Department of Energy May 1, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

BPA is proposing to adopt a new tiered rate design for setting its Priority Firm Power (PF) rates beginning with the FY 2012-2013 rate period. The primary feature of this Tiered Rate Methodology (TRM) proposal is one rate tier (Tier 1) based on generation output and costs attributed to BPA's current Federal base system resources and a second rate tier (Tier 2) based on the generation and costs associated with newly acquired resources. The TRM is part of BPA's effort to achieve the overall policy objectives of the Long-Term Regional Dialogue Policy (Policy). Under this Policy, BPA will offer 20-year Regional Dialogue Contracts to its Federal agency and public utility customers for power priced at a tiered PF rate. The TRM is intended to provide customers with a predictable and durable means by which to calculate BPA's PF tiered rate for the term of these contracts. Determinations of specific rate levels applicable to these contracts will not be established in this proceeding. Rather the specific rate levels will be developed consistent with the TRM in the respective Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (Northwest Power Act) section 7(i) rate proceedings during the term of this TRM. BPA intends to set the actual power rates on a two-year cycle throughout the term of the Regional Dialogue contracts beginning with the FY 2012-2013 rate period. BPA is commencing this proceeding under section 7 of the Northwest Power Act to establish the TRM. Entities wishing to become a formal party to the proceeding must file a petition to intervene, notifying BPA in writing of their intention to do so in conformance with the requirements stated in this Notice.