Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program-Eastern Division-Rate Order No. WAPA-126, 35080-35082 [05-11884]

Download as PDF 35080 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 115 / Thursday, June 16, 2005 / Notices Legal Authority Since the proposed rates constitute a major adjustment as defined by 10 CFR part 903, Western will hold both a public information forum and a public comment forum. After review of public comments and possible amendments or adjustments, Western will recommend that the Deputy Secretary of Energy approve the proposed rates on an interim basis. Western is establishing firm electric service rates for LAP under the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7152); the Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388), as amended and supplemented by subsequent laws, particularly section 9(c) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)) and section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 (16 U.S.C. 825s); and other acts that specifically apply to the projects involved. By Delegation Order No. 00–037.00, effective December 6, 2001, the Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) The authority to develop power and transmission rates to Western’s Administrator; (2) the authority to confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and (3) the authority to confirm, approve, and place into effect on a final basis, to remand, or to disapprove such rates to the Commission. Existing Department of Energy (DOE) procedures for public participation in power rate adjustments (10 CFR part 903) were published on September 18, 1985. Availability of Information All brochures, studies, comments, letters, memorandums, e-mail, or other documents that Western initiates to develop the proposed rates are available for inspection and copying at the Rocky Mountain Regional Office, located at 5555 East Crossroads Boulevard, Loveland, Colorado. Many of these documents, and supporting information, are also available on its Web site under the ‘‘Rate Adjustments’’ section located at https://www.wapa.gov/rm/rm.htm. Regulatory Procedure Requirements Regulatory Flexibility Analysis The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.) requires Federal agencies to perform a regulatory flexibility analysis if a final rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and there is a legal requirement to issue a general notice of proposed rulemaking. This action does not require a regulatory flexibility analysis since it VerDate jul<14>2003 15:42 Jun 15, 2005 Jkt 205001 is a rulemaking of particular applicability involving rates or services applicable to public property. Environmental Compliance In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.); Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); and DOE NEPA Regulations (10 CFR part 1021), Western has determined that this action is categorically excluded from preparing an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Determination Under Executive Order 12866 Western has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the Office of Management and Budget is required. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act Western has determined that this rule is exempt from congressional notification requirements under 5 U.S.C. 801 because the action is a rulemaking of particular applicability relating to rates or services and involves matters of procedure. Dated: June 8, 2005. Michael S. Hacskaylo, Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–11883 Filed 6–15–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program— Eastern Division-Rate Order No. WAPA–126 Western Area Power Administration, DOE. ACTION: Notice of proposed power rates. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is proposing revised rates for Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division (P– SMBP—ED) firm electric and firm peaking power service. Current rates, under Rate Schedules P–SED–F7 and P– SED–FP7, extend through December 31, 2008. The proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to pay all annual costs, including interest expense, and repayment of required investment within the allowable period. Western will prepare a brochure that provides detailed information on the rates to all interested parties. The proposed rates, PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 under Rate Schedules P–SED–F8 and P– SED–FP8, are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2006, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2010. Publication of this Federal Register notice begins the formal process for the proposed rates. DATES: The consultation and comment period begins today and will end September 14, 2005. Western will present a detailed explanation of the proposed rates at public information forums. Public information forum dates are: 1. July 19, 2005, 10 a.m. MDT, Denver, CO. 2. July 20, 2005, 8 a.m. CDT, Lincoln, NE. 3. July 20, 2005, 2 p.m. CDT, Sioux Falls, SD. 4. July 21, 2005, 9 a.m. CDT, Fargo, ND. Western will accept oral and written comments at public comment forums. Public comment forums will be held on the following dates: 1. August 16, 2005, 9 a.m. MDT, Denver, CO. 2. August 17, 2005, 9 a.m. CDT, Sioux Falls, SD. Western will accept written comments any time during the consultation and comment period. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Robert J. Harris, Regional Manager, Upper Great Plains Region, Western Area Power Administration, 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101– 1266, e-mail ugp_firmrate@wapa.gov. Western will post information about the rate process on its Web site at https:// www.wapa.gov/ugp/rates/ 2006FirmRateAdj. Western will post official comments received via letter and e-mail to its Web site after the close of the comment period. Western must receive written comments by the end of the consultation and comment period to ensure they are considered in Western’s decision process. Public information forum locations are: 1. Denver—Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver, CO. 2. Lincoln—Peru State College Center, 1111 O Street, Lincoln, NE. 3. Sioux Falls—Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center, 1211 West Avenue North, Sioux Falls, SD. 4. Fargo—Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND. Public comment forum locations are: 1. Denver—Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver, CO. 2. Sioux Falls—Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center, 1211 West Avenue North, Sioux Falls, SD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jon R. Horst, Rates Manager, Upper E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 115 / Thursday, June 16, 2005 / Notices Great Plains Region, Western Area Power Administration, 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101–1266, telephone (406) 247–7444, e-mail horst@wapa.gov. Proposed rates for P-SMBP—ED firm electric and firm peaking service are designed to recover an annual revenue requirement that includes investment repayment, interest, purchase power, operation and maintenance expense, and other expenses. The projected annual revenue requirement for firm electric service is allocated equally between capacity and energy. The Deputy Secretary of Energy approved Rate Schedules P–SED–F7 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and P–SED–FP7 for P–SMBP—ED firm electric and firm peaking service on December 24, 2003 (Rate Order No. WAPA–110, 69 FR 649, January 6, 2004), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) confirmed and approved the rate schedules on December 23, 2004, under FERC Docket No. EF04–5031–000 (109 FERC 62,234). Approval for Rate Schedules P–SED–F7 and P–FED–FP7 covered 5 years beginning on February 1, 2004, ending on December 31, 2008. Under Rate Schedule P–SED–F7, the second step of the composite rate effective on October 1, 2004, is 16.51 mills per kilowatthour (mills/kWh), the energy rate is 9.62 mills/kWh, and the capacity rate is $3.72 per kilowattmonth 35081 (kWmonth). Under Rate Schedule P– SED–F8, Western is proposing a twostep rate adjustment. Under a two-step method, the rates for P–SMBP—ED firm electric service will result in an overall composite rate increase of about 11.9 percent effective January 1, 2006, an additional 5.8 percent effective January 1, 2007, with a total compounded increase of about 18.4 percent. The proposed Firm Capacity and Firm Peaking Capacity rates will increase about 12.9 percent effective on January 1, 2006, an additional 6.0 percent effective January 1, 2007, with a total compounded increase of about 19.6 percent. Proposed rates for P–SMBP— ED firm electric and firm peaking service are listed in Table 1. TABLE 1.—TWO STEP PROPOSAL—FIRM ELECTRIC SERVICE REVENUE REQUIREMENT AND RATES Percent change Second step rates Jan. 1, 2007 Percent change Firm electric service Existing rates First step rates Jan. 1, 2006 P–SMBP–ED Revenue Requirement. P–SMBP–ED Composite Rate. Firm Capacity ...................... Firm Energy ......................... Tiered 60 Percent Load Factor. Firm Peaking Capacity ........ Firm Peaking Energy 1 ........ $160.1 million ...................... $179.4 million ...................... 12.1 $189.9 million ...................... 5.9 16.51 mills/kWh .................. 18.47 mills/kWh .................. 11.9 19.54 mills/kWh .................. 5.8 $3.72/kWmonth ................... 9.62 mills/kWh .................... 5.21 mills/kWh .................... $4.20/kWmonth ................... 10.69 mills/kWh .................. 5.21 mills/kWh .................... 12.9 11.1 0.0 $4.45/kWmonth ................... 11.29 mills/kWh .................. 5.21 mills/kWh .................... 6.0 5.6 0.0 $3.72/kWmonth ................... 9.62 mills/kWh .................... $4.20/kWmonth ................... 10.69 mills/kWh .................. 12.9 11.1 $4.45/kWmonth ................... 11.29 mills/kWh .................. 6.0 5.6 1 Firm Peaking Energy is normally returned. This rate will be assessed in the event Firm Peaking Energy is not returned. During informal information discussions, Western received requests from the Firm Peaking customers and others to reconsider the Firm Peaking rate design. Concern was expressed by the Firm Peaking customers and others in informal discussions for this rate adjustment as well as in past rate processes on assignment of costs associated with the drought. Firm Peaking customers and others have suggested some alternatives for consideration by Western. In response to those suggestions, Western prepared an alternative proposal, the Firm Peaking Capacity Design Alternative, for consideration and comment in this public process. Although the two-step rate adjustment in Table 1 is the option being proposed, maintaining equity among products and rates is in Western’s interest. Therefore, Western is soliciting comments on equity among products and comments with supporting information for or against the Firm Peaking Capacity Design Alternative. In this alternative, the Firm Peaking Capacity rate is 13.9 percent less than the Firm Power Capacity rate. The impact on the Firm Power revenue requirement is approximately a 1-percent increase. The comparative changes in the rates between the proposed two-step rate adjustment and the Firm Peaking Capacity Design Alternative are described here: The Firm Capacity rate would increase from 12.9 percent to 16.1 percent in the first step and the second step would be an additional 6.0 percent in both proposals. The Firm Energy rate would remain the same with an 11.1-percent increase in the first step and a 5.6-percent increase in the second step. The proposed rates provided under this alternative are included in Table 2. TABLE 2.—PROPOSED—FIRM PEAKING CAPACITY DESIGN ALTERNATIVE Percent change Second step rates Jan. 1, 2007 Percent change Firm electric service Existing rates First step rates Jan. 1, 2006 P-SMBP—ED Revenue Requirement. P-SMBP—ED Composite Rate. Firm Capacity ...................... Firm Energy ......................... Tiered > Percent Load Factor. Firm Peaking Capacity ........ Firm Peaking Energy 1 ......... $160.1 million ...................... $179.4 million ...................... 12.1 $189.9 million ...................... 5.9 16.51 mills/kWh .................. 18.71 mills/kWh .................. 13.3 19.79 mills/kWh .................. 5.8 $3.72/kWmonth ................... 9.62 mills/kWh .................... 5.21 mills/kWh .................... $4.32/kWmonth ................... 10.69 mills/kWh .................. 5.21 mills/kWh .................... 16.1 11.1 0.0 $4.58/kWmonth ................... 11.29 mills/kWh .................. 5.21 mills/kWh .................... 6.0 5.6 0.0 $3.72/kWmonth ................... 9.62 mills/kWh .................... $3.72/kWmonth ................... 10.69 mills/kWh .................. 0 11.1 $3.94/kWmonth ................... 11.29 mills/kWh .................. 5.9 5.6 1 Firm Peaking Energy is normally returned. This rate will be assessed in the event Firm Peaking Energy is not returned. VerDate jul<14>2003 15:42 Jun 15, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1 35082 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 115 / Thursday, June 16, 2005 / Notices Legal Authority Since the proposed rates constitute a major rate adjustment as defined by 10 CFR part 903, Western will hold both public information forum and public comment forums. After review of public comments, and possible amendments or adjustments, Western will recommend the Deputy Secretary of Energy approve the proposed rates on an interim basis. Western is establishing the firm electric service rates for P-SMBP—ED under the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7152); the Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388), as amended and supplemented by subsequent laws, particularly section 9(c) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)); and other acts that specifically apply to the projects involved. By Delegation Order No. 00–037.00, effective December 6, 2001, the Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) The authority to develop power and transmission rates to Western’s Administrator; (2) the authority to confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and (3) the authority to confirm, approve, and place into effect on a final basis, to remand, or to disapprove such rates to the Commission. Existing Department of Energy (DOE) procedures for public participation in power rate adjustments (10 CFR part 903) were published on September 18, 1985 (50 FR 37835). Availability of Information All brochures, studies, comments, letters, memorandums, or other documents that Western initiates or uses to develop the proposed rates are available for inspection and copying at the Upper Great Plains Regional Office, located at 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT. Many of these documents and supporting information are also available on its Web site under the ‘‘2006 Firm Rate Adjustment’’ section located at https://www.wapa.gov/ugp/ rates/2006FirmRateAdj. Regulatory Procedure Requirements Regulatory Flexibility Analysis The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.) requires Federal agencies to perform a regulatory flexibility analysis if a final rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and there is a legal requirement to issue a general notice of proposed rulemaking. This action does not require a regulatory flexibility analysis since it is a rulemaking of particular VerDate jul<14>2003 15:42 Jun 15, 2005 Jkt 205001 applicability involving rates or services applicable to public property. Environmental Compliance In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.); Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); and DOE NEPA Regulations (10 CFR part 1021), Western has determined this action is categorically excluded from preparing an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Determination Under Executive Order 12866 Western has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the Office of Management and Budget is required. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act Western has determined that this rule is exempt from congressional notification requirements under 5 U.S.C. 801 because the action is a rulemaking of particular applicability relating to rates or services and involves matters of procedure. Dated: June 8, 2005. Michael S. Hacskaylo, Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–11884 Filed 6–15–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [OW–2003–0033, FRL–7924–8] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Modification of Secondary Treatment Requirements for Discharges Into Marine Waters, EPA ICR Number 0138.08, OMB Control Number 2040–0088 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a continuing Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. This ICR is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2005. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 proposed information collection as described below. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 15, 2005. Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number OW– 2003–0033, to EPA online using EDOCKET (our preferred method), by email to OW–Docket@epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Docket, Mail Code: 4101T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Virginia Fox-Norse, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds: Oceans and Coastal Protection Division (Mail Code 4504T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number (202) 566–1266; fax number: (202) 566–1337; e-mail address: foxnorse.virginia@epa.gov. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID number OW–2003– 0033, which is available for public viewing at the Water Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the Water docket is (202) 566–2426. An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA Dockets (EDOCKET) at https://www.epa.gov/edocket. Use EDOCKET to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified above. Any comments related to this ICR should be submitted to EPA within 60 days of this notice. EPA’s policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing in EDOCKET as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in EDOCKET. The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\16JNN1.SGM 16JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 115 (Thursday, June 16, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35080-35082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11884]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Western Area Power Administration


Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program--Eastern Division-Rate Order 
No. WAPA-126

AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of proposed power rates.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is proposing 
revised rates for Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program--Eastern Division 
(P-SMBP--ED) firm electric and firm peaking power service. Current 
rates, under Rate Schedules P-SED-F7 and P-SED-FP7, extend through 
December 31, 2008. The proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue 
to pay all annual costs, including interest expense, and repayment of 
required investment within the allowable period. Western will prepare a 
brochure that provides detailed information on the rates to all 
interested parties. The proposed rates, under Rate Schedules P-SED-F8 
and P-SED-FP8, are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2006, and 
will remain in effect through December 31, 2010. Publication of this 
Federal Register notice begins the formal process for the proposed 
rates.

DATES: The consultation and comment period begins today and will end 
September 14, 2005. Western will present a detailed explanation of the 
proposed rates at public information forums. Public information forum 
dates are:
    1. July 19, 2005, 10 a.m. MDT, Denver, CO.
    2. July 20, 2005, 8 a.m. CDT, Lincoln, NE.
    3. July 20, 2005, 2 p.m. CDT, Sioux Falls, SD.
    4. July 21, 2005, 9 a.m. CDT, Fargo, ND.
    Western will accept oral and written comments at public comment 
forums. Public comment forums will be held on the following dates:
    1. August 16, 2005, 9 a.m. MDT, Denver, CO.
    2. August 17, 2005, 9 a.m. CDT, Sioux Falls, SD.
    Western will accept written comments any time during the 
consultation and comment period.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Robert J. Harris, Regional Manager, 
Upper Great Plains Region, Western Area Power Administration, 2900 4th 
Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101-1266, e-mail ugp_firmrate@wapa.gov. 
Western will post information about the rate process on its Web site at 
https://www.wapa.gov/ugp/rates/2006FirmRateAdj. Western will post 
official comments received via letter and e-mail to its Web site after 
the close of the comment period. Western must receive written comments 
by the end of the consultation and comment period to ensure they are 
considered in Western's decision process.
    Public information forum locations are:
    1. Denver--Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver, 
CO.
    2. Lincoln--Peru State College Center, 1111 O Street, Lincoln, NE.
    3. Sioux Falls--Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center, 1211 West 
Avenue North, Sioux Falls, SD.
    4. Fargo--Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND.
    Public comment forum locations are:
    1. Denver--Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver, 
CO.
    2. Sioux Falls--Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center, 1211 West 
Avenue North, Sioux Falls, SD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jon R. Horst, Rates Manager, Upper

[[Page 35081]]

Great Plains Region, Western Area Power Administration, 2900 4th Avenue 
North, Billings, MT 59101-1266, telephone (406) 247-7444, e-mail 
horst@wapa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed rates for P-SMBP--ED firm electric 
and firm peaking service are designed to recover an annual revenue 
requirement that includes investment repayment, interest, purchase 
power, operation and maintenance expense, and other expenses. The 
projected annual revenue requirement for firm electric service is 
allocated equally between capacity and energy.
    The Deputy Secretary of Energy approved Rate Schedules P-SED-F7 and 
P-SED-FP7 for P-SMBP--ED firm electric and firm peaking service on 
December 24, 2003 (Rate Order No. WAPA-110, 69 FR 649, January 6, 
2004), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) 
confirmed and approved the rate schedules on December 23, 2004, under 
FERC Docket No. EF04-5031-000 (109 FERC 62,234). Approval for Rate 
Schedules P-SED-F7 and P-FED-FP7 covered 5 years beginning on February 
1, 2004, ending on December 31, 2008.
    Under Rate Schedule P-SED-F7, the second step of the composite rate 
effective on October 1, 2004, is 16.51 mills per kilowatthour (mills/
kWh), the energy rate is 9.62 mills/kWh, and the capacity rate is $3.72 
per kilowattmonth (kWmonth). Under Rate Schedule P-SED-F8, Western is 
proposing a two-step rate adjustment. Under a two-step method, the 
rates for P-SMBP--ED firm electric service will result in an overall 
composite rate increase of about 11.9 percent effective January 1, 
2006, an additional 5.8 percent effective January 1, 2007, with a total 
compounded increase of about 18.4 percent. The proposed Firm Capacity 
and Firm Peaking Capacity rates will increase about 12.9 percent 
effective on January 1, 2006, an additional 6.0 percent effective 
January 1, 2007, with a total compounded increase of about 19.6 
percent. Proposed rates for P-SMBP--ED firm electric and firm peaking 
service are listed in Table 1.

                Table 1.--Two Step Proposal--Firm Electric Service Revenue Requirement and Rates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      First step rates    Percent   Second step rates   Percent
     Firm electric service         Existing rates       Jan. 1, 2006       change      Jan. 1, 2007      change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P-SMBP-ED Revenue Requirement..  $160.1 million....  $179.4 million....       12.1  $189.9 million...        5.9
P-SMBP-ED Composite Rate.......  16.51 mills/kWh...  18.47 mills/kWh...       11.9  19.54 mills/kWh..        5.8
Firm Capacity..................  $3.72/kWmonth.....  $4.20/kWmonth.....       12.9  $4.45/kWmonth....        6.0
Firm Energy....................  9.62 mills/kWh....  10.69 mills/kWh...       11.1  11.29 mills/kWh..        5.6
Tiered 60 Percent Load Factor..  5.21 mills/kWh....  5.21 mills/kWh....        0.0  5.21 mills/kWh...        0.0
Firm Peaking Capacity..........  $3.72/kWmonth.....  $4.20/kWmonth.....       12.9  $4.45/kWmonth....        6.0
Firm Peaking Energy \1\........  9.62 mills/kWh....  10.69 mills/kWh...       11.1  11.29 mills/kWh..       5.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Firm Peaking Energy is normally returned. This rate will be assessed in the event Firm Peaking Energy is not
  returned.

    During informal information discussions, Western received requests 
from the Firm Peaking customers and others to reconsider the Firm 
Peaking rate design. Concern was expressed by the Firm Peaking 
customers and others in informal discussions for this rate adjustment 
as well as in past rate processes on assignment of costs associated 
with the drought. Firm Peaking customers and others have suggested some 
alternatives for consideration by Western. In response to those 
suggestions, Western prepared an alternative proposal, the Firm Peaking 
Capacity Design Alternative, for consideration and comment in this 
public process.
    Although the two-step rate adjustment in Table 1 is the option 
being proposed, maintaining equity among products and rates is in 
Western's interest. Therefore, Western is soliciting comments on equity 
among products and comments with supporting information for or against 
the Firm Peaking Capacity Design Alternative. In this alternative, the 
Firm Peaking Capacity rate is 13.9 percent less than the Firm Power 
Capacity rate. The impact on the Firm Power revenue requirement is 
approximately a 1-percent increase. The comparative changes in the 
rates between the proposed two-step rate adjustment and the Firm 
Peaking Capacity Design Alternative are described here: The Firm 
Capacity rate would increase from 12.9 percent to 16.1 percent in the 
first step and the second step would be an additional 6.0 percent in 
both proposals. The Firm Energy rate would remain the same with an 
11.1-percent increase in the first step and a 5.6-percent increase in 
the second step. The proposed rates provided under this alternative are 
included in Table 2.

                          Table 2.--Proposed--Firm Peaking Capacity Design Alternative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      First step rates    Percent   Second step rates   Percent
     Firm electric service         Existing rates       Jan. 1, 2006       change      Jan. 1, 2007      change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P-SMBP--ED Revenue Requirement.  $160.1 million....  $179.4 million....       12.1  $189.9 million...        5.9
P-SMBP--ED Composite Rate......  16.51 mills/kWh...  18.71 mills/kWh...       13.3  19.79 mills/kWh..        5.8
Firm Capacity..................  $3.72/kWmonth.....  $4.32/kWmonth.....       16.1  $4.58/kWmonth....        6.0
Firm Energy....................  9.62 mills/kWh....  10.69 mills/kWh...       11.1  11.29 mills/kWh..        5.6
Tiered > Percent Load Factor...  5.21 mills/kWh....  5.21 mills/kWh....        0.0  5.21 mills/kWh...        0.0
Firm Peaking Capacity..........  $3.72/kWmonth.....  $3.72/kWmonth.....          0  $3.94/kWmonth....        5.9
Firm Peaking Energy 1..........  9.62 mills/kWh....  10.69 mills/kWh...       11.1  11.29 mills/kWh..       5.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Firm Peaking Energy is normally returned. This rate will be assessed in the event Firm Peaking Energy is not
  returned.


[[Page 35082]]

Legal Authority

    Since the proposed rates constitute a major rate adjustment as 
defined by 10 CFR part 903, Western will hold both public information 
forum and public comment forums. After review of public comments, and 
possible amendments or adjustments, Western will recommend the Deputy 
Secretary of Energy approve the proposed rates on an interim basis.
    Western is establishing the firm electric service rates for P-
SMBP--ED under the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 
7152); the Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388), as amended 
and supplemented by subsequent laws, particularly section 9(c) of the 
Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)); and other acts 
that specifically apply to the projects involved.
    By Delegation Order No. 00-037.00, effective December 6, 2001, the 
Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) The authority to develop power and 
transmission rates to Western's Administrator; (2) the authority to 
confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis 
to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and (3) the authority to confirm, 
approve, and place into effect on a final basis, to remand, or to 
disapprove such rates to the Commission. Existing Department of Energy 
(DOE) procedures for public participation in power rate adjustments (10 
CFR part 903) were published on September 18, 1985 (50 FR 37835).

Availability of Information

    All brochures, studies, comments, letters, memorandums, or other 
documents that Western initiates or uses to develop the proposed rates 
are available for inspection and copying at the Upper Great Plains 
Regional Office, located at 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT. Many 
of these documents and supporting information are also available on its 
Web site under the ``2006 Firm Rate Adjustment'' section located at 
https://www.wapa.gov/ugp/rates/2006FirmRateAdj.

Regulatory Procedure Requirements

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.) 
requires Federal agencies to perform a regulatory flexibility analysis 
if a final rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities and there is a legal requirement 
to issue a general notice of proposed rulemaking. This action does not 
require a regulatory flexibility analysis since it is a rulemaking of 
particular applicability involving rates or services applicable to 
public property.

Environmental Compliance

    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.); Council on Environmental Quality 
Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); and DOE NEPA Regulations (10 CFR 
part 1021), Western has determined this action is categorically 
excluded from preparing an environmental assessment or an environmental 
impact statement.

Determination Under Executive Order 12866

    Western has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under 
Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the 
Office of Management and Budget is required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    Western has determined that this rule is exempt from congressional 
notification requirements under 5 U.S.C. 801 because the action is a 
rulemaking of particular applicability relating to rates or services 
and involves matters of procedure.

    Dated: June 8, 2005.
Michael S. Hacskaylo,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-11884 Filed 6-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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