Department of Energy January 27, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Energy (DOE) has submitted an information collection package to the OMB for extension under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The package requests a three-year extension of its ``Annual Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Report for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets,'' OMB Control Number 1910-5101. This information collection package covers information necessary to ensure the compliance of regulated fleets with the alternative fueled vehicle acquisition requirements imposed by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended, (EPACT).

In this Notice of Inquiry, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) seeks comment on the extent to which barriers may exist that impede the reliable and efficient integration of variable energy resources (VERs) into the electric grid, and whether reforms are needed to eliminate those barriers. In order to meet the challenges posed by the integration of increasing numbers of VERs, ensure that jurisdictional rates are just and reasonable, eliminate impediments to open access transmission service for all resources, facilitate the efficient development of infrastructure, and ensure that the reliability of the grid is maintained, the Commission seeks to explore whether reforms are necessary to ensure that wholesale electricity tariffs are just, reasonable and not unduly discriminatory. This Notice will enable the Commission to determine whether wholesale electricity tariff reforms are necessary.

The Commission requests comment on the interplay between Reliability Standard IRO-006-4 (Reliability CoordinationTransmission Loading Relief) and the curtailment priorities set forth in the Commission's pro forma open access transmission tariff, particularly sections 13.6 and 14.7.