[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 23 (Thursday, February 3, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5370-5371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2324]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-411]


Electric Power Services: Recent Reforms in Selected Foreign 
Markets

AGENCY:  United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION:  Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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EFFECTIVE DATE:  January 24, 2000.

SUMMARY:  Following receipt of a request on November 23, 1999, from the 
United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Commission instituted 
investigation No. 332-411, Electric Power Services: Recent Reforms in 
Selected Foreign Markets, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 
1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Information specific to this 
investigation may be obtained from Mr. Christopher Melly, Project 
Leader (202-205-3461), Mr. Michael Nunes, Deputy Project Leader (202-
205-3462), or Mr. Richard Brown, Chief, Services and Investment 
Division (202-205-3438), Office of Industries, U.S. International Trade 
Commission, Washington, DC, 20436. For information on the legal aspects 
of this investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Office of the 
General Counsel (202-205-3091). Hearing impaired individuals are 
advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting 
the TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.

Background

    In her letter dated November 22, 1999, the USTR requested that the 
Commission, pursuant to section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930, 
conduct an investigation of the electric power services markets in 
countries where significant market reform, privatization, and 
liberalization has occurred or is ongoing. The foreign markets to be 
examined are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European 
Union, Japan, New Zealand, and Venezuela. As requested, in its report, 
the Commission will (1) discuss the nature and extent of market reform, 
privatization, and liberalization undertaken in foreign electricity 
markets; (2) examine current and evolving conditions of market access, 
investment, and regulation; and (3) provide, if possible, a listing of 
common regulatory practices insofar as these exist. For the purpose of 
this study, electric power services are broadly defined to include core 
areas such as generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as 
construction, engineering, consulting, and marketing services as they 
pertain to the provision of electricity.
    The USTR asked that the Commission Furnish its report by November 
22, 2000, and that the Commission make the report available to the 
public in its entirety.

Public Hearing

    A public hearing in connection with the investigation will be held 
at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E Street SW, 
Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on June 6, 2000. All persons 
shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to present 
information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public hearing 
should be filed with the Secretary, United States International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, no later than 5:15 
p.m., May 23, 2000. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 copies) 
should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., May 25, 2000; the deadline 
for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., June 29, 
2000. In the event that, as of the close of business on May 23, 2000, 
no witnesses are scheduled to appear at the hearing, the hearing will 
be canceled. Any person interested in attending the hearing as an 
observer or non-participant may call the Secretary of the Commission 
(202-205-1806) after May 23, 2000, to determine whether the hearing 
will be held.

Written Submissions

    In lieu of or in addition to participating in the hearing, 
interested parties are invited to submit written statements (original 
and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission 
in its report on this investigation. Commercial or financial 
information that a submitter desires the Commission to treat as 
confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each 
clearly marked ``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All 
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the 
requirements of section Sec. 201.6 of the Commission's Rules of 
Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions, except 
for confidential business information, will be made available in the 
Office of the Secretary of the Commission for inspection by interested 
parties. To be assured of consideration by the Commission, written 
statements relating to the Commission's report should be submitted to 
the Commission at the earliest practical date and should be received no 
later than the close of business on June 29, 2000. All submissions 
should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. The Commission's 
rules do not authorize filing submissions with the Secretary by 
facsimile or electronic means.
    Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance 
in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the

[[Page 5371]]

Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the 
Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server 
(http://www.usitc.gov).

List of Subjects

    WTO, GATS, market access, electric power.

    Issued: January 24, 2000.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-2324 Filed 2-2-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P