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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 146 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 44603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18569]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Briefings on Preliminary Findings of 2012 National Electric 
Transmission Congestion Study

AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, 
Department of Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice of upcoming webinars.

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SUMMARY: Section 216(a)(1) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) requires the 
Department of Energy (Department or DOE) to complete a study of 
electric transmission congestion every three years. DOE previously 
issued the 2006 and 2009 studies and is currently developing the 2012 
study. DOE, as part of the consultation process, will host three 
webinars in August 2012 to receive input and suggestions concerning the 
preliminary findings of the study. After the webinars, DOE will release 
a draft of the study for public comment. After reviewing and 
considering the comments received, DOE will publish a final version of 
the study.

DATES: The webinars are open to the public and will be held on three 
dates in August:
     Tuesday, August 7, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
     Thursday, August 16, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
     Tuesday, August 21, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

ADDRESSES: Those wishing to participate in these webinars should 
register in advance at this Web site, http://energy.gov/node/378523 or 
use the link to the registration available at the Department's 
Congestion Study Web site, http://energy.gov/oe/congestion-study-2012. 
At these webinars, DOE will set aside time to allow participants to 
make comments and direct questions to the presenters. Federal law 
requires DOE to consult with the states in the preparation of the 
Congestion Study. Accordingly, although stakeholders may participate in 
any of the webinars, two of these webinars (August 7 and 21) will focus 
in particular on state officials' comments and concerns. The third 
Webinar (August 16) will provide an opportunity to discuss the comments 
and concerns of all stakeholders.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Meyer, DOE Office of Electricity 
Delivery and Energy Reliability, david.meyer@hq.doe.gov, or call 202-
586-1411.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-
58) (EPAct) added several new provisions to the Federal Power Act (16 
U.S.C. 824p) (FPA), including FPA section 216. FPA section 216(a) 
requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study of electric 
transmission congestion (``National Electric Transmission Congestion 
Study'' or (Congestion Study)) within one year from the date of 
enactment of EPAct and every three years thereafter. The 2006 and 2009 
Congestion Studies reviewed congestion nationwide except for the 
portion of Texas covered by the Electricity Reliability Council of 
Texas, to which FPA section 216 does not apply. The 2012 Congestion 
Study is being developed with a similar scope. FPA section 216(a) 
requires the congestion study be conducted in consultation with 
affected States and regional entities identified in FPA section 215.
    DOE intends to release a draft version of the 2012 Congestion Study 
later in 2012 for public comment. After reviewing and considering the 
comments received, DOE will issue a final version of the study.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 20, 2012.
Patricia A. Hoffman,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy 
Reliability.
[FR Doc. 2012-18569 Filed 7-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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