Western Area Power Administration May 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Western Area Power Administration (Western), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the construction and operation of the proposed Big Stone II Power Plant and Transmission Project (Project) in South Dakota and Minnesota. The Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (RUS), will participate as a cooperating agency. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES, Applicant), on behalf of the Big Stone II Project co-owners, has applied to interconnect the proposed Project to Western's power transmission system. The EIS will address the construction and operation of the proposed Project, which includes a nominal 600 megawatt (MW) (net) coal-fired power plant and ancillary equipment and facilities in eastern South Dakota, upgrades of existing transmission lines and facilities, and up to 129 miles of new transmission lines in South Dakota and Minnesota. Western will hold a 60-day scoping period and scoping meetings near the Project area to receive input on the scope of the EIS.

The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is proposing a minor rate adjustment for non-firm energy from the Stampede Powerplant (Stampede), of the Washoe Project, located in Sierra County, California. The current rates expire September 30, 2005. The rate will provide sufficient revenue to repay all annual costs, including interest expense, and repay required investment within the allowable period. The rate impact is detailed in a rate brochure to be provided to all interested parties. The proposed new rate is scheduled to go into effect October 1, 2005, and will remain in effect through September 30, 2010. Publication of this Federal Register notice begins the formal process for the proposed rates.