Loveland Area Projects-2025 Power Marketing Initiative, 79444-79446 [2013-31220]
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79444
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 250 / Monday, December 30, 2013 / Notices
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
not consider applications submitted
before publication of this notice or after
the deadline specified in the DATES
section. Application forms are available
upon request or may be accessed and/
or submitted online at https://
www.wapa.gov/dsw/pwrmkt/BCP_
Remarketing/BCP_Remarketing.htm.
Applicant Profile Data Application
The content and format of the APD
are outlined below. Applicants must
provide all requested information, or the
most reasonable available estimate, or
should indicate ‘‘not applicable’’ if they
have no information to be considered
for a requested item. Western is not
responsible for errors in data or missing
pages. All items of information in the
APD should be answered as if prepared
by the entity seeking the allocation. The
APD includes the following:
1. Applicant:
a. Applicant’s (entity requesting a
new allocation) name and address.
b. Person(s) representing applicant:
Please provide the name, title, address,
telephone and fax number, and email
address of such person(s).
c. Type of organization: For example,
Federal or state agency, irrigation
district, municipal, rural, industrial
user, municipality, Native American
tribe, public utility district, or rural
electric cooperative.
d. Parent organization of applicant, if
any.
e. Name of members or suballottees, if
any.
f. Applicable law under which the
organization was established.
g. Applicant’s geographic service area:
If available, submit a map of the service
area, and indicate the date prepared.
h. Describe the entity/organization
that will interact with Western on
contract and billing matters.
i. The amount of power the applicant
is requesting to be provided by Western.
2. Loads:
a. All Applicants:
i. If applicable, number and type of
customers served in one of the last three
calendar years including calendar years
2011, 2012, or 2013; e.g., residential,
commercial, industrial, military base,
agricultural.
ii. The actual monthly maximum
demand (in kilowatts) and energy use
(in kilowatt hours) experienced in one
of the last three calendar years
including calendar years 2011, 2012, or
2013.
iii. For Native American tribe
applicants, if actual demand and energy
data is not available, provide estimated
monthly demand (in kilowatts) with a
description of the method and basis for
this estimated demand.
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3. Resources:
a. A list of current power supplies,
including the applicant’s own
generation and purchases from others.
For each supply, provide the amount of
capacity received from that power
supply and its location.
b. Status of power supply contract(s),
including a contract termination date.
Indicate whether power supply is on a
firm basis or some other type of
arrangement.
4. Transmission:
a. Point(s) of delivery: BCP will be
delivered at Mead Substation.
Applicants may provide preferred
point(s) of delivery on Western’s
transmission system or a third party’s
system and the required service voltage.
The applicant will ultimately be
responsible for acquiring transmission
to alternate delivery points.
b. Transmission arrangement:
Describe the applicant’s transmission
arrangements necessary to deliver
power to the requested points of
delivery beyond Western’s transmission
system. Provide a single-line drawing of
applicant’s system, if available.
c. Provide a brief explanation of the
applicant’s ability to receive and use, or
receive and distribute Federal power as
of October 1, 2017.
5. Other Information: The applicant
may provide any other information
pertinent to receiving an allocation.
6. Signature: The signature and title of
an appropriate official who is able to
attest to the validity of the APD and
who is authorized to submit the request
for an allocation is required.
Western’s Consideration of Applications
Upon receiving the APD, Western will
verify that the applicant meets the
eligibility criteria contained in the 2012
Conformed Criteria and that the
application contains all information
requested in the APD.
a. Western may request, in writing,
additional information from any
applicant whose APD is determined to
be deficient. The applicant will have 15
calendar days from the date on
Western’s letter of request to provide the
information.
b. If Western determines the applicant
does not meet the eligibility criteria,
Western will send a letter explaining
why the applicant did not qualify.
c. If the applicant has met the
eligibility criteria, Western, through the
public process, will determine the
amount of power, if any, to allocate in
accordance with the marketing criteria.
Western will send a draft contract to the
applicant that identifies the terms and
conditions of the offer and the amount
of power allocated to the applicant.
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Regulatory Procedure Requirements
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.
Environmental Compliance
In accordance with the DOE National
Environmental Policy Act Implementing
Procedures (10 CFR 1021), Western has
determined that these actions fit within
a class of action B4.1 Contracts, policies,
and marketing and allocation plans for
electric power, in Appendix B to
Subpart D to Part 1021—Categorical
Exclusions Applicable to Specific
Agency Actions.
Dated: December 17, 2013
Mark A. Gabriel,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013–31214 Filed 12–27–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration
Loveland Area Projects—2025 Power
Marketing Initiative
Western Area Power
Administration, DOE.
ACTION: Notice of Final 2025 Power
Marketing Initiative.
AGENCY:
Western Area Power
Administration (Western), Rocky
Mountain Region, a Federal power
marketing agency of the Department of
Energy (DOE), announces the 2025
Power Marketing Initiative (2025 PMI).
The 2025 PMI provides the basis for
marketing the long-term firm
hydroelectric resources of the Loveland
Area Projects (LAP) beginning with the
Federal fiscal year 2025. Western’s Firm
Electric Service (FES) contracts
associated with the current marketing
plan expire September 30, 2024. The
2025 PMI extends the current marketing
plan, with amendments to key
marketing plan principles.
Western’s proposed 2025 PMI was
published in the Federal Register on
October 17, 2011. Responses to public
comments are included in this notice.
This Federal Register notice is
published to announce Western’s
decisions for the 2025 PMI.
DATES: The 2025 PMI will become
effective January 29, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Information regarding the
2025 PMI, including comments, letters,
and other supporting documents made
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 250 / Monday, December 30, 2013 / Notices
or retained by Western for the purpose
of developing this 2025 PMI, are
available for public inspection and
copying at Western Area Power
Administration, Rocky Mountain
Region, 5555 East Crossroads Boulevard,
Loveland, CO 80538–8986.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
John C. Gierard, Hydraulic Engineer,
Western Area Power Administration,
Rocky Mountain Region, 5555 East
Crossroads Boulevard, Loveland, CO
80538–8986, telephone (970) 461–7445,
email gierard@wapa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Current Marketing Plan Background
The Post-1989 General Power
Marketing and Allocation Criteria (Post1989 Plan) for the Pick-Sloan Missouri
Basin Program-Western Division and the
Fryingpan-Arkansas Project (collectively
known as Loveland Area Projects or
LAP) was published in the Federal
Register (51 FR 4012, January 31, 1986)
and provided the marketing plan
principles used to market LAP firm
hydropower resources. The FES
contracts associated with the Post-1989
Plan were initially to expire September
30, 2004. Subpart C of the Energy
Planning and Management Program
(EPAMP) final rule, published in the
Federal Register (60 FR 54151, October
20, 1995), extended and amended the
Post-1989 Plan. EPAMP authorized
extending the FES contracts associated
with the Post-1989 Plan through
September 30, 2024, and established the
Post-2004, Post-2009, and Post-2014
resource pools. The current marketing
plan is inclusive of the Post-1989 Plan
as extended and amended by EPAMP
and the Post-2004, Post-2009, and Post2014 power marketing initiatives.
proposal supported Western extending
the current marketing plan with
amendments to the Contract Term and
Resource Pool principles.
Western published its proposed 2025
PMI in the Federal Register (76 FR
64083, October 17, 2011) and initiated
a 106-day public comment period.
Public information and comment
forums on the proposed 2025 PMI were
held on November 29, 2011, in
Loveland, Colorado, and November 30,
2011, in Topeka, Kansas. Western
received no oral comments during the
public comment forums and nine
comment letters during the public
comment period, which closed at 4 p.m.
M.S.T., January 30, 2012.
Western’s responses to the comments
contained in the public comment letters
are included in this notice. After
consideration of public comments
received, Western has decided to
finalize the proposed 2025 PMI as
published in the Federal Register (76
FR 64083, October 17, 2011).
Response to Comments Regarding the
Proposed 2025 PMI
The public comments below regarding
the proposed 2025 PMI are paraphrased
for brevity when not affecting the
meaning of the statement(s).
2025 PMI General Comment
Comment: All comments received
supported the 2025 PMI proposal.
Further, the comments indicated the
2025 PMI proposal provided certainty in
planning and a sense of energy security.
Response: Western appreciates the
support for the 2025 PMI proposal
published in the Federal Register (76 FR
64083, October 17, 2011).
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
2025 PMI
Amended Marketing Plan Principles
and Comments
Western initiated informal 2025 PMI
discussions with LAP FES customers in
the summer of 2011 by holding
meetings in the Rocky Mountain Region.
In addition, Western held meetings with
Native American tribal governments in
Kansas and Wyoming to initiate
government-to-government consultation
with tribal FES customers. The meetings
provided customers the opportunity to
review current marketing plan
principles and provide informal input to
Western for consideration in the 2025
PMI proposal. Key marketing plan
principles discussed with FES
customers included: Contract Term,
Resource Pools, Marketable Resource,
Hydrology and River Operations
Withdrawal Provision, Marketing Area,
and Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage.
Customer input for the 2025 PMI
1. Proposed Contract Term: A 30-year
contract term would be used for FES
contracts. The FES contract term would
begin October 1, 2024, and expire
September 30, 2054.
Comment: All comments Western
received supported the proposed 30year contract term, although one
comment also suggested Western
consider a 40-year contract term.
Commenters stated a 30-year contract
term would provide assurance that the
customers who have funded needed
capital investments would receive the
benefits of that commitment. Comments
further indicated the 30-year contract
term would provide certainty in
customer planning; not adversely affect
Western’s Federal power program
responsibilities; and extend the long
standing tradition of working together.
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79445
Response: Western considered a 40year contract term; however, it agrees
with the comments above and believes
the 30-year contract term strikes the best
balance between the customers’ need for
assurance and Western’s need for
flexibility. Western clarifies it will
execute contracts prior to October 1,
2024, committing the LAP resource for
a 30-year period from October 1, 2024,
and continuing through September 30,
2054.
Western also recognizes and
appreciates the customers’ unique
contribution in providing funding for
needed capital investments in support
of the Federal power program.
2. Proposed Resource Pools: The
proposed 2025 PMI provides for three
resource pools of up to 1 percent of the
marketable resource under contract at
the time of each reallocation to be
available for eligible new preference
entities. Reallocations would occur at
the beginning of the October 1, 2024,
contract term and again every 10 years
thereafter on October 1, 2034, and
October 1, 2044.
Comment: Customers supported the
proposed structure and timing of
resource pools stating they will ensure
that eligible entities not currently
receiving the benefits of LAP
hydropower will be able to seek an
allocation in the future. It also will
ensure fairness among entities through
an equitable process.
Response: Western appreciates the
customers’ support of the proposed
resource pools. The resource pools
allow Western to market allocations of
firm power to eligible new preference
entities in such a manner as to promote
the most widespread use, in accordance
with Federal Reclamation law.
Extended Marketing Plan Principles and
Comments
1. Proposed Marketable Resource:
Extend the existing contract rates of
delivery commitments, with associated
energy, to existing long-term FES
customers reduced by up to 1 percent
for each new resource pool on October
1, 2024, October 1, 2034, and October 1,
2044.
Comment: Two commenters
specifically supported continuation of
the current marketable resource, noting
Western worked with the United States
Bureau of Reclamation in analyzing
historic hydrologic data to affirm the
viability of the current marketable
resource.
Response: Western appreciates the
customers’ support of its determination
of marketable resource.
2. Proposed Hydrology and River
Operations Withdrawal Provision:
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79446
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 250 / Monday, December 30, 2013 / Notices
Western would reserve the right to
adjust, at its discretion and sole
determination, the contract rate of
delivery on 5 years advance written
notice in response to changes in
hydrology and river operations.
Comment: It was noted Western’s
proposed withdrawal provision fairly
reflects the variety of forces that could
impact Western’s administration of LAP
and would provide Western with the
tools to address any substantial changes
in hydrology and river operations.
Response: Western appreciates the
customers’ support of flexibility for
Western to adjust contract rates of
delivery in response to changes in
hydrology and river operations.
3. Proposed Marketing Area: Western
would continue the current LAP
marketing area which is the portion of
Colorado east of the Continental Divide;
Mountain Parks Electric, Inc.’s service
territory in Colorado west of the
Continental Divide; the portion of
Kansas located in the Missouri River
Basin; the portion of Kansas west of the
eastern borders of the counties
intersected by the 100th Meridian; the
portion of Nebraska west of the 101st
Meridian; and Wyoming east of the
Continental Divide.
Comment: Customers supported
continuing the current LAP marketing
area and commented that since LAP is
a finite and defined resource, expansion
of the marketing area is impracticable.
Response: Western appreciates the
customers’ support of the proposed LAP
marketing area.
4. Proposed Mt. Elbert PumpedStorage: Western would extend the
current Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage
contract provisions, which provide for
pumped-storage energy.
Comment: Western received no
comments on the proposed Mt. Elbert
Pumped-Storage.
maindgalligan on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Final 2025 PMI
Western will extend the current
marketing plan with amendments to the
Contract Term and Resource Pool
principles. The marketing plan
principles that are amended as well as
the marketing plan principles that are
extended are as follows:
Amended Marketing Plan Principles
1. Contract Term: Western extends its
commitment of the LAP resource for a
30-year period beginning October 1,
2024, and continuing through
September 30, 2054.
2. Resource Pools: The 2025 PMI
provides resource pools of up to 1
percent of the marketable resource
under contract at the time for eligible
new preference entities. Reallocations
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17:15 Dec 27, 2013
Jkt 232001
will occur beginning October 1, 2024,
and again every 10 years thereafter
(October 1, 2034, and October 1, 2044).
Extended Marketing Plan Principles
Extension of the current marketing
plan includes all provisions and
principles not specifically addressed in
the preceding section entitled
‘‘Amended Marketing Plan Principles.’’
The following key principles of the
current LAP marketing plan were
discussed with FES customers during
the proposed 2025 PMI informal
customer input phase and the formal
public information forums and are
included below for reference purposes.
1. Marketable Resource: The
contractually committed contract rate of
delivery and associated energy in effect
on September 30, 2024, will be
extended subject to up to 1 percent
reduction for each of the resource pools
taking effect on October 1, 2024,
October 1, 2034, and October 1, 2044.
2. Hydrology and River Operations
Withdrawal Provision: Western reserves
the right to adjust, at its discretion and
sole determination, the contract rate of
delivery on 5 years advance written
notice in response to changes in
hydrology and river operations.
3. Marketing Area: The LAP
marketing area will be the portion of
Colorado east of the Continental Divide;
Mountain Parks Electric, Inc.’s service
territory in Colorado west of the
Continental Divide; the portion of
Kansas located in the Missouri River
Basin; the portion of Kansas west of the
eastern borders of the counties
intersected by the 100th Meridian; the
portion of Nebraska west of the 101st
Meridian; and Wyoming east of the
Continental Divide.
4. Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage: The
full 200 MW of Mt. Elbert capacity is
included in the LAP capacity
allocations. Only flow-through
generation is included in LAP energy
allocations, and customers may
schedule capacity without energy. Offpeak energy must be returned to
Western commensurate with any onpeak energy taken.
2025 PMI Procedures Requirements
Environmental Compliance
In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4347 (2007)); the
Council on Environmental Quality
Regulations for Implementing NEPA (40
CFR parts 1500–1508); and DOE NEPA
Implementing Procedures and
Guidelines (10 CFR part 1021), Western
has determined this action is
categorically excluded from further
NEPA review.
PO 00000
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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.
Dated: December 20, 2013.
Mark A. Gabriel,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013–31220 Filed 12–27–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
Notice of Public Information
Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the
Federal Communications Commission,
Comments Requested
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
AGENCY:
As part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork burden and as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
3520), the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on the
following information collection(s).
Comments are requested concerning:
whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
the accuracy of the Commission’s
burden estimate; ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information collected; ways to minimize
the burden of the collection of
information on the respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and further
ways to reduce the information burden
for small business concerns with fewer
than 25 employees.
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor
a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. No person shall be subject to
any penalty for failing to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that
does not display a valid Control
Number.
DATES: Written Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) comments should be
submitted on or before February 28,
2014. If you anticipate that you will be
submitting comments, but find it
difficult to do so within the period of
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 250 (Monday, December 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79444-79446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31220]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration
Loveland Area Projects--2025 Power Marketing Initiative
AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE.
ACTION: Notice of Final 2025 Power Marketing Initiative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Western Area Power Administration (Western), Rocky Mountain
Region, a Federal power marketing agency of the Department of Energy
(DOE), announces the 2025 Power Marketing Initiative (2025 PMI). The
2025 PMI provides the basis for marketing the long-term firm
hydroelectric resources of the Loveland Area Projects (LAP) beginning
with the Federal fiscal year 2025. Western's Firm Electric Service
(FES) contracts associated with the current marketing plan expire
September 30, 2024. The 2025 PMI extends the current marketing plan,
with amendments to key marketing plan principles.
Western's proposed 2025 PMI was published in the Federal Register
on October 17, 2011. Responses to public comments are included in this
notice. This Federal Register notice is published to announce Western's
decisions for the 2025 PMI.
DATES: The 2025 PMI will become effective January 29, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Information regarding the 2025 PMI, including comments,
letters, and other supporting documents made
[[Page 79445]]
or retained by Western for the purpose of developing this 2025 PMI, are
available for public inspection and copying at Western Area Power
Administration, Rocky Mountain Region, 5555 East Crossroads Boulevard,
Loveland, CO 80538-8986.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John C. Gierard, Hydraulic
Engineer, Western Area Power Administration, Rocky Mountain Region,
5555 East Crossroads Boulevard, Loveland, CO 80538-8986, telephone
(970) 461-7445, email gierard@wapa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Current Marketing Plan Background
The Post-1989 General Power Marketing and Allocation Criteria
(Post-1989 Plan) for the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program-Western
Division and the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project (collectively known as
Loveland Area Projects or LAP) was published in the Federal Register
(51 FR 4012, January 31, 1986) and provided the marketing plan
principles used to market LAP firm hydropower resources. The FES
contracts associated with the Post-1989 Plan were initially to expire
September 30, 2004. Subpart C of the Energy Planning and Management
Program (EPAMP) final rule, published in the Federal Register (60 FR
54151, October 20, 1995), extended and amended the Post-1989 Plan.
EPAMP authorized extending the FES contracts associated with the Post-
1989 Plan through September 30, 2024, and established the Post-2004,
Post-2009, and Post-2014 resource pools. The current marketing plan is
inclusive of the Post-1989 Plan as extended and amended by EPAMP and
the Post-2004, Post-2009, and Post-2014 power marketing initiatives.
2025 PMI
Western initiated informal 2025 PMI discussions with LAP FES
customers in the summer of 2011 by holding meetings in the Rocky
Mountain Region. In addition, Western held meetings with Native
American tribal governments in Kansas and Wyoming to initiate
government-to-government consultation with tribal FES customers. The
meetings provided customers the opportunity to review current marketing
plan principles and provide informal input to Western for consideration
in the 2025 PMI proposal. Key marketing plan principles discussed with
FES customers included: Contract Term, Resource Pools, Marketable
Resource, Hydrology and River Operations Withdrawal Provision,
Marketing Area, and Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage. Customer input for the
2025 PMI proposal supported Western extending the current marketing
plan with amendments to the Contract Term and Resource Pool principles.
Western published its proposed 2025 PMI in the Federal Register (76
FR 64083, October 17, 2011) and initiated a 106-day public comment
period. Public information and comment forums on the proposed 2025 PMI
were held on November 29, 2011, in Loveland, Colorado, and November 30,
2011, in Topeka, Kansas. Western received no oral comments during the
public comment forums and nine comment letters during the public
comment period, which closed at 4 p.m. M.S.T., January 30, 2012.
Western's responses to the comments contained in the public comment
letters are included in this notice. After consideration of public
comments received, Western has decided to finalize the proposed 2025
PMI as published in the Federal Register (76 FR 64083, October 17,
2011).
Response to Comments Regarding the Proposed 2025 PMI
The public comments below regarding the proposed 2025 PMI are
paraphrased for brevity when not affecting the meaning of the
statement(s).
2025 PMI General Comment
Comment: All comments received supported the 2025 PMI proposal.
Further, the comments indicated the 2025 PMI proposal provided
certainty in planning and a sense of energy security.
Response: Western appreciates the support for the 2025 PMI proposal
published in the Federal Register (76 FR 64083, October 17, 2011).
Amended Marketing Plan Principles and Comments
1. Proposed Contract Term: A 30-year contract term would be used
for FES contracts. The FES contract term would begin October 1, 2024,
and expire September 30, 2054.
Comment: All comments Western received supported the proposed 30-
year contract term, although one comment also suggested Western
consider a 40-year contract term. Commenters stated a 30-year contract
term would provide assurance that the customers who have funded needed
capital investments would receive the benefits of that commitment.
Comments further indicated the 30-year contract term would provide
certainty in customer planning; not adversely affect Western's Federal
power program responsibilities; and extend the long standing tradition
of working together.
Response: Western considered a 40-year contract term; however, it
agrees with the comments above and believes the 30-year contract term
strikes the best balance between the customers' need for assurance and
Western's need for flexibility. Western clarifies it will execute
contracts prior to October 1, 2024, committing the LAP resource for a
30-year period from October 1, 2024, and continuing through September
30, 2054.
Western also recognizes and appreciates the customers' unique
contribution in providing funding for needed capital investments in
support of the Federal power program.
2. Proposed Resource Pools: The proposed 2025 PMI provides for
three resource pools of up to 1 percent of the marketable resource
under contract at the time of each reallocation to be available for
eligible new preference entities. Reallocations would occur at the
beginning of the October 1, 2024, contract term and again every 10
years thereafter on October 1, 2034, and October 1, 2044.
Comment: Customers supported the proposed structure and timing of
resource pools stating they will ensure that eligible entities not
currently receiving the benefits of LAP hydropower will be able to seek
an allocation in the future. It also will ensure fairness among
entities through an equitable process.
Response: Western appreciates the customers' support of the
proposed resource pools. The resource pools allow Western to market
allocations of firm power to eligible new preference entities in such a
manner as to promote the most widespread use, in accordance with
Federal Reclamation law.
Extended Marketing Plan Principles and Comments
1. Proposed Marketable Resource: Extend the existing contract rates
of delivery commitments, with associated energy, to existing long-term
FES customers reduced by up to 1 percent for each new resource pool on
October 1, 2024, October 1, 2034, and October 1, 2044.
Comment: Two commenters specifically supported continuation of the
current marketable resource, noting Western worked with the United
States Bureau of Reclamation in analyzing historic hydrologic data to
affirm the viability of the current marketable resource.
Response: Western appreciates the customers' support of its
determination of marketable resource.
2. Proposed Hydrology and River Operations Withdrawal Provision:
[[Page 79446]]
Western would reserve the right to adjust, at its discretion and sole
determination, the contract rate of delivery on 5 years advance written
notice in response to changes in hydrology and river operations.
Comment: It was noted Western's proposed withdrawal provision
fairly reflects the variety of forces that could impact Western's
administration of LAP and would provide Western with the tools to
address any substantial changes in hydrology and river operations.
Response: Western appreciates the customers' support of flexibility
for Western to adjust contract rates of delivery in response to changes
in hydrology and river operations.
3. Proposed Marketing Area: Western would continue the current LAP
marketing area which is the portion of Colorado east of the Continental
Divide; Mountain Parks Electric, Inc.'s service territory in Colorado
west of the Continental Divide; the portion of Kansas located in the
Missouri River Basin; the portion of Kansas west of the eastern borders
of the counties intersected by the 100th Meridian; the portion of
Nebraska west of the 101st Meridian; and Wyoming east of the
Continental Divide.
Comment: Customers supported continuing the current LAP marketing
area and commented that since LAP is a finite and defined resource,
expansion of the marketing area is impracticable.
Response: Western appreciates the customers' support of the
proposed LAP marketing area.
4. Proposed Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage: Western would extend the
current Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage contract provisions, which provide
for pumped-storage energy.
Comment: Western received no comments on the proposed Mt. Elbert
Pumped-Storage.
Final 2025 PMI
Western will extend the current marketing plan with amendments to
the Contract Term and Resource Pool principles. The marketing plan
principles that are amended as well as the marketing plan principles
that are extended are as follows:
Amended Marketing Plan Principles
1. Contract Term: Western extends its commitment of the LAP
resource for a 30-year period beginning October 1, 2024, and continuing
through September 30, 2054.
2. Resource Pools: The 2025 PMI provides resource pools of up to 1
percent of the marketable resource under contract at the time for
eligible new preference entities. Reallocations will occur beginning
October 1, 2024, and again every 10 years thereafter (October 1, 2034,
and October 1, 2044).
Extended Marketing Plan Principles
Extension of the current marketing plan includes all provisions and
principles not specifically addressed in the preceding section entitled
``Amended Marketing Plan Principles.'' The following key principles of
the current LAP marketing plan were discussed with FES customers during
the proposed 2025 PMI informal customer input phase and the formal
public information forums and are included below for reference
purposes.
1. Marketable Resource: The contractually committed contract rate
of delivery and associated energy in effect on September 30, 2024, will
be extended subject to up to 1 percent reduction for each of the
resource pools taking effect on October 1, 2024, October 1, 2034, and
October 1, 2044.
2. Hydrology and River Operations Withdrawal Provision: Western
reserves the right to adjust, at its discretion and sole determination,
the contract rate of delivery on 5 years advance written notice in
response to changes in hydrology and river operations.
3. Marketing Area: The LAP marketing area will be the portion of
Colorado east of the Continental Divide; Mountain Parks Electric,
Inc.'s service territory in Colorado west of the Continental Divide;
the portion of Kansas located in the Missouri River Basin; the portion
of Kansas west of the eastern borders of the counties intersected by
the 100th Meridian; the portion of Nebraska west of the 101st Meridian;
and Wyoming east of the Continental Divide.
4. Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage: The full 200 MW of Mt. Elbert
capacity is included in the LAP capacity allocations. Only flow-through
generation is included in LAP energy allocations, and customers may
schedule capacity without energy. Off-peak energy must be returned to
Western commensurate with any on-peak energy taken.
2025 PMI Procedures Requirements
Environmental Compliance
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347 (2007)); the Council on Environmental Quality
Regulations for Implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); and DOE
NEPA Implementing Procedures and Guidelines (10 CFR part 1021), Western
has determined this action is categorically excluded from further NEPA
review.
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.
Dated: December 20, 2013.
Mark A. Gabriel,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-31220 Filed 12-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
