Western Area Power Administration June 28, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Colorado River Storage Project Management Center (CRSP MC) of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) proposes a new Salt Lake City Area Integrated Projects (SLCA/IP) fixed firm power rates for use December 1, 2021, through December 31, 2023. The existing rates for these services are not set to expire until September 30, 2025; however, CRSP MC is initiating this rate action in response to a 35-percent projected increase to the firm power composite rate caused by a large increase in purchased power costs due to on-going drought conditions and a small increase to Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement (OM&R) expenses. Based on the FY 2021 toll on the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund (Basin Fund) and the drought-induced purchased power projections from the Reclamation May 24-Month Study, existing rates will not sustain a balance in the Basin Fund capable of supporting operations. CRSP MC proposes modifying how purchased power is calculated, and purchased power costs would be assessed on a pass-through-cost basis charged to each customer. CRSP MC proposes modifying language to implement the Cost Recovery Charge (CRC) throughout the year, if warranted, and would be able to implement a CRC if water levels drop below the intake structures at Glen Canyon Dam. Additionally, updated Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) transmission and ancillary services rate schedules are proposed for use December 1, 2021, through December 31, 2023, with no material change proposed other than updating effective dates.