Boulder Canyon Project-Rate Order No. WAPA-204, 57189-57193 [2022-20189]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 180 / Monday, September 19, 2022 / Notices
Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:
Service Agreement No. 393,
Amendment No. 1 to be effective 9/14/
2022.
Filed Date: 9/13/22.
Accession Number: 20220913–5070.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 10/4/22.
Docket Numbers: ER22–2841–000.
Applicants: Tri-State Generation and
Transmission Association, Inc.
Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:
Amendment to Rate Schedule FERC No.
267 to be effective 11/14/2022.
Filed Date: 9/13/22.
Accession Number: 20220913–5096.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 10/4/22.
Docket Numbers: ER22–2842–000.
Applicants: Michigan Electric
Transmission Company, LLC.
Description: Tariff Amendment:
Notice of Cancellation of Service
Agreement with Wolverine to be
effective 8/31/2022.
Filed Date: 9/13/22.
Accession Number: 20220913–5106.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 10/4/22.
Docket Numbers: ER22–2843–000.
Applicants: New Covert Generating
Company, LLC.
Description: Tariff Amendment:
Notice of Cancellation of Rate Schedule
and Request for Waivers to be effective
12/31/9998.
Filed Date: 9/13/22.
Accession Number: 20220913–5125.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 10/4/22.
Docket Numbers: ER22–2844–000.
Applicants: Duke Energy Carolinas,
LLC.
Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: DEFRevisions to Joint Open Access
Transmission Tariff to be effective 12/
31/9998.
Filed Date: 9/13/22.
Accession Number: 20220913–5132.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 10/4/22.
Take notice that the Commission
received the following electric securities
filings:
Docket Numbers: ES22–65–000;
ES22–66–000; ES22–67–000; ES22–68–
000.
Applicants: Evergy Kansas Central,
Inc., Evergy Kansas South, Inc., Evergy
Metro, Inc., Evergy Missouri West, Inc.,
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc., Evergy
Kansas South, Inc., Evergy Metro, Inc.,
Evergy Missouri West, Inc., Evergy
Kansas Central, Inc., Evergy Kansas
South, Inc., Evergy Metro, Inc., Evergy
Missouri West, Inc., Evergy Kansas
Central, Inc., Evergy Kansas South, Inc.,
Evergy Metro, Inc., Evergy Missouri
West, Inc.
Description: Application Under
Section 204 of the Federal Power Act for
Authorization to Issue Securities of
Evergy Kansas Central, Inc.
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Filed Date: 9/12/22.
Accession Number: 20220912–5212.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 10/3/22.
The filings are accessible in the
Commission’s eLibrary system (https://
elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/
fercgensearch.asp) by querying the
docket number.
Any person desiring to intervene or
protest in any of the above proceedings
must file in accordance with Rules 211
and 214 of the Commission’s
Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and
385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern
time on the specified comment date.
Protests may be considered, but
intervention is necessary to become a
party to the proceeding.
eFiling is encouraged. More detailed
information relating to filing
requirements, interventions, protests,
service, and qualifying facilities filings
can be found at: https://www.ferc.gov/
docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For
other information, call (866) 208–3676
(toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659.
Dated: September 13, 2022.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022–20179 Filed 9–16–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration
Boulder Canyon Project—Rate Order
No. WAPA–204
Western Area Power
Administration, DOE.
ACTION: Notice of rate order concerning
Boulder Canyon Project formula rates
for electric service and fiscal year 2023
base charge and rates.
AGENCY:
The Deputy Secretary
confirmed, approved, and placed into
effect on an interim basis the Boulder
Canyon Project (BCP) formula rates for
electric service in Rate Schedule BCP–
F11 and the fiscal year (FY) 2023 base
charge and rates under Rate Schedule
BCP–F11. The existing formula rates
under Rate Schedule BCP–F10 and the
current base charge and rates expire on
September 30, 2022. Rate Schedule
BCP–F11 does not change the formula
rates, which are set forth in the
governing terms of the BCP Electric
Service Contract (ESC). While the
formula rates remain unchanged, the FY
2023 base charge for BCP electric
service decreased 0.8 percent from $67.4
million in FY 2022 to $66.8 million in
FY 2023.
DATES: The BCP formula rates under
Rate Schedule BCP–F11 are effective the
SUMMARY:
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first day of the first billing period
beginning on or after October 1, 2022,
and will remain in effect through
September 30, 2027. The BCP FY 2023
base charge and rates will be effective
October 1, 2022, and remain in effect
through September 30, 2023. Based
upon the governing terms of the existing
BCP ESC, the Deputy Secretary has
provisionally approved the BCP formula
rates for electric service in Rate
Schedule BCP–F11 and the FY 2023
base charge and rates for BCP under
Rate Schedule BCP–F11, pending
confirmation and approval by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) on a final basis or until
superseded.
Jack
D. Murray, Regional Manager, Desert
Southwest Region, Western Area Power
Administration, P.O. Box 6457,
Phoenix, Arizona 85005–6457, or Tina
Ramsey, Rates Manager, Desert
Southwest Region, Western Area Power
Administration, (602) 605–2565, or
email: dswpwrkrk@wapa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
On June 6,
2018, FERC confirmed and approved
Rate Schedule BCP–F10, under Rate
Order No. WAPA–178, on a final basis
through September 30, 2022.1 Western
Area Power Administration (WAPA)
published a Federal Register notice
(Proposed FRN) on April 13, 2022 (87
FR 21881), proposing to renew the
existing formula rates for electric service
as Rate Schedule BCP–F11 and to
calculate the FY 2023 base charge and
rates under Rate Schedule BCP–F11.
The Proposed FRN also initiated a
public consultation and comment
period and set forth the date and
location of the public information and
public comment forums.
Consistent with the formulas set forth
in the BCP ESC, WAPA is renewing the
formula rates for electric service as Rate
Schedule BCP–F11, which would be
effective October 1, 2022, through
September 30, 2027, pending
confirmation and approval by FERC on
a final basis or until superseded. The
formula rates will continue to provide
sufficient revenue to recover all annual
costs, including interest expense. Rate
Schedule BCP–F11 and the BCP ESC
require WAPA to calculate the annual
base charge and rates for the next fiscal
year before October 1 of each year based
on formulas that are set for a five-year
period.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1 Order Confirming and Approving Rate Schedule
on a Final Basis, FERC Docket No. EF18–1–000, 163
FERC ¶ 62,154 (2018).
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Legal Authority
WAPA is establishing rates for BCP
electric service in accordance with
section 302 of the Department of Energy
(DOE) Organization Act (42 U.S.C.
7152). This provision transferred to, and
vested in, the Secretary of Energy
certain functions of the Secretary of the
Interior, along with the power marketing
functions of Bureau of Reclamation.
Those functions include actions that
specifically apply to the BCP.
Pursuant to the BCP ESC, the renewed
rate formula under Rate Schedule BCP–
F11 and calculated base charge and
rates for FY 2023 shall become effective,
provisionally, upon approval by the
Deputy Secretary of Energy subject to
final approval by FERC. Under the DOE
Organization Act, the Secretary of
Energy holds plenary authority over
DOE affairs with respect to the Power
Marketing Administrations, and the
Secretary of Energy may therefore
exercise the Deputy Secretary’s
contractual authority in this context. By
Delegation Order No. S1–DEL–RATES–
2016, effective November 19, 2016, the
Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) the
authority to develop power and
transmission rates to the WAPA
Administrator; (2) the authority to
confirm, approve, and place such rates
into effect on an interim basis to the
Deputy Secretary of Energy; and (3) the
authority to confirm, approve, and place
into effect on a final basis, or to remand
or disapprove such rates, to FERC.
Based upon the governing terms of the
existing BCP ESC, the Deputy Secretary
will approve the formula rates and the
FY 2023 base charge and rates for BCP
electric service. This rate action is
issued under the Delegation Order and
DOE’s procedures for public
participation in rate adjustments set
forth at 10 CFR parts 903 and 904.2
Following review of WAPA’s
proposal, I hereby confirm, approve and
place Rate Order No. WAPA–204, which
provides the formula rates for BCP
electric service and calculates the base
charge and rates for FY 2023, into effect
on an interim basis. WAPA will submit
Rate Order No. WAPA–204 to FERC for
confirmation and approval on a final
basis.
Department of Energy
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Deputy Secretary
In the Matter of: Western Area Power
Administration, Desert Southwest Region,
Rate Adjustment for the Boulder Canyon
Project Formula Rates for Electric Service
Rate Order No. WAPA–204
2 50 FR 37835 (Sept. 18, 1985) and 84 FR 5347
(Feb. 21, 2019).
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Order Confirming, Approving and
Placing the Boulder Canyon Project
Formula Rates for Electric Service Into
Effect on an Interim Basis and
Calculation of Fiscal Year 2023 Base
Charge and Rates
The Boulder Canyon Project (BCP)
formula rates for electric service and
fiscal year (FY) 2023 base charge and
rates are established following section
302 of the Department of Energy (DOE)
Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7152).1 This
provision transferred to, and vested in,
the Secretary of Energy certain functions
of the Secretary of the Interior, along
with the power marketing functions of
the Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation). Those functions include
actions that specifically apply to the
BCP.
Pursuant to the BCP Electric Service
Contract (ESC), the renewed rate
formula under Rate Schedule BCP–F11
and calculated base charge and rates for
FY 2023 shall become effective,
provisionally, upon approval by the
Deputy Secretary of Energy subject to
final approval by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under
the DOE Organization Act, the Secretary
of Energy holds plenary authority over
DOE affairs with respect to the Power
Marketing Administrations, and the
Secretary of Energy may therefore
exercise the Deputy Secretary’s
contractual authority in this context. By
Delegation Order No. S1–DEL–RATES–
2016, effective November 19, 2016, the
Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) the
authority to develop power and
transmission rates to the Administrator
of Western Area Power Administration
(WAPA); (2) the authority to confirm,
approve, and place such rates into effect
on an interim basis to the Deputy
Secretary of Energy; and (3) the
authority to confirm, approve, and place
into effect on a final basis, or to remand
or disapprove such rates, to FERC. This
Rate Order is issued under the
Delegation Order and DOE’s procedures
for public participation in rate
adjustments set forth at 10 CFR parts
903 and 904, subject to final approval by
FERC.
Effective Date
Rate Schedule BCP–F11 will take
effect on October 1, 2022, and will
remain in effect through September 30,
1 This Act transferred to, and vested in, the
Secretary of Energy the power marketing functions
of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior
and the Bureau of Reclamation under the
Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388),
as amended and supplemented by subsequent laws,
particularly section 9(c) of the Reclamation Project
Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)); and other acts that
specifically apply to the project involved.
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2027, and the BCP FY 2023 base charge
and rates will be effective October 1,
2022, and remain in effect through
September 30, 2023, pending
confirmation and approval by FERC on
a final basis or until superseded.
Public Notice and Comment
The notice of the proposed renewal of
formula rates in Rate Schedule BCP–F11
and the proposed FY 2023 base charge
and rates for electric service were
published consistent with procedures
set forth in 10 CFR part 903 and 10 CFR
part 904. Following are the steps WAPA
took to involve contractors and other
interested parties in the rate process:
1. On April 13, 2022, a Federal
Register notice (87 FR 21881) (Proposed
FRN) announced the proposed renewal
of the formula rates and the proposed
FY 2023 base charge and rates and
launched the 90-day public consultation
and comment period.
2. On April 13, 2022, WAPA notified
contractors and interested parties of the
proposed rates and provided a copy of
the published Proposed FRN.
3. On May 13, 2022, WAPA held a
public information forum (PIF) via
video conference. Reclamation and
WAPA’s representatives explained the
proposed formula rates for electric
service and the proposed FY 2023 base
charge and rates and answered
questions.
4. On June 8, 2022, WAPA posted
responses to questions from the PIF
about Renewable Energy Certificates
(RECs) and to a letter received with
additional questions and comments
about RECs.
5. On June 13, 2022, WAPA held a
public comment forum (PCF) via video
conference to provide an opportunity
for contractors and other interested
parties to comment for the record.
6. WAPA provided a website that
contains important dates,
correspondence, presentations,
comments, responses, FRNs, and other
information about this rate process. The
BCP website is located at
www.wapa.gov/regions/DSW/Rates/
Pages/boulder-canyon-rates.aspx.
7. During the 90-day consultation and
comment period, which ended on July
12, 2022, WAPA received four oral
comments and four written comments.
WAPA’s responses to comments
received prior to the PCF were posted
on the BCP website. WAPA’s responses
to comments received during or after the
PCF are included below. All comments
have been considered in the preparation
of this Rate Order.
Oral comments were received from
the following organizations:
Augustine Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
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City of Boulder City, Nevada
Colorado River Commission of Nevada
Law Firm of Clark Hill (representing:
Pinal County Electrical District
Number Six; Electrical District
Number Seven of Maricopa County,
Arizona; Maricopa County Municipal
Water Conservation District Number
One; Roosevelt Irrigation District; and
Buckeye Water Conservation and
Drainage District)
Written comments were received from
the following organizations, some of
which submitted comments jointly:
Augustine Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
Arizona Municipal Power User’s
Association
Arizona Power Authority
Irrigation and Electrical Districts
Association of Arizona
Law Firm of Clark Hill (representing:
Pinal County Electrical District
Number Six; Electrical District
Number Seven of Maricopa County,
Arizona; Maricopa County Municipal
Water Conservation District Number
One; Roosevelt Irrigation District; and
Buckeye Water Conservation and
Drainage District)
Comments
The comments received during or
after the PCF have been paraphrased
herein, where appropriate, without
compromising the meaning of the
comments.
Comment: Commenter (1) thanked
Reclamation and WAPA for
participation in the BCP Engineering
and Operations Committee (E&OC), (2)
agreed with additional consultation at
future E&OC meetings to address
drought impacts, and (3) stated the
drought analysis developed by
Reclamation and WAPA has helped to
forecast and understand the drought
impacts to hydropower customers of
Federal projects in the Lower Colorado
River Basin.
Response: Reclamation and WAPA
appreciate the positive feedback and
will continue to work with customers as
hydrological conditions change. To help
the contractors with future planning
specific to BCP, an E&OC work group
will be formed to study the impacts of
the continuing drought.
Comment: Commenters stated they
understood from the posted PIF
responses that REC revenue projections
for FY 2023 will be removed from the
FY 2023 rates and supported this
interim solution. They encouraged
consultation with contractors on future
treatment of REC revenues.
Response: This is correct; the
$800,000 projection for REC revenue
previously included in the proposed FY
2023 base charge calculation has been
removed. WAPA will work with the
contractors and discuss options to
directly provide benefits to those
contractors who do not claim their
RECs.
Comment: Commenter (1) thanked
Reclamation and WAPA for the
opportunity to participate in developing
the work plans and budget for the BCP
and for the reduction in the base charge
for FY 2023, (2) commended
Reclamation and WAPA and the
committees involved that support the
goals in the BCP Implementation
Agreement between Reclamation,
WAPA, and the contractors, and (3) was
appreciative that a work group is being
established for contingency planning
related to the drought.
Response: Reclamation and WAPA
appreciate the comment and will
continue to work collaboratively with
the contractors on contingency planning
for the drought, provide information as
it is available, and continue to ensure
rates are the lowest possible consistent
with sound business principles.
Comment: Commenter stated the
drought impact analysis has helped to
57191
provide an understanding of the water
restrictions in response to the ongoing
drought and the resulting generation
impacts. Commenter agrees with having
additional consultation at future E&OC
meetings to address the continuing
drought and its impact to the future base
charge and rates.
Response: Reclamation and WAPA
will continue to work with contractors
on the impacts of the ongoing drought
and a work group will be formed to
study the impacts as hydrological
conditions change.
Background on Formula Rates and
Base Charge and Rates
Hoover Dam,2 authorized by the
Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928 (45
Stat. 1057, December 21, 1928), sits on
the Colorado River along the ArizonaNevada border. The Hoover Dam power
plant has 19 generating units (two for
plant use) and an installed capacity of
2,078.8 megawatts (4,800 kilowatts for
plant use). In collaboration with
Reclamation, WAPA markets and
delivers hydropower from the Hoover
Dam power plant through high-voltage
transmission lines and substations to
Arizona, Southern California, and
Southern Nevada.
The base charge recovers an annual
revenue requirement that includes
projected costs for investment
repayment, interest, operations,
maintenance, replacements, payments
to States, and Hoover Dam visitor
services. Non-power revenue
projections from water sales, the Hoover
Dam visitor center, ancillary services,
and late fees help offset the projected
costs. Hoover Dam power contractors
are billed a percentage of the base
charge in proportion to their power
allocation. Unit rates are calculated for
comparative purposes but are not used
to determine the charges for service.
COMPARISON OF BASE CHARGE AND RATES
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Base Charge ($) ..............................................................................................
Composite Rate (mills/kWh) ............................................................................
Energy Rate (mills/kWh) ..................................................................................
Capacity Rate ($/kW-Mo) ................................................................................
FY 2022
FY 2023
Amount
change
$67,355,778
20.63
10.32
$2.03
$66,798,560
22.43
11.22
$2.17
($557,218)
1.80
0.90
$0.14
Percent
change
(0.8)
8.7
8.7
6.9
While the formula rates remain
unchanged, the FY 2023 base charge for
BCP electric service is decreasing from
$67.4 million in FY 2022 to $66.8
million in FY 2023, a 0.8-percent
decrease. Working together,
Reclamation and WAPA conducted a
mid-year review to lessen the financial
impact of the drought to the rates and
reduced costs by $2.1 million from the
initial proposal in the Proposed FRN.
Reclamation’s FY 2023 budget is
increasing $2.9 million from $81.7
million to $84.7 million, a 3.6-percent
2 Hoover Dam was known as Boulder Dam from
1933 to 1947, but was renamed Hoover Dam by an
April 30, 1947, joint resolution of Congress. See Act
of April 30, 1947, H.J. Res. 140, ch. 46, 61 Stat. 56–
57.
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increase from FY 2022. Reflected in this
budget, operations and maintenance
(O&M) costs are increasing $3.4 million
primarily due to a higher overhead rate
for salaries attributed to a reorganization
and increased staffing needs to improve
cybersecurity; an increase in services for
IT support and equipment; trash
disposal contract costs; fabrication of
elevator doors; ammunition for security
forces; and anticipated costs for the
Workman’s Compensation Program.
Visitor services costs are increasing
$490,000 due to higher projected
contract costs for janitorial,
memorabilia, ticketing, and trash
disposal services. The increase for
Reclamation is offset by a $1.1 million
decrease in replacement costs primarily
due to Reclamation’s effort to level
extraordinary maintenance project
expenses. This results in reduced
annual costs for the control center
renovation project and the replacement
of the A9 wicket gates, visitors center
escalator, and wastewater treatment
facility.
WAPA’s FY 2023 budget is decreasing
$438,000 from $9.2 million to $8.7
million, a 4.8-percent decrease from FY
2022. Reflected in this budget, WAPA’s
O&M costs are decreasing by $842,000
due to a shift from O&M to capital work.
The decreasing O&M costs are offset
primarily by a $380,000 increase in
WAPA’s replacement budget for breaker
and relay replacements in the Mead
Substation 69-kilovolt yard.
Costs for Reclamation and WAPA are
offset by a slight increase of $68,000 in
non-power revenue projections, due to a
higher estimate for ancillary services
revenues. Prior-year carryover is
projected to be $5.6 million, a $3
million increase from FY 2022. This
increase in carryover primarily is due to
the $1.8 million reduction of FY 2022
O&M costs made during the mid-year
review and the addition of $1 million in
non-power revenues from the FY 2022
sale of RECs from FY 2021 and earlier
years. The sale of these RECs occurred
prior to contractors expressing a
preference for a different treatment of
revenue from RECs.
Although the base charge is
decreasing by 0.8 percent, the rates
calculated for comparative purposes are
increasing 6.9 percent and 8.7 percent
due to reduced energy and capacity
from the ongoing drought in the
Colorado River Basin. Reclamation and
WAPA will continue to work
collaboratively to lessen the impact of
the drought in future years.
Certification of Rates
WAPA’s Administrator certified that
the formula rates for BCP electric
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service under Rate Schedule BCP–F11
result in the lowest possible rates
consistent with sound business
principles, and the calculated FY 2023
base charge and rates under Rate
Schedule BCP–F11 are the lowest
possible rates consistent with sound
business principles. The formula rates
and base charge and rates were
developed following administrative
policies and applicable laws.
Submission to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission
Availability of Information
Order
Information about this rate
adjustment, including studies,
comments, letters, memorandums, and
other supporting materials that were
used to develop the formula rates for
electric service and the base charge and
rates are available for inspection and
copying at the Desert Southwest
Customer Service Regional Office,
located at 615 South 43rd Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona. Many of these
documents are also available on
WAPA’s BCP website at www.wapa.gov/
regions/DSW/Rates/Pages/bouldercanyon-rates.aspx.
In view of the above and under the
authority delegated to me, I hereby
confirm, approve, and place into effect,
on an interim basis, the BCP formula
rates for electric service in Rate
Schedule BCP–F11 and the FY 2023
base charge and rates under Rate
Schedule BCP–F11. The rates will
remain in effect on an interim basis
until: (1) FERC confirms and approves
them on a final basis; (2) subsequent
rates are confirmed and approved; or (3)
such rates are superseded.
Ratemaking Procedure Requirements
Environmental Compliance
WAPA has determined that this
action fits within the following
categorical exclusions listed in
appendix B to subpart D of 10 CFR
1021.410: B4.3 (Electric power
marketing rate changes) and B4.4
(Power marketing services and
activities).3 Categorically excluded
projects and activities do not require
preparation of either an environmental
impact statement or an environmental
assessment. Specifically, WAPA has
determined that this rulemaking is
consistent with activities identified in
B4, Categorical Exclusions Applicable to
Specific Agency Actions (see 10 CFR
part 1021, appendix B to subpart D, part
B4). A copy of the categorical exclusion
determination is available on WAPA’s
website at www.wapa.gov/regions/DSW/
Environment/Pages/environment.aspx.
Determination Under Executive Order
12866
WAPA 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.
3 The
determination was done in compliance with
NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321–4347); 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).
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The BCP formula rates for electric
service in Rate Schedule BCP–F11 and
the FY 2023 base charge and rates under
Rate Schedule BCP–F11 herein
confirmed, approved, and placed into
effect on an interim basis, together with
supporting documents, will be
submitted to FERC for confirmation and
final approval.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on September 12,
2022, by David M. Turk, Deputy
Secretary, pursuant to delegated
authority from the Secretary of Energy.
That document, with the original
signature and date, is maintained by
DOE. For administrative purposes only,
and in compliance with requirements of
the Office of the Federal Register, the
undersigned DOE Federal Register
Liaison Officer has been authorized to
sign and submit the document in
electronic format for publication, as an
official document of the Department of
Energy. This administrative process in
no way alters the legal effect of this
document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on September
14, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
Rate Schedule BCP–F11
(Supersedes Rate Schedule BCP–F10)
United States Department of Energy
Western Area Power Administration
Desert Southwest Region
Boulder Canyon Project
Schedule of Rates for Electric Service
(Approved Under Rate Order No.
WAPA–204)
Effective
The first day of the first full billing
period beginning on or after October 1,
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 180 / Monday, September 19, 2022 / Notices
2022, and extending through September
30, 2027, or until superseded by another
rate schedule, whichever occurs earlier.
Available
In the marketing area serviced by the
Boulder Canyon Project.
Applicable
To power supplied by the Boulder
Canyon Project through one meter, at
one point of delivery, unless otherwise
provided by contract.
Character and Conditions of Service
Alternating current at 60 hertz, threephase, delivered and metered at the
voltages and points established by
contract.
Base Charge
The charge paid by each contractor for
their allocated capacity and firm energy
based on the annual revenue
requirement. The base charge shall be
composed of a capacity component and
an energy component:
Capacity Charge: Each month WAPA
shall bill each contractor for a capacity
charge equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the
capacity dollars multiplied by each
contractor’s contingent capacity
percentage as provided by contract.
Energy Charge: Each month WAPA
shall bill each contractor for an energy
charge equal to that period’s monthly
energy ratio, multiplied by the
contractor’s energy dollars as provided
by contract.
Energy: Shall be equal to the annual
energy dollars divided by the lesser of
the total master schedule energy or
4,501 megawatt-hours. This rate is
applied to excess energy, unauthorized
overruns, and water pump energy.
Capacity: Shall be equal to the annual
capacity dollars divided by 2,074
megawatt-hours. This rate is applied to
unauthorized overruns.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Calculated Energy Rate
Within ninety (90) days after the end
of the fiscal year, an energy rate shall be
calculated. For any rate year in which
energy deemed delivered is greater than
4,501 megawatt-hours, WAPA shall
apply the calculated energy rate to each
contractor’s energy deemed delivered to
determine the contractor’s actual energy
charge. A credit or debit shall be
established for each contractor based on
the difference between the contractor’s
energy dollars and the contractor’s
actual energy charge, to be applied in
the month following the calculation or
as soon as possible thereafter.
17:37 Sep 16, 2022
Billing for Unauthorized Overruns
For each billing period in which there
is a contract violation involving an
unauthorized overrun of contractual
power obligations, such overrun shall be
billed at ten (10) times the forecast
energy rate and forecast capacity rate.
The Contribution Charge shall also be
applied to each kilowatt hour of
overrun.
Adjustments
None.
[FR Doc. 2022–20189 Filed 9–16–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OECA–2020–0031; FRL–10096–
01–OECA]
Proposed Information Collection
Request; Comment Request; Proposed
Information Collection Request;
Comment Request; State Review
Framework
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Forecast Rates
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Lower Colorado River Basin
Development Fund (Contribution
Charge)
The Contribution Charge is 4.5 mills
for each kilowatt-hour measured or
scheduled to an Arizona purchaser and
2.5 mills for each kilowatt-hour
measured or scheduled to a California or
Nevada purchaser, except for purchased
power.
Jkt 256001
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an
information collection request (ICR),
‘‘Proposed Information Collection
Request; Comment Request; State
Review Framework’’ (EPA ICR No.
2185.08, OMB Control No. 2020–0031 to
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review and approval in
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is
soliciting public comments on specific
aspects of the proposed information
collection as described below. This is a
proposed extension of the ICR, which is
currently approved through April 30,
2023. An Agency may not conduct, or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before November 18, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
57193
OECA–2020–0031, online using
www.regulations.gov (our preferred
method), or by mail to: EPA Docket
Center, Environmental Protection
Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460 and (2) OMB via email to oira_
submission@omb.eop.gov. Address
comments to OMB Desk Officer for EPA.
EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes profanity, threats,
information claimed to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dave Hoffman, Office of Enforcement
and Compliance Assurance, Office of
Compliance, Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20460; telephone
number: (202) 564–0725; email address:
Hoffman.dave@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Supporting documents which explain in
detail the information that the EPA will
be collecting are available in the public
docket for this ICR. The docket can be
viewed online at www.regulations.gov
or in person at the EPA Docket Center,
WJC West, Room 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC.
The telephone number for the Docket
Center is 202–566–1744. For additional
information about EPA’s public docket,
visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of
the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments
and information to enable it to: (i)
evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the Agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility; (ii) evaluate the
accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(iii) enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (iv) minimize the burden
of the collection of information on those
who are to respond, including through
the use of appropriate automated
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses. EPA will consider the
comments received and amend the ICR
as appropriate. The final ICR package
will then be submitted to OMB for
review and approval. At that time, EPA
will issue another Federal Register
E:\FR\FM\19SEN1.SGM
19SEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 180 (Monday, September 19, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57189-57193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20189]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Western Area Power Administration
Boulder Canyon Project--Rate Order No. WAPA-204
AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE.
ACTION: Notice of rate order concerning Boulder Canyon Project formula
rates for electric service and fiscal year 2023 base charge and rates.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Deputy Secretary confirmed, approved, and placed into
effect on an interim basis the Boulder Canyon Project (BCP) formula
rates for electric service in Rate Schedule BCP-F11 and the fiscal year
(FY) 2023 base charge and rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F11. The
existing formula rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F10 and the current base
charge and rates expire on September 30, 2022. Rate Schedule BCP-F11
does not change the formula rates, which are set forth in the governing
terms of the BCP Electric Service Contract (ESC). While the formula
rates remain unchanged, the FY 2023 base charge for BCP electric
service decreased 0.8 percent from $67.4 million in FY 2022 to $66.8
million in FY 2023.
DATES: The BCP formula rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F11 are effective
the first day of the first billing period beginning on or after October
1, 2022, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2027. The BCP
FY 2023 base charge and rates will be effective October 1, 2022, and
remain in effect through September 30, 2023. Based upon the governing
terms of the existing BCP ESC, the Deputy Secretary has provisionally
approved the BCP formula rates for electric service in Rate Schedule
BCP-F11 and the FY 2023 base charge and rates for BCP under Rate
Schedule BCP-F11, pending confirmation and approval by the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on a final basis or until
superseded.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack D. Murray, Regional Manager,
Desert Southwest Region, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box
6457, Phoenix, Arizona 85005-6457, or Tina Ramsey, Rates Manager,
Desert Southwest Region, Western Area Power Administration, (602) 605-
2565, or email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 6, 2018, FERC confirmed and approved
Rate Schedule BCP-F10, under Rate Order No. WAPA-178, on a final basis
through September 30, 2022.\1\ Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)
published a Federal Register notice (Proposed FRN) on April 13, 2022
(87 FR 21881), proposing to renew the existing formula rates for
electric service as Rate Schedule BCP-F11 and to calculate the FY 2023
base charge and rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F11. The Proposed FRN
also initiated a public consultation and comment period and set forth
the date and location of the public information and public comment
forums.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Order Confirming and Approving Rate Schedule on a Final
Basis, FERC Docket No. EF18-1-000, 163 FERC ] 62,154 (2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consistent with the formulas set forth in the BCP ESC, WAPA is
renewing the formula rates for electric service as Rate Schedule BCP-
F11, which would be effective October 1, 2022, through September 30,
2027, pending confirmation and approval by FERC on a final basis or
until superseded. The formula rates will continue to provide sufficient
revenue to recover all annual costs, including interest expense. Rate
Schedule BCP-F11 and the BCP ESC require WAPA to calculate the annual
base charge and rates for the next fiscal year before October 1 of each
year based on formulas that are set for a five-year period.
[[Page 57190]]
Legal Authority
WAPA is establishing rates for BCP electric service in accordance
with section 302 of the Department of Energy (DOE) Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7152). This provision transferred to, and vested in, the
Secretary of Energy certain functions of the Secretary of the Interior,
along with the power marketing functions of Bureau of Reclamation.
Those functions include actions that specifically apply to the BCP.
Pursuant to the BCP ESC, the renewed rate formula under Rate
Schedule BCP-F11 and calculated base charge and rates for FY 2023 shall
become effective, provisionally, upon approval by the Deputy Secretary
of Energy subject to final approval by FERC. Under the DOE Organization
Act, the Secretary of Energy holds plenary authority over DOE affairs
with respect to the Power Marketing Administrations, and the Secretary
of Energy may therefore exercise the Deputy Secretary's contractual
authority in this context. By Delegation Order No. S1-DEL-RATES-2016,
effective November 19, 2016, the Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) the
authority to develop power and transmission rates to the WAPA
Administrator; (2) the authority to confirm, approve, and place such
rates into effect on an interim basis to the Deputy Secretary of
Energy; and (3) the authority to confirm, approve, and place into
effect on a final basis, or to remand or disapprove such rates, to
FERC. Based upon the governing terms of the existing BCP ESC, the
Deputy Secretary will approve the formula rates and the FY 2023 base
charge and rates for BCP electric service. This rate action is issued
under the Delegation Order and DOE's procedures for public
participation in rate adjustments set forth at 10 CFR parts 903 and
904.\2\
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\2\ 50 FR 37835 (Sept. 18, 1985) and 84 FR 5347 (Feb. 21, 2019).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following review of WAPA's proposal, I hereby confirm, approve and
place Rate Order No. WAPA-204, which provides the formula rates for BCP
electric service and calculates the base charge and rates for FY 2023,
into effect on an interim basis. WAPA will submit Rate Order No. WAPA-
204 to FERC for confirmation and approval on a final basis.
Department of Energy
Deputy Secretary
In the Matter of: Western Area Power Administration, Desert
Southwest Region, Rate Adjustment for the Boulder Canyon Project
Formula Rates for Electric Service
Rate Order No. WAPA-204
Order Confirming, Approving and Placing the Boulder Canyon Project
Formula Rates for Electric Service Into Effect on an Interim Basis and
Calculation of Fiscal Year 2023 Base Charge and Rates
The Boulder Canyon Project (BCP) formula rates for electric service
and fiscal year (FY) 2023 base charge and rates are established
following section 302 of the Department of Energy (DOE) Organization
Act (42 U.S.C. 7152).\1\ This provision transferred to, and vested in,
the Secretary of Energy certain functions of the Secretary of the
Interior, along with the power marketing functions of the Bureau of
Reclamation (Reclamation). Those functions include actions that
specifically apply to the BCP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This Act transferred to, and vested in, the Secretary of
Energy the power marketing functions of the Secretary of the
Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation under the
Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388), as amended and
supplemented by subsequent laws, particularly section 9(c) of the
Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)); and other acts
that specifically apply to the project involved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to the BCP Electric Service Contract (ESC), the renewed
rate formula under Rate Schedule BCP-F11 and calculated base charge and
rates for FY 2023 shall become effective, provisionally, upon approval
by the Deputy Secretary of Energy subject to final approval by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the DOE Organization
Act, the Secretary of Energy holds plenary authority over DOE affairs
with respect to the Power Marketing Administrations, and the Secretary
of Energy may therefore exercise the Deputy Secretary's contractual
authority in this context. By Delegation Order No. S1-DEL-RATES-2016,
effective November 19, 2016, the Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) the
authority to develop power and transmission rates to the Administrator
of Western Area Power Administration (WAPA); (2) the authority to
confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis
to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and (3) the authority to confirm,
approve, and place into effect on a final basis, or to remand or
disapprove such rates, to FERC. This Rate Order is issued under the
Delegation Order and DOE's procedures for public participation in rate
adjustments set forth at 10 CFR parts 903 and 904, subject to final
approval by FERC.
Effective Date
Rate Schedule BCP-F11 will take effect on October 1, 2022, and will
remain in effect through September 30, 2027, and the BCP FY 2023 base
charge and rates will be effective October 1, 2022, and remain in
effect through September 30, 2023, pending confirmation and approval by
FERC on a final basis or until superseded.
Public Notice and Comment
The notice of the proposed renewal of formula rates in Rate
Schedule BCP-F11 and the proposed FY 2023 base charge and rates for
electric service were published consistent with procedures set forth in
10 CFR part 903 and 10 CFR part 904. Following are the steps WAPA took
to involve contractors and other interested parties in the rate
process:
1. On April 13, 2022, a Federal Register notice (87 FR 21881)
(Proposed FRN) announced the proposed renewal of the formula rates and
the proposed FY 2023 base charge and rates and launched the 90-day
public consultation and comment period.
2. On April 13, 2022, WAPA notified contractors and interested
parties of the proposed rates and provided a copy of the published
Proposed FRN.
3. On May 13, 2022, WAPA held a public information forum (PIF) via
video conference. Reclamation and WAPA's representatives explained the
proposed formula rates for electric service and the proposed FY 2023
base charge and rates and answered questions.
4. On June 8, 2022, WAPA posted responses to questions from the PIF
about Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and to a letter received
with additional questions and comments about RECs.
5. On June 13, 2022, WAPA held a public comment forum (PCF) via
video conference to provide an opportunity for contractors and other
interested parties to comment for the record.
6. WAPA provided a website that contains important dates,
correspondence, presentations, comments, responses, FRNs, and other
information about this rate process. The BCP website is located at
www.wapa.gov/regions/DSW/Rates/Pages/boulder-canyon-rates.aspx.
7. During the 90-day consultation and comment period, which ended
on July 12, 2022, WAPA received four oral comments and four written
comments. WAPA's responses to comments received prior to the PCF were
posted on the BCP website. WAPA's responses to comments received during
or after the PCF are included below. All comments have been considered
in the preparation of this Rate Order.
Oral comments were received from the following organizations:
Augustine Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
[[Page 57191]]
City of Boulder City, Nevada
Colorado River Commission of Nevada
Law Firm of Clark Hill (representing: Pinal County Electrical District
Number Six; Electrical District Number Seven of Maricopa County,
Arizona; Maricopa County Municipal Water Conservation District Number
One; Roosevelt Irrigation District; and Buckeye Water Conservation and
Drainage District)
Written comments were received from the following organizations,
some of which submitted comments jointly:
Augustine Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
Arizona Municipal Power User's Association
Arizona Power Authority
Irrigation and Electrical Districts Association of Arizona
Law Firm of Clark Hill (representing: Pinal County Electrical District
Number Six; Electrical District Number Seven of Maricopa County,
Arizona; Maricopa County Municipal Water Conservation District Number
One; Roosevelt Irrigation District; and Buckeye Water Conservation and
Drainage District)
Comments
The comments received during or after the PCF have been paraphrased
herein, where appropriate, without compromising the meaning of the
comments.
Comment: Commenter (1) thanked Reclamation and WAPA for
participation in the BCP Engineering and Operations Committee (E&OC),
(2) agreed with additional consultation at future E&OC meetings to
address drought impacts, and (3) stated the drought analysis developed
by Reclamation and WAPA has helped to forecast and understand the
drought impacts to hydropower customers of Federal projects in the
Lower Colorado River Basin.
Response: Reclamation and WAPA appreciate the positive feedback and
will continue to work with customers as hydrological conditions change.
To help the contractors with future planning specific to BCP, an E&OC
work group will be formed to study the impacts of the continuing
drought.
Comment: Commenters stated they understood from the posted PIF
responses that REC revenue projections for FY 2023 will be removed from
the FY 2023 rates and supported this interim solution. They encouraged
consultation with contractors on future treatment of REC revenues.
Response: This is correct; the $800,000 projection for REC revenue
previously included in the proposed FY 2023 base charge calculation has
been removed. WAPA will work with the contractors and discuss options
to directly provide benefits to those contractors who do not claim
their RECs.
Comment: Commenter (1) thanked Reclamation and WAPA for the
opportunity to participate in developing the work plans and budget for
the BCP and for the reduction in the base charge for FY 2023, (2)
commended Reclamation and WAPA and the committees involved that support
the goals in the BCP Implementation Agreement between Reclamation,
WAPA, and the contractors, and (3) was appreciative that a work group
is being established for contingency planning related to the drought.
Response: Reclamation and WAPA appreciate the comment and will
continue to work collaboratively with the contractors on contingency
planning for the drought, provide information as it is available, and
continue to ensure rates are the lowest possible consistent with sound
business principles.
Comment: Commenter stated the drought impact analysis has helped to
provide an understanding of the water restrictions in response to the
ongoing drought and the resulting generation impacts. Commenter agrees
with having additional consultation at future E&OC meetings to address
the continuing drought and its impact to the future base charge and
rates.
Response: Reclamation and WAPA will continue to work with
contractors on the impacts of the ongoing drought and a work group will
be formed to study the impacts as hydrological conditions change.
Background on Formula Rates and Base Charge and Rates
Hoover Dam,\2\ authorized by the Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928
(45 Stat. 1057, December 21, 1928), sits on the Colorado River along
the Arizona-Nevada border. The Hoover Dam power plant has 19 generating
units (two for plant use) and an installed capacity of 2,078.8
megawatts (4,800 kilowatts for plant use). In collaboration with
Reclamation, WAPA markets and delivers hydropower from the Hoover Dam
power plant through high-voltage transmission lines and substations to
Arizona, Southern California, and Southern Nevada.
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\2\ Hoover Dam was known as Boulder Dam from 1933 to 1947, but
was renamed Hoover Dam by an April 30, 1947, joint resolution of
Congress. See Act of April 30, 1947, H.J. Res. 140, ch. 46, 61 Stat.
56-57.
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The base charge recovers an annual revenue requirement that
includes projected costs for investment repayment, interest,
operations, maintenance, replacements, payments to States, and Hoover
Dam visitor services. Non-power revenue projections from water sales,
the Hoover Dam visitor center, ancillary services, and late fees help
offset the projected costs. Hoover Dam power contractors are billed a
percentage of the base charge in proportion to their power allocation.
Unit rates are calculated for comparative purposes but are not used to
determine the charges for service.
Comparison of Base Charge and Rates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2022 FY 2023 Amount change Percent change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base Charge ($)................................. $67,355,778 $66,798,560 ($557,218) (0.8)
Composite Rate (mills/kWh)...................... 20.63 22.43 1.80 8.7
Energy Rate (mills/kWh)......................... 10.32 11.22 0.90 8.7
Capacity Rate ($/kW-Mo)......................... $2.03 $2.17 $0.14 6.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While the formula rates remain unchanged, the FY 2023 base charge
for BCP electric service is decreasing from $67.4 million in FY 2022 to
$66.8 million in FY 2023, a 0.8-percent decrease. Working together,
Reclamation and WAPA conducted a mid-year review to lessen the
financial impact of the drought to the rates and reduced costs by $2.1
million from the initial proposal in the Proposed FRN.
Reclamation's FY 2023 budget is increasing $2.9 million from $81.7
million to $84.7 million, a 3.6-percent
[[Page 57192]]
increase from FY 2022. Reflected in this budget, operations and
maintenance (O&M) costs are increasing $3.4 million primarily due to a
higher overhead rate for salaries attributed to a reorganization and
increased staffing needs to improve cybersecurity; an increase in
services for IT support and equipment; trash disposal contract costs;
fabrication of elevator doors; ammunition for security forces; and
anticipated costs for the Workman's Compensation Program. Visitor
services costs are increasing $490,000 due to higher projected contract
costs for janitorial, memorabilia, ticketing, and trash disposal
services. The increase for Reclamation is offset by a $1.1 million
decrease in replacement costs primarily due to Reclamation's effort to
level extraordinary maintenance project expenses. This results in
reduced annual costs for the control center renovation project and the
replacement of the A9 wicket gates, visitors center escalator, and
wastewater treatment facility.
WAPA's FY 2023 budget is decreasing $438,000 from $9.2 million to
$8.7 million, a 4.8-percent decrease from FY 2022. Reflected in this
budget, WAPA's O&M costs are decreasing by $842,000 due to a shift from
O&M to capital work. The decreasing O&M costs are offset primarily by a
$380,000 increase in WAPA's replacement budget for breaker and relay
replacements in the Mead Substation 69-kilovolt yard.
Costs for Reclamation and WAPA are offset by a slight increase of
$68,000 in non-power revenue projections, due to a higher estimate for
ancillary services revenues. Prior-year carryover is projected to be
$5.6 million, a $3 million increase from FY 2022. This increase in
carryover primarily is due to the $1.8 million reduction of FY 2022 O&M
costs made during the mid-year review and the addition of $1 million in
non-power revenues from the FY 2022 sale of RECs from FY 2021 and
earlier years. The sale of these RECs occurred prior to contractors
expressing a preference for a different treatment of revenue from RECs.
Although the base charge is decreasing by 0.8 percent, the rates
calculated for comparative purposes are increasing 6.9 percent and 8.7
percent due to reduced energy and capacity from the ongoing drought in
the Colorado River Basin. Reclamation and WAPA will continue to work
collaboratively to lessen the impact of the drought in future years.
Certification of Rates
WAPA's Administrator certified that the formula rates for BCP
electric service under Rate Schedule BCP-F11 result in the lowest
possible rates consistent with sound business principles, and the
calculated FY 2023 base charge and rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F11
are the lowest possible rates consistent with sound business
principles. The formula rates and base charge and rates were developed
following administrative policies and applicable laws.
Availability of Information
Information about this rate adjustment, including studies,
comments, letters, memorandums, and other supporting materials that
were used to develop the formula rates for electric service and the
base charge and rates are available for inspection and copying at the
Desert Southwest Customer Service Regional Office, located at 615 South
43rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. Many of these documents are also
available on WAPA's BCP website at www.wapa.gov/regions/DSW/Rates/Pages/boulder-canyon-rates.aspx.
Ratemaking Procedure Requirements
Environmental Compliance
WAPA has determined that this action fits within the following
categorical exclusions listed in appendix B to subpart D of 10 CFR
1021.410: B4.3 (Electric power marketing rate changes) and B4.4 (Power
marketing services and activities).\3\ Categorically excluded projects
and activities do not require preparation of either an environmental
impact statement or an environmental assessment. Specifically, WAPA has
determined that this rulemaking is consistent with activities
identified in B4, Categorical Exclusions Applicable to Specific Agency
Actions (see 10 CFR part 1021, appendix B to subpart D, part B4). A
copy of the categorical exclusion determination is available on WAPA's
website at www.wapa.gov/regions/DSW/Environment/Pages/environment.aspx.
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\3\ The determination was done in compliance with NEPA (42
U.S.C. 4321-4347); 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).
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Determination Under Executive Order 12866
WAPA 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.
Submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
The BCP formula rates for electric service in Rate Schedule BCP-F11
and the FY 2023 base charge and rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F11
herein confirmed, approved, and placed into effect on an interim basis,
together with supporting documents, will be submitted to FERC for
confirmation and final approval.
Order
In view of the above and under the authority delegated to me, I
hereby confirm, approve, and place into effect, on an interim basis,
the BCP formula rates for electric service in Rate Schedule BCP-F11 and
the FY 2023 base charge and rates under Rate Schedule BCP-F11. The
rates will remain in effect on an interim basis until: (1) FERC
confirms and approves them on a final basis; (2) subsequent rates are
confirmed and approved; or (3) such rates are superseded.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on September
12, 2022, by David M. Turk, Deputy Secretary, pursuant to delegated
authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document, with the
original signature and date, is maintained by DOE. For administrative
purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the
Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer
has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic
format for publication, as an official document of the Department of
Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect
of this document upon publication in the Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
Rate Schedule BCP-F11
(Supersedes Rate Schedule BCP-F10)
United States Department of Energy
Western Area Power Administration
Desert Southwest Region
Boulder Canyon Project
Schedule of Rates for Electric Service
(Approved Under Rate Order No. WAPA-204)
Effective
The first day of the first full billing period beginning on or
after October 1,
[[Page 57193]]
2022, and extending through September 30, 2027, or until superseded by
another rate schedule, whichever occurs earlier.
Available
In the marketing area serviced by the Boulder Canyon Project.
Applicable
To power supplied by the Boulder Canyon Project through one meter,
at one point of delivery, unless otherwise provided by contract.
Character and Conditions of Service
Alternating current at 60 hertz, three-phase, delivered and metered
at the voltages and points established by contract.
Base Charge
The charge paid by each contractor for their allocated capacity and
firm energy based on the annual revenue requirement. The base charge
shall be composed of a capacity component and an energy component:
Capacity Charge: Each month WAPA shall bill each contractor for a
capacity charge equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the capacity dollars
multiplied by each contractor's contingent capacity percentage as
provided by contract.
Energy Charge: Each month WAPA shall bill each contractor for an
energy charge equal to that period's monthly energy ratio, multiplied
by the contractor's energy dollars as provided by contract.
Forecast Rates
Energy: Shall be equal to the annual energy dollars divided by the
lesser of the total master schedule energy or 4,501 megawatt-hours.
This rate is applied to excess energy, unauthorized overruns, and water
pump energy.
Capacity: Shall be equal to the annual capacity dollars divided by
2,074 megawatt-hours. This rate is applied to unauthorized overruns.
Calculated Energy Rate
Within ninety (90) days after the end of the fiscal year, an energy
rate shall be calculated. For any rate year in which energy deemed
delivered is greater than 4,501 megawatt-hours, WAPA shall apply the
calculated energy rate to each contractor's energy deemed delivered to
determine the contractor's actual energy charge. A credit or debit
shall be established for each contractor based on the difference
between the contractor's energy dollars and the contractor's actual
energy charge, to be applied in the month following the calculation or
as soon as possible thereafter.
Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund (Contribution Charge)
The Contribution Charge is 4.5 mills for each kilowatt-hour
measured or scheduled to an Arizona purchaser and 2.5 mills for each
kilowatt-hour measured or scheduled to a California or Nevada
purchaser, except for purchased power.
Billing for Unauthorized Overruns
For each billing period in which there is a contract violation
involving an unauthorized overrun of contractual power obligations,
such overrun shall be billed at ten (10) times the forecast energy rate
and forecast capacity rate. The Contribution Charge shall also be
applied to each kilowatt hour of overrun.
Adjustments
None.
[FR Doc. 2022-20189 Filed 9-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P