Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-725A, FERC-725D, FERC-725F, FERC-725G, FERC-725L, and FERC-725Z); Comment Request; Revision, 44875-44880 [2020-15977]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 143 / Friday, July 24, 2020 / Notices
• public safety; and
• cumulative impacts
Commission staff will also evaluate
reasonable alternatives to the proposed
project or portions of the project, and
make recommendations on how to
lessen or avoid impacts on the various
resource areas.
The EA will present Commission
staffs’ independent analysis of the
issues. The EA will be available in
electronic format in the public record
through eLibrary 2 and the
Commission’s natural gas
environmental documents web page
(https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/
natural-gas/environment/
environmental-documents). If
eSubscribed, you will receive instant
email notification when the EA is
issued. The EA may be issued for an
allotted public comment period.
Commission staff will consider all
comments on the EA before making
recommendations to the Commission.
To ensure Commission staff have the
opportunity to address your comments,
please carefully follow the instructions
in the Public Participation section,
beginning on page 2.
With this notice, the Commission is
asking agencies with jurisdiction by law
and/or special expertise with respect to
the environmental issues of these
projects to formally cooperate in the
preparation of the EA.3 Agencies that
would like to request cooperating
agency status should follow the
instructions for filing comments
provided under the Public Participation
section of this notice.
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Consultation Under Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act
In accordance with the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation’s
implementing regulations for section
106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act, the Commission is
using this notice to initiate consultation
with the applicable State Historic
Preservation Office, and to solicit their
views and those of other government
agencies, interested Indian tribes, and
the public on the projects’ potential
effects on historic properties.4 The EA
for this project will document findings
2 For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer
to the last page of this notice.
3 The Council on Environmental Quality
regulations addressing cooperating agency
responsibilities are at Title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations, § 1501.6.
4 The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s
regulations are at Title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations, part 800. Those regulations define
historic properties as any prehistoric or historic
district, site, building, structure, or object included
in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register
of Historic Places.
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on the impacts on historic properties
and summarize the status of
consultations under section 106.
Dated: July 20, 2020.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
Environmental Mailing List
[FR Doc. 2020–16087 Filed 7–23–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
The environmental mailing list
includes federal, state, and local
government representatives and
agencies; elected officials;
environmental and public interest
groups; Native American Tribes; other
interested parties; and local libraries
and newspapers. This list also includes
all affected landowners (as defined in
the Commission’s regulations) who are
potential right-of-way grantors, whose
property may be used temporarily for
project purposes, or who own homes
within certain distances of aboveground
facilities, and anyone who submits
comments on the project. Commission
staff will update the environmental
mailing list as the analysis proceeds to
ensure that Commission notices related
to this environmental review are sent to
all individuals, organizations, and
government entities interested in and/or
potentially affected by the proposed
project.
If the Commission issues the EA for
an allotted public comment period, a
Notice of Availability of the EA will be
sent to the environmental mailing list
and will provide instructions to access
the electronic document on the FERC’s
website (www.ferc.gov). If you need to
make changes to your name/address, or
if you would like to remove your name
from the mailing list, please return the
attached ‘‘Mailing List Update Form’’
(appendix 2).
Additional Information
Additional information about the
projects is available from the
Commission’s Office of External Affairs,
at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC
website at www.ferc.gov using the
eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link,
click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the
docket number in the ‘‘Docket Number’’
field, excluding the last three digits (i.e.,
CP20–484 or CP20–485). Be sure you
have selected an appropriate date range.
For assistance, please contact FERC
Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@
ferc.gov or (866) 208–3676, or for TTY,
contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary
link also provides access to the texts of
all formal documents issued by the
Commission, such as orders, notices,
and rulemakings.
Public sessions or site visits will be
posted on the Commission’s calendar
located at https://www.ferc.gov/newsevents/events along with other related
information.
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. RD20–4–000]
Commission Information Collection
Activities (FERC–725A, FERC–725D,
FERC–725F, FERC–725G, FERC–725L,
and FERC–725Z); Comment Request;
Revision
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of revised information
collections and request for comments.
AGENCY:
In compliance with the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission
(Commission or FERC) is soliciting
public comment on revisions to the
information collections, FERC–725A
(Mandatory Reliability Standards for the
Bulk-Power System), FERC–725D
(Facilities Design, Connections and
Maintenance Reliability Standards),
FERC–725F (Mandatory Reliability
Standard for Nuclear Plant Interface
Coordination), FERC–725G (Reliability
Standards for the Bulk Power System:
PRC Reliability Standards), FERC–725L
(Mandatory Reliability Standards for the
Bulk-Power System: MOD Reliability
Standards), and FERC–725Z (Mandatory
Reliability Standards: IRO Reliability
Standards), in Docket No. RD20–4–000
and will be submitting them to the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review of the respective
information collection requirements.
DATES: Comments on the collections of
information are due September 22,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by Docket No. RD20–4–000
by either of the following methods:
• eFiling at Commission’s Website:
https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
efiling.asp.
• U.S. Postal Service Mail: Persons
unable to file electronically may mail
similar pleadings to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street
NE, Washington, DC 20426.
• Effective 7/1/2020, delivery of
filings other than by eFiling or the U.S.
Postal Service should be delivered to
Health and Human Services, 12225
Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland
20852.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 143 / Friday, July 24, 2020 / Notices
Instructions: All submissions must be
formatted and filed in accordance with
submission guidelines at: https://
www.ferc.gov/help/submissionguide.asp. For user assistance, contact
FERC Online Support by email at
ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or by phone
at: (866) 208–3676 (toll-free).
Docket: Users interested in receiving
automatic notification of activity in this
docket or in viewing/downloading
comments and issuances in this docket
may do so at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/docs-filing.asp.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ellen Brown may be reached by email
at DataClearance@FERC.gov, and
telephone at (202) 502–8663.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Titles: FERC–725A, Mandatory
Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power
System; FERC–725D, Facilities Design,
Connections and Maintenance
Reliability Standards; FERC–725F,
Mandatory Reliability Standard for
Nuclear Plant Interface Coordination;
FERC–725G, Reliability Standards for
the Bulk Power System: PRC Reliability
Standards; FERC–725L, Mandatory
Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power
System: MOD Reliability Standards; and
FERC–725Z, Mandatory Reliability
Standards: IRO Reliability Standards.
OMB Control Nos.: 1902–0244 (FERC–
725A); 1902–0247 (FERC–725D); 1902–
0249 (FERC–725F); 1902–0252 (FERC–
725G); 1902–0261 (FERC–725L); and
1902–0276 (FERC–725Z)
Type of Request: Revisions to FERC–
725A, FERC–725D, FERC–725F, FERC–
725G, FERC–725L, and FERC–725Z
information collection requirements, as
discussed in Docket No. RD20–4–000.
Abstract: The North American
Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
filed a petition to modify seven
Reliability Standards.
On February 21, 2020, NERC filed a
petition in Docket No. RD20–4–000 1
requesting Commission approval of:
• Reliability Standard TOP–003–4
(Operational Reliability Data),
• Reliability Standard FAC–002–3
(Facility Interconnection Studies),
• Reliability Standard NUC–001–4
(Nuclear Plant Interface Coordination),
• Reliability Standard PRC–006–4
(Automatic Underfrequency Load
Shedding),
• Reliability Standard MOD–031–3
(Demand and Energy Data),
• Reliability Standard MOD–033–2
(Steady-State and Dynamic System
Model Validation), and
1 The petition and exhibits are posted in the
Commission’s eLibrary system in Docket No. RD20–
4–000 (Standards Alignment with Registration
Petition).
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• Reliability Standard IRO–010–3
(Reliability Coordinator Data
Specification and Collection)
NERC is requesting approval of the
seven proposed Reliability Standards
pursuant to Section 215(d)(1) of the
Federal Power Act (‘‘FPA’’) 2 and
§ 39.5 3 of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission’s (‘‘FERC’’ or
‘‘Commission’’) regulations. The
revisions in the proposed Reliability
Standards will align these standards
with the previously-approved changes
to the NERC registration criteria 4 by
removing reference to entities 5 that are
no longer registered with NERC. In
proposed Reliability Standard PRC–
006–4, NERC adds the UFLS-only
Distribution Provider as an applicable
entity. In two instances, NERC has
proposed changes that will promote
consistent use of the term Planning
Coordinator across the Reliability
Standards.6
The Commission’s request to OMB
will reflect the following:
• Elimination of the burden
associated with the load-serving entity
(LSE) function in Requirement R5 of
proposed Reliability Standard TOP–
003–4.7 The petition states that the
currently effective standard is
applicable to the transmission operator,
balancing authority, generator owner,
generator operator, load-serving entity,
transmission owner, and distribution
provider. As the load-serving entity is
no longer a NERC registration category,
NERC proposes to remove this entity
from the applicability section of
proposed Reliability Standard TOP–
003–4 and remove reference to this
entity in Requirement R5.8
• Elimination of the burden
associated with the load-serving entity
(LSE) function in Requirement R3 of
proposed Reliability Standard FAC–
002–3.9 The NERC petition states as the
load-serving entity is no longer a NERC
registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability
U.S.C. 824o (2018).
CFR 39.5 (2019).
4 Order on Electric Reliability Organization Risk
Based Registration Initiative and Requiring
Compliance Filing, 150 FERC ¶ 61,213 (2015); Order
on Compliance Filing, 153 FERC ¶ 61,024 (2015).
5 NERC’s risk-based registration initiative resulted
in the removal of the load-serving entity and
purchasing-selling entity from the NERC
compliance registry.
6 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 7.
7 The burden associated with the current version
of this standard, TOP–003–3, is included in FERC–
725A.
8 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 14.
9 The burden associated with the current version
of this standard, FAC–002–2, is included in FERC–
725D.
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2 16
3 18
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section of proposed Reliability Standard
FAC–002–3 and remove reference to
this entity in Requirement R3.10
• Removal of the load-serving entity
(LSE) function in the applicability
section of proposed Reliability Standard
NUC–001–4.11 The NERC petition states
as the load-serving entity is no longer a
NERC registration category, NERC
proposes to remove this entity from the
list of applicable transmission entities
in the applicability section of proposed
Reliability Standard NUC–001–4.12
Removing this function from the list of
transmission entities will not change the
estimated burden associated with this
standard.
• Addition of the burden associated
with UFLS-only distribution providers
to proposed Reliability Standard PRC–
006–4.13 The petition states that the
currently effective standard is
applicable to planning coordinators,
‘‘UFLS entities’’ (which may include
transmission owners and distribution
providers that own, operate, or control
UFLS equipment), and transmission
owners that own certain elements. In
proposed Reliability Standard PRC–
006–4, NERC proposes to add the UFLSonly distribution provider as an
applicable UFLS entity.14
• Elimination of the burden
associated with the load-serving entity
(LSE) function in Requirement R1 of
proposed Reliability Standard MOD–
031–3.15 The NERC petition states as the
load-serving entity is no longer a NERC
registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability
section of proposed Reliability Standard
MOD–031–3 and remove reference to
this entity in Requirement R1, Part 1.1,
where it is listed as an ‘‘Applicable
Entity’’ for purposes of Requirements R2
and R4.16
10 Standards
Alignment with Registration Petition
at 8.
11 The burden associated with the current version
of this standard, NUC–001–3, is included in FERC–
725F.
12 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 12.
13 The burden associated with the Commission
approved standard, PRC–006–2, is included in
FERC–725G. The current version of this standard,
PRC–006–3, was adopted by the NERC Board of
Trustees on August 10, 2017. Reliability Standard
PRC–006–3 was not submitted to the Commission
for approval because it is identical to the
Commission-approved version, PRC–006–2. The
only change was a revision to the regional variance
for the Quebec Interconnection and does not impact
the requirements for entities in the United States.
14 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 13.
15 The burden associated with the current version
of this standard, MOD–031–2, is included in FERC–
725L.
16 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 10.
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Additionally, NERC proposes to strike
the term ‘‘Planning Authority’’ from the
applicability section of the standard and
the explanatory text that follows. The
preferred terminology for the
responsible entity that coordinates and
integrates transmission facilities and
service plans, resource plans, and
protection systems is ‘‘Planning
Coordinator.’’ 17 This is a terminology
change and will not result in a change
in burden.
• Modification of the term ‘‘Planning
Authority’’ to ‘‘Planning Coordinator’’
in proposed Reliability Standard MOD–
033–2.18 In the petition, NERC proposes
to strike the term ‘‘Planning Authority’’
from the applicability section of the
standard and the explanatory text that
follows. The proposed change is
intended to promote consistent use of
‘‘Planning Coordinator’’ throughout the
Reliability Standards.19 This is a
terminology change and will not result
in a change in burden.
• Elimination of the burden
associated with the load-serving entity
(LSE) function in Requirement R3 of
proposed Reliability Standard IRO–010–
3.20 The NERC petition states as the
load-serving entity is no longer a NERC
registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability
section of proposed Reliability Standard
IRO–010–3 and remove reference to this
entity in Requirement R3.21
Type of Respondents: Reliability
coordinator (RC), balancing authority
(BA), transmission owner (TO),
transmission operator (TOP), generator
owner (GO), generator operator (GOP),
distribution provider (DP), UFLS-only
distribution provider (UFLS-only DP),
planning coordinator (PC), and
transmission planner (TP).
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17 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 10.
18 The burden associated with the current version
of this standard, MOD–033–1, is included in FERC–
725L.
19 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 11.
20 The burden associated with the current version
of this standard, IRO–010–2, is included in FERC–
725Z.
21 Standards Alignment with Registration Petition
at 9.
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Estimate of Annual Burden: 22 The
Commission based its estimates on the
NERC compliance registry as of April
10, 2020. According to the registry,
there are 12 reliability coordinators, 98
balancing authorities, 314 distribution
providers, 63 UFLS-only distribution
providers, 973 generator owners, 916
generator operators, 321 transmission
owners, 169 transmission operators, 64
planning coordinators, and 196
transmission planners in the United
States. NERC registered entities can be
registered as multiple functions, and the
burden estimates reflect the overlapping
of functions per entity respondent.
Changes Due to Docket No. RD20–4
The changes proposed in Docket No.
RD20–4–000 include the removal of
load-serving entity from the
applicability of five Reliability
Standards; addition of UFLS-only
distribution provider in one Reliability
Standard; and a terminology change of
‘‘planning authority’’ to ‘‘planning
coordinator’’ in the applicability of two
Reliability Standards. The load-serving
entity function was removed from the
NERC compliance registry in October
2015 as a result of the risk-based
registration order.23 Prior to the removal
of the load-serving entity function, the
NERC compliance registry in early 2015
included 446 registered load-serving
entities, however, many of these entities
were also registered as other functions
and remained on the registry. NERC
deregistered 63 load-serving entities
from the compliance registry on October
15, 2015, coinciding with the
Commission approval of NERC’s riskbased registration initiative.24
22 Burden is defined as the total time, effort, or
financial resources expended by persons to
generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide
information to or for a Federal agency. For further
explanation of what is included in the information
collection burden, refer to 5 CFR 1320.3.
23 Order on Electric Reliability Organization Risk
Based Registration Initiative and Requiring
Compliance Filing, 150 FERC ¶ 61,213 (2015); Order
on Compliance Filing, 153 FERC ¶ 61,024 (2015).
24 NERC posts its list of deregistered entities at
the following link. https://www.nerc.com/pa/comp/
Registration%20and%20Certification%20DL/
NCR%20Deregistered%20Entities.xls.
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44877
The proposed Reliability Standard
NUC–001–4 modification of removing
the load-serving entity from its
applicability is not a substantive change
and does not require a change in
burden. This is due to the current
burden assumptions based on: (1) The
number of nuclear plants in the United
States, and (2) applicability including
two transmission entities 25 for each
nuclear plant. The removal of loadserving entity from the list of possible
transmission entities does not change
these assumptions.
The Commission staff estimates the
program changes, due to Docket No.
RD20–4, for the listed information
collections. Because the affected
Reliability Standards were implemented
at various times since Order No. 693 in
March 2007, using the hourly cost
estimates in effect at that time, we are
being conservative and not showing cost
estimates for the changes.
Adjustments, Updates, and
Clarification of Estimates (Not Due to
Docket No. RD20–4)
In addition to the changes identified
in Docket No. RD20–4–000, the
Commission is updating the entire
burden estimates for six of the
Reliability Standards. These
adjustments are warranted based on
updates to the number of applicable
registered entities and to ensure that the
burden for each applicable function is
quantified with clear granularity.
The table also includes adjustments
due to normal industry fluctuations
(e.g., companies merging or splitting,
going into or leaving the industry, or
filling more or fewer roles in the NERC
registry); the figures are based on the
NERC registry as of April 10, 2020.
25 The current Reliability Standard NUC–001–3
defines the phrase ‘‘transmission entities’’ as all
entities that are responsible for providing services
related to nuclear plant interface requirements
(NPIRs). Such entities may include one or more of
the following: transmission operators, transmission
owners, transmission planners, transmission service
providers, balancing authorities, reliability
coordinators, planning coordinators, distribution
providers, load-serving entities, generator owners,
and generator operators.
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PROPOSED CHANGES TO BURDEN DUE TO DOCKET NO. RD20–4–000 AND ADJUSTMENTS AND CLARIFICATIONS 26
Reliability standard & requirements
Number of
respondents & type
of entity
Annual
number of
responses per
respondent
Annual number of
responses
Average
burden
hrs. per
response
Total annual burden
hours
(1)
(2)
(1) * (2) = (3)
(4)
(3) * (4) = (5)
FERC–725A, OMB Control No. 1902–0244
TOP–003–4 (Operational Reliability Data),
R1–R5, & Evidence Retention—adjustment.
TOP–003–4 (Operational Reliability Data),
R5 &Evidence Retention—program increase 27.
Net Sub-Total for FERC–725A .............
¥3 (TOP & BA) .......
1
¥3 ...........................
230 hrs ....
¥690 hrs.
1,363 (GO, GOP, TO
& DP).
1
1,363 ........................
8 hrs ........
10,904 hrs.
..................................
........................
1,360 (net increase)
.................
10,214 hr. (net increase).
FERC–725D, OMB Control No. 1902–0247
FAC–002–3 (Facility Interconnection Studies) R1 Study—adjustment.
FAC–002–3 (Facility Interconnection Studies) R1 Evidence Retention—adjustment.
FAC–002–3 (Facility Interconnection Studies) R2–R5 Coordination—(program decrease & adjustment decrease) 28.
FAC–002–3 (Facility Interconnection Studies) R2–R5 Evidence Retention—(program decrease & adjustment decrease) 30.
Net Sub-Total for FERC–725D .............
+20 (PC & TP) .........
1
+20 ...........................
32 hrs ......
640 hrs.
+20 (PC & TP) .........
1
+20 ...........................
1 hr ..........
20 hrs.
¥93 (TO, GO &
DP) 29.
1
¥93 .........................
16 hrs ......
¥1,488 hrs.
¥93(TO, GO & DP)
1
¥93 .........................
1 hr ..........
¥93 hrs.
........................
¥146 (net reduction)
.................
¥921 hrs. (net reduction).
..................................
FERC–725G, OMB Control No. 1902–0252
PRC–006–4 (Automatic Underfrequency
Load Shedding) Reporting Requirement—program decrease 31.
PRC–006–4 (Automatic Underfrequency
Load Shedding) Evidence Retention—
program decrease 31.
PRC–006–4 (Automatic Underfrequency
Load Shedding) R1–R7, R11–R15 Reporting Requirement—program increase
& clarification 32.
PRC–006–4 (Automatic Underfrequency
Load Shedding) R1–R7, R11–R15 Evidence Retention-program increase &
clarification 32.
PRC–006–4 (Automatic Underfrequency
Load Shedding) R8–R10 Evidence Retention—program increase & clarification 33.
¥80 (TO & DP) .......
1
¥80 .........................
47 hrs ......
¥3,760 hrs.
¥80 (TO & DP) .......
1
¥80 .........................
5 hrs ........
¥400 hrs.
64 (PC) ....................
1
64 .............................
47 hrs ......
3,008 hrs.
64 (PC) ....................
1
64 .............................
5 hrs ........
320 hrs.
478 (TO, DP, UFLSonly DP).
1
478 ...........................
5 hrs ........
2,390 hrs.
Net Sub-Total for FERC–725G ............
..................................
........................
446 (net increase) ...
.................
1,558 hrs. (net increase).
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FERC–725L, OMB Control No. 1902–0261
MOD–031–3 (Demand and Energy Data)
Develop summary in accordance w/R1,
Subparts 1.5.4 and 1.5.5.—program decrease & adjustment/clarification 34.
MOD–031–3 (Demand and Energy Data)
Develop data request in accordance w/
R1 and R3 & Evidence Retention—adjustment/clarification 35.
MOD–031–3 (Demand and Energy Data)
Develop and provide data in accordance
w/R2 and R4 & Evidence Retention—adjustment/clarification 34.
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¥561 (DP, LSE, TP
& BA).
1
¥561 .......................
8 hrs ........
¥4,488 hrs.
113 (PC & BA) .........
1
113 ...........................
8 hrs ........
904 hrs.
381 (TP, BA & DP) ..
1
381 ...........................
8 hrs ........
3,048 hrs.
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PROPOSED CHANGES TO BURDEN DUE TO DOCKET NO. RD20–4–000 AND ADJUSTMENTS AND CLARIFICATIONS 26—
Continued
Reliability standard & requirements
MOD–033–2 (Steady-State Dynamic System Model Validation) R2 Data Submittal
[for R2]—adjustment.
MOD–033–2 (Steady-State Dynamic System Model Validation),R1–R2, Evidence
Retention, adjustment.
Net Sub-Total for FERC–725L .............
Number of
respondents & type
of entity
Annual
number of
responses per
respondent
Annual number of
responses
Average
burden
hrs. per
response
Total annual burden
hours
(1)
(2)
(1) * (2) = (3)
(4)
(3) * (4) = (5)
¥14 (RC & TOP) 36
1
¥14 .........................
8 hrs ........
¥112 hrs.
¥14 (PC, RC &
TOP) 37.
1
¥14 .........................
1 hr ..........
¥14 hrs.
¥95 (net reduction)
.................
¥662 hrs.; (net reduction).
..................................
........................
FERC–725Z, OMB Control No. 1902–0276
IRO–010–3 (Reliability Coordinator Data
Specification and Collection) R1–R3 Evidence Retention—adjustment.
IRO–010–3 (Reliability Coordinator Data
Specification
and
Collection),
R3
&Evidence Retention—adjustment/clarification 38.
+1 (RC) ....................
1
1 ...............................
36 hrs ......
+36 hrs.
1,388 (BA, GO,
GOP, TOP, TO &
DP).
1
1,388 ........................
8 hrs ........
11,104 hrs.
11,140 hrs.; (net increase).
+8,812 hrs.
+12,517 hrs.
+21,329 hrs.
Net Sub-Total for FERC–725Z .............
..................................
........................
1,389 (net increase)
.................
Net Total Program Changes 39 .............
Net Total Adjustments, .........................
Total Net Changes (Including Program Changes and Adjustments) 39.
..................................
..................................
..................................
........................
........................
........................
..................................
..................................
..................................
.................
.................
.................
Comments: Comments are invited on:
(1) Whether the collections of
information are necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
26 The
adjustments, due to normal industry
fluctuations, are based on figures in the NERC
registry as of April 10, 2020.
27 This is not a program change (increase) due to
Docket No. RD20–4. Rather, we are correcting an
earlier oversight. It appears that the estimated
burden figures for the GO, GOP, TO and DP were
inadvertently omitted from the package submitted
to and approved by OMB related to the Final Rule
(Order No. 817, issued 11/19/2015) in Docket No.
RM15–16. The number of respondents is the current
figure based on the NERC registry.
28 The reduction of 93 respondents and
corresponding burden hours include 63 LSEs that
were de-registered (program decrease of 1,008 hrs.)
and an adjustment decrease of 30 respondents (480
hrs.) due to normal industry fluctuations.
Out of the total decrease of 1,488 hours, the
program decrease of 1,008 hours [corresponding
decrease of 63 responses] is due to Docket No.
RD20–4. The reduction of 480 hours is due to
normal adjustments.
29 Although 1,232 entities are registered as TO,
DP, or GO, we expect at the most 123 entities (ten
percent) will seek to interconnect and go through
the study phase that may require coordination in
any given year.
30 The reduction of 93 respondents and
corresponding burden hours include 63 LSEs that
were de-registered (program decrease of 63 hrs., due
to Docket No. RD20–4) and an adjustment decrease
of 30 respondents (30 hrs.) due to normal industry
fluctuations.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:45 Jul 23, 2020
Jkt 250001
information will have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of the agency’s
estimates of the burden and cost of the
collections of information, including the
31 The number of entities is being reduced in
order to more clearly identify the applicable entities
in subsequent rows in this table. As stated in the
NERC Petition, ‘‘[t]he currently effective standard is
applicable to Planning Coordinators, ‘‘UFLS
entities’’ (which may include Transmission Owners
and Distribution Providers that own, operate, or
control UFLS equipment), and Transmission
Owners that own certain Elements. In proposed
Reliability Standard PRC–006–4, NERC proposes to
add the UFLS-Only Distribution Provider as an
applicable UFLS entity, consistent with the
language in Section III(b) of Appendix 5B of the
NERC Rules of Procedure (Statement of Compliance
Registry Criteria) that the Reliability Standards
applicable to UFLS-Only Distribution Providers
includes prior effective versions of the PRC–006
standard.’’ The changes are not due to Docket No.
RD20–4.
32 The increases are not due to Docket No. RD20–
4. They are a program increase of 64 PCs (and the
corresponding hrs.) in order to correct and clarify
the estimates.
33 The program increase is due to adding 63
UFLS-only DPs due to Docket No. RD20–4. In
addition, 415 TOs and DPs were originally
estimated in FERC–725A due to Order No. 693.
However, the estimates and descriptions were not
clearly spelled out, so we are clarifying them. As
a result, there are 315 hours (63*5 hours) and the
corresponding increase of 63 respondents of
program increase due to Docket No. RD20–4, and
2,075 hours (415*5 hours) of increase due to
adjustment.
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
validity of the methodology and
assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility and clarity of the
information collections; and (4) ways to
minimize the burden of the collections
of information on those who are to
34 The estimates reflect a program decrease of 63
de-registered LSEs (and corresponding program
decrease of 504 hrs.) related to Docket No. RD20–
4, and an adjustment/clarification (decrease) of 498
DPs, TPs, and BAs (and corresponding decrease of
3,984 hrs.), not related to Docket No. RD20–4. The
updated number of 381 DPs, TPs and BAs is listed
in a new row clarifying their applicability with
Requirements R2 and R4. Requirement R2 requires
applicable entities to develop and provide data
pursuant with Requirement R1.
35 The 113 PCs and BAs were originally estimated
in FERC–725A due to Order No. 693. However, the
estimates and descriptions were not clearly spelled
out, so we are clarifying them. [Some of this burden
may still be in FERC–725A (and double counted
temporarily).]
36 The estimate is changing to 174 (from 188) due
to normal industry fluctuation.
37 The estimate is changing to 188 (from 194) due
to normal industry fluctuation.
38 The original Reliability Standard IRO–010–1a
was included in Order No. 748 (Docket No. RM10–
15) under FERC–725A. The burden for 11 RCs for
IRO–010–2 (Order No. 817 in Docket No. RM15–16)
was covered by FERC–725Z. Some of this burden
may still be in FERC–725A (and double counted
temporarily). This action is an adjustment and not
related to Docket No. RD20–4.
39 The net total program changes due to Docket
No. RD20–4 result in a decrease of 1,260 hours and
decrease of 126 respondents.
E:\FR\FM\24JYN1.SGM
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44880
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 143 / Friday, July 24, 2020 / Notices
respond, including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
Dated: July 17, 2020.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020–15977 Filed 7–23–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. ER20–2444–000]
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Millican Solar Energy LLC;
Supplemental Notice That Initial
Market-Based Rate Filing Includes
Request for Blanket Section 204
Authorization
This is a supplemental notice in the
above-referenced proceeding of Millican
Solar Energy LLC’s application for
market-based rate authority, with an
accompanying rate tariff, noting that
such application includes a request for
blanket authorization, under 18 CFR
part 34, of future issuances of securities
and assumptions of liability.
Any person desiring to intervene or to
protest should file 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 and
385.214). Anyone filing a motion to
intervene or protest must serve a copy
of that document on the Applicant.
Notice is hereby given that the
deadline for filing protests with regard
to the applicant’s request for blanket
authorization, under 18 CFR part 34, of
future issuances of securities and
assumptions of liability, is August 10,
2020.
The Commission encourages
electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper, using the
FERC Online links at https://
www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic
service, persons with internet access
who will eFile a document and/or be
listed as a contact for an intervenor
must create and validate an
eRegistration account using the
eRegistration link. Select the eFiling
link to log on and submit the
intervention or protests.
Persons unable to file electronically
may mail similar pleadings to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
888 First Street NE, Washington, DC
20426. Hand delivered submissions in
docketed proceedings should be
delivered to Health and Human
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:45 Jul 23, 2020
Jkt 250001
Services, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20852.
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://
ferc.gov) using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link.
Enter the docket number excluding the
last three digits in the docket number
field to access the document. At this
time, the Commission has suspended
access to the Commission’s Public
Reference Room, due to the
proclamation declaring a National
Emergency concerning the Novel
Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19), issued
by the President on March 13, 2020. For
assistance, contact the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call
toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TYY, (202)
502–8659.
Dated: July 20, 2020.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020–16080 Filed 7–23–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. AD20–23–000]
Notice of Availability of Draft
Engineering Guidelines for the
Evaluation of Hydropower Projects:
Chapter 18—Level 2 Risk Analysis and
Request for Comments
The staff of the Office of Energy
Projects (OEP) has drafted its initial
version of ‘‘Chapter 18—Level 2 Risk
Analysis’’ of its Engineering Guidelines
for the Evaluation of Hydropower
Projects (Guidelines). This chapter is
one of four draft chapters intended to
provide additional guidance related to
the notice of proposed rulemaking
issued by the Commission in Docket No.
RM20–9–000. Please note that any
comments on the proposed rulemaking
or on draft chapters of the Guidelines
other than Chapter 18 should be filed in
the corresponding docket number.1
Comments are now requested on the
draft ‘‘Chapter 18—Level 2 Risk
1 The Commission is concurrently issuing for
public comment four draft chapters of the
Guidelines in Docket Nos. AD20–20–000 (Chapter
15—Supporting Technical Information Document),
AD20–21–000 (Chapter 16—Part 12D Program),
AD20–22–000 (Chapter 17—Potential Failure Mode
Analysis), and AD20–23–000 (Chapter 18—Level 2
Risk Analysis).
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Analysis’’ from federal and state
agencies, licensees whose projects are
subject to Part 12, Subpart D of the
Commission’s regulations, independent
consultants and inspectors, and other
interested parties with special expertise
with respect to dam safety. Comments
are due 60 days from the date of this
Notice.
Interested parties can help us
determine the appropriate updates and
improvements by providing: Meaningful
comments or suggestions that focus on
the specific sections requiring
clarification; updates to reflect current
laws and regulations; or best practices
related to the identification and
evaluation of risk using a semiquantitative process. The more specific
your comments, the more useful they
will be. A detailed explanation of your
submissions and/or any references of
scientific studies associated with your
comments will greatly help us with this
process. We will consider all timely
comments on the revised Guidelines
before issuing the final version.
For your convenience, there are three
methods which you can use to submit
your comments to the Commission. In
all instances please reference the docket
number (AD20–23–000) on the first page
of your submission. The Commission
strongly encourages electronic filing.
(1) You can file your comments
electronically using the eComment
feature on the Commission’s website
(www.ferc.gov). Select the FERC Online
option from the left-hand column and
click on eComment. This is an easy
method for interested persons to submit
brief, text-only comments up to 6,000
characters. You must include your name
and contact information at the end of
your comments.
(2) You can file your comments
electronically using the eFiling feature
on the Commission’s website
(www.ferc.gov). Select the FERC Online
option from the left-hand column and
click on eFiling. With eFiling, you can
provide comments in a variety of
formats by attaching them as a file with
your submission. New eFiling users
must first create an account by clicking
on ‘‘eRegister.’’ When selecting the
filing type, select ‘‘General’’, then
choose ‘‘Comment (on Filing, Environ.
Report or Tech Conf).’’
(3) In lieu of electronic filing, you can
mail a paper copy of your comments to:
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
Secretary of the Commission, 888 First
Street NE, Washington, DC 20426.
Hand-delivered comments, or those
delivered by carriers/couriers other than
the US Postal Service, should be
delivered to Health and Human
E:\FR\FM\24JYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 143 (Friday, July 24, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44875-44880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15977]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. RD20-4-000]
Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-725A, FERC-
725D, FERC-725F, FERC-725G, FERC-725L, and FERC-725Z); Comment Request;
Revision
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of revised information collections and request for
comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or
FERC) is soliciting public comment on revisions to the information
collections, FERC-725A (Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-
Power System), FERC-725D (Facilities Design, Connections and
Maintenance Reliability Standards), FERC-725F (Mandatory Reliability
Standard for Nuclear Plant Interface Coordination), FERC-725G
(Reliability Standards for the Bulk Power System: PRC Reliability
Standards), FERC-725L (Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-
Power System: MOD Reliability Standards), and FERC-725Z (Mandatory
Reliability Standards: IRO Reliability Standards), in Docket No. RD20-
4-000 and will be submitting them to the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) for review of the respective information collection
requirements.
DATES: Comments on the collections of information are due September 22,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket No. RD20-4-000
by either of the following methods:
eFiling at Commission's Website: https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp.
U.S. Postal Service Mail: Persons unable to file
electronically may mail similar pleadings to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426.
Effective 7/1/2020, delivery of filings other than by
eFiling or the U.S. Postal Service should be delivered to Health and
Human Services, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
[[Page 44876]]
Instructions: All submissions must be formatted and filed in
accordance with submission guidelines at: https://www.ferc.gov/help/submission-guide.asp. For user assistance, contact FERC Online Support
by email at [email protected], or by phone at: (866) 208-3676
(toll-free).
Docket: Users interested in receiving automatic notification of
activity in this docket or in viewing/downloading comments and
issuances in this docket may do so at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/docs-filing.asp.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Brown may be reached by email at
[email protected], and telephone at (202) 502-8663.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Titles: FERC-725A, Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-
Power System; FERC-725D, Facilities Design, Connections and Maintenance
Reliability Standards; FERC-725F, Mandatory Reliability Standard for
Nuclear Plant Interface Coordination; FERC-725G, Reliability Standards
for the Bulk Power System: PRC Reliability Standards; FERC-725L,
Mandatory Reliability Standards for the Bulk-Power System: MOD
Reliability Standards; and FERC-725Z, Mandatory Reliability Standards:
IRO Reliability Standards.
OMB Control Nos.: 1902-0244 (FERC-725A); 1902-0247 (FERC-725D);
1902-0249 (FERC-725F); 1902-0252 (FERC-725G); 1902-0261 (FERC-725L);
and 1902-0276 (FERC-725Z)
Type of Request: Revisions to FERC-725A, FERC-725D, FERC-725F,
FERC-725G, FERC-725L, and FERC-725Z information collection
requirements, as discussed in Docket No. RD20-4-000.
Abstract: The North American Electric Reliability Corporation
(NERC) filed a petition to modify seven Reliability Standards.
On February 21, 2020, NERC filed a petition in Docket No. RD20-4-
000 \1\ requesting Commission approval of:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The petition and exhibits are posted in the Commission's
eLibrary system in Docket No. RD20-4-000 (Standards Alignment with
Registration Petition).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reliability Standard TOP-003-4 (Operational Reliability
Data),
Reliability Standard FAC-002-3 (Facility Interconnection
Studies),
Reliability Standard NUC-001-4 (Nuclear Plant Interface
Coordination),
Reliability Standard PRC-006-4 (Automatic Underfrequency
Load Shedding),
Reliability Standard MOD-031-3 (Demand and Energy Data),
Reliability Standard MOD-033-2 (Steady-State and Dynamic
System Model Validation), and
Reliability Standard IRO-010-3 (Reliability Coordinator
Data Specification and Collection)
NERC is requesting approval of the seven proposed Reliability
Standards pursuant to Section 215(d)(1) of the Federal Power Act
(``FPA'') \2\ and Sec. 39.5 \3\ of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission's (``FERC'' or ``Commission'') regulations. The revisions in
the proposed Reliability Standards will align these standards with the
previously-approved changes to the NERC registration criteria \4\ by
removing reference to entities \5\ that are no longer registered with
NERC. In proposed Reliability Standard PRC-006-4, NERC adds the UFLS-
only Distribution Provider as an applicable entity. In two instances,
NERC has proposed changes that will promote consistent use of the term
Planning Coordinator across the Reliability Standards.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ 16 U.S.C. 824o (2018).
\3\ 18 CFR 39.5 (2019).
\4\ Order on Electric Reliability Organization Risk Based
Registration Initiative and Requiring Compliance Filing, 150 FERC ]
61,213 (2015); Order on Compliance Filing, 153 FERC ] 61,024 (2015).
\5\ NERC's risk-based registration initiative resulted in the
removal of the load-serving entity and purchasing-selling entity
from the NERC compliance registry.
\6\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Commission's request to OMB will reflect the following:
Elimination of the burden associated with the load-serving
entity (LSE) function in Requirement R5 of proposed Reliability
Standard TOP-003-4.\7\ The petition states that the currently effective
standard is applicable to the transmission operator, balancing
authority, generator owner, generator operator, load-serving entity,
transmission owner, and distribution provider. As the load-serving
entity is no longer a NERC registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability section of proposed
Reliability Standard TOP-003-4 and remove reference to this entity in
Requirement R5.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ The burden associated with the current version of this
standard, TOP-003-3, is included in FERC-725A.
\8\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 14.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elimination of the burden associated with the load-serving
entity (LSE) function in Requirement R3 of proposed Reliability
Standard FAC-002-3.\9\ The NERC petition states as the load-serving
entity is no longer a NERC registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability section of proposed
Reliability Standard FAC-002-3 and remove reference to this entity in
Requirement R3.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ The burden associated with the current version of this
standard, FAC-002-2, is included in FERC-725D.
\10\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal of the load-serving entity (LSE) function in the
applicability section of proposed Reliability Standard NUC-001-4.\11\
The NERC petition states as the load-serving entity is no longer a NERC
registration category, NERC proposes to remove this entity from the
list of applicable transmission entities in the applicability section
of proposed Reliability Standard NUC-001-4.\12\ Removing this function
from the list of transmission entities will not change the estimated
burden associated with this standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ The burden associated with the current version of this
standard, NUC-001-3, is included in FERC-725F.
\12\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 12.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addition of the burden associated with UFLS-only
distribution providers to proposed Reliability Standard PRC-006-4.\13\
The petition states that the currently effective standard is applicable
to planning coordinators, ``UFLS entities'' (which may include
transmission owners and distribution providers that own, operate, or
control UFLS equipment), and transmission owners that own certain
elements. In proposed Reliability Standard PRC-006-4, NERC proposes to
add the UFLS-only distribution provider as an applicable UFLS
entity.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ The burden associated with the Commission approved
standard, PRC-006-2, is included in FERC-725G. The current version
of this standard, PRC-006-3, was adopted by the NERC Board of
Trustees on August 10, 2017. Reliability Standard PRC-006-3 was not
submitted to the Commission for approval because it is identical to
the Commission-approved version, PRC-006-2. The only change was a
revision to the regional variance for the Quebec Interconnection and
does not impact the requirements for entities in the United States.
\14\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elimination of the burden associated with the load-serving
entity (LSE) function in Requirement R1 of proposed Reliability
Standard MOD-031-3.\15\ The NERC petition states as the load-serving
entity is no longer a NERC registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability section of proposed
Reliability Standard MOD-031-3 and remove reference to this entity in
Requirement R1, Part 1.1, where it is listed as an ``Applicable
Entity'' for purposes of Requirements R2 and R4.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ The burden associated with the current version of this
standard, MOD-031-2, is included in FERC-725L.
\16\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 44877]]
Additionally, NERC proposes to strike the term ``Planning
Authority'' from the applicability section of the standard and the
explanatory text that follows. The preferred terminology for the
responsible entity that coordinates and integrates transmission
facilities and service plans, resource plans, and protection systems is
``Planning Coordinator.'' \17\ This is a terminology change and will
not result in a change in burden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification of the term ``Planning Authority'' to
``Planning Coordinator'' in proposed Reliability Standard MOD-033-
2.\18\ In the petition, NERC proposes to strike the term ``Planning
Authority'' from the applicability section of the standard and the
explanatory text that follows. The proposed change is intended to
promote consistent use of ``Planning Coordinator'' throughout the
Reliability Standards.\19\ This is a terminology change and will not
result in a change in burden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ The burden associated with the current version of this
standard, MOD-033-1, is included in FERC-725L.
\19\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elimination of the burden associated with the load-serving
entity (LSE) function in Requirement R3 of proposed Reliability
Standard IRO-010-3.\20\ The NERC petition states as the load-serving
entity is no longer a NERC registration category, NERC proposes to
remove this entity from the applicability section of proposed
Reliability Standard IRO-010-3 and remove reference to this entity in
Requirement R3.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ The burden associated with the current version of this
standard, IRO-010-2, is included in FERC-725Z.
\21\ Standards Alignment with Registration Petition at 9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of Respondents: Reliability coordinator (RC), balancing
authority (BA), transmission owner (TO), transmission operator (TOP),
generator owner (GO), generator operator (GOP), distribution provider
(DP), UFLS-only distribution provider (UFLS-only DP), planning
coordinator (PC), and transmission planner (TP).
Estimate of Annual Burden: \22\ The Commission based its estimates
on the NERC compliance registry as of April 10, 2020. According to the
registry, there are 12 reliability coordinators, 98 balancing
authorities, 314 distribution providers, 63 UFLS-only distribution
providers, 973 generator owners, 916 generator operators, 321
transmission owners, 169 transmission operators, 64 planning
coordinators, and 196 transmission planners in the United States. NERC
registered entities can be registered as multiple functions, and the
burden estimates reflect the overlapping of functions per entity
respondent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ Burden is defined as the total time, effort, or financial
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. For
further explanation of what is included in the information
collection burden, refer to 5 CFR 1320.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changes Due to Docket No. RD20-4
The changes proposed in Docket No. RD20-4-000 include the removal
of load-serving entity from the applicability of five Reliability
Standards; addition of UFLS-only distribution provider in one
Reliability Standard; and a terminology change of ``planning
authority'' to ``planning coordinator'' in the applicability of two
Reliability Standards. The load-serving entity function was removed
from the NERC compliance registry in October 2015 as a result of the
risk-based registration order.\23\ Prior to the removal of the load-
serving entity function, the NERC compliance registry in early 2015
included 446 registered load-serving entities, however, many of these
entities were also registered as other functions and remained on the
registry. NERC deregistered 63 load-serving entities from the
compliance registry on October 15, 2015, coinciding with the Commission
approval of NERC's risk-based registration initiative.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\23\ Order on Electric Reliability Organization Risk Based
Registration Initiative and Requiring Compliance Filing, 150 FERC ]
61,213 (2015); Order on Compliance Filing, 153 FERC ] 61,024 (2015).
\24\ NERC posts its list of deregistered entities at the
following link. https://www.nerc.com/pa/comp/Registration%20and%20Certification%20DL/NCR%20Deregistered%20Entities.xls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed Reliability Standard NUC-001-4 modification of
removing the load-serving entity from its applicability is not a
substantive change and does not require a change in burden. This is due
to the current burden assumptions based on: (1) The number of nuclear
plants in the United States, and (2) applicability including two
transmission entities \25\ for each nuclear plant. The removal of load-
serving entity from the list of possible transmission entities does not
change these assumptions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\ The current Reliability Standard NUC-001-3 defines the
phrase ``transmission entities'' as all entities that are
responsible for providing services related to nuclear plant
interface requirements (NPIRs). Such entities may include one or
more of the following: transmission operators, transmission owners,
transmission planners, transmission service providers, balancing
authorities, reliability coordinators, planning coordinators,
distribution providers, load-serving entities, generator owners, and
generator operators.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Commission staff estimates the program changes, due to Docket
No. RD20-4, for the listed information collections. Because the
affected Reliability Standards were implemented at various times since
Order No. 693 in March 2007, using the hourly cost estimates in effect
at that time, we are being conservative and not showing cost estimates
for the changes.
Adjustments, Updates, and Clarification of Estimates (Not Due to Docket
No. RD20-4)
In addition to the changes identified in Docket No. RD20-4-000, the
Commission is updating the entire burden estimates for six of the
Reliability Standards. These adjustments are warranted based on updates
to the number of applicable registered entities and to ensure that the
burden for each applicable function is quantified with clear
granularity.
The table also includes adjustments due to normal industry
fluctuations (e.g., companies merging or splitting, going into or
leaving the industry, or filling more or fewer roles in the NERC
registry); the figures are based on the NERC registry as of April 10,
2020.
[[Page 44878]]
Proposed Changes to Burden Due to Docket No. RD20-4-000 and Adjustments and Clarifications \26\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Annual number Average burden
Reliability standard & respondents & of responses Annual number hrs. per Total annual
requirements type of entity per respondent of responses response burden hours
(1)............ (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4)............ (3) * (4) = (5)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-725A, OMB Control No. 1902-0244
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOP-003-4 (Operational -3 (TOP & BA).. 1 -3............. 230 hrs........ -690 hrs.
Reliability Data), R1-R5, &
Evidence Retention--
adjustment.
TOP-003-4 (Operational 1,363 (GO, GOP, 1 1,363.......... 8 hrs.......... 10,904 hrs.
Reliability Data), R5 TO & DP).
&Evidence Retention--
program increase \27\.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sub-Total for FERC- ............... .............. 1,360 (net ............... 10,214 hr. (net
725A. increase). increase).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-725D, OMB Control No. 1902-0247
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAC-002-3 (Facility +20 (PC & TP).. 1 +20............ 32 hrs......... 640 hrs.
Interconnection Studies) R1
Study--adjustment.
FAC-002-3 (Facility +20 (PC & TP).. 1 +20............ 1 hr........... 20 hrs.
Interconnection Studies) R1
Evidence Retention--
adjustment.
FAC-002-3 (Facility -93 (TO, GO & 1 -93............ 16 hrs......... -1,488 hrs.
Interconnection Studies) R2- DP) \29\.
R5 Coordination--(program
decrease & adjustment
decrease) \28\.
FAC-002-3 (Facility -93(TO, GO & 1 -93............ 1 hr........... -93 hrs.
Interconnection Studies) R2- DP).
R5 Evidence Retention--
(program decrease &
adjustment decrease) \30\.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sub-Total for FERC- ............... .............. -146 (net ............... -921 hrs. (net
725D. reduction). reduction).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-725G, OMB Control No. 1902-0252
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRC-006-4 (Automatic -80 (TO & DP).. 1 -80............ 47 hrs......... -3,760 hrs.
Underfrequency Load
Shedding) Reporting
Requirement--program
decrease \31\.
PRC-006-4 (Automatic -80 (TO & DP).. 1 -80............ 5 hrs.......... -400 hrs.
Underfrequency Load
Shedding) Evidence
Retention--program decrease
\31\.
PRC-006-4 (Automatic 64 (PC)........ 1 64............. 47 hrs......... 3,008 hrs.
Underfrequency Load
Shedding) R1-R7, R11-R15
Reporting Requirement--
program increase &
clarification \32\.
PRC-006-4 (Automatic 64 (PC)........ 1 64............. 5 hrs.......... 320 hrs.
Underfrequency Load
Shedding) R1-R7, R11-R15
Evidence Retention-program
increase & clarification
\32\.
PRC-006-4 (Automatic 478 (TO, DP, 1 478............ 5 hrs.......... 2,390 hrs.
Underfrequency Load UFLS-only DP).
Shedding) R8-R10 Evidence
Retention--program increase
& clarification \33\.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sub-Total for FERC- ............... .............. 446 (net ............... 1,558 hrs. (net
725G. increase). increase).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-725L, OMB Control No. 1902-0261
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOD-031-3 (Demand and Energy -561 (DP, LSE, 1 -561........... 8 hrs.......... -4,488 hrs.
Data) Develop summary in TP & BA).
accordance w/R1, Subparts
1.5.4 and 1.5.5.--program
decrease & adjustment/
clarification \34\.
MOD-031-3 (Demand and Energy 113 (PC & BA).. 1 113............ 8 hrs.......... 904 hrs.
Data) Develop data request
in accordance w/R1 and R3 &
Evidence Retention--
adjustment/clarification
\35\.
MOD-031-3 (Demand and Energy 381 (TP, BA & 1 381............ 8 hrs.......... 3,048 hrs.
Data) Develop and provide DP).
data in accordance w/R2 and
R4 & Evidence Retention--
adjustment/clarification
\34\.
[[Page 44879]]
MOD-033-2 (Steady-State -14 (RC & TOP) 1 -14............ 8 hrs.......... -112 hrs.
Dynamic System Model \36\.
Validation) R2 Data
Submittal [for R2]--
adjustment.
MOD-033-2 (Steady-State -14 (PC, RC & 1 -14............ 1 hr........... -14 hrs.
Dynamic System Model TOP) \37\.
Validation),R1-R2, Evidence
Retention, adjustment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sub-Total for FERC- ............... .............. -95 (net ............... -662 hrs.; (net
725L. reduction). reduction).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-725Z, OMB Control No. 1902-0276
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IRO-010-3 (Reliability +1 (RC)........ 1 1.............. 36 hrs......... +36 hrs.
Coordinator Data
Specification and
Collection) R1-R3 Evidence
Retention--adjustment.
IRO-010-3 (Reliability 1,388 (BA, GO, 1 1,388.......... 8 hrs.......... 11,104 hrs.
Coordinator Data GOP, TOP, TO &
Specification and DP).
Collection), R3 &Evidence
Retention--adjustment/
clarification \38\.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sub-Total for FERC- ............... .............. 1,389 (net ............... 11,140 hrs.;
725Z. increase). (net
increase).
Net Total Program ............... .............. ............... ............... +8,812 hrs.
Changes \39\.
Net Total Adjustments,.. ............... .............. ............... ............... +12,517 hrs.
Total Net Changes ............... .............. ............... ............... +21,329 hrs.
(Including Program
Changes and
Adjustments) \39\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collections of
information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions
of the Commission, including whether the information will have
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the
burden and cost of the collections of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility and clarity of the information collections; and
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on
those who are to
[[Page 44880]]
respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other
forms of information technology.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\26\ The adjustments, due to normal industry fluctuations, are
based on figures in the NERC registry as of April 10, 2020.
\27\ This is not a program change (increase) due to Docket No.
RD20-4. Rather, we are correcting an earlier oversight. It appears
that the estimated burden figures for the GO, GOP, TO and DP were
inadvertently omitted from the package submitted to and approved by
OMB related to the Final Rule (Order No. 817, issued 11/19/2015) in
Docket No. RM15-16. The number of respondents is the current figure
based on the NERC registry.
\28\ The reduction of 93 respondents and corresponding burden
hours include 63 LSEs that were de-registered (program decrease of
1,008 hrs.) and an adjustment decrease of 30 respondents (480 hrs.)
due to normal industry fluctuations.
Out of the total decrease of 1,488 hours, the program decrease
of 1,008 hours [corresponding decrease of 63 responses] is due to
Docket No. RD20-4. The reduction of 480 hours is due to normal
adjustments.
\29\ Although 1,232 entities are registered as TO, DP, or GO, we
expect at the most 123 entities (ten percent) will seek to
interconnect and go through the study phase that may require
coordination in any given year.
\30\ The reduction of 93 respondents and corresponding burden
hours include 63 LSEs that were de-registered (program decrease of
63 hrs., due to Docket No. RD20-4) and an adjustment decrease of 30
respondents (30 hrs.) due to normal industry fluctuations.
\31\ The number of entities is being reduced in order to more
clearly identify the applicable entities in subsequent rows in this
table. As stated in the NERC Petition, ``[t]he currently effective
standard is applicable to Planning Coordinators, ``UFLS entities''
(which may include Transmission Owners and Distribution Providers
that own, operate, or control UFLS equipment), and Transmission
Owners that own certain Elements. In proposed Reliability Standard
PRC-006-4, NERC proposes to add the UFLS-Only Distribution Provider
as an applicable UFLS entity, consistent with the language in
Section III(b) of Appendix 5B of the NERC Rules of Procedure
(Statement of Compliance Registry Criteria) that the Reliability
Standards applicable to UFLS-Only Distribution Providers includes
prior effective versions of the PRC-006 standard.'' The changes are
not due to Docket No. RD20-4.
\32\ The increases are not due to Docket No. RD20-4. They are a
program increase of 64 PCs (and the corresponding hrs.) in order to
correct and clarify the estimates.
\33\ The program increase is due to adding 63 UFLS-only DPs due
to Docket No. RD20-4. In addition, 415 TOs and DPs were originally
estimated in FERC-725A due to Order No. 693. However, the estimates
and descriptions were not clearly spelled out, so we are clarifying
them. As a result, there are 315 hours (63*5 hours) and the
corresponding increase of 63 respondents of program increase due to
Docket No. RD20-4, and 2,075 hours (415*5 hours) of increase due to
adjustment.
\34\ The estimates reflect a program decrease of 63 de-
registered LSEs (and corresponding program decrease of 504 hrs.)
related to Docket No. RD20-4, and an adjustment/clarification
(decrease) of 498 DPs, TPs, and BAs (and corresponding decrease of
3,984 hrs.), not related to Docket No. RD20-4. The updated number of
381 DPs, TPs and BAs is listed in a new row clarifying their
applicability with Requirements R2 and R4. Requirement R2 requires
applicable entities to develop and provide data pursuant with
Requirement R1.
\35\ The 113 PCs and BAs were originally estimated in FERC-725A
due to Order No. 693. However, the estimates and descriptions were
not clearly spelled out, so we are clarifying them. [Some of this
burden may still be in FERC-725A (and double counted temporarily).]
\36\ The estimate is changing to 174 (from 188) due to normal
industry fluctuation.
\37\ The estimate is changing to 188 (from 194) due to normal
industry fluctuation.
\38\ The original Reliability Standard IRO-010-1a was included
in Order No. 748 (Docket No. RM10-15) under FERC-725A. The burden
for 11 RCs for IRO-010-2 (Order No. 817 in Docket No. RM15-16) was
covered by FERC-725Z. Some of this burden may still be in FERC-725A
(and double counted temporarily). This action is an adjustment and
not related to Docket No. RD20-4.
\39\ The net total program changes due to Docket No. RD20-4
result in a decrease of 1,260 hours and decrease of 126 respondents.
Dated: July 17, 2020.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-15977 Filed 7-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
