Revisions to Modeling, Data, and Analysis Reliability Standard, 19152-19155 [2013-07114]

Download as PDF 19152 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 61 / Friday, March 29, 2013 / Proposed Rules Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard 1547 for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, to minimize the likelihood of an off-normal frequency disturbance resulting in common mode disconnection of its Small Generating Facility.5 Panelists should be prepared to discuss the following: • Their experiences and any relevant analysis involving frequency issues associated with distributed generation; • Potential conflicts between existing disconnection requirements in current standards and new smart grid interoperability standards being developed under the auspices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology; • Whether the proposed revision to section 1.5.4 of the pro forma SGIA appropriately addresses small generator disconnection due to common mode frequency disturbances at high penetrations of distributed generation; and • Whether abnormal voltage conditions should also be addressed in the proposed revisions to section 1.5.4 of the pro forma SGIA. Panelists ➢ Allen Hefner, Jr., Ph.D., National Institute of Standards and Technology ➢ Rachel Peterson, Interim Energy Advisor, California Public Utilities Commission ➢ Michael Sheehan, P.E., Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP (Interstate Renewable Energy Council) ➢ Mark Siira, Director of Business Development, ComRent International (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) [FR Doc. 2013–06820 Filed 3–28–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 18 CFR Part 40 Reliability Standard MOD–028–2, submitted to the Commission for approval by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization. NERC proposes one modification to the currentlyeffective Reliability Standard MOD– 028–1, pertaining to the information a transmission service provider must include when calculating Total Transfer Capability using the area interchange methodology for the on-peak and offpeak intra-day and next day time periods. The Commission also proposes to approve NERC’s proposed implementation plan and retirement of the currently-effective standard. DATES: Comments are due May 13, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number by any of the following methods: • Agency Web site: https://ferc.gov. Documents created electronically using word processing software should be filed in native applications or print-toPDF format and not in a scanned format. • Mail/Hand Delivery: Those unable to file electronically may mail or handdeliver comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Bryant (Legal Information), Office of General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, 202–502–6155, rachel.bryant@ferc.gov. Syed Ahmad (Technical Information), Office of Electric Reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, 202–502–8718, syed.ahmad@ferc.gov. Christopher Young (Technical Information), Office of Energy of Energy Policy and Innovation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, 202–502–6403, christopher.young@ferc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [Docket No. RM12–19–000] Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Revisions to Modeling, Data, and Analysis Reliability Standard Table of Contents Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. Paragraph numbers erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 AGENCY: Under section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes to approve SUMMARY: 5 See id. P 46. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Mar 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 I. Background ....................... II. NERC Petition ................. III. Discussion ...................... IV. Information Collection Statement .......................... V. Environmental Analysis VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis ..................... PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2 7 10 14 16 17 Paragraph numbers VII. Comment Procedures ... VIII. Document Availability 18 22 Issued March 21, 2013 1. Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA),1 the Commission proposes to approve Modeling, Data, and Analysis (MOD) Reliability Standard MOD–028–2, submitted to the Commission for approval by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). NERC proposes one modification to the currently-effective Reliability Standard MOD–028–1, pertaining to the information a transmission service provider 2 must include when calculating Total Transfer Capability (TTC) using the area interchange methodology for the on-peak and offpeak intra-day and next day time periods. The Commission also proposes to approve NERC’s proposed implementation plan and retirement of the currently-effective standard. I. Background 2. Section 215 of the FPA requires a Commission-certified ERO to develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, subject to Commission review and approval. Specifically, the Commission may approve, by rule or order, a proposed Reliability Standard or modification to a Reliability Standard if it determines that the Standard is just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest.3 Once approved, the Reliability Standards may be enforced by the ERO, subject to Commission oversight, or by the Commission independently.4 Pursuant to section 215 of the FPA, the Commission established a process to 1 16 U.S.C. 824o (2006). defines ‘‘transmission service provider’’ as ‘‘[t]he entity that administers the transmission tariff and provides Transmission Service to Transmission Customers under applicable transmission service agreements.’’ NERC, Glossary of Terms Used in NERC Reliability Standards 64 (2011), https://www.nerc.com/files/ Glossary_of_Terms.pdf. We also use the term ‘‘transmission operator’’ in this proposed rulemaking, which is defined by NERC as ‘‘[t]he entity responsible for the reliability of its ‘local’ transmission system, and that operates or directs the operations of the transmission facilities.’’ Id. These terms indicate distinct NERC functional entities, to which different requirements within the same Reliability Standard may apply. Accordingly, in the context of describing the requirement of a Reliability Standard, we necessarily use either or both terms when appropriate. 3 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(2). 4 Id. 824o(e)(3). 2 NERC E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM 29MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 61 / Friday, March 29, 2013 / Proposed Rules erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 select and certify an ERO,5 and subsequently certified NERC.6 3. In March 2007, the Commission issued Order No. 693, evaluating 107 Reliability Standards, including 23 MOD standards pertaining to methodologies for calculating Available Transfer Capability (ATC) and Available Flowgate Capability (AFC).7 The Commission approved one out of the 23 MOD standards unconditionally, approved nine with direction for modification and left the remaining 13 pending with direction for modification.8 4. On November 24, 2009, the Commission issued Order No. 729,9 which approved Available Transmission System Capability Reliability Standard MOD–001–1 as part of a set of Reliability Standards that pertain to methodologies for the consistent and transparent calculation of ATC and AFC. These Reliability Standards were designed to ensure, among other things, that transmission service providers maintain awareness of available system capability and future flows on their own systems, as well as those of their neighbors, and to reduce transmission service provider discretion and enhance transparency in the calculation of ATC.10 Requirement R1 of MOD–001–1 required a transmission operator to select one of three methodologies for calculation of ATC or AFC for each 5 Rules Concerning Certification of the Electric Reliability Organization; and Procedures for the Establishment, Approval, and Enforcement of Electric Reliability Standards, Order No. 672, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,204, order on reh’g, Order No. 672–A, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,212 (2006). 6 North American Electric Reliability Corp., 116 FERC ¶ 61,062, order on reh’g & compliance, 117 FERC ¶ 61,126 (2006), aff’d sub nom. Alcoa, Inc. v. FERC, 564 F.3d 1342 (D.C. Cir. 2009). 7 Mandatory Reliability Standards for the BulkPower System, Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,242 at P 1046, order on reh’g, Order No. 693– A, 120 FERC ¶ 61,053 (2007). See also Preventing Undue Discrimination and Preference in Transmission Service, Order No. 890, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,241, order on reh’g, Order No. 890– A, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,261 (2007), order on reh’g, Order No. 890–B, 123 FERC ¶ 61,299 (2008), order on reh’g, Order No. 890–C, 126 FERC ¶ 61,228 (2009), order of clarification, Order No. 890–D, 129 FERC ¶ 61,129 (2009) (directing public utilities to develop Reliability Standards and business practices to improve the consistency and transparency of ATC calculations). 8 Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,242 at P 1010. 9 Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Calculation of Available Transfer Capability, Capacity Benefit Margins, Transmission Reliability Margins, Total Transfer Capability, and Existing Transmission Commitments and Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk Power System, Order No. 729, 129 FERC ¶ 61,155 (2009), order on clarification, Order No. 729–A, 131 FERC ¶ 61,109, order on reh’g and reconsideration, Order No. 729– B, 132 FERC ¶ 61,027 (2010). 10 Order No. 729, 129 FERC ¶ 61,155 at PP 87– 89. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:15 Mar 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 available ATC path for each time frame (hourly, daily or monthly). NERC developed these three methodologies as detailed in Reliability Standards MOD– 028–1 (the area interchange methodology), MOD–029–1a (the rated system path methodology), and MOD– 030–2 (the flowgate methodology).11 5. The MOD Reliability Standards related to this discussion require certain users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system to develop consistent and transparent methodologies for the calculation of ATC or AFC.12 Three currently-effective Reliability Standards—MOD–028–1, MOD–029–1a, and MOD–030–2—address three different methodologies for calculating ATC or AFC.13 MOD–028–1, which describes the area interchange methodology for determining ATC, only applies to those transmission operators and transmission service providers that elect to implement this particular methodology as part of their reliability compliance with Reliability Standard MOD–001–1. MOD–001–1 requires transmission service providers to ‘‘[adhere] to a specific documented and transparent methodology’’ and ‘‘to select one of three methodologies for calculating [ATC] or [AFC] for each available transfer capability path for each time frame (hourly, daily or monthly) for the facilities in its area.’’ 14 6. Requirement R3.1 of MOD–028–1 details the information a transmission operator must include in its TTC determination under the area interchange methodology for the onpeak and off-peak intra-day and next day time periods, as well as future days two through 31 and for months two through 13.15 II. NERC Petition 7. On August 24, 2012, NERC submitted a Petition for Approval of Proposed Reliability Standard (Petition), seeking Commission approval of a proposed Reliability Standard, MOD– 028–2, Area Interchange Methodology, Requirement R3.1, which would revise the currently effective ‘‘Version 1’’ standard—MOD–028–1. 8. NERC states that Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) requested that NERC interpret MOD–028–1, Requirement R3.1. Specifically, FPL requested that NERC clarify whether Requirement R3.1, which instructs 11 Id. P 51. P 1. 13 Id. P 51. 14 Id. P 19. 15 Id. P 57 (stating that this information includes: expected generation and transmission outages, additions, and retirements; load forecasts; and unit commitment and dispatch order). 12 Id. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 19153 transmission operators to include data ‘‘[f]or on peak and off peak intra-day and next day TTCs,’’ actually requires transmission operators to provide separate TTC numbers for different portions of the current day. NERC explains that, upon reviewing FPL’s request for interpretation, the NERC Standards Committee determined that providing this clarification might require a modification to the standard.16 In its Petition, NERC asserts that it intended the language of MOD–028–1 to specify that, for TTC used in currentday and next-day ATC calculations, the load forecast used should be consistent with the period being calculated. Specifically, NERC states: Requirement R3 of the MOD–028–1 standard is proposed to be modified to clarify language regarding load forecasting, to indicate that for days two through 31, a daily load forecast is required (identical to the current standard); for months two through 13, a monthly load forecast is required (identical to the current standard); and for current-day and next-day, entities may use either a daily or hourly load forecast (the language being clarified). The new language clarifies and is consistent with the intent of the original requirement language, and does not materially change the standard.17 9. NERC thus proposes Reliability Standard MOD–028–2, which revises MOD–028–1 as follows: R3. When calculating TTCs for ATC Paths, the Transmission Operator shall include the following data for the Transmission Service Provider’s area * * * R3.1. For on peak and off peak intra day and next dayFor TTCs, use the following (as well as any other values and additional parameters as specified in the ATCID). R3.1.1. Expected generation and Transmission outages, additions, and retirements, included as specified in the ATCID. R.3.1.2. LoadA daily or hourly load forecast for the applicable period being calculatedTTCs used in current-day and next-day ATC calculations. R.3.1.3. A daily load forecast for TTCs used in ATC calculations for days two through 31. R.3.1.2.R3.1.4. A monthly load forecast for TTCs used in ATC calculations for months two through 13 months TTCs. III. Discussion 10. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the FPA, we propose to approve NERC’s proposed Reliability Standard MOD– 028–2, as just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential and in the public interest. We agree with NERC that the proposed Reliability Standard clarifies the existing provision and does not present any reliability concerns. 16 Petition, Exhibit E (Record of Development of Proposed Reliability Standard). 17 Petition at 7 (emphasis added). E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM 29MRP1 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 19154 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 61 / Friday, March 29, 2013 / Proposed Rules 11. However, we have identified a concern regarding possible market implications of NERC’s proposed modification to Requirement R3.1 of MOD–028–2. Although NERC’s statutory functions are properly focused on the reliability of the Bulk-Power System, the Commission has determined that the ERO should also attempt to develop Reliability Standards that have no undue negative effect on competition. In Order No. 729, the Commission stated ‘‘that a proposed Reliability Standard should not unreasonably restrict [ATC] * * * beyond any restriction necessary for reliability.’’ 18 The Commission noted that a transmission service provider could use parameters and assumptions to skew its ATC values, but stated that it expected such risks to be mitigated through complaints and the Commission’s market oversight authority.19 In Order No. 672, the Commission stated that, ‘‘[a]mong other possible considerations, a proposed Reliability Standard should not unreasonably restrict [ATC] * * * beyond any restriction necessary for reliability and should not limit use * * * in an unduly preferential manner.’’ 20 12. Although section 215(d)(2) of the FPA requires the Commission to give ‘‘due weight’’ to the technical expertise of the ERO, the statute is clear that ‘‘due weight’’ is not to be given ‘‘with respect to the effect of a standard on competition.’’ 21 13. We believe that NERC’s proposed revision to R3.1.2 allows a transmission operator flexibility to choose either a daily or hourly load forecast when forecasting current-day and next-day TTC. However, we seek comments regarding whether a transmission operator could potentially use a load forecast assumption that is not applicable to the period being calculated. For example, a transmission operator using daily on-peak load forecasts in determining off-peak TTC for the current day could, either purposefully or inadvertently, suppress off-peak ATC used by generators that make off-peak sales, or other customers who purchase hourly service. Accordingly, we seek comment whether this gives rise to any market-related concerns or the potential for undue discrimination in ATC calculations. 18 Order No. 729, 129 FERC ¶ 61,155 at P 109. P 135. 20 Order No. 672, FERC Stats. & Regs. ¶ 31,204 at P 332. 21 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(2). 19 Id. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:15 Mar 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 IV. Information Collection Statement 14. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations require that OMB approve certain reporting and recordkeeping (collections of information) imposed by an agency.22 The information contained here is also subject to review under section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.23 15. As stated above, the Commission previously approved, in Order No. 729, the Reliability Standard that is the subject of the current rulemaking. This proposed rulemaking proposes to approve one revision to a previously approved Reliability Standard developed by NERC as the ERO. The proffered revision relates to an existing Reliability Standard and does not change this standard; therefore, it does not add to or otherwise increase entities’ current reporting burden. Thus, the current proposal would not materially affect the burden estimates relating to the currently effective version of the Reliability Standards presented in Order No. 729. The MOD–028–1 Reliability Standard that is subject of the approved revision was approved in Order No. 729, and the related information collection requirements were reviewed and approved, accordingly.24 The Commission will submit the revised Reliability Standard to OMB as a request for ‘‘no material’’ or ‘‘nonsubstantive’’ change.25 V. Environmental Analysis 16. The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may have a significant adverse effect on the human environment.26 The Commission has categorically excluded certain actions from this requirement as not having a significant effect on the human environment. Included in the exclusion are rules that are clarifying, corrective, or procedural or that do not substantially change the effect of the regulations being amended.27 The actions proposed herein fall within this categorical exclusion in the Commission’s regulations. 22 5 CFR 1320.11. U.S.C. 3507(d). 24 See Order No. 729, 129 FERC ¶ 61,155 at PP 307–312. 25 This type of submittal means that there is no change to the existing burden estimates and the existing expiration date. 26 Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, Order No. 486, 52 FR 47,897 (Dec. 17, 1987), FERC Stats. & Regs., Regulations Preambles 1986–1990 ¶ 30,783 (1987). 27 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii). 23 44 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis 17. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) 28 generally requires a description and analysis of proposed rules that will have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The RFA mandates consideration of regulatory alternatives that accomplish the stated objectives of a proposed rule and that minimize any significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Small Business Administration’s Office of Size Standards develops the numerical definition of a small business.29 For electric utilities, a firm is small if, including its affiliates, it is primarily engaged in the transmission, generation and/or distribution of electric energy for sale and its total electric output for the preceding twelve months did not exceed four million megawatt hours. The Commission does not expect the revision discussed herein to materially affect the cost for small entities to comply with the proposed Reliability Standard. Therefore, the Commission certifies that the proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. VII. Comment Procedures 18. The Commission invites interested persons to submit comments on the matters and issues proposed in this notice to be adopted, including any related matters or alternative proposals that commenters may wish to discuss. Comments are due May 13, 2013. Comments must refer to Docket No. RM12–19–000, and must include the commenter’s name, the organization they represent, if applicable, and their address in their comments. 19. The Commission encourages comments to be filed electronically via the eFiling link on the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov. The Commission accepts most standard word processing formats. Documents created electronically using word processing software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. Commenters filing electronically do not need to make a paper filing. 20. Commenters that are not able to file comments electronically may mail or hand-deliver comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. 21. All comments will be placed in the Commission’s public files and may be viewed, printed, or downloaded 28 5 U.S.C. 601–612. 13 CFR 121.201. 29 See E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM 29MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 61 / Friday, March 29, 2013 / Proposed Rules remotely as described in the Document Availability section below. Commenters on this proposal are not required to serve copies of their comments on other commenters. On page 7321, in the first column, in the 26th line from the bottom, ‘‘1⁄2’’ should read as ‘‘1/12’’. [FR Doc. C1–2013–02141 Filed 3–28–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1505–01–D VIII. Document Availability 22. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the Internet through the Commission’s Home Page (https:// www.ferc.gov) and in the Commission’s Public Reference Room during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time) at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington DC 20426. 23. From the Commission’s Home Page on the Internet, this information is available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, printing, and/or downloading. To access this document in eLibrary, type the docket number excluding the last three digits of this document in the docket number field. 24. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the Commission’s Web site during normal business hours from the Commission’s Online Support at (202) 502–6652 (toll free at 1 (866) 208–3676) or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the Public Reference Room at (202) 502–8371, TTY (202) 502–8659. Email the Public Reference Room at public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. By direction of the Commission. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–07114 Filed 3–28–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service 26 CFR Part 1 [REG–148500–12] erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 RIN 1545–BL36 Shared Responsibility Payment for Not Maintaining Minimum Essential Coverage Correction In proposed rule document 2013– 2141 appearing on pages 7314–7331 in the issue of Monday, February 1, 2013, make the following correction: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:15 Mar 28, 2013 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 33 CFR Part 100 [Docket No. USCG–2013–0118] RIN 1625–AA08 Special Local Regulations; Marine Events, Wrightsville Channel; Wrightsville Beach, NC Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a Special Local Regulation for the ‘‘Swim the Loop/Motts Channel Sprint’’ swim event, to be held on the waters adjacent to and surrounding Harbor Island in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. This Special Local Regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway within 550 yards north and south of the U.S. 74/76 Bascule Bridge crossing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, during the swim event. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before April 29, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is 202– 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these three methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or PO 00000 Frm 00008 email BOSN4 Joseph M. Edge, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, Coast Guard; telephone 252–247–4525, email Joseph.M.Edge@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Barbara Hariston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Acronyms Coast Guard ACTION: 19155 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online at https:// www.regulations.gov, or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number [USCG–2013–0118] in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ on the line associated with this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received E:\FR\FM\29MRP1.SGM 29MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 61 (Friday, March 29, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19152-19155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-07114]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

18 CFR Part 40

[Docket No. RM12-19-000]


Revisions to Modeling, Data, and Analysis Reliability Standard

AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: Under section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes to approve 
Reliability Standard MOD-028-2, submitted to the Commission for 
approval by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), 
the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization. NERC 
proposes one modification to the currently-effective Reliability 
Standard MOD-028-1, pertaining to the information a transmission 
service provider must include when calculating Total Transfer 
Capability using the area interchange methodology for the on-peak and 
off-peak intra-day and next day time periods. The Commission also 
proposes to approve NERC's proposed implementation plan and retirement 
of the currently-effective standard.

DATES: Comments are due May 13, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number by any 
of the following methods:
     Agency Web site: https://ferc.gov. Documents created 
electronically using word processing software should be filed in native 
applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format.
     Mail/Hand Delivery: Those unable to file electronically 
may mail or hand-deliver comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20426.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Rachel Bryant (Legal Information), Office of General Counsel, Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 
20426, 202-502-6155, rachel.bryant@ferc.gov.
Syed Ahmad (Technical Information), Office of Electric Reliability, 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, 
DC 20426, 202-502-8718, syed.ahmad@ferc.gov.
Christopher Young (Technical Information), Office of Energy of Energy 
Policy and Innovation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First 
Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, 202-502-6403, 
christopher.young@ferc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Table of Contents


 
                                                             Paragraph
                                                              numbers
 
I. Background...........................................               2
II. NERC Petition.......................................               7
III. Discussion.........................................              10
IV. Information Collection Statement....................              14
V. Environmental Analysis...............................              16
VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis.................              17
VII. Comment Procedures.................................              18
VIII. Document Availability.............................              22
 


Issued March 21, 2013

    1. Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA),\1\ the 
Commission proposes to approve Modeling, Data, and Analysis (MOD) 
Reliability Standard MOD-028-2, submitted to the Commission for 
approval by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), 
the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO). NERC 
proposes one modification to the currently-effective Reliability 
Standard MOD-028-1, pertaining to the information a transmission 
service provider \2\ must include when calculating Total Transfer 
Capability (TTC) using the area interchange methodology for the on-peak 
and off-peak intra-day and next day time periods. The Commission also 
proposes to approve NERC's proposed implementation plan and retirement 
of the currently-effective standard.
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    \1\ 16 U.S.C. 824o (2006).
    \2\ NERC defines ``transmission service provider'' as ``[t]he 
entity that administers the transmission tariff and provides 
Transmission Service to Transmission Customers under applicable 
transmission service agreements.'' NERC, Glossary of Terms Used in 
NERC Reliability Standards 64 (2011), https://www.nerc.com/files/Glossary_of_Terms.pdf. We also use the term ``transmission 
operator'' in this proposed rulemaking, which is defined by NERC as 
``[t]he entity responsible for the reliability of its `local' 
transmission system, and that operates or directs the operations of 
the transmission facilities.'' Id. These terms indicate distinct 
NERC functional entities, to which different requirements within the 
same Reliability Standard may apply. Accordingly, in the context of 
describing the requirement of a Reliability Standard, we necessarily 
use either or both terms when appropriate.
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I. Background

    2. Section 215 of the FPA requires a Commission-certified ERO to 
develop mandatory and enforceable Reliability Standards, subject to 
Commission review and approval. Specifically, the Commission may 
approve, by rule or order, a proposed Reliability Standard or 
modification to a Reliability Standard if it determines that the 
Standard is just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or 
preferential, and in the public interest.\3\ Once approved, the 
Reliability Standards may be enforced by the ERO, subject to Commission 
oversight, or by the Commission independently.\4\ Pursuant to section 
215 of the FPA, the Commission established a process to

[[Page 19153]]

select and certify an ERO,\5\ and subsequently certified NERC.\6\
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    \3\ 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(2).
    \4\ Id. 824o(e)(3).
    \5\ Rules Concerning Certification of the Electric Reliability 
Organization; and Procedures for the Establishment, Approval, and 
Enforcement of Electric Reliability Standards, Order No. 672, FERC 
Stats. & Regs. ] 31,204, order on reh'g, Order No. 672-A, FERC 
Stats. & Regs. ] 31,212 (2006).
    \6\ North American Electric Reliability Corp., 116 FERC ] 
61,062, order on reh'g & compliance, 117 FERC ] 61,126 (2006), aff'd 
sub nom. Alcoa, Inc. v. FERC, 564 F.3d 1342 (D.C. Cir. 2009).
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    3. In March 2007, the Commission issued Order No. 693, evaluating 
107 Reliability Standards, including 23 MOD standards pertaining to 
methodologies for calculating Available Transfer Capability (ATC) and 
Available Flowgate Capability (AFC).\7\ The Commission approved one out 
of the 23 MOD standards unconditionally, approved nine with direction 
for modification and left the remaining 13 pending with direction for 
modification.\8\
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    \7\ Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power System, 
Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242 at P 1046, order on 
reh'g, Order No. 693-A, 120 FERC ] 61,053 (2007). See also 
Preventing Undue Discrimination and Preference in Transmission 
Service, Order No. 890, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,241, order on 
reh'g, Order No. 890-A, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,261 (2007), order 
on reh'g, Order No. 890-B, 123 FERC ] 61,299 (2008), order on reh'g, 
Order No. 890-C, 126 FERC ] 61,228 (2009), order of clarification, 
Order No. 890-D, 129 FERC ] 61,129 (2009) (directing public 
utilities to develop Reliability Standards and business practices to 
improve the consistency and transparency of ATC calculations).
    \8\ Order No. 693, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,242 at P 1010.
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    4. On November 24, 2009, the Commission issued Order No. 729,\9\ 
which approved Available Transmission System Capability Reliability 
Standard MOD-001-1 as part of a set of Reliability Standards that 
pertain to methodologies for the consistent and transparent calculation 
of ATC and AFC. These Reliability Standards were designed to ensure, 
among other things, that transmission service providers maintain 
awareness of available system capability and future flows on their own 
systems, as well as those of their neighbors, and to reduce 
transmission service provider discretion and enhance transparency in 
the calculation of ATC.\10\ Requirement R1 of MOD-001-1 required a 
transmission operator to select one of three methodologies for 
calculation of ATC or AFC for each available ATC path for each time 
frame (hourly, daily or monthly). NERC developed these three 
methodologies as detailed in Reliability Standards MOD-028-1 (the area 
interchange methodology), MOD-029-1a (the rated system path 
methodology), and MOD-030-2 (the flowgate methodology).\11\
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    \9\ Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Calculation of 
Available Transfer Capability, Capacity Benefit Margins, 
Transmission Reliability Margins, Total Transfer Capability, and 
Existing Transmission Commitments and Mandatory Reliability 
Standards for the Bulk Power System, Order No. 729, 129 FERC ] 
61,155 (2009), order on clarification, Order No. 729-A, 131 FERC ] 
61,109, order on reh'g and reconsideration, Order No. 729-B, 132 
FERC ] 61,027 (2010).
    \10\ Order No. 729, 129 FERC ] 61,155 at PP 87-89.
    \11\ Id. P 51.
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    5. The MOD Reliability Standards related to this discussion require 
certain users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system to 
develop consistent and transparent methodologies for the calculation of 
ATC or AFC.\12\ Three currently-effective Reliability Standards--MOD-
028-1, MOD-029-1a, and MOD-030-2--address three different methodologies 
for calculating ATC or AFC.\13\ MOD-028-1, which describes the area 
interchange methodology for determining ATC, only applies to those 
transmission operators and transmission service providers that elect to 
implement this particular methodology as part of their reliability 
compliance with Reliability Standard MOD-001-1. MOD-001-1 requires 
transmission service providers to ``[adhere] to a specific documented 
and transparent methodology'' and ``to select one of three 
methodologies for calculating [ATC] or [AFC] for each available 
transfer capability path for each time frame (hourly, daily or monthly) 
for the facilities in its area.'' \14\
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    \12\ Id. P 1.
    \13\ Id. P 51.
    \14\ Id. P 19.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    6. Requirement R3.1 of MOD-028-1 details the information a 
transmission operator must include in its TTC determination under the 
area interchange methodology for the on-peak and off-peak intra-day and 
next day time periods, as well as future days two through 31 and for 
months two through 13.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Id. P 57 (stating that this information includes: expected 
generation and transmission outages, additions, and retirements; 
load forecasts; and unit commitment and dispatch order).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. NERC Petition

    7. On August 24, 2012, NERC submitted a Petition for Approval of 
Proposed Reliability Standard (Petition), seeking Commission approval 
of a proposed Reliability Standard, MOD-028-2, Area Interchange 
Methodology, Requirement R3.1, which would revise the currently 
effective ``Version 1'' standard--MOD-028-1.
    8. NERC states that Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) requested 
that NERC interpret MOD-028-1, Requirement R3.1. Specifically, FPL 
requested that NERC clarify whether Requirement R3.1, which instructs 
transmission operators to include data ``[f]or on peak and off peak 
intra-day and next day TTCs,'' actually requires transmission operators 
to provide separate TTC numbers for different portions of the current 
day. NERC explains that, upon reviewing FPL's request for 
interpretation, the NERC Standards Committee determined that providing 
this clarification might require a modification to the standard.\16\ In 
its Petition, NERC asserts that it intended the language of MOD-028-1 
to specify that, for TTC used in current-day and next-day ATC 
calculations, the load forecast used should be consistent with the 
period being calculated. Specifically, NERC states:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ Petition, Exhibit E (Record of Development of Proposed 
Reliability Standard).

    Requirement R3 of the MOD-028-1 standard is proposed to be 
modified to clarify language regarding load forecasting, to indicate 
that for days two through 31, a daily load forecast is required 
(identical to the current standard); for months two through 13, a 
monthly load forecast is required (identical to the current 
standard); and for current-day and next-day, entities may use either 
a daily or hourly load forecast (the language being clarified). The 
new language clarifies and is consistent with the intent of the 
original requirement language, and does not materially change the 
standard.\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Petition at 7 (emphasis added).

    9. NERC thus proposes Reliability Standard MOD-028-2, which revises 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOD-028-1 as follows:

    R3. When calculating TTCs for ATC Paths, the Transmission 
Operator shall include the following data for the Transmission 
Service Provider's area * * *
    R3.1. For on peak and off peak intra day and next dayFor TTCs, 
use the following (as well as any other values and additional 
parameters as specified in the ATCID).
    R3.1.1. Expected generation and Transmission outages, additions, 
and retirements, included as specified in the ATCID.
    R.3.1.2. LoadA daily or hourly load forecast for the applicable 
period being calculatedTTCs used in current-day and next-day ATC 
calculations.
    R.3.1.3. A daily load forecast for TTCs used in ATC calculations 
for days two through 31.
    R.3.1.2.R3.1.4. A monthly load forecast for TTCs used in ATC 
calculations for months two through 13 months TTCs.

III. Discussion

    10. Pursuant to section 215(d) of the FPA, we propose to approve 
NERC's proposed Reliability Standard MOD-028-2, as just, reasonable, 
not unduly discriminatory or preferential and in the public interest. 
We agree with NERC that the proposed Reliability Standard clarifies the 
existing provision and does not present any reliability concerns.

[[Page 19154]]

    11. However, we have identified a concern regarding possible market 
implications of NERC's proposed modification to Requirement R3.1 of 
MOD-028-2. Although NERC's statutory functions are properly focused on 
the reliability of the Bulk-Power System, the Commission has determined 
that the ERO should also attempt to develop Reliability Standards that 
have no undue negative effect on competition. In Order No. 729, the 
Commission stated ``that a proposed Reliability Standard should not 
unreasonably restrict [ATC] * * * beyond any restriction necessary for 
reliability.'' \18\ The Commission noted that a transmission service 
provider could use parameters and assumptions to skew its ATC values, 
but stated that it expected such risks to be mitigated through 
complaints and the Commission's market oversight authority.\19\ In 
Order No. 672, the Commission stated that, ``[a]mong other possible 
considerations, a proposed Reliability Standard should not unreasonably 
restrict [ATC] * * * beyond any restriction necessary for reliability 
and should not limit use * * * in an unduly preferential manner.'' \20\
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    \18\ Order No. 729, 129 FERC ] 61,155 at P 109.
    \19\ Id. P 135.
    \20\ Order No. 672, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,204 at P 332.
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    12. Although section 215(d)(2) of the FPA requires the Commission 
to give ``due weight'' to the technical expertise of the ERO, the 
statute is clear that ``due weight'' is not to be given ``with respect 
to the effect of a standard on competition.'' \21\
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    \21\ 16 U.S.C. 824o(d)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    13. We believe that NERC's proposed revision to R3.1.2 allows a 
transmission operator flexibility to choose either a daily or hourly 
load forecast when forecasting current-day and next-day TTC. However, 
we seek comments regarding whether a transmission operator could 
potentially use a load forecast assumption that is not applicable to 
the period being calculated. For example, a transmission operator using 
daily on-peak load forecasts in determining off-peak TTC for the 
current day could, either purposefully or inadvertently, suppress off-
peak ATC used by generators that make off-peak sales, or other 
customers who purchase hourly service. Accordingly, we seek comment 
whether this gives rise to any market-related concerns or the potential 
for undue discrimination in ATC calculations.

IV. Information Collection Statement

    14. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations require 
that OMB approve certain reporting and recordkeeping (collections of 
information) imposed by an agency.\22\ The information contained here 
is also subject to review under section 3507(d) of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995.\23\
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    \22\ 5 CFR 1320.11.
    \23\ 44 U.S.C. 3507(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    15. As stated above, the Commission previously approved, in Order 
No. 729, the Reliability Standard that is the subject of the current 
rulemaking. This proposed rulemaking proposes to approve one revision 
to a previously approved Reliability Standard developed by NERC as the 
ERO. The proffered revision relates to an existing Reliability Standard 
and does not change this standard; therefore, it does not add to or 
otherwise increase entities' current reporting burden. Thus, the 
current proposal would not materially affect the burden estimates 
relating to the currently effective version of the Reliability 
Standards presented in Order No. 729. The MOD-028-1 Reliability 
Standard that is subject of the approved revision was approved in Order 
No. 729, and the related information collection requirements were 
reviewed and approved, accordingly.\24\ The Commission will submit the 
revised Reliability Standard to OMB as a request for ``no material'' or 
``nonsubstantive'' change.\25\
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    \24\ See Order No. 729, 129 FERC ] 61,155 at PP 307-312.
    \25\ This type of submittal means that there is no change to the 
existing burden estimates and the existing expiration date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Environmental Analysis

    16. The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental 
Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may 
have a significant adverse effect on the human environment.\26\ The 
Commission has categorically excluded certain actions from this 
requirement as not having a significant effect on the human 
environment. Included in the exclusion are rules that are clarifying, 
corrective, or procedural or that do not substantially change the 
effect of the regulations being amended.\27\ The actions proposed 
herein fall within this categorical exclusion in the Commission's 
regulations.
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    \26\ Regulations Implementing the National Environmental Policy 
Act, Order No. 486, 52 FR 47,897 (Dec. 17, 1987), FERC Stats. & 
Regs., Regulations Preambles 1986-1990 ] 30,783 (1987).
    \27\ 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    17. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) \28\ generally 
requires a description and analysis of proposed rules that will have 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The RFA mandates consideration of regulatory alternatives that 
accomplish the stated objectives of a proposed rule and that minimize 
any significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The Small Business Administration's Office of Size Standards 
develops the numerical definition of a small business.\29\ For electric 
utilities, a firm is small if, including its affiliates, it is 
primarily engaged in the transmission, generation and/or distribution 
of electric energy for sale and its total electric output for the 
preceding twelve months did not exceed four million megawatt hours. The 
Commission does not expect the revision discussed herein to materially 
affect the cost for small entities to comply with the proposed 
Reliability Standard. Therefore, the Commission certifies that the 
proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ 5 U.S.C. 601-612.
    \29\ See 13 CFR 121.201.
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VII. Comment Procedures

    18. The Commission invites interested persons to submit comments on 
the matters and issues proposed in this notice to be adopted, including 
any related matters or alternative proposals that commenters may wish 
to discuss. Comments are due May 13, 2013. Comments must refer to 
Docket No. RM12-19-000, and must include the commenter's name, the 
organization they represent, if applicable, and their address in their 
comments.
    19. The Commission encourages comments to be filed electronically 
via the eFiling link on the Commission's Web site at https://www.ferc.gov. The Commission accepts most standard word processing 
formats. Documents created electronically using word processing 
software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format 
and not in a scanned format. Commenters filing electronically do not 
need to make a paper filing.
    20. Commenters that are not able to file comments electronically 
may mail or hand-deliver comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20426.
    21. All comments will be placed in the Commission's public files 
and may be viewed, printed, or downloaded

[[Page 19155]]

remotely as described in the Document Availability section below. 
Commenters on this proposal are not required to serve copies of their 
comments on other commenters.

VIII. Document Availability

    22. In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the 
Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an 
opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the 
Internet through the Commission's Home Page (https://www.ferc.gov) and 
in the Commission's Public Reference Room during normal business hours 
(8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time) at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, 
Washington DC 20426.
    23. From the Commission's Home Page on the Internet, this 
information is available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is 
available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, 
printing, and/or downloading. To access this document in eLibrary, type 
the docket number excluding the last three digits of this document in 
the docket number field.
    24. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the Commission's 
Web site during normal business hours from the Commission's Online 
Support at (202) 502-6652 (toll free at 1 (866) 208-3676) or email at 
ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the Public Reference Room at (202) 502-
8371, TTY (202) 502-8659. Email the Public Reference Room at 
public.referenceroom@ferc.gov.

    By direction of the Commission.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-07114 Filed 3-28-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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