Opinion ID: 2735161
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sound Business Principles

Text: In addition to the above rate-setting guidelines, BPA also must set rates “with a view to encouraging the widest possible diversified use of electric power at the lowest possible rates to consumers consistent with sound business principles.” 16 U.S.C. § 838g (emphasis added). A different provision similarly requires that BPA set rates that “recover, in accordance with sound business principles, the costs associated with the acquisition, conservation, and transmission of electric power.” Id. § 839e(a)(1) (emphasis added). More generally, Congress has directed BPA to implement the Northwest Power Act “in a sound and businesslike manner.” Id. § 839f(b) (emphasis added). We have previously explained that BPA’s business decisions are judicially reviewable for compliance with this overarching “sound business principles” standard, albeit with great deference to BPA’s conclusions. See Alcoa, 698 F.3d at 788–89; PNGC II, 596 F.3d at 1075–80.