[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 115 (Thursday, June 15, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31428-31429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-14662]



=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

18 CFR Parts 141 and 388

[Docket No. RM95-9-000]


Real-Time Information Networks; Order on Motions for Extension of 
Time for Filing Preliminary Comments

May 26, 1995.
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE.

ACTION: Order on motions for extension of time for filing preliminary 
comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On March 29, 1995, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 
issued a notice of technical conference and request for comments (60 FR 
17726, Apr. 7, 1995) to announce a technical conference to be scheduled 
at a later date, and, in preparation for that conference, to request 
comments on: Whether real-time information networks (RINS) or some 
other option is the best method to ensure that potential purchasers of 
transmission services receive access to information to enable them to 
obtain open access transmission service on a non-discriminatory basis 
from public utilities that own and/or control facilities used for the 
transmission of electric energy in interstate commence; and what 
standards should be adopted if the Commission requires such public 
utilities to institute RINS systems. By this order, the Commission 
grants an extension of time for filing preliminary comments.

DATES: The time for filing preliminary comments is extended to July 6, 
1995.

ADDRESSES: Office of the Secretary, 825 North Capitol Street NE., 
Washington, D.C. 20426.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary D. Cohen, Office of the General 
Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 825 North Capitol Street 
NE., Washington, D.C. 20426, (202) 208-0321.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Before Commissioners: Elizabeth Anne Moler, Chair; Vicky A. 
Bailey, James J. [[Page 31429]] Hoecker, William L. Massey, and 
Donald F. Santa, Jr.

Introduction

    For the reasons stated below, we will allow a 30-day extension of 
time, until July 6, 1995, for the filing of preliminary comments in 
this proceeding.

Background

    On March 29, 1995, the Commission issued Real-Time Information 
Networks, Notice of Technical Conference and Request for Comments, 60 
FR 17726 (Apr. 7, 1995), 70 FERC para.61,360 (1995) (Notice), that 
initiated this proceeding and invited comments in preparation for a 
forthcoming technical conference. The Notice invited interested persons 
to file preliminary comments on or before June 6, 1995, and to 
participate in a technical conference where they can make oral 
presentations on their positions.
    On May 4, 1995, New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) participants filed 
a motion that requested a 60-day extension, until August 7, 1995, for 
the filing of comments in response to the Notice. This same request was 
made in a similar motion filed by members of the Pennsylvania-New 
Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) on May 5, 1995, in a letter from 
the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) filed on May 8, 1995, 
and in a joint motion by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the 
American Public Power Association (APPA) filed on May 19, 1995. 
Additionally, the member systems of the New York Power Pool filed a 
letter in support of the NEPOOL request on May 16, 1995.
Discussion

    We will allow a 30-day extension of time--until July 6, 1995--to 
file preliminary comments. In granting this extension, we have balanced 
the nature and complexity of the issues presented and the efforts that 
interested persons need to exert in order to respond to these issues, 
against the need to take final action in this proceeding no later than 
the time that we take final action on our notice of proposed rulemaking 
on open access non-discriminatory transmission service.1 We 
emphasize that the two proceedings need to run on parallel tracks if we 
are to successfully implement non-discriminatory open access and 
minimize uncertainty to utilities who will be required to comply with 
the Commission's final requirements in both proceedings. We believe a 
30-day extension of time properly balances these competing concerns.

    \1\See Promoting Wholesale Competition Through Open Access Non-
Discriminatory Transmission Services by Public Utilities and 
Recovery of Stranded Costs by Public Utilities and Transmitting 
Utilities, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Supplemental Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking, 60 FR 17662 (Apr. 7, 1995), IV FERC Stats. & 
Regs. para. 32,514 (1995).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, we emphasize that we are requesting parties to file 
preliminary comments. The Notice describes a process--of which the 
preliminary comments, now due on or before July 6, 1995, are just the 
first step. These comments are being solicited to help the Commission 
prepare for the forthcoming technical conference, by identifying the 
issues important to the participants, how far along the participants 
are in identifying possible means to accomplish the Commission's 
objectives, or possible obstacles to particular approaches that the 
Commission needs to consider. Following the technical conference, there 
will be other opportunities for participants to comment. Moreover, 
participants will not be limited to the issues, approaches, arguments, 
and concerns that they present at this stage of the proceeding. We 
fully expect that participants' recommendations may change as the 
proceeding progresses.
    We are now only at the beginning of what we hope will be an 
iterative, consensus-building process. Given the important and complex 
work yet to be done, it is imperative that we avoid any additional 
delay at this early stage of the process. We, therefore, will grant 
only a 30-day extension of time, and will deny the requested 60-day 
extension of time.

The Commission Orders

    The motions filed by NEPOOL, PJM, EEI, APPA, and NPCC for 
extensions of time to file comments are hereby granted in part, to 
allow a 30-day extension of time. All preliminary comments will now be 
due on or before July 6, 1995.

    By the Commission.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-14662 Filed 6-14-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P