In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2016
36 Months From Approved
2,193
0
0
154,960
0
0
0
0
0
Pursuant to section 215(d) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the Commission approves modifications to the currently-effective definition of "bulk electric system" developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). The Commission finds that the modified definition of "bulk electric system" improves upon the currently-effective definition by establishing a bright-line threshold that includes all facilities operated at or above 100 kV and removing language that allows for broad regional discretion. The modified definition also provides improved clarity by identifying specific categories of facilities and configurations as inclusions and exclusions to the definition of "bulk electric system."
Highlights of the Final Rule include:
 accepts NERC's revisions to its Rules of Procedure, which creates an exception procedure to add elements to, or remove elements from, the definition of "bulk electric system" on a case-by-case basis;
 approves NERC's implementation plan for the revised "bulk electric system" definition;
 approves NERC's form entitled "Detailed Information to Support an Exception Request" that entities will use to support requests for exception from the "bulk electric system" definition;
 finds that the Commission can designate sub-100 kV facilities, or other facilities, as part of the bulk electric system, provided that the Commission provides opportunity for notice and comment; and
 establishes a process pursuant to which an entity can seek a determination by the Commission whether facilities are "used in local distribution" as set forth in the Federal Power Act.
The Commission received rehearing requests from multiple entities. In the order on rehearing the Commission denies rehearing in part, grants rehearing in part and otherwise reaffirms its determinations in Order No. 773 (Final Rule).
The Commission does not alter any of the information collection requirements in the order on rehearing. However, the Commission does modify some of the estimates, as well as include a collection category (local distribution determinations) that it did not include in the final rule burden estimates.
US Code:
16 USC 824o
Name of Law: Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Commission adopts the modified definition of the nation's bulk electric system which will require an increase in burden. The increase in burden is necessary to ensure that certain facilities needed for the reliable operation of the nation's bulk electric system are subject to mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards. As previously described in this supporting statement, entities will be required to review their systems and create lists of qualified assets, file exception requests where necessary, and in some instances, develop an implementation plan and begin complying with certain Reliability Standards. In some instances, an entity may choose to file a request for a local distribution determination with the Commission. In regards to the implementation plan and general reliability standard compliance, the Commission has other information collections currently approved by OMB for specific Reliability Standards. Once respondents are in compliance with the Reliability Standards, the Commission will begin counting the responses for this category under the individual collection for the Reliability Standards. The Commission intends to leave the other information collection elements related to this rulemaking under this collection.
These tasks are deemed necessary in order to maintain the reliable operation of the nation's bulk electric system.
$18,813
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
David O'Conner 202 502-6695
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
RM12-6-001 Errata 5-6-13.doc
Commissioner Lafleur Statement on RM12-6 final rule.pdf
Local Distribution Determination