FERC Actions Recent Orders and Key Developments
FERC Actions: Recent Orders and Key Developments
A review of recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) actions reveals several key themes involving natural gas infrastructure, hydropower development, and grid interconnection. These actions, categorized by Order type (Enforcement/Orders, Certificates, Hydropower), offer insights into current trends and regulatory decisions.
Enforcement and Order Highlights:
Several orders address facility abandonments and sales, notably involving the Venice Gathering System and Cimarron River Pipeline. The Venice Gathering System’s abandonment signifies the relinquishment of ownership of related pipeline infrastructure. Similarly, Cimarron River Pipeline’s sale to DCP Operating and subsequent abandonment of related certificates highlights infrastructure transitions, with FERC issuing a declaratory order confirming DCP Operating’s gathering function is outside FERC’s jurisdiction. Ratts 2 Solar LLC received a waiver to extend a commercial operation deadline for a generator interconnection agreement. York Energy Storage LLC’s preliminary permit for a waterpower project was reaffirmed following a rehearing request. Premium Energy Holdings, LLC received a preliminary permit term extension but had a request for a new preliminary permit for a pumped storage project denied. Ratts 2 Solar LLC again was granted a waiver extending a commercial operation deadline in its generator interconnection agreement.
Certificate Order Summaries:
Consistent with the Enforcement Orders, the Certificate Orders concerning the Venice Gathering System and Cimarron River Pipeline detail the approvals for abandonment and sales respectively. The declaratory order related to DCP Operating’s acquisition clarifies its jurisdictional status.
Hydropower Order Actions:
Hydropower developments are reflected in orders pertaining to York Energy Storage LLC, where a preliminary permit was upheld after a rehearing, and Premium Energy Holdings, LLC which secured a preliminary permit extension while a new permit request was denied for a pumped storage project.
Overall Observations:
The recent FERC orders suggest a pattern of infrastructure adjustments, with approvals for facility abandonments and sales. Extensions and waivers are common, particularly concerning generator interconnection agreements and preliminary permits. Development of hydropower projects, including preliminary permits and responses to rehearing requests, also remains an active area of regulatory oversight.
