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