[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 23, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 34156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16607]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project No. 2004-073]


Holyoke Water Power Company; Notice of Granting Extension of Time 
to Complete Response to Deficiency Letter for the Holyoke Project

June 17, 1998.
    On February 23, 1998, the Director, Office of Hydropower Licensing 
(Director) informed Holyoke Water Power Company (HWP) of deficiencies 
in its license application. Among other things, the license application 
was deficient in information regarding project cost and financing, 
which is required in Exhibit D. The February 23 letter established a 
90-day deadline from the date of the letter, until May 24, 1998, for 
HWP to correct the noted deficiencies.
    On May 26, 1998, HWP filed its response to the Director's February 
23 deficiency letter. In its filing, HWP provided most of the 
information, but did not provide the information requested with respect 
to Exhibit D. Rather, HWP filed a motion requesting an extension of 
time to complete this aspect of the February 23 deficiency letter.
    HWP states that, as a result of the restructuring legislation 
enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1997, its property tax 
status has changed from a Massachusetts Manufacturing Corporation to a 
Massachusetts Business Corporation. Consequently, HWP expects its 
property tax liability to increase beyond that in fiscal year 1997. In 
light of these changes, as well as other changes presently occurring in 
the electric utility industry, HWP states that the continued use of the 
project cost and financing data provided in its license application is 
not justified. Moreover, HWP states that the aforementioned changes 
have made it difficult for the company to project cost and financing 
data in the future.
    HWP states that it is currently developing the project cost and 
financing information requested by the Director, but that the results 
have not been completed and reviewed. HWP requests a 30-day extension, 
or until June 23, 1998, to complete and file the project cost and 
financing information. HWP does not believe that granting the requested 
extension of time will unduly delay the proceedings in this docket.
    Based on the foregoing argument, as well as HWP's diligence in 
pursuing the licensing process, good cause has been shown for granting 
HWP's request. The motion filed by HWP was served on all parties in 
this proceeding, and no party filed a response or objected to granting 
the motion. Therefore, the deadline for HWP to file its project cost 
and financing information is extended to June 23, 1998. In making its 
filing, HWP should be sure that the information provided satisfies the 
Director's request of February 23. Refinements in the project's cost 
and financing, if necessary, can be filed any time in the future prior 
to Commission action in this proceeding.
    Please be advised that any further requests for extension of 
deadlines that affect the schedule of this proceeding will be given 
careful scrutiny. Moreover, the Commission should be notified prior to 
a filing deadline if any party in this proceeding sees the need for an 
extension of time.
David P. Boergers,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-16607 Filed 6-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M