(i)b, MOD–029–2a, PRC–015–1, TPL–004–
1 at midnight of the day immediately 0(i)a, PRC–004–WECC–2, PRC–016–1, PRC–001– 23. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the
prior to the effective date of PRC–010– 1.1(i), PRC–005–2(ii), and PRC–017–1. NERC does FPA, the Commission proposes to
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not propose any changes to the violation risk factors approve as just, reasonable, not unduly
1.26 Further, NERC explains that or violation severity levels for the modified
proposed Reliability Standard PRC– standards.
31 Id. at 17.
010–1 addresses reliability obligations 29 Id. at 4–5.
32 Id. at 18.
that are set forth in Requirements R2, R4 30 Id. at 16. NERC notes that ‘‘for each exclusion,
33 Id. at 15–16.
and R7 of currently-effective Reliability the scheme or system could still classify as a
34 NERC RAS Petition, EX. C (Implementation
Remedial Action Scheme if employed in a broader
scheme that meets the definition of Remedial Plan) at 4.
26 Id. Ex. B (Implementation Plan). Action Scheme.’’ 35 NERC RAS Petition at 25.
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![36300 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 121 / Wednesday, June 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules
Standards and other Reliability Regulatory Affairs [Attention: Desk entities affected by this proposed
Standards that include the term Officer for the Federal Energy Reliability Standard.
Remedial Action Scheme. Therefore, the Regulatory Commission]. For security 43. On average, each small entity
Commission does not expect the reasons, comments should be sent by affected may have a cost of $1,906,
proposed revisions to affect applicable email to OMB at the following email representing a one-time review of the
entities’ current reporting burden. address: oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. program for each entity, consisting of 96
FERC–725G4, Mandatory Reliability Please reference the docket numbers of man-hours at $66.35/hour (for
Standards: Reliability Standard PRC– this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking engineers) and $30.66/hour (for record
010–1 (Undervoltage Load Shedding). (Docket Nos. RM15–13–000, RM15–12– clerks), as explained above in the
FERC–725S, Mandatory Reliability 000, and RM15–7–000) in your information collection statement. The
Standards: Reliability Standard EOP– submission. Commission estimates that the modified
011–1 (Emergency Operations). definition of the term Remedial Action
Action: Proposed Collection of V. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis
Scheme and related modifications to
Information. 41. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of Reliability Standards will have no cost
OMB Control No: OMB Control No. 1980 (RFA) 53 generally requires a impact on applicable entities, including
1902–0270 (FERC–725S); OMB Control description and analysis of Proposed any small entities.
No. 1902–TBD (FERC–725G4). Rules that will have significant 44. The Commission estimates that
Respondents: Business or other for- economic impact on a substantial the combined impact of proposed
profit and not-for-profit institutions. number of small entities. The immediate Reliability Standards EOP–011–1 and
Frequency of Responses: One time rulemaking proposes action on three PRC–010–1 in this NOPR would impose
and on-going. separate, but related, NERC petitions. As
Necessity of the Information: The an additional burden on a total of 47
discussed above, the consolidated EOP entities. Further, the Commission
proposed approval of the proposed
standard and consolidated PRC estimates that 15 respondents are small
Reliability Standards implements the
standards are intended to provide entities affected by these proposed
Congressional mandate of the Energy
additional efficiencies for responsible Reliability Standards. On average, each
Policy Act of 2005 to develop
entities. Thus, the Commission small entity affected may have a cost of
mandatory and enforceable Reliability
estimates that the rulemaking will $92,387 and $1,906 (EOP–011–1 and
Standards to better ensure the reliability
impose only a minimal additional PRC–010–1 respectively), representing a
of the nation’s Bulk-Power System.
burden on responsible entities, as one-time review of the program for each
Specifically, the proposed Reliability
described below. Proposed Reliability entity. The Commission does not
Standards consolidate, streamline and
Standard EOP–011–1 is expected to consider these costs to be a significant
clarify the existing requirements of
impose an additional burden on 11 economic impact on small entities.
certain currently-effective Emergency
entities (reliability coordinators). The Accordingly, the Commission certifies
Preparedness and Operations and
remaining 270 entities (balancing that this rulemaking will not have a
Protection and Control Reliability
authorities and transmission operators significant economic impact on a
Standards.
38. Internal review: The Commission and a combination thereof) will substantial number of small entities.
has reviewed the requirements maintain the existing levels of burden. The Commission seeks comment on this
pertaining to proposed Reliability Comparison of the applicable entities certification.
Standards PRC–010–1 and EOP–011–1 with FERC’s small business data
VI. Environmental Analysis
and made a determination that the indicates that approximately 7 of the 11
entities are small entities affected by 45. The Commission is required to
proposed requirements of these
this proposed Reliability Standard.54 prepare an Environmental Assessment
Reliability Standards are necessary to
42. On average, each small entity or an Environmental Impact Statement
implement section 215 of the FPA.
affected may have a one-time cost of for any action that may have a
These requirements conform to the
$92,387, representing a one-time review significant adverse effect on the human
Commission’s plan for efficient
of the program for each entity, environment.55 The Commission has
information collection, communication
consisting of 1,500 man-hours at $66.35/ categorically excluded certain actions
and management within the energy
hour (for engineers) and $30.66/hour from this requirement as not having a
industry. The Commission has assured
(for record clerks), as explained above in significant effect on the human
itself, by means of its internal review,
the information collection statement. environment. Included in the exclusion
that there is specific, objective support
Proposed Reliability Standard PRC– are rules that are clarifying, corrective,
for the burden estimates associated with
010–1 is expected to impose an or procedural or that do not
the information requirements.
39. Interested persons may obtain additional burden on 26 entities substantially change the effect of the
information on the reporting (distribution providers and transmission regulations being amended.56 The
requirements by contacting the Federal planners or a combination thereof). actions proposed herein fall within this
Energy Regulatory Commission, Office Comparison of the applicable entities categorical exclusion in the
of the Executive Director, 888 First with FERC’s small business data Commission’s regulations.
Street NE., Washington, DC 20426 indicates that approximately 8 are small VII. Comment Procedures
[Attention: Ellen Brown, email:
53 5 U.S.C. 601–12. 46. The Commission invites interested
DataClearance@ferc.gov, phone: (202)
54 The Small Business Administration sets the persons to submit comments on the
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
502–8663, fax: (202) 273–0873].
40. Comments concerning the threshold for what constitutes a small business. matters and issues proposed in this
Public utilities may fall under one of several notice to be adopted, including any
information collections proposed in this different categories, each with a size threshold
NOPR and the associated burden based on the company’s number of employees,
related matters or alternative proposals
estimates, should be sent to the including affiliates, the parent company, and
55 Regulations Implementing the National
subsidiaries. For the analysis in this NOPR, we use
Commission in this docket and may also a 500 employee threshold for each affected entity. Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Order No. 486,
be sent to the Office of Management and Each entity is classified as Electric Bulk Power FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 30,783 (1987).
Budget, Office of Information and Transmission and Control (NAICS code 221121). 56 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii).
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 121 / Wednesday, June 24, 2015 / Proposed Rules 36301
that commenters may wish to discuss. Dated: June 18, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Comments are due August 24, 2015. Kimberly D. Bose, Concerning the proposed regulations,
Comments must refer to Docket Nos. Secretary. Lewis Bell at (202) 317–6980;
RM15–13–000, RM15–12–000, and [FR Doc. 2015–15432 Filed 6–23–15; 8:45 am] concerning submissions of comments
RM15–7–000, and must include the BILLING CODE 6717–01–P and the hearing, Oluwafunmilayo
commenter’s name, the organization (Funmi) Taylor at (202) 317–6901 (not
they represent, if applicable, and toll-free numbers).
address. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
47. The Commission encourages
comments to be filed electronically via Paperwork Reduction Act
Internal Revenue Service
the eFiling link on the Commission’s The collection of information
Web site at http://www.ferc.gov. The 26 CFR Part 1 contained in § 1.148–1 has been
Commission accepts most standard reviewed and approved by the Office of
word processing formats. Documents [REG–138526–14]
Management and Budget in accordance
created electronically using word RIN 1545–BM46 with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
processing software should be filed in 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) under control
native applications or print-to-PDF Issue Price Definition for Tax-Exempt number 1545–1347. The collection of
format and not in a scanned format. Bonds information in this proposed regulation
Commenters filing electronically do not is in § 1.148–1(f)(2)(ii) which contains a
AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
need to make a paper filing. requirement that the issuer obtain
48. Commenters that are not able to Treasury.
ACTION: Partial withdrawal of notice of
certifications and supporting
file comments electronically must send documentation regarding the
an original of their comments to: proposed rulemaking, notice of
proposed rulemaking, and notice of underwriter’s sales of the issuer’s bonds.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, The collection of information in
Secretary of the Commission, 888 First public hearing.
§ 1.148–1(f)(2)(ii) is an increase in the
Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. SUMMARY: This document partially total annual burden under control
49. All comments will be placed in withdraws the portion of the notice of number 1545–1347. The respondents
the Commission’s public files and may proposed rulemaking published in the are issuers of tax-exempt bonds that
be viewed, printed, or downloaded wish to use the alternative method in
Federal Register on September 16, 2013
remotely as described in the Document § 1.148–1(f)(2)(ii).
(78 FR 56842), relating to the definition
Availability section below. Commenters Estimated total annual recordkeeping
of issue price for purposes of the
on this proposal are not required to burden: 52,276 hours.
arbitrage restrictions under section 148
serve copies of their comments on other Estimated average annual burden
of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).
commenters. hours per respondent: 4 hours.
This document also contains a notice of
VIII. Document Availability proposed rulemaking that provides a Estimated number of respondents:
revised definition of issue price for 12,546.
50. In addition to publishing the full Estimated annual frequency of
text of this document in the Federal purposes of the arbitrage restrictions. In
addition, this document provides notice responses: 20,910.
Register, the Commission provides all Comments on the collection of
interested persons an opportunity to of a public hearing on the proposed
regulations in this document. The information should be sent to the Office
view and/or print the contents of this of Management and Budget, Attn: Desk
document via the Internet through the proposed regulations in this document
affect issuers of tax-exempt and other Officer for the Department of the
Commission’s Home Page (http:// Treasury, Office of Information and
www.ferc.gov) and in the Commission’s tax-advantaged bonds.
Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC
Public Reference Room during normal DATES: Written or electronic comments
20503, with copies to the Internal
business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. must be received by September 22,
Revenue Service, Attn: IRS Reports
Eastern time) at 888 First Street NE., 2015. Requests to speak and outlines of
Clearance Officer, SE:CAR:MP:T:T:SP,
Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426. topics to be discussed at the public
Washington DC 20224. Comments on
51. From the Commission’s Home hearing scheduled for October 28, 2015,
the collection of information should be
Page on the Internet, this information is at 10:00 a.m., must be received by
received by August 24, 2015.
available on eLibrary. The full text of September 22, 2015. Comments are sought on whether the
this document is available on eLibrary ADDRESSES: Send submissions to: proposed collection of information is
in PDF and Microsoft Word format for CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–138526–14), necessary for the proper performance of
viewing, printing, and/or downloading. Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box the IRS, including whether the
To access this document in eLibrary, 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, information will have practical utility;
type the docket number excluding the DC 20044. Submissions may be hand The accuracy of the estimated burden
last three digits of this document in the delivered to: CC:PA:LPD:PR Monday associated with the proposed collection
docket number field. through Friday between the hours of 8 of information;
52. User assistance is available for a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG– How the quality, utility, and clarity of
eLibrary and the Commission’s Web site 138526–14), Courier’s Desk, Internal the information to be collected may be
during normal business hours from the Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution enhanced;
Commission’s Online Support at (202)
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Avenue NW, Washington, DC, or sent How the burden of complying with
502–6652 (toll free at 1–866–208–3676) electronically via the Federal the proposed collection of information
or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, eRulemaking Portal at may be minimized, including through
or the Public Reference Room at (202) www.regulations.gov (IRS REG–138526– the application of automated collection
502–8371, TTY (202) 502–8659. Email 14). The public hearing will be held at techniques and other forms of
the Public Reference Room at the Internal Revenue Building, 1111 information technology; and
public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, Estimates of capital or start-up costs
By direction of the Commission. DC. and costs of operation, maintenance,
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 14:09:18
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 14:09:18
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking. | |
| Dates | Comments are due August 24, 2015. | |
| Contact | Nick Henery (Technical Information), Office of Electric Reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502-8636, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 36293 |
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