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