On June 28, 2024, FERC issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) to build on its efforts to enhance transmission line rating accuracy to ensure that electric transmission infrastructure is being used to its full capacity. The ANOPR seeks public comment on a potential framework that would make more efficient and cost-effective use of the power grid by further enhancing dynamic line ratings (DLRs).
Q: What is an ANOPR?
A. An ANOPR is a preliminary step in FERC’s rulemaking process. It is issued to gather public input on potential regulatory changes before a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) is developed. The ANOPR outlines the issues under consideration, poses specific questions, and seeks feedback from stakeholders. This process helps FERC to understand the implications, benefits, and potential challenges of the proposed regulations, ensuring that NOPRs take stakeholders’ considerations into account when issued.
Q: Can the public comment on an ANOPR? What are the dates?
A. Yes, the public can comment on an ANOPR. FERC encourages public participation in the rulemaking process. When an ANOPR is issued, it includes detailed information about the proposed regulation and invites comments from industry participants, public interest groups, and any other interested stakeholders. The comment period is typically open for a specified duration when anyone can submit their feedback, suggestions, or concerns. These comments are then considered by FERC when finalizing the regulation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.
Comments on the DLR ANOPR are due October 15, 2024, with reply comments due November 12, 2024. Reply comments give commenters a chance to respond to, emphasize, disagree with, or otherwise address the comments of others.
If you have questions regarding the ANOPR process or if you need assistance with filing comments or accessing FERC’s administrative record, please contact the Office of Public Participation (OPP) by e-mail at OPP@ferc.gov or by phone at 202-502-6595. OPP also provides an explainer on Navigating the Rulemaking Process of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Q: What are Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) and why are they important?
A. In the context of the power grid, a line rating refers to the maximum amount of electrical current that a transmission line can safely carry without exceeding its limits and overheating. Traditionally, transmission line ratings were set based on a fixed set of factors rather than using real-time information. Such fixed line ratings can result in transmission infrastructure that is underutilized.
In reality, the available capacity of transmission lines changes based on environmental conditions like ambient air temperature, wind, cloud cover, solar heating, and precipitation. DLR technology continuously monitors and adjusts the line ratings based on real-time data, allowing for more precise, efficient, and dynamic use of transmission lines.
With accurate DLRs, transmission planners and operators can better understand how to maximize the existing grid infrastructure by allowing greater amounts of electricity over lines that have additional capacity and throttling electricity where the lines may be overloaded.
Q: What, specifically, is this DLR ANOPR seeking to address?
A. This ANOPR is seeking comments from stakeholders regarding dynamic line ratings. FERC is seeking comment on several matters, including whether and how solar conditions should be included in line ratings, how wind conditions could be used to identify transmission lines that would benefit most from DLRs, and how weather forecasting and sensors may impact DLRs.
The ANOPR reflects public comments in response to FERC’s Notice of Inquiry in Dynamic Line Ratings on February 17, 2022. This notice builds on FERC’s December 2021 rulemaking Order No. 881.
Q: How can I find more information on the specifics of this ANOPR?
A. Full text of the ANOPR is available on FERC’s website, in eLibrary, and in the Federal Register. When searching in FERC’s eLibrary, enter Docket No. RM24-6-000 in the search box. When using the Federal Register, enter 89 FR 57690 in the search box.
FERC staff have also developed a more in-depth fact sheet on the ANOPR that discusses the specific topics addressed by the ANOPR. This explainer offers a brief summary of the final rule and should not be relied on as a legal document.
Q: How can I learn more about the rulemaking process in general?
A. See OPP’s Rulemaking Explainer: Navigating the Rulemaking Process of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It covers the background of FERC’s authority to make rules, which often includes changes to its regulations, describes the typical rulemaking process, and highlights opportunities for public participation in the process.
You also may reach out to OPP at 202-502-6595 or via email at OPP@ferc.gov, and we’ll be happy to help.