Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: f0baf50b-5bb7-4783-b2f9-9586e09c97e1
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 02/2017 – DG-4026 , Proposed Revision 3 09/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Revise (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1611/ML16116A068.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2
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analyses such as annual integrated resource plans, ISO or RTO power market analyses • state utility regulatory filings • other regional reports or resource assessments completed by an entity other than the applicant If analyses from external sources are not available that meet the staff’s acceptance criteria, then the applicant’s analyses should fully characterize the electricity market and explain how the proposed project would be used in that market. In all cases, the analyses relied upon by the applicant should meet the NRC’s four acceptance criteria. 8.1 Description of the Applicant’s Power Market In developing the need for power analysis, applicants should clearly describe the specific market structure (or hybrid thereof) under which the proposed nuclear power plant would operate. Commonly recognized markets that affect a need for power analysis include: • Rate-based utility: A rate-based utility provides generation and distribution of electricity under a regulatory obligation to provide electrical service to customers in a non-competitive market with a defined service area. The rate-based utility generally has to seek permission for expanding its fleet typically in the form of a certification from a utility oversight organization. If certification is required, the applicant should provide a detailed discussion of the status of the certification in the power market discussion. • Merchant generator: A merchant generator produces and sells electricity into a competitive wholesale or retail power market where that electricity is administrated and delivered to the marketplace via an ISO or RTO. Development of new capacity may or may not require approval by a regulatory body. However, even if a new generating unit were to require a certification similar to that of a rate-based utility, the merchant generator’s energy is not necessarily committed to a specific geographic area, does not have a captive rate base, and customers or retailers are not