Opinion ID: 395152
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Is FP&L Estopped from Changing Policy?

Text: 44 The Commission further reasoned that the policy statement by Mr. Bivans was given to rebut antitrust allegations made by the staff in Docket No. ER77-175 and that it was undoubtedly intended that the Commission would rely upon that statement in reaching a decision in that docket. The Commission concluded that FP&L could have anticipated nothing other than that the availability criteria would be given publication and effect. 45 Insofar as the Commission was relying upon a form of equitable estoppel, there is nothing in this record indicating that the Commission has relied upon FP& L's testimony. Among the many forms of equitable estoppel is the principle which imposes an obligation on a person to live up to his representations where inequitable consequences would result to persons having the right to rely, and who in good faith did rely, on the representation. See Mitchell v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co., 579 F.2d 342, 348 (5th Cir. 1978). The Commission has not rendered its final decision in Docket No. ER77-175. We do not even know whether the Commission has given credence to Mr. Bivans' testimony. 46 Nor do we understand the Commission's conclusion that FP&L could have anticipated nothing other than that the policy would be published and given effect. Under the FPA, FP&L could reasonably have anticipated that it could choose, absent any violation of the antitrust laws or § 205(b), to whom it would wheel power. Accordingly, when it gave its testimony, it could assume that it could interpret, and even alter, its policy of availability without prior approval from the Commission. Such an assumption does not indicate untruthfulness on the part of Mr. Bivans or any bad faith by FP&L. There is nothing in the record to indicate that FP&L was being anything other than completely truthful in its testimony. 29 47 For the foregoing reasons, we REVERSE.