Study of the Potential Benefits of Distributed Generation, 4904-4905 [E6-1096]

Download as PDF 4904 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 19 / Monday, January 30, 2006 / Notices The National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL) Strategic Center for Natural Gas and Oil program mission is to enhance U.S. security by ensuring the Nation has a reliable energy supply. The Strategic Center for Natural Gas and Oil seeks to accomplish this critical goal by advancing environmentally responsible technological solutions that bolster domestic oil and natural gas recovery. Priority will be given to projects in the noted areas of interest—the Williston Basin in North Dakota/Montana and the Cook Inlet Basin in Alaska. This solicitation seeks to maximize U.S. oil and natural gas production in a costeffective manner through the injection of CO2, while at the same time sequestering significant quantities of CO2. To promote greater use of industrial CO2, additional consideration will be given to those proposals that use anthropogenic CO2 from existing industrial processes for the CO2 flood (e.g., ethanol and gas processing plants, oil refineries, petroleum coke gasification, coal liquefaction, etc.). Projects should clearly set forth the manner in which adverse environmental impacts would be minimized. Finally, the solicitation will give priority programmatic consideration to projects that involve, in a significant way, existing state/regional institutions that have a mandate or significant interest in supporting enhanced oil or natural gas recovery, and reducing the carbon intensity/CO2 emissions in the state and/or region. DATES: Funding Opportunity Announcement Issue: 03 Feb 2006. Proposal Receipt: 05 May 2006. Selection Notification: 04 Aug 2006. Award: 30 Sep 2006. ADDRESSES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for additional detail. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Beth Pearse, Marybeth.pearse@netl.doe.gov. These specific demonstration projects are Congressionally mandated in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, H.R. 6, Section 354, Subsection (c), with the purpose of promoting the capture, transportation and injection of produced carbon dioxide for sequestration into oil and gas fields, while promoting oil and natural gas production. Projects selected under this solicitation will add to the technological base by demonstrating technology methods for improving the economic viability and effectiveness of CO2 flooding, capture and sequestration cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:07 Jan 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 techniques. The efforts will support national air quality goals by answering questions surrounding the increased use of CO2 for enhanced oil and natural gas recovery, while also allowing more CO2 to remain in the geologic formations. The results will provide additional benefits by improving the industry performance and extending the life of producing fields. Examples of improved recovery technologies will be demonstrated at DOE’s CO2 EOR Workshop in Houston, hosted by the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC). This workshop is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 22–23, 2006. Please refer to PTTC’s Web site at https://www.pttc.org for finalized dates and meeting details. Address Information: The Funding Opportunity Announcement DE–PS26– 06NT15430, Enhanced Oil and Natural Gas Production through Carbon Dioxide Injection, can be found at https://www.ecenter.doe.gov or https://grants.gov, after the Funding Opportunity Announcement issue date above. Issued in Pittsburgh PA on January 19, 2006. Richard D. Rogus, Procurement Team Leader. [FR Doc. E6–1098 Filed 1–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Study of the Potential Benefits of Distributed Generation National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of inquiry and request for public comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Distributed Energy Program from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) is seeking public input for a study of the potential benefits of distributed generation required by section 1817 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. DOE invites interested parties to relate experiences, convey data, communicate results of case studies or analyses, or provide other information pertaining to the planning, installation, commissioning and operation of distributed energy systems as outlined below. DATES: Comments, reports, case studies and other information offered in response to this Notice shall be received no later than February 23, 2006 at any of the addresses listed in the ADDRESSES section. ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit comments PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 electronically (using Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word formats) or in hard copy. Submissions should include a cover page containing the commenter’s name, affiliation, telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address. DOE will consider all comments received. Comments prepared in electronic formats may be submitted directly, via the Web at: https:// www.dg1817report.org. Links to this Web page may also be found on the OE Web site: https://www.electricity.doe.gov, or the NETL Web site: https:// www.netl.doe.gov. Written submissions may also be sent by regular mail to: Mario Sciulli, U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, PO Box 10940, MS 922– 342C, Pittsburgh, PA 15236; or by e-mail to: mario.sciulli@netl.doe.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mario Sciulli, U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, PO Box 10940, MS 922– 342C, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, e-mail address: mario.sciulli@netl.doe.gov. Information offered by commenters in response to this Notice will be available for public inspection at the Department of Energy, Freedom of Information Reading Room, Room 1E–190, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background. Section 1817 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) requires DOE to conduct a study in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of the potential benefits of cogeneration and small power production. The Electricity Modernization Act § 1817, 119 Stat. 594, 1130 (2005). This study will encompass various forms of distributed energy technologies, ranging from those that produce only electricity to those that produce a combination of heat and power (CHP), installed at or near the point of use. The first component of the DOE study will analyze potential benefits associated with expanded utilization of distributed energy technologies. For purposes of this Notice the terms ‘‘distributed generation’’ (DG), ‘‘cogeneration’’ and ‘‘small power production’’ are synonymous.1 Specific 1 The term ‘‘cogeneration facility’’ typically describes a facility that produces electric and/or thermal energy independent of or interconnected to the local electricity supplier (grid). 16 U.S.C. 796(18)(A). Similarly, ‘‘small power production E:\FR\FM\30JAN1.SGM 30JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 19 / Monday, January 30, 2006 / Notices case studies will be evaluated to gauge the impact of regulatory mandates, tariffs, rate structures and similar policies on the proliferation of DG, CHP systems and other distributed energy technologies. The second component of the DOE study will address the raterelated issues ‘‘that may impede or otherwise discourage the expansion of’’ distributed energy technologies. Id. section 1817(a)(3). cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES II. Questions for Public Comment and Request for Data To aid in conducting this study, DOE requests public input/comment that addresses the two issues discussed below. A. Potential Benefits In accordance with section 1817 of EPAct 2005, this study will attempt to identify, discuss and quantify benefits that are received directly or indirectly by three classes of recipients: ‘‘(i) * * * electricity distribution or transmission service provider[s]; (ii) other customers served by an electricity distribution or transmission service provider; and (iii) the general public in the area served by the public utility in which the cogenerator or small power producer is located.’’ Id. section 1817(a)(1)(B)(i)– (iii). In analyzing the potential benefits of DG, CHP and other distributed energy technologies, the study will focus on the following areas: (i) Dynamics of the electric system (grid) including reliability in terms of outages (seconds to hours), power quality (microseconds), and ancillary services (including reactive power or volt-amperes reactive); (ii) Economic ramifications of distributed energy technologies, including reduction of peak power requirements due to on-site generation (based on distribution feeder load duration curves), offsets to investments in generation, transmission or distribution facilities that would otherwise be recovered through rates, and diminished land use effects and rights-of-way acquisitions; and (iii) Physical security and emergency supply of power, including reducing vulnerability of a system to terrorism. To accomplish this aspect of the study, DOE requests case studies, analyses, or reports valuing these potential benefits under varying circumstances for individual DG, CHP facility’’ usually refers to a facility that produces less than 80 megawatts of electricity. Id. Section 796(17)(A). ‘‘Distributed generation’’ (DG) generally applies to energy systems that produce electricity and/or thermal energy at or near the point of use. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:07 Jan 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 and other distributed energy technologies. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission B. Rate-Related Impediments Subsection 1817(a) of EPAct 2005 states that DOE’s study must include, among other things, an analysis of raterelated issues that ‘‘may impede or otherwise discourage the expansion of cogeneration and small power production facilities.’’ Id. Section 1817(a)(2)(B). To evaluate rate-related impediments that may hinder or otherwise discourage the expansion of DG, CHP systems and other distributed energy technologies, this study will analyze whether rates, rules, tariffs, or other requirements imposed on such installations are comparable to rates imposed on other customers of the same class that do not have distributed energy facilities. For this portion of the study, DOE requests public comment (in the form of case studies or similar information) depicting the effect of raterelated issues on the planning, financing, installation, commissioning or operation of DG, CHP and other distributed energy technologies. III. Public Participation A. Report DOE will make the draft report available to the public and provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit written comments on the initial conclusions reached by the study. Following the public review period, DOE will subsequently present the results of the study to the President and Congress not later than February 8, 2007, and will thereafter publish a final report. B. Submission of Comments DOE requests written comments from interested parties on all aspects of the study required by section 1817. DOE is especially interested in receiving written comments from persons with particular knowledge of the legal, economic and technical elements related to the benefits and rate-related issues concerning DG, CHP and other distributed energy technologies. Any information submitted to DOE, however, should not contain confidential, proprietary or business sensitive data. Issued in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2006. Kevin Kolevar, Director, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. E6–1096 Filed 1–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4905 [Docket Nos. ER06–195–000, ER06–195– 001] K Road BG Management LLC; Notice of Issuance of Order January 23, 2006. K Road BG Management LLC (K Road) filed an application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate schedule. The proposed marketbased rate schedule provides for the sales of energy and capacity at marketbased rates. K Road also requested waiver of various Commission regulations. In particular, K Road requested that the Commission grant blanket approval under 18 CFR part 34 of all future issuances of securities and assumptions of liability by K Road. On January 20, 2006, pursuant to delegated authority, the Director, Division of Tariffs and Market Development—West, granted the request for blanket approval under part 34. The Director’s order also stated that the Commission would publish a separate notice in the Federal Register establishing a period of time for the filing of protests. Accordingly, any person desiring to be heard or to protest the blanket approval of issuances of securities or assumptions of liability by K Road should file a motion to intervene or protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. 18 CFR 385.211, 385.214 (2004). Notice is hereby given that the deadline for filing motions to intervene or protest is February 21, 2006. Absent a request to be heard in opposition by the deadline above, K Road is authorized to issue securities and assume obligations or liabilities as a guarantor, indorser, surety, or otherwise in respect of any security of another person; provided that such issuance or assumption is for some lawful object within the corporate purposes of K Road, compatible with the public interest, and is reasonably necessary or appropriate for such purposes. The Commission reserves the right to require a further showing that neither public nor private interests will be adversely affected by continued approval of K Road’s issuances of securities or assumptions of liability. Copies of the full text of the Director’s Order are available from the E:\FR\FM\30JAN1.SGM 30JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 19 (Monday, January 30, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4904-4905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-1096]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Study of the Potential Benefits of Distributed Generation

AGENCY: National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Notice of inquiry and request for public comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Distributed Energy Program from the Department of Energy's 
(DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) is 
seeking public input for a study of the potential benefits of 
distributed generation required by section 1817 of the Energy Policy 
Act of 2005. DOE invites interested parties to relate experiences, 
convey data, communicate results of case studies or analyses, or 
provide other information pertaining to the planning, installation, 
commissioning and operation of distributed energy systems as outlined 
below.

DATES: Comments, reports, case studies and other information offered in 
response to this Notice shall be received no later than February 23, 
2006 at any of the addresses listed in the ADDRESSES section.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit comments 
electronically (using Adobe[supreg] Acrobat[supreg] or 
Microsoft[supreg] Word formats) or in hard copy. Submissions should 
include a cover page containing the commenter's name, affiliation, 
telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address. DOE will 
consider all comments received.
    Comments prepared in electronic formats may be submitted directly, 
via the Web at: https://www.dg1817report.org. Links to this Web page may 
also be found on the OE Web site: https://www.electricity.doe.gov, or 
the NETL Web site: https://www.netl.doe.gov. Written submissions may 
also be sent by regular mail to: Mario Sciulli, U.S. Department of 
Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, PO Box 10940, MS 922-
342C, Pittsburgh, PA 15236; or by e-mail to: 
mario.sciulli@netl.doe.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mario Sciulli, U.S. Department of 
Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, PO Box 10940, MS 922-
342C, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, e-mail address: mario.sciulli@netl.doe.gov. 
Information offered by commenters in response to this Notice will be 
available for public inspection at the Department of Energy, Freedom of 
Information Reading Room, Room 1E-190, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20585 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday 
through Friday, except for holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background.

    Section 1817 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) requires 
DOE to conduct a study in consultation with the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission (FERC) of the potential benefits of cogeneration 
and small power production. The Electricity Modernization Act Sec.  
1817, 119 Stat. 594, 1130 (2005). This study will encompass various 
forms of distributed energy technologies, ranging from those that 
produce only electricity to those that produce a combination of heat 
and power (CHP), installed at or near the point of use.
    The first component of the DOE study will analyze potential 
benefits associated with expanded utilization of distributed energy 
technologies. For purposes of this Notice the terms ``distributed 
generation'' (DG), ``cogeneration'' and ``small power production'' are 
synonymous.\1\ Specific

[[Page 4905]]

case studies will be evaluated to gauge the impact of regulatory 
mandates, tariffs, rate structures and similar policies on the 
proliferation of DG, CHP systems and other distributed energy 
technologies. The second component of the DOE study will address the 
rate-related issues ``that may impede or otherwise discourage the 
expansion of'' distributed energy technologies. Id. section 1817(a)(3).

II. Questions for Public Comment and Request for Data

    To aid in conducting this study, DOE requests public input/comment 
that addresses the two issues discussed below.

A. Potential Benefits

    In accordance with section 1817 of EPAct 2005, this study will 
attempt to identify, discuss and quantify benefits that are received 
directly or indirectly by three classes of recipients: ``(i) * * * 
electricity distribution or transmission service provider[s]; (ii) 
other customers served by an electricity distribution or transmission 
service provider; and (iii) the general public in the area served by 
the public utility in which the cogenerator or small power producer is 
located.'' Id. section 1817(a)(1)(B)(i)-(iii).
    In analyzing the potential benefits of DG, CHP and other 
distributed energy technologies, the study will focus on the following 
areas:
    (i) Dynamics of the electric system (grid) including reliability in 
terms of outages (seconds to hours), power quality (microseconds), and 
ancillary services (including reactive power or volt-amperes reactive);
    (ii) Economic ramifications of distributed energy technologies, 
including reduction of peak power requirements due to on-site 
generation (based on distribution feeder load duration curves), offsets 
to investments in generation, transmission or distribution facilities 
that would otherwise be recovered through rates, and diminished land 
use effects and rights-of-way acquisitions; and
    (iii) Physical security and emergency supply of power, including 
reducing vulnerability of a system to terrorism.
    To accomplish this aspect of the study, DOE requests case studies, 
analyses, or reports valuing these potential benefits under varying 
circumstances for individual DG, CHP and other distributed energy 
technologies.

B. Rate-Related Impediments

    Subsection 1817(a) of EPAct 2005 states that DOE's study must 
include, among other things, an analysis of rate-related issues that 
``may impede or otherwise discourage the expansion of cogeneration and 
small power production facilities.'' Id. Section 1817(a)(2)(B). To 
evaluate rate-related impediments that may hinder or otherwise 
discourage the expansion of DG, CHP systems and other distributed 
energy technologies, this study will analyze whether rates, rules, 
tariffs, or other requirements imposed on such installations are 
comparable to rates imposed on other customers of the same class that 
do not have distributed energy facilities. For this portion of the 
study, DOE requests public comment (in the form of case studies or 
similar information) depicting the effect of rate-related issues on the 
planning, financing, installation, commissioning or operation of DG, 
CHP and other distributed energy technologies.

III. Public Participation

A. Report

    DOE will make the draft report available to the public and provide 
an opportunity for interested parties to submit written comments on the 
initial conclusions reached by the study. Following the public review 
period, DOE will subsequently present the results of the study to the 
President and Congress not later than February 8, 2007, and will 
thereafter publish a final report.

B. Submission of Comments

    DOE requests written comments from interested parties on all 
aspects of the study required by section 1817. DOE is especially 
interested in receiving written comments from persons with particular 
knowledge of the legal, economic and technical elements related to the 
benefits and rate-related issues concerning DG, CHP and other 
distributed energy technologies. Any information submitted to DOE, 
however, should not contain confidential, proprietary or business 
sensitive data.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2006.
Kevin Kolevar,
Director, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. 
Department of Energy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The term ``cogeneration facility'' typically describes a 
facility that produces electric and/or thermal energy independent of 
or interconnected to the local electricity supplier (grid). 16 
U.S.C. 796(18)(A). Similarly, ``small power production facility'' 
usually refers to a facility that produces less than 80 megawatts of 
electricity. Id.
    Section 796(17)(A). ``Distributed generation'' (DG) generally 
applies to energy systems that produce electricity and/or thermal 
energy at or near the point of use.
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 [FR Doc. E6-1096 Filed 1-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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