10 C.F.R. Subpart W—Electric Power System Permits and Reports; Applications; Administrative Procedures and Sanctions
Title 10 - Energy
Authority: Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. No. 95–91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. Section 7101). Federal Power Act, Pub. L. 66–280, 41 Stat. 1063 (16 U.S.C. Section 792) et seq., Department of Energy Delegation Order No. 0204–4 (42 FR 60726). E.O. 10485, 18 FR 5397, 3 CFR, 1949–1953, Comp., p. 970 as amended by E.O. 12038, 43 FR 4957, 3 CFR 1978 Comp., p. 136.
Source: 45 FR 71560, Oct. 28, 1980; 46 FR 63209, Dec. 31, 1981, unless otherwise noted.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control No. 1901–0245) (a) An electric utility or other entity subject to DOE jurisdiction under part II of the Federal Power Act who proposes to transmit any electricity from the United States to a foreign country must submit an application or be a party to an application submitted by another entity. The application shall be submitted to the Office of Utility Systems of the Economic Regulatory Administration (EPA). (b) In connection with an application under §§205.300 through 205.309, attention is directed to the provisions of §§205.320 through 205.327, below, concerning applications for Presidential Permits for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance, at the borders of the United States, of facilities for the transmission of electric energy between the United States and a foreign country in compliance with Executive Order 10485, as amended by Executive Order 12038. Each application should be made at least six months in advance of the initiation of the proposed electricity export, except when otherwise permitted by the ERA to resolve an emergency situation. Every application shall contain the following information set forth in the order indicated below: (a) The exact legal name of the applicant. (b) The exact legal name of all partners. (c) The name, title, post office address, and telephone number of the person to whom correspondence in regard to the application shall be addressed. (d) The state or territory under the laws of which the applicant is organized or incorporated, or authorized to operate. If the applicant is authorized to operate in more than one state, all pertinent facts shall be included. (e) The name and address of any known Federal, State or local government agency which may have any jurisdiction over the action to be taken in this application and a brief description of that authority. (f) A description of the transmission facilities through which the electric energy will be delivered to the foreign country, including the name of the owners and the location of any remote facilities. (g) A technical discussion of the proposed electricity export's reliability, fuel use and system stability impact on the applicant's present and prospective electric power supply system. Applicant must explain why the proposed electricity export will not impair the sufficiency of electric supply on its system and why the export will not impede or tend to impede the regional coordination of electric utility planning or operation. (h) The original application shall be signed and verified under oath by an officer of the applicant having knowledge of the matters set forth therein. There shall be filed with the application and as a part thereof the following exhibits: (a) Exhibit A. A copy of the agreement or proposed agreement under which the electricity is to be transmitted including a listing of the terms and conditions. If this agreement contains proprietary information that should not be released to the general public, the applicant must identify such data and include a statement explaining why proprietary treatment is appropriate. (b) Exhibit B. A showing, including a signed opinion of counsel, that the proposed export of electricity is within the corporate power of the applicant, and that the applicant has complied or will comply with all pertinent Federal and State laws. (c) Exhibit C. A general map showing the applicant's overall electric system and a detailed map highlighting the location of the facilities or the proposed facilities to be used for the generation and transmission of the electric energy to be exported. The detailed map shall identify the location of the proposed border crossing point(s) or power transfer point(s) by Presidential Permit number whenever possible. (d) Exhibit D. If an applicant resides or has its principal office outside the United States, such applicant shall designate, by irrevocable power of attorney, an agent residing within the United States. A verified copy of such power of attorney shall be furnished with the application. (e) Exhibit E. A statement of any corporate relationship or existing contract between the applicant and any other person, corporation, or foreign government, which in any way relates to the control or fixing of rates for the purchase, sale or transmission of electric energy. (f) Exhibit F. An explanation of the methodology (Operating Procedures) to inform neighboring electric utilities in the United States of the available capacity and energy which may be in excess of the applicant's requirements before delivery of such capacity to the foreign purchaser. Approved firm export, diversity exchange and emergency exports are exempted from this requirement. Those materials required by this section which have been filed previously with the ERA may be incorporated by reference. Where the application is for authority to export less than 1,000,000 kilowatt hours annually, applicants need not furnish the information called for in §§205.302(g) and 205.303 (Exhibit C). Applicants, regardless of the amount of electric energy to be exported, may be required to furnish such supplemental information as the ERA may deem pertinent. (a) An authorization to transmit electric energy from the United States to a foreign country granted by order of the ERA under section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act shall not be transferable or assignable. Provided written notice is given to the ERA within 30 days, the authorization may continue in effect temporarily in the event of the involuntary transfer of this authority by operation of law (including transfers to receivers, trustees, or purchasers under foreclosure or judicial sale). This continuance is contingent on the filing of an application for permanent authorization and may be effective until a decision is made thereon. (b) In the event of a proposed voluntary transfer of this authority to export electricity, the transferee and the transferor shall file jointly an application pursuant to this subsection, setting forth such information as required by §§205.300 through 205.304, together with a statement of reasons for the transfer. (c) The ERA may at any time subsequent to the original order of authorization, after opportunity for hearing, issue such supplemental orders as it may find necessary or appropriate. No authorization granted pursuant to section 202(e) of the Act shall be deemed to prevent an authorization from being granted to any other person or entity to export electric energy or to prevent any other person or entity from making application for an export authorization. An original and two conformed copies of an application containing the information required under §§205.300 through 205.309 must be filed. (a) Persons authorized to transmit electric energy from the United States shall promptly file all supplements, notices of succession in ownership or operation, notices of cancellation, and certificates of concurrence. In general, these documents should be filed at least 30 days prior to the effective date of any change. (b) A change in the tariff arrangement does not require an amendment to the authorization. However, any entity with an authorization to export electric energy shall file with the ERA, and the appropriate state regulatory agency, a certified copy of any changed rate schedule and terms. Such changes may take effect upon the date of filing of informational data with the ERA. (c) Persons receiving authorization to transmit electric energy from the United States shall submit to the ERA, by February 15 each year, a report covering each month of the preceding calendar year detailing the gross amount of kilowatt-hours of energy, by authorized category, received or delivered, and the cost and revenue associated with each category. [45 FR 71560, Oct. 28, 1980, as amended at 46 FR 63209, Dec. 31, 1981] Applications shall be addressed to the Office of Utility Systems of the Economic Regulatory Administration. Every application shall be accompanied by a fee of $500.00. Fee payment shall be by check, draft, or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States. Copies of applications and notifications of rate changes shall be furnished to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and all affected State public utility regulatory agencies.
Title 10: Energy
PART 205—ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND SANCTIONS
Subpart W—Electric Power System Permits and Reports; Applications; Administrative Procedures and Sanctions
Application for Authorization to Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
§ 205.300 Who shall apply.
§ 205.301 Time of filing.
§ 205.302 Contents of application.
§ 205.303 Required exhibits.
§ 205.304 Other information.
§ 205.305 Transferability.
§ 205.306 Authorization not exclusive.
§ 205.307 Form and style; number of copies
§ 205.308 Filing schedule and annual reports.
§ 205.309 Filing procedures and fees.
Application for Presidential Permit Authorizing the Construction, Connection, Operation, and Maintenance of Facilities for Transmission of Electric Energy at International Boundaries
§ 205.320 Who shall apply.
(a) Any person, firm, co-operative, corporation or other entity who operates an electric power transmission or distribution facility crossing the border of the United States, for the transmission of electric energy between the United States and a foreign country, shall have a Presidential Permit, in compliance with Executive Order 10485, as amended by Executive Order 12038. Such applications should be filed with the Office of Utility Systems of the Economic Regulatory Administration.
Note: E.O. 12038, dated February 3, 1978, amended E.O. 10485, dated September 3, 1953, to delete the words “Federal Power Commission” and “Commission” and substitute for each “Secretary of Energy.” E.O. 10485 revoked and superseded E.O. 8202, dated July 13, 1939.
(b) In connection with applications hereunder, attention is directed to the provisions of §§205.300 to 205.309, above, concerning applications for authorization to transmit electric energy from the United States to a foreign country pursuant to section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act.
§ 205.321 Time of filing.
Pursuant to the DOE's responsibility under the National Environmental Policy Act, the DOE must make an environmental determination of the proposed action. If, as a result of this determination, an environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared, the permit processing time normally will be 18–24 months. If no environmental impact statement is required, then a six-month processing time normally would be sufficient.
§ 205.322 Contents of application.
Every application shall be accompanied by a fee prescribed in §205.326 of this subpart and shall provide, in the order indicated, the following:
(a) Information regarding the applicant. (1) The legal name of the applicant;
(2) The legal name of all partners;
(3) The name, title, post office address, and telephone number of the person to whom correspondence in regard to the application shall be addressed;
(4) Whether the applicant or its transmission lines are owned wholly or in part by a foreign government or directly or indirectly assisted by a foreign government or instrumentality thereof; or whether the applicant has any agreement pertaining to such ownership by or assistance from any foreign government or instrumentality thereof.
(5) List all existing contracts that the applicant has with any foreign government, or any foreign private concerns, relating to any purchase, sale or delivery of electric energy.
(6) A showing, including a signed opinion of counsel, that the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of the proposed facility is within the corporate power of the applicant, and that the applicant has complied with or will comply with all pertinent Federal and State laws;
(b) Information regarding the transmission lines to be covered by the Presidential Permit. (1)(i) A technical description providing the following information: (A) Number of circuits, with identification as to whether the circuit is overhead or underground; (B) the operating voltage and frequency; and (C) conductor size, type and number of conductors per phase.
(ii) If the proposed interconnection is an overhead line the following additional information must also be provided: (A) The wind and ice loading design parameters; (B) a full description and drawing of a typical supporting structure including strength specifications; (C) structure spacing with typical ruling and maximum spans; (D) conductor (phase) spacing; and (E) the designed line to ground and conductor side clearances.
(iii) If an underground or underwater interconnection is proposed, the following additional information must also be provided: (A) Burial depth; (B) type of cable and a description of any required supporting equipment, such as insulation medium pressurizing or forced cooling; and (C) cathodic protection scheme. Technical diagrams which provide clarification of any of the above items should be included.
(2) A general area map with a scale not greater than 1 inch=40 kilometers (1 inch=25 miles) showing the overall system, and a detailed map at a scale of 1 inch=8 kilometers (1 inch=5 miles) showing the physical location, longitude and latitude of the facility on the international border. The map shall indicate ownership of the facilities at or on each side of the border between the United States and the foreign country. The maps, plans, and description of the facilities shall distinguish the facilities or parts thereof already constructed from those to be constructed.
(3) Applications for the bulk power supply facility which is proposed to be operated at 138 kilovolts or higher shall contain the following bulk power system information:
(i) Data regarding the expected power transfer capability, using normal and short time emergency conductor ratings;
(ii) System power flow plots for the applicant's service area for heavy summer and light spring load periods, with and without the proposed international interconnection, for the year the line is scheduled to be placed in service and for the fifth year thereafter. The power flow plots submitted can be in the format customarily used by the utility, but the ERA requires a detailed legend to be included with the power flow plots;
(iii) Data on the line design features for minimizing television and/or radio interference caused by operation of the subject transmission facilities;
(iv) A description of the relay protection scheme, including equipment and proposed functional devices;
(v) After receipt of the system power flow plots, the ERA may require the applicant to furnish system stability analysis for the applicant's system.
(c) Information regarding the environmental impacts shall be provided as follows for each routing alternative:
(1) Statement of the environmental impacts of the proposed facilities including a list of each flood plain, wetland, critical wildlife habitat, navigable waterway crossing, Indian land, or historic site which may be impacted by the proposed facility with a description of proposed activities therein.
(2) A list of any known Historic Places, as specified in 36 CFR part 800, which may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
(3) Details regarding the minimum right-of-way width for construction, operation and maintenance of the transmission lines and the rationale for selecting that right-of-way width.
(4) A list of threatened or endangered wildlife or plant life which may be located in the proposed alternative.
(d) A brief description of all practical alternatives to the proposed facility and a discussion of the general environmental impacts of each alternative.
(e) The original of each application shall be signed and verified under oath by an officer of the applicant, having knowledge of the matters therein set forth.
§ 205.323 Transferability.
(a) Neither a permit issued by the ERA pursuant to Executive Order 10485, as amended, nor the facility shall be transferable or assignable. Provided written notice is given to the ERA within 30 days, the authorization may continue in effect temporarily in the event of the involuntary transfer of the facility by operation of law (including transfers to receivers, trustees, or purchases under foreclosure or judicial sale). This continuance is contingent on the filing of an application for a new permit and may be effective until a decision is made thereon.
(b) In the event of a proposed voluntary transfer of the facility, the permittee and the party to whom the transfer would be made shall file a joint application with the ERA pursuant to this paragraph, setting forth information as required by §205.320 et seq., together with a statement of reasons for the transfer. The application shall be accompanied by a filing fee pursuant to §205.326.
(c) No substantial change shall be made in any facility authorized by permit or in the operation thereof unless or until such change has been approved by the ERA.
(d) Permits may be modified or revoked without notice by the President of the United States, or by the Administrator of the ERA after public notice.
§ 205.324 Form and style; number of copies.
All applicants shall file an original and two conformed copies of the application and all accompanying documents required under §§205.320 through 205.327.
§ 205.325 Annual report.
Persons receiving permits to construct, connect, operate or maintain electric transmission facilities at international boundaries shall submit to the ERA, by February 15 each year, a report covering each month of the preceding calendar year, detailing by category the gross amount of kilowatt-hours of energy received or delivered and the cost and revenue associated with each category.
§ 205.326 Filing procedures and fees.
Applications shall be forwarded to the Office of Utility Systems of the Economic Regulatory Administration and shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $150. The application fee will be charged irrespective of the ERA's disposition of the application. Fee payment shall be by check, draft, or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States. Copies of applications shall be furnished to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and all affected State public utility regulatory agencies.
§ 205.327 Other information.
The applicant may be required after filing the application to furnish such supplemental information as the ERA may deem pertinent. Such requests shall be written and a prompt response will be expected. Protest regarding the supplying of such information should be directed to the Administrator of the ERA.
§ 205.328 Environmental requirements for Presidential Permits—Alternative 1.
(a) NEPA Compliance. Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section, when an applicant seeks a Presidential Permit, such applicant will be responsible for the costs of preparing any necessary environmental document, including an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), arising from ERA's obligation to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). ERA will determine whether an environmental assessment (EA) or EIS is required within 45 days of the receipt of the Presidential Permit application and of environmental information submitted pursuant to 10 CFR 205.322 (c) and (d). ERA will use these and other sources of information as the basis for making the environmental determination:
(1) If an EIS is determined to be necessary, the applicant shall enter into a contract with an independent third party, which may be a Government-owned, contractor-operated National Laboratory, or a qualified private entity selected by ERA. The third party contractor must be qualified to conduct an environmental review and prepare an EIS, as appropriate, under the supervision of ERA, and may not have a financial or other interest in the outcome of the proceedings. The NEPA process must be completed and approved before ERA will issue a Presidential Permit.
(2) If an EA is determined to be necessary, the applicant may be permitted to prepare an environmental assessment pursuant to 10 CFR 1506.5(b) for review and adoption by ERA, or the applicant may enter into a third party contract as set forth in this section.
(b) Environmental Review Procedure. Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section, environmental documents, including the EIS, where necessary, will be prepared utilizing the process set forth above. ERA, the applicant, and the independent third party, which may be a Government-owned, contractor-operated National Laboratory or a private entity, shall enter into an agreement in which the applicant will engage and pay directly for the services of the qualified third party to prepare the necessary environmental documents. The agreement shall outline the responsibilities of each party and its relationship to the other two parties regarding the work to be done or supervised. ERA shall approve the information to be developed and supervise the gathering, analysis and presentation of the information. In addition, ERA will have the authority to approve and modify any statement, analysis, and conclusion contained in the environmental documents prepared by the third party. Before commencing preparation of the environmental document the third party will execute an ERA-prepared disclosure document stating that it does not have any conflict of interest, financial or otherwise, in the outcome of either the environmental process or the Permit application.
(c) Financial Hardship. Whenever ERA determines that a project is no longer economically feasible, or that a substantial financial burden would be imposed by the applicant bearing all of the costs of the NEPA studies, ERA may waive the requirement set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and perform the necessary environmental review, completely or in part, with its own resources.
(d) Discussions Prior to Filing. Prior to the preparation of any Presidential Permit application and environmental report, a potential applicant is encouraged to contact ERA and each affected State public utility regulatory agency to discuss the scope of the proposed project and the potential for joint State and Federal environmental review.
(e) Federal Exemption. Upon a showing by the applicant that it is engaged in the transaction of official business of the Federal Government in filing the application pursuant to 10 CFR 205.320 et seq., it will be exempt from the requirements of this section.
[48 FR 33819, July 25, 1983]
§ 205.329 Environmental requirements for Presidential Permits—Alternative 2.
(a) NEPA Compliance. Except as provided in paragraph (b) and (e) of this section, applicants seeking Presidential Permits will be financially responsible for the expenses of any contractor chosen by ERA to prepare any necessary environmental document arising from ERA's obligation to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) in issuing such Presidential Permits:
(1) ERA will determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or an Environmental Assessment (EA) is required within 45 days of receipt of the Presidential Permit application and of the environmental information submitted pursuant to 10 CFR 205.322 (c) and (d). ERA will use these and other sources of information as the basis for making the environmental determination.
(2) If an EIS is determined to be necessary, ERA will notify the applicant of the fee for completing the EIS within 90 days after the submission of the application and environmental information. The fee shall be based on the expenses estimated to be incurred by DOE in contracting to prepare the EIS (i.e., the estimated fee charges to ERA by the contractor). DOE employee salaries and other fixed costs, as set forth in OMB Circular A–25, shall not be included in the applicant's fee. Fee payment shall be by check, draft, or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States, and shall be submitted to ERA. Upon submission of fifty percent of the environmental fee, ERA will provide to the applicant a tentative schedule for completion of the EIS.
(3) If an EA is determined to be necessary, the applicant may be permitted to prepare an environmental assessment pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.5(b) for review and adoption by ERA, or the applicant may choose to have ERA prepare the EA pursuant to the fee procedures set forth above.
(4) The NEPA process must be completed and approved before ERA will issue a Presidential Permit.
(b) Financial Hardship. Whenever ERA determines that a project is no longer economically feasible, or that a substantial financial burden would be imposed by the applicant bearing all of the costs of the NEPA studies, ERA may waive the requirement set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and perform the necessary environmental review, completely or in part, with its own resources.
(c) Discussions Prior to Filing. Prior to the preparation of any Presidential Permit application and environmental assessment, a potential applicant is encouraged to contact ERA and each affected State public utility regulatory agency to discuss the scope of the proposed project and the potential for joint State and Federal environmental review.
(d) Fee Payment. The applicant shall make fee payment for completing the EIS to ERA in the following manner:
(1) 50 percent of the total amount due to be paid within 30 days of receipt of the fee information from DOE;
(2) 25 percent to be paid upon publication of the draft EIS; and
(3) 25 percent to be paid upon publication of the final EIS.
If costs are less than the amount collected, ERA will refund to the applicant the excess fee collected. If costs exceed the initial fee, ERA will fund the balance, unless the increase in costs is caused by actions or inactions of the applicant, such as the applicant's failure to submit necessary environmental information in a timely fashion. If the application is withdrawn at any stage prior to issuance of the final EIS, the fee will be adjusted to reflect the costs actually incurred; payment shall be made by the applicant within 30 days of above referenced events.
(e) Federal Exemption. Upon a showing by the applicant that it is engaged in the transaction of official business of the Federal Government in filing an application pursuant to 10 CFR 205.320 et seq., it will be exempt from the requirements of this section.
[48 FR 33820, July 25, 1983]
Report of Major Electric Utility System Emergencies
Authority: Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95–91 (42 U.S.C. 7101); Federal Power Act, Pub. L. 66–280 (16 U.S.C. 791 et seq.)
Source: Sections 205.350 through 205.353 appear at 51 FR 39745, Oct. 31, 1986, unless otherwise noted.
§ 205.350 General purpose.
The purpose of this rule is to establish a procedure for the Office of International Affairs and Energy Emergencies (IE) to obtain current information regarding emergency situations on the electric energy supply systems in the United States so that appropriate Federal emergency response measures can be implemented in a timely and effective manner. The data also may be utilized in developing legislative recommendations and reports to the Congress.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1901–0288)§ 205.351 Reporting requirements.
For the purpose of this section, a report or a part of a report may be made jointly by two or more entities. Every electric utility or other entity engaged in the generation, transmission or distribution of electric energy for delivery and/or sale to the public shall report promptly, through the DOE Emergency Operations Center, by telephone, the occurrence of any event such as described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section. These reporting procedures are mandatory. Entities that fail to comply within 24 hours will be contacted and reminded of their reporting obligation.
(a) Loss of Firm System Loads, caused by:
(1) Any load shedding actions resulting in the reduction of over 100 megawatts (MW) of firm customer load for reasons of maintaining the continuity of the bulk electric power supply system.
(2) Equipment failures/system operational actions attributable to the loss of firm system loads for a period in excess of 15 minutes, as described below:
(i) Reports from entities with a previous year recorded peak load of over 3000 MW are required for all such losses of firm loads which total over 300 MW.
(ii) Reports from all other entities are required for all such losses of firm loads which total over 200 MW or 50 percent of the system load being supplied immediately prior to the incident, whichever is less.
(3) Other events or occurrences which result in a continuous interruption for 3 hours or longer to over 50,000 customers, or more than 50 percent of the total customers being served immediately prior to the interruption, whichever is less.
(b) Voltage Reductions or Public Appeals:
(1) Reports are required for any anticipated or actual system voltage reductions of 3 percent or greater for purposes of maintaining the continuity of the bulk electric power supply system.
(2) Reports are required for any issuance of a public appeal to reduce the use of electricity for purposes of maintaining the continuity of the bulk electric power system.
(c) Vulnerabilities that could Impact System Reliability:
(1) Reports are required for any actual or suspected act(s) of physical sabotage (not vandalism) or terrorism directed at an electric power supply system, local or regional, in an attempt to either:
(i) Disrupt or degrade the service reliability of the local or regional bulk electric power supply system, or
(ii) Disrupt, degrade, or deny bulk electric power service to:
(A) A specific facility (industrial, military, governmental, private), or
(B) A specific service (transportation, communications), or
(C) A specific locality (town, city, county).
(2) Reports are required for any abnormal emergency system operating condition(s) or other event(s) which in the judgment of the reporting entity could or would constitute a hazard to maintaining the continuity of the bulk electric power supply system. Examples will be provided in the DOE pamphlet on reporting procedures.
(d) Fuel Supply Emergencies:
(1) Reports are required for any anticipated or existing fuel supply emergency situation which would threaten the continuity of the bulk electric power supply system, such as:
(i) Fuel stocks or hydro project water storage levels are at 50 percent (or less) of normal for that time of the year, and a continued downward trend is projected.
(ii) Unscheduled emergency generation is dispatched causing an abnormal use of a particular fuel type, such that the future supply or stocks of that fuel could reach a level which threatens the reliability or adequacy of electric service.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1901–0288)§ 205.352 Information to be reported.
The emergency situation data shall be supplied to the DOE Emergency Operations Center in accordance with the current DOE pamphlet on reporting procedures. The initial report shall include the utility name; the area affected; the time of occurrence of the initiating event; the duration or an estimate of the likely duration; an estimate of the number of customers and amount of load involved; and whether any known critical services such as hospitals, military installations, pumping stations or air traffic control systems, were or are interrupted. To the extent known or reasonably suspected, the report shall include a description of the events initiating the disturbance. The DOE may require further clarification during or after restoration of service.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1901–0288)§ 205.353 Special investigation and reports.
If directed by the Director, Office of Energy Emergency Operations in writing and noticed in the
Emergency Interconnection of Electric Facilities and the Transfer of Electricity To Alleviate an Emergency Shortage of Electric Power
Authority: Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95–91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. 7101). Federal Power Act, Pub. L. 66–280, 41 Stat. 1063 (16 U.S.C. 791(a))
Source: Sections 205.370 through 205.379 appear at 46 FR 39987, Aug. 6, 1981, unless otherwise noted.
§ 205.370 Applicability.
Sections 202(c) and 202(d) of the Federal Power Act are applicable to any “entity” which owns or operates electric power generation, transmission or distribution facilities. An “entity” is a private or public corporation (utility), a governmental agency, a municipality, a cooperative or a lawful association of the foregoing. Under this section, the DOE has the authority to order the temporary connection of facilities, or the generation or delivery of electricity, which it deems necessary to alleviate an emergency. Such orders shall be effective for the time specified and will be subject to the terms and conditions the DOE specifies. The DOE retains the right to cancel, modify or otherwise change any order, with or without notice, hearing, or report. Requests for action under these regulations will be accepted from any “entity,” State Public Utility Commission, State Energy Agency, or State Governor. Actions under these regulations also may be initiated by the DOE on its own motion. Orders under this authority may be made effective without prior notice.
§ 205.371 Definition of emergency.
“Emergency,” as used herein, is defined as an unexpected inadequate supply of electric energy which may result from the unexpected outage or breakdown of facilities for the generation, transmission or distribution of electric power. Such events may be the result of weather conditions, acts of God, or unforeseen occurrences not reasonably within the power of the affected “entity” to prevent. An emergency also can result from a sudden increase in customer demand, an inability to obtain adequate amounts of the necessary fuels to generate electricity, or a regulatory action which prohibits the use of certain electric power supply facilities. Actions under this authority are envisioned as meeting a specific inadequate power supply situation. Extended periods of insufficient power supply as a result of inadequate planning or the failure to construct necessary facilities can result in an emergency as contemplated in these regulations. In such cases, the impacted “entity” will be expected to make firm arrangements to resolve the problem until new facilities become available, so that a continuing emergency order is not needed. Situations where a shortage of electric energy is projected due solely to the failure of parties to agree to terms, conditions or other economic factors relating to service, generally will not be considered as emergencies unless the inability to supply electric service is imminent. Where an electricity outage or service inadequacy qualifies for a section 202(c) order, contractual difficulties alone will not be sufficient to preclude the issuance of an emergency order.
§ 205.372 Filing procedures; number of copies.
An original and two conformed copies of the applications and reports required under §§205.370 through 205.379 shall be filed with the Division of Power Supply and Reliability, Department of Energy. Copies of all documents also shall be served on:
(a) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
(b) Any State Regulatory Agency having responsibility for service standards, or rates of the “entities” that are affected by the requested order;
(c) Each “entity” suggested as a potential source for the requested emergency assistance;
(d) Any “entity” that may be a potential supplier of transmission services;
(e) All other “entities” not covered under paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section which may be directly affected by the requested order; and
(f) The appropriate Regional Reliability Council.
§ 205.373 Application procedures.
Every application for an emergency order shall set forth the following information as required. This information shall be considered by the DOE in determining that an emergency exists and in deciding to issue an order pursuant to sections 202(c) and 202(d) of the Federal Power Act.
(a) The exact legal name of the applicant and of all other “entities” named in the application.
(b) The name, title, post office address, and telephone number of the person to whom correspondence in regard to the application shall be addressed.
(c) The political subdivision in which each “entity” named in the application operates, together with a brief description of the area served and the business conducted in each location.
(d) Each application for a section 202(c) order shall include the following baseline data:
(1) Daily peak load and energy requirements for each of the past 30 days and projections for each day of the expected duration of the emergency;
(2) All capacity and energy receipts or deliveries to other electric utilities for each of the past 30 days, indicating the classification for each transaction;
(3) The status of all interruptible customers for each of the past 30 days and the anticipated status of these customers for each day of the expected duration of the emergency, assuming both the granting and the denial of the relief requested herein;
(4) All scheduled capacity and energy receipts or deliveries to other electric utilities for each day of the expected duration of the emergency.
(e) A description of the situation and a discussion of why this is an emergency, including any necessary background information. This should include any contingency plan of the applicant and the current level of implementation.
(f) A showing that adequate electric service to firm customers cannot be maintained without additional power transfers.
(g) A description of any conservation or load reduction actions that have been implemented. A discussion of the achieved or expected results or these actions should be included.
(h) A description of efforts made to obtain additional power through voluntary means and the results of such efforts; and a showing that the potential sources of power and/or transmission services designated pursuant to paragraphs (i) through (k) of this section informed that the applicant believed that an emergency existed within the meaning of §205.371.
(i) A listing of proposed sources and amounts of power necessary from each source to alleviate the emergency and a listing of any other “entities” that may be directly affected by the requested order.
(j) Specific proposals to compensate the supplying “entities” for the emergency services requested and to compensate any transmitting “entities” for services necessary to deliver such power.
(k) A showing that, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, the requested relief will not unreasonably impair the reliability of any “entity” directly affected by the requested order to render adequate service to its customers.
(l) Description of the facilities to be used to transfer the requested emergency service to the applicant's system.
(1) If a temporary interconnection under the provisions of section 202(c) is proposed independently, the following additional information shall be supplied for each such interconnection:
(i) Proposed location;
(ii) Required thermal capacity or power transfer capability of the interconnection;
(iii) Type of emergency services requested, including anticipated duration;
(iv) An electrical one line diagram;
(v) A description of all necessary materials and equipment; and
(vi) The projected length of time necessary to complete the interconnection.
(2) If the requested emergency assistance is to be supplied over existing facilities, the following information shall be supplied for each existing interconnection:
(i) Location;
(ii) Thermal capacity of power transfer capability of interconnection facilities; and
(iii) Type and duration of emergency services requested.
(m) A general or key map on a scale not greater than 100 kilometers to the centimeter showing, in separate colors, the territory serviced by each “entity” named in the application; the location of the facilities to be used for the generation and transmission of the requested emergency service; and all connection points between systems.
(n) An estimate of the construction costs of any proposed temporary facilities and a statement estimating the expected operation and maintenance costs on an annualized basis. (Not required on section 202(d) applications.)
(o) Applicants may be required to furnish such supplemental information as the DOE may deem pertinent.
§ 205.374 Responses from “entities” designated in the application.
Each “entity” designated as a potential source of emergency assistance or as a potential supplier of transmission services and which has received a copy of the application under §205.373, shall have three (3) calendar days from the time of receipt of the application to file the information designated below with the DOE. The DOE will grant extensions of the filing period when appropriate. The designated “entities” shall provide an analysis of the impact the requested action would have on its system reliability and its ability to supply its own interruptible and firm customers. The effects of the requested action on the ability to serve firm loads shall be clearly distinguished from the ability to serve contractually interruptible loads. The designated “entity” also may provide other information relevant to the requested action, which is not included in the reliability analysis. Copies of any response shall be provided to the applicant, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, any State Regulatory Agency having responsibility for service standards or rates of any “entity” that may be directly involved in the proposed action, and the appropriate Regional Electric Reliability Council. Pursuant to section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, DOE may issue an emergency order even though a designated “entity” has failed to file a timely response.
§ 205.375 Guidelines defining inadequate fuel or energy supply.
An inadequate utility system fuel inventory or energy supply is a matter of managerial and engineering judgment based on such factors as fuels in stock, fuels en route, transportation time, and constraints on available storage facilities. A system may be considered to have an inadequate fuel or energy supply capability when, combined with other conditions, the projected energy deficiency upon the applicant's system without emergency action by the DOE, will equal or exceed 10 percent of the applicant's then normal daily net energy for load, or will cause the applicant to be unable to meet its normal peak load requirements based upon use of all of its otherwise available resources so that it is unable to supply adequate electric service to its ultimate customers. The following conditions will be considered in determining that a system has inadequate fuel or energy supply capability:
(1) System coal stocks are reduced to 30 days (or less) of normal burn days and a continued downward trend in stock is projected;
(2) System residual oil stocks are reduced to 15 days (or less) of normal burn days and a continued downward trend in stocks is projected;
(3) System distillate oil stocks which cannot be replaced by alternate fuels are reduced to 15 days (or less) of normal burn days and a continued downward trend in stocks is projected;
(4) System natural gas deliveries which cannot be replaced by alternate fuels have been or will be reduced 20 percent below normal requirements and no improvement in natural gas deliveries is projected within 30 days;
(5) Delays in nuclear fuel deliveries will extend a scheduled refueling shutdown by more than 30 days; and
(6) Water supplies required for power generation have been reduced to the level where the future adequacy of the power supply may be endangered and no near term improvement in water supplies is projected.
The use of the prescribed criteria does not preclude an applicant from claiming the existence of an emergency when its stocks of fuel or water exceed the amounts and time frames specified above.
§ 205.376 Rates and charges.
The applicant and the generating or transmitting systems from which emergency service is requested are encouraged to utilize the rates and charges contained in approved existing rate schedules or to negotiate mutually satisfactory rates for the proposed transactions. In the event that the DOE determines that an emergency exists under section 202(c), and the “entities” are unable to agree on the rates to be charged, the DOE shall prescribe the conditions of service and refer the rate issues to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for determination by that agency in accordance with its standards and procedures.
§ 205.377 Reports.
In addition to the information specified below, the DOE may require additional reports as it deems necessary.
(a) Where the DOE has authorized the temporary connection of transmission facilities, all “entities” whose transmission facilities are thus temporarily interconnected shall report the following information to the DOE within 15 days following completion of the interconnection:
(1) The date the temporary interconnection was completed;
(2) The location of the interconnection;
(3) A description of the interconnection; and
(4) A one-line electric diagram of the interconnection.
(b) Where the DOE orders the transfer of power, the “entity” receiving such service shall report the following information to the DOE by the 10th of each month for the preceding month's activity for as long as such order shall remain in effect:
(1) Amounts of capacity and/or energy received each day;
(2) The name of the supplier;
(3) The name of any “entity” supplying transmission services; and
(4) Preliminary estimates of the associated costs.
(c) Where the DOE has approved the installation of permanent facilities that will be used only during emergencies, any use of such facilities shall be reported to the DOE within 24 hours. Details of such usage shall be furnished as deemed appropriate by the DOE after such notification.
(d) Any substantial change in the information provided under §205.373 shall be promptly reported to the DOE.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control No. 1904–0066)[46 FR 39989, Aug. 6, 1981, as amended at 46 FR 63209, Dec. 31, 1981]
§ 205.378 Disconnection of temporary facilities.
Upon the termination of any emergency for the mitigation of which the DOE ordered the construction of temporary facilities, such facilities shall be disconnected and any temporary construction removed or otherwise disposed of, unless application is made as provided in §205.379 for permanent connection for emergency use. This disconnection and removal of temporary facilities shall be accomplished within 30 days of the termination of the emergency unless an extension is granted by the DOE. The DOE shall be notified promptly when such removal of facilities is completed.
§ 205.379 Application for approval of the installation of permanent facilities for emergency use only.
Application for DOE approval of a permanent connection for emergency use only shall conform with the requirements in §205.373. However, the baseline data specified in §205.373(d) need not be included in an application made under this section. In addition, the application shall state in full the reasons why such permanent connection for emergency use is in the public interest.
Browse Previous
