1. U.S. Code
  2. title 16
  3. chapter 12
  4. subchapter II
  5. § 824b

Collapse to view only § 824b. Disposition of property; consolidations; purchase of securities

§ 824. Declaration of policy; application of subchapter
(a) Federal regulation of transmission and sale of electric energy
(b) Use or sale of electric energy in interstate commerce
(1) The provisions of this subchapter shall apply to the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce and to the sale of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce, but except as provided in paragraph (2) shall not apply to any other sale of electric energy or deprive a State or State commission of its lawful authority now exercised over the exportation of hydroelectric energy which is transmitted across a State line. The Commission shall have jurisdiction over all facilities for such transmission or sale of electric energy, but shall not have jurisdiction, except as specifically provided in this subchapter and subchapter III of this chapter, over facilities used for the generation of electric energy or over facilities used in local distribution or only for the transmission of electric energy in intrastate commerce, or over facilities for the transmission of electric energy consumed wholly by the transmitter.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (f), the provisions of sections 824b(a)(2), 824e(e), 824i, 824j, 824j–1, 824k, 824o, 824o–1, 824p, 824q, 824r, 824s, 824t, 824u, and 824v of this title shall apply to the entities described in such provisions, and such entities shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission for purposes of carrying out such provisions and for purposes of applying the enforcement authorities of this chapter with respect to such provisions. Compliance with any order or rule of the Commission under the provisions of section 824b(a)(2), 824e(e), 824i, 824j, 824j–1, 824k, 824o, 824o–1, 824p, 824q, 824r, 824s, 824t, 824u, or 824v of this title, shall not make an electric utility or other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission for any purposes other than the purposes specified in the preceding sentence.
(c) Electric energy in interstate commerce
(d) “Sale of electric energy at wholesale” defined
(e) “Public utility” defined
(f) United States, State, political subdivision of a State, or agency or instrumentality thereof exempt
(g) Books and records
(1) Upon written order of a State commission, a State commission may examine the books, accounts, memoranda, contracts, and records of—
(A) an electric utility company subject to its regulatory authority under State law,
(B) any exempt wholesale generator selling energy at wholesale to such electric utility, and
(C) any electric utility company, or holding company thereof, which is an associate company or affiliate of an exempt wholesale generator which sells electric energy to an electric utility company referred to in subparagraph (A),
wherever located, if such examination is required for the effective discharge of the State commission’s regulatory responsibilities affecting the provision of electric service.
(2) Where a State commission issues an order pursuant to paragraph (1), the State commission shall not publicly disclose trade secrets or sensitive commercial information.
(3) Any United States district court located in the State in which the State commission referred to in paragraph (1) is located shall have jurisdiction to enforce compliance with this subsection.
(4) Nothing in this section shall—
(A) preempt applicable State law concerning the provision of records and other information; or
(B) in any way limit rights to obtain records and other information under Federal law, contracts, or otherwise.
(5) As used in this subsection the terms “affiliate”, “associate company”, “electric utility company”, “holding company”, “subsidiary company”, and “exempt wholesale generator” shall have the same meaning as when used in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 [42 U.S.C. 16451 et seq.].
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 201, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 847; amended Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 204(b), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3140; Pub. L. 102–486, title VII, § 714, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2911; Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, §§ 1277(b)(1), 1291(c), 1295(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 978, 985; Pub. L. 114–94, div. F, § 61003(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1778.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824

§ 824a. Interconnection and coordination of facilities; emergencies; transmission to foreign countries
(a) Regional districts; establishment; notice to State commissions
(b) Sale or exchange of energy; establishing physical connections
(c) Temporary connection and exchange of facilities during emergency
(1) During the continuance of any war in which the United States is engaged, or whenever the Commission determines that an emergency exists by reason of a sudden increase in the demand for electric energy, or a shortage of electric energy or of facilities for the generation or transmission of electric energy, or of fuel or water for generating facilities, or other causes, the Commission shall have authority, either upon its own motion or upon complaint, with or without notice, hearing, or report, to require by order such temporary connections of facilities and such generation, delivery, interchange, or transmission of electric energy as in its judgment will best meet the emergency and serve the public interest. If the parties affected by such order fail to agree upon the terms of any arrangement between them in carrying out such order, the Commission, after hearing held either before or after such order takes effect, may prescribe by supplemental order such terms as it finds to be just and reasonable, including the compensation or reimbursement which should be paid to or by any such party.
(2) With respect to an order issued under this subsection that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation, the Commission shall ensure that such order requires generation, delivery, interchange, or transmission of electric energy only during hours necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest, and, to the maximum extent practicable, is consistent with any applicable Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation and minimizes any adverse environmental impacts.
(3) To the extent any omission or action taken by a party, that is necessary to comply with an order issued under this subsection, including any omission or action taken to voluntarily comply with such order, results in noncompliance with, or causes such party to not comply with, any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation, such omission or action shall not be considered a violation of such environmental law or regulation, or subject such party to any requirement, civil or criminal liability, or a citizen suit under such environmental law or regulation.
(4)
(A) An order issued under this subsection that may result in a conflict with a requirement of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation shall expire not later than 90 days after it is issued. The Commission may renew or reissue such order pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) for subsequent periods, not to exceed 90 days for each period, as the Commission determines necessary to meet the emergency and serve the public interest.
(B) In renewing or reissuing an order under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall consult with the primary Federal agency with expertise in the environmental interest protected by such law or regulation, and shall include in any such renewed or reissued order such conditions as such Federal agency determines necessary to minimize any adverse environmental impacts to the extent practicable. The conditions, if any, submitted by such Federal agency shall be made available to the public. The Commission may exclude such a condition from the renewed or reissued order if it determines that such condition would prevent the order from adequately addressing the emergency necessitating such order and provides in the order, or otherwise makes publicly available, an explanation of such determination.
(5) If an order issued under this subsection is subsequently stayed, modified, or set aside by a court pursuant to section 825l of this title or any other provision of law, any omission or action previously taken by a party that was necessary to comply with the order while the order was in effect, including any omission or action taken to voluntarily comply with the order, shall remain subject to paragraph (3).
(d) Temporary connection during emergency by persons without jurisdiction of Commission
(e) Transmission of electric energy to foreign country
(f) Transmission or sale at wholesale of electric energy; regulation
(g) Continuance of serviceIn order to insure continuity of service to customers of public utilities, the Commission shall require, by rule, each public utility to—
(1) report promptly to the Commission and any appropriate State regulatory authorities any anticipated shortage of electric energy or capacity which would affect such utility’s capability of serving its wholesale customers,
(2) submit to the Commission, and to any appropriate State regulatory authority, and periodically revise, contingency plans respecting—
(A) shortages of electric energy or capacity, and
(B) circumstances which may result in such shortages, and
(3) accommodate any such shortages or circumstances in a manner which shall—
(A) give due consideration to the public health, safety, and welfare, and
(B) provide that all persons served directly or indirectly by such public utility will be treated, without undue prejudice or disadvantage.
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 202, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 848; amended Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 343, 67 Stat. 461; Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 206(a), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3141; Pub. L. 114–94, div. F, § 61002, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1772.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824a

§ 824a–1. Pooling
(a) State lawsThe Commission may, on its own motion, and shall, on application of any person or governmental entity, after public notice and notice to the Governor of the affected State and after affording an opportunity for public hearing, exempt electric utilities, in whole or in part, from any provision of State law, or from any State rule or regulation, which prohibits or prevents the voluntary coordination of electric utilities, including any agreement for central dispatch, if the Commission determines that such voluntary coordination is designed to obtain economical utilization of facilities and resources in any area. No such exemption may be granted if the Commission finds that such provision of State law, or rule or regulation—
(1) is required by any authority of Federal law, or
(2) is designed to protect public health, safety, or welfare, or the environment or conserve energy or is designed to mitigate the effects of emergencies resulting from fuel shortages.
(b) Pooling study
(1) The Commission, in consultation with the reliability councils established under section 202(a) of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 824a], the Secretary, and the electric utility industry shall study the opportunities for—
(A) conservation of energy,
(B) optimization in the efficiency of use of facilities and resources, and
(C) increased reliability,
through pooling arrangements. Not later than 18 months after November 9, 1978, the Commission shall submit a report containing the results of such study to the President and the Congress.
(2) The Commission may recommend to electric utilities that such utilities should voluntarily enter into negotiations where the opportunities referred to in paragraph (1) exist. The Commission shall report annually to the President and the Congress regarding any such recommendations and subsequent actions taken by electric utilities, by the Commission, and by the Secretary under this Act, the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.], and any other provision of law. Such annual reports shall be included in the Commission’s annual report required under the Department of Energy Organization Act [42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.].
(Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 205, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3140.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824a-1

§ 824a–2. Reliability
(a) Study
(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, shall conduct a study with respect to—
(A) the level of reliability appropriate to adequately serve the needs of electric consumers, taking into account cost effectiveness and the need for energy conservation,
(B) the various methods which could be used in order to achieve such level of reliability and the cost effectiveness of such methods, and
(C) the various procedures that might be used in case of an emergency outage to minimize the public disruption and economic loss that might be caused by such an outage and the cost effectiveness of such procedures.
Such study shall be completed and submitted to the President and the Congress not later than 18 months after November 9, 1978. Before such submittal the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the results of such study.
(2) The study under paragraph (1) shall include consideration of the following:
(A) the cost effectiveness of investments in each of the components involved in providing adequate and reliable electric service, including generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, and devices available to the electric consumer;
(B) the environmental and other effects of the investments considered under subparagraph (A);
(C) various types of electric utility systems in terms of generation, transmission, distribution and customer mix, the extent to which differences in reliability levels may be desirable, and the cost-effectiveness of the various methods which could be used to decrease the number and severity of any outages among the various types of systems;
(D) alternatives to adding new generation facilities to achieve such desired levels of reliability (including conservation);
(E) the cost-effectiveness of adding a number of small, decentralized conventional and nonconventional generating units rather than a small number of large generating units with a similar total megawatt capacity for achieving the desired level of reliability; and
(F) any standards for electric utility reliability used by, or suggested for use by, the electric utility industry in terms of cost-effectiveness in achieving the desired level of reliability, including equipment standards, standards for operating procedures and training of personnel, and standards relating the number and severity of outages to periods of time.
(b) Examination of reliability issues by reliability councils
(c) Department of Energy recommendationsThe Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, and after opportunity for public comment, may recommend industry standards for reliability to the electric utility industry, including standards with respect to equipment, operating procedures and training of personnel, and standards relating to the level or levels of reliability appropriate to adequately and reliably serve the needs of electric consumers. The Secretary shall include in his annual report—
(1) any recommendations made under this subsection or any recommendations respecting electric utility reliability problems under any other provision of law, and
(2) a description of actions taken by electric utilities with respect to such recommendations.
(Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 209, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3143.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824a-2

§ 824a–3. Cogeneration and small power production
(a) Cogeneration and small power production rulesNot later than 1 year after November 9, 1978, the Commission shall prescribe, and from time to time thereafter revise, such rules as it determines necessary to encourage cogeneration and small power production, and to encourage geothermal small power production facilities of not more than 80 megawatts capacity, which rules require electric utilities to offer to—
(1) sell electric energy to qualifying cogeneration facilities and qualifying small power production facilities 1
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
and
(2) purchase electric energy from such facilities.
Such rules shall be prescribed, after consultation with representatives of Federal and State regulatory agencies having ratemaking authority for electric utilities, and after public notice and a reasonable opportunity for interested persons (including State and Federal agencies) to submit oral as well as written data, views, and arguments. Such rules shall include provisions respecting minimum reliability of qualifying cogeneration facilities and qualifying small power production facilities (including reliability of such facilities during emergencies) and rules respecting reliability of electric energy service to be available to such facilities from electric utilities during emergencies. Such rules may not authorize a qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility to make any sale for purposes other than resale.
(b) Rates for purchases by electric utilitiesThe rules prescribed under subsection (a) shall insure that, in requiring any electric utility to offer to purchase electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility, the rates for such purchase—
(1) shall be just and reasonable to the electric consumers of the electric utility and in the public interest, and
(2) shall not discriminate against qualifying cogenerators or qualifying small power producers.
No such rule prescribed under subsection (a) shall provide for a rate which exceeds the incremental cost to the electric utility of alternative electric energy.
(c) Rates for sales by utilitiesThe rules prescribed under subsection (a) shall insure that, in requiring any electric utility to offer to sell electric energy to any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility, the rates for such sale—
(1) shall be just and reasonable and in the public interest, and
(2) shall not discriminate against the qualifying cogenerators or qualifying small power producers.
(d) “Incremental cost of alternative electric energy” defined
(e) Exemptions
(1) Not later than 1 year after November 9, 1978, and from time to time thereafter, the Commission shall, after consultation with representatives of State regulatory authorities, electric utilities, owners of cogeneration facilities and owners of small power production facilities, and after public notice and a reasonable opportunity for interested persons (including State and Federal agencies) to submit oral as well as written data, views, and arguments, prescribe rules under which geothermal small power production facilities of not more than 80 megawatts capacity, qualifying cogeneration facilities, and qualifying small power production facilities are exempted in whole or part from the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.], from the Public Utility Holding Company Act,2
2 See References in Text note below.
from State laws and regulations respecting the rates, or respecting the financial or organizational regulation, of electric utilities, or from any combination of the foregoing, if the Commission determines such exemption is necessary to encourage cogeneration and small power production.
(2) No qualifying small power production facility (other than a qualifying small power production facility which is an eligible solar, wind, waste, or geothermal facility as defined in section 3(17)(E) of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 796(17)(E)]) which has a power production capacity which, together with any other facilities located at the same site (as determined by the Commission), exceeds 30 megawatts, or 80 megawatts for a qualifying small power production facility using geothermal energy as the primary energy source, may be exempted under rules under paragraph (1) from any provision of law or regulation referred to in paragraph (1), except that any qualifying small power production facility which produces electric energy solely by the use of biomass as a primary energy source, may be exempted by the Commission under such rules from the Public Utility Holding Company Act 2 and from State laws and regulations referred to in such paragraph (1).
(3) No qualifying small power production facility or qualifying cogeneration facility may be exempted under this subsection from—
(A) any State law or regulation in effect in a State pursuant to subsection (f),
(B) the provisions of section 210, 211, or 212 of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 824i, 824j, or 824k] or the necessary authorities for enforcement of any such provision under the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.], or
(C) any license or permit requirement under part I of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] any provision under such Act related to such a license or permit requirement, or the necessary authorities for enforcement of any such requirement.
(f) Implementation of rules for qualifying cogeneration and qualifying small power production facilities
(1) Beginning on or before the date one year after any rule is prescribed by the Commission under subsection (a) or revised under such subsection, each State regulatory authority shall, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, implement such rule (or revised rule) for each electric utility for which it has ratemaking authority.
(2) Beginning on or before the date one year after any rule is prescribed by the Commission under subsection (a) or revised under such subsection, each nonregulated electric utility shall, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, implement such rule (or revised rule).
(g) Judicial review and enforcement
(1) Judicial review may be obtained respecting any proceeding conducted by a State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility for purposes of implementing any requirement of a rule under subsection (a) in the same manner, and under the same requirements, as judicial review may be obtained under section 2633 of this title in the case of a proceeding to which section 2633 of this title applies.
(2) Any person (including the Secretary) may bring an action against any electric utility, qualifying small power producer, or qualifying cogenerator to enforce any requirement established by a State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility pursuant to subsection (f). Any such action shall be brought only in the manner, and under the requirements, as provided under section 2633 of this title with respect to an action to which section 2633 of this title applies.
(h) Commission enforcement
(1) For purposes of enforcement of any rule prescribed by the Commission under subsection (a) with respect to any operations of an electric utility, a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility which are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under part II of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 824 et seq.], such rule shall be treated as a rule under the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.]. Nothing in subsection (g) shall apply to so much of the operations of an electric utility, a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility as are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under part II of the Federal Power Act.
(2)
(A) The Commission may enforce the requirements of subsection (f) against any State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility. For purposes of any such enforcement, the requirements of subsection (f)(1) shall be treated as a rule enforceable under the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.]. For purposes of any such action, a State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility shall be treated as a person within the meaning of the Federal Power Act. No enforcement action may be brought by the Commission under this section other than—
(i) an action against the State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility for failure to comply with the requirements of subsection (f) 1 or
(ii) an action under paragraph (1).
(B) Any electric utility, qualifying cogenerator, or qualifying small power producer may petition the Commission to enforce the requirements of subsection (f) as provided in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. If the Commission does not initiate an enforcement action under subparagraph (A) against a State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility within 60 days following the date on which a petition is filed under this subparagraph with respect to such authority, the petitioner may bring an action in the appropriate United States district court to require such State regulatory authority or nonregulated electric utility to comply with such requirements, and such court may issue such injunctive or other relief as may be appropriate. The Commission may intervene as a matter of right in any such action.
(i) Federal contracts
(j) New dams and diversionsExcept for a hydroelectric project located at a Government dam (as defined in section 3(10) of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 796(10)]) at which non-Federal hydroelectric development is permissible, this section shall not apply to any hydroelectric project which impounds or diverts the water of a natural watercourse by means of a new dam or diversion unless the project meets each of the following requirements:
(1) No substantial adverse effects
(2) Protected riversAt the time the application for a license or exemption for the project is accepted by the Commission (in accordance with the Commission’s regulations and procedures in effect on January 1, 1986, including those relating to environmental consultation), such project is not located on either of the following:
(A) Any segment of a natural watercourse which is included in (or designated for potential inclusion in) a State or national wild and scenic river system.
(B) Any segment of a natural watercourse which the State has determined, in accordance with applicable State law, to possess unique natural, recreational, cultural, or scenic attributes which would be adversely affected by hydroelectric development.
(3) Fish and wildlife terms and conditions
(k) “New dam or diversion” defined
(l) Definitions
(m) Termination of mandatory purchase and sale requirements
(1) Obligation to purchaseAfter August 8, 2005, no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase electric energy from a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility under this section if the Commission finds that the qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility has nondiscriminatory access to—
(A)
(i) independently administered, auction-based day ahead and real time wholesale markets for the sale of electric energy; and (ii) wholesale markets for long-term sales of capacity and electric energy; or
(B)
(i) transmission and interconnection services that are provided by a Commission-approved regional transmission entity and administered pursuant to an open access transmission tariff that affords nondiscriminatory treatment to all customers; and (ii) competitive wholesale markets that provide a meaningful opportunity to sell capacity, including long-term and short-term sales, and electric energy, including long-term, short-term and real-time sales, to buyers other than the utility to which the qualifying facility is interconnected. In determining whether a meaningful opportunity to sell exists, the Commission shall consider, among other factors, evidence of transactions within the relevant market; or
(C) wholesale markets for the sale of capacity and electric energy that are, at a minimum, of comparable competitive quality as markets described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(2)
(A) After August 8, 2005, no electric utility shall be required pursuant to this section to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase from or sell electric energy to a facility that is not an existing qualifying cogeneration facility unless the facility meets the criteria for qualifying cogeneration facilities established by the Commission pursuant to the rulemaking required by subsection (n).
(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “existing qualifying cogeneration facility” means a facility that—
(i) was a qualifying cogeneration facility on August 8, 2005; or
(ii) had filed with the Commission a notice of self-certification, self recertification or an application for Commission certification under 18 CFR 292.207 prior to the date on which the Commission issues the final rule required by subsection (n).
(3) Commission review
(4) Reinstatement of obligation to purchase
(5) Obligation to sellAfter August 8, 2005, no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to sell electric energy to a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility under this section if the Commission finds that—
(A) competing retail electric suppliers are willing and able to sell and deliver electric energy to the qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility; and
(B) the electric utility is not required by State law to sell electric energy in its service territory.
(6) No effect on existing rights and remedies
(7) Recovery of costs
(A) The Commission shall issue and enforce such regulations as are necessary to ensure that an electric utility that purchases electric energy or capacity from a qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility in accordance with any legally enforceable obligation entered into or imposed under this section recovers all prudently incurred costs associated with the purchase.
(B) A regulation under subparagraph (A) shall be enforceable in accordance with the provisions of law applicable to enforcement of regulations under the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.).
(n) Rulemaking for new qualifying facilities
(1)
(A) Not later than 180 days after August 8, 2005, the Commission shall issue a rule revising the criteria in 18 CFR 292.205 for new qualifying cogeneration facilities seeking to sell electric energy pursuant to this section to ensure—
(i) that the thermal energy output of a new qualifying cogeneration facility is used in a productive and beneficial manner;
(ii) the electrical, thermal, and chemical output of the cogeneration facility is used fundamentally for industrial, commercial, or institutional purposes and is not intended fundamentally for sale to an electric utility, taking into account technological, efficiency, economic, and variable thermal energy requirements, as well as State laws applicable to sales of electric energy from a qualifying facility to its host facility; and
(iii) continuing progress in the development of efficient electric energy generating technology.
(B) The rule issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection shall be applicable only to facilities that seek to sell electric energy pursuant to this section. For all other purposes, except as specifically provided in subsection (m)(2)(A), qualifying facility status shall be determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding rule revisions under paragraph (1), the Commission’s criteria for qualifying cogeneration facilities in effect prior to the date on which the Commission issues the final rule required by paragraph (1) shall continue to apply to any cogeneration facility that—
(A) was a qualifying cogeneration facility on August 8, 2005, or
(B) had filed with the Commission a notice of self-certification, self-recertification or an application for Commission certification under 18 CFR 292.207 prior to the date on which the Commission issues the final rule required by paragraph (1).
(Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 210, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3144; Pub. L. 96–294, title VI, § 643(b), June 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 770; Pub. L. 99–495, § 8(a), Oct. 16, 1986, 100 Stat. 1249; Pub. L. 101–575, § 2, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2834; Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1253(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 967.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824a-3

§ 824a–4. Seasonal diversity electricity exchange
(a) AuthorityThe Secretary may acquire rights-of-way by purchase, including eminent domain, through North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska for transmission facilities for the seasonal diversity exchange of electric power to and from Canada if he determines—
(1) after opportunity for public hearing—
(A) that the exchange is in the public interest and would further the purposes referred to in section 2611(1) and (2) of this title and that the acquisition of such rights-of-way and the construction and operation of such transmission facilities for such purposes is otherwise in the public interest,
(B) that a permit has been issued in accordance with subsection (b) for such construction, operation, maintenance, and connection of the facilities at the border for the transmission of electric energy between the United States and Canada as is necessary for such exchange of electric power, and
(C) that each affected State has approved the portion of the transmission route located in each State in accordance with applicable State law, or if there is no such applicable State law in such State, the Governor has approved such portion; and
(2) after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the heads of other affected Federal agencies, that the Secretary of the Interior and the heads of such,1
1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
other agencies concur in writing in the location of such portion of the transmission facilities as crosses Federal land under the jurisdiction of such Secretary or such other Federal agency, as the case may be.
The Secretary shall provide to any State such cooperation and technical assistance as the State may request and as he determines appropriate in the selection of a transmission route. If the transmission route approved by any State does not appear to be feasible and in the public interest, the Secretary shall encourage such State to review such route and to develop a route that is feasible and in the public interest. Any exercise by the Secretary of the power of eminent domain under this section shall be in accordance with other applicable provisions of Federal law. The Secretary shall provide public notice of his intention to acquire any right-of-way before exercising such power of eminent domain with respect to such right-of-way.
(b) Permit
(c) Timely acquisition by other means
(d) Payments by permittees
(1) The property interest acquired by the Secretary under this section (whether by eminent domain or other purchase) shall be transferred by the Secretary to the holder of a permit referred to in subsection (b) if such holder has made payment to the Secretary of the entire costs of the acquisition of such property interest, including administrative costs. The Secretary may accept, and expend, for purposes of such acquisition, amounts from any such person before acquiring a property interest to be transferred to such person under this section.
(2) If no payment is made by a permit holder under paragraph (1), within a reasonable time, the Secretary shall offer such rights-of-way to the original owner for reacquisition at the original price paid by the Secretary. If such original owner refuses to reacquire such property after a reasonable period, the Secretary shall dispose of such property in accordance with applicable provisions of law governing disposal of property of the United States.
(e) Federal law governing Federal lands
(Pub. L. 95–617, title VI, § 602, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3164.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824a-4

§ 824b. Disposition of property; consolidations; purchase of securities
(a) Authorization
(1) No public utility shall, without first having secured an order of the Commission authorizing it to do so—
(A) sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the whole of its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any part thereof of a value in excess of $10,000,000;
(B) merge or consolidate, directly or indirectly, its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any part thereof, with the facilities of any other person, or any part thereof, that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission and have a value in excess of $10,000,000, by any means whatsoever;
(C) purchase, acquire, or take any security with a value in excess of $10,000,000 of any other public utility; or
(D) purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire an existing generation facility—
(i) that has a value in excess of $10,000,000; and
(ii) that is used for interstate wholesale sales and over which the Commission has jurisdiction for ratemaking purposes.
(2) No holding company in a holding company system that includes a transmitting utility or an electric utility shall purchase, acquire, or take any security with a value in excess of $10,000,000 of, or, by any means whatsoever, directly or indirectly, merge or consolidate with, a transmitting utility, an electric utility company, or a holding company in a holding company system that includes a transmitting utility, or an electric utility company, with a value in excess of $10,000,000 without first having secured an order of the Commission authorizing it to do so.
(3) Upon receipt of an application for such approval the Commission shall give reasonable notice in writing to the Governor and State commission of each of the States in which the physical property affected, or any part thereof, is situated, and to such other persons as it may deem advisable.
(4) After notice and opportunity for hearing, the Commission shall approve the proposed disposition, consolidation, acquisition, or change in control, if it finds that the proposed transaction will be consistent with the public interest, and will not result in cross-subsidization of a non-utility associate company or the pledge or encumbrance of utility assets for the benefit of an associate company, unless the Commission determines that the cross-subsidization, pledge, or encumbrance will be consistent with the public interest.
(5) The Commission shall, by rule, adopt procedures for the expeditious consideration of applications for the approval of dispositions, consolidations, or acquisitions, under this section. Such rules shall identify classes of transactions, or specify criteria for transactions, that normally meet the standards established in paragraph (4). The Commission shall provide expedited review for such transactions. The Commission shall grant or deny any other application for approval of a transaction not later than 180 days after the application is filed. If the Commission does not act within 180 days, such application shall be deemed granted unless the Commission finds, based on good cause, that further consideration is required to determine whether the proposed transaction meets the standards of paragraph (4) and issues an order tolling the time for acting on the application for not more than 180 days, at the end of which additional period the Commission shall grant or deny the application.
(6) For purposes of this subsection, the terms “associate company”, “holding company”, and “holding company system” have the meaning given those terms in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 [42 U.S.C. 16451 et seq.].
(7)
(A) Not later than 180 days after September 28, 2018, the Commission shall promulgate a rule requiring any public utility that is seeking to merge or consolidate, directly or indirectly, its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any part thereof, with those of any other person, to notify the Commission of such transaction not later than 30 days after the date on which the transaction is consummated if—
(i) the facilities, or any part thereof, to be acquired are of a value in excess of $1,000,000; and
(ii) such public utility is not required to secure an order of the Commission under paragraph (1)(B).
(B) In establishing any notification requirement under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall, to the maximum extent practicable, minimize the paperwork burden resulting from the collection of information.
(b) Orders of Commission
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 203, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 849; amended Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1289(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 982; Pub. L. 115–247, §§ 1, 2, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3152.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824b

§ 824c. Issuance of securities; assumption of liabilities
(a) Authorization by Commission
(b) Application approval or modification; supplemental orders
(c) Compliance with order of Commission
(d) Authorization of capitalization not to exceed amount paid
(e) Notes or drafts maturing less than one year after issuance
(f) Public utility securities regulated by State not affected
(g) Guarantee or obligation on part of United States
(h) Filing duplicate reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 204, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 850.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824c

§ 824d. Rates and charges; schedules; suspension of new rates; automatic adjustment clauses
(a) Just and reasonable rates
(b) Preference or advantage unlawful
(c) Schedules
(d) Notice required for rate changes
(e) Suspension of new rates; hearings; five-month period
(f) Review of automatic adjustment clauses and public utility practices; action by Commission; “automatic adjustment clause” defined
(1) Not later than 2 years after November 9, 1978, and not less often than every 4 years thereafter, the Commission shall make a thorough review of automatic adjustment clauses in public utility rate schedules to examine—
(A) whether or not each such clause effectively provides incentives for efficient use of resources (including economical purchase and use of fuel and electric energy), and
(B) whether any such clause reflects any costs other than costs which are—
(i) subject to periodic fluctuations and
(ii) not susceptible to precise determinations in rate cases prior to the time such costs are incurred.
Such review may take place in individual rate proceedings or in generic or other separate proceedings applicable to one or more utilities.
(2) Not less frequently than every 2 years, in rate proceedings or in generic or other separate proceedings, the Commission shall review, with respect to each public utility, practices under any automatic adjustment clauses of such utility to insure efficient use of resources (including economical purchase and use of fuel and electric energy) under such clauses.
(3) The Commission may, on its own motion or upon complaint, after an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, order a public utility to—
(A) modify the terms and provisions of any automatic adjustment clause, or
(B) cease any practice in connection with the clause,
if such clause or practice does not result in the economical purchase and use of fuel, electric energy, or other items, the cost of which is included in any rate schedule under an automatic adjustment clause.
(4) As used in this subsection, the term “automatic adjustment clause” means a provision of a rate schedule which provides for increases or decreases (or both), without prior hearing, in rates reflecting increases or decreases (or both) in costs incurred by an electric utility. Such term does not include any rate which takes effect subject to refund and subject to a later determination of the appropriate amount of such rate.
(g) Inaction of Commissioners
(1) In generalWith respect to a change described in subsection (d), if the Commission permits the 60-day period established therein to expire without issuing an order accepting or denying the change because the Commissioners are divided two against two as to the lawfulness of the change, as a result of vacancy, incapacity, or recusal on the Commission, or if the Commission lacks a quorum—
(A) the failure to issue an order accepting or denying the change by the Commission shall be considered to be an order issued by the Commission accepting the change for purposes of section 825l(a) of this title; and
(B) each Commissioner shall add to the record of the Commission a written statement explaining the views of the Commissioner with respect to the change.
(2) Appeal
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 205, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 851; amended Pub. L. 95–617, title II, §§ 207(a), 208, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3142; Pub. L. 115–270, title III, § 3006, Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3868.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824d

§ 824e. Power of Commission to fix rates and charges; determination of cost of production or transmission
(a) Unjust or preferential rates, etc.; statement of reasons for changes; hearing; specification of issues
(b) Refund effective date; preferential proceedings; statement of reasons for delay; burden of proof; scope of refund order; refund orders in cases of dilatory behavior; interest
(c) Refund considerations; shifting costs; reduction in revenues; “electric utility companies” and “registered holding company” defined
(d) Investigation of costs
(e) Short-term sales
(1) In this subsection:
(A) The term “short-term sale” means an agreement for the sale of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce that is for a period of 31 days or less (excluding monthly contracts subject to automatic renewal).
(B) The term “applicable Commission rule” means a Commission rule applicable to sales at wholesale by public utilities that the Commission determines after notice and comment should also be applicable to entities subject to this subsection.
(2) If an entity described in section 824(f) of this title voluntarily makes a short-term sale of electric energy through an organized market in which the rates for the sale are established by Commission-approved tariff (rather than by contract) and the sale violates the terms of the tariff or applicable Commission rules in effect at the time of the sale, the entity shall be subject to the refund authority of the Commission under this section with respect to the violation.
(3) This section shall not apply to—
(A) any entity that sells in total (including affiliates of the entity) less than 8,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year; or
(B) an electric cooperative.
(4)
(A) The Commission shall have refund authority under paragraph (2) with respect to a voluntary short term sale of electric energy by the Bonneville Power Administration only if the sale is at an unjust and unreasonable rate.
(B) The Commission may order a refund under subparagraph (A) only for short-term sales made by the Bonneville Power Administration at rates that are higher than the highest just and reasonable rate charged by any other entity for a short-term sale of electric energy in the same geographic market for the same, or most nearly comparable, period as the sale by the Bonneville Power Administration.
(C) In the case of any Federal power marketing agency or the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Commission shall not assert or exercise any regulatory authority or power under paragraph (2) other than the ordering of refunds to achieve a just and reasonable rate.
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 206, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 852; amended Pub. L. 100–473, § 2, Oct. 6, 1988, 102 Stat. 2299; Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, §§ 1285, 1286, 1295(b), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 980, 981, 985.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824e

§ 824f. Ordering furnishing of adequate service

Whenever the Commission, upon complaint of a State commission, after notice to each State commission and public utility affected and after opportunity for hearing, shall find that any interstate service of any public utility is inadequate or insufficient, the Commission shall determine the proper, adequate, or sufficient service to be furnished, and shall fix the same by its order, rule, or regulation: Provided, That the Commission shall have no authority to compel the enlargement of generating facilities for such purposes, nor to compel the public utility to sell or exchange energy when to do so would impair its ability to render adequate service to its customers.

(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 207, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 853.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824f

§ 824g. Ascertainment of cost of property and depreciation
(a) Investigation of property costs
(b) Request for inventory and cost statements
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 208, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 853.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824g

§ 824h. References to State boards by Commission
(a) Composition of boards; force and effect of proceedings
(b) Cooperation with State commissions
(c) Availability of information and reports to State commissions; Commission experts
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 209, as added Aug. 26, 1935, ch. 687, title II, § 213, 49 Stat. 853.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824h

§ 824i. Interconnection authority
(a) Powers of Commission; application by State regulatory authority
(1) Upon application of any electric utility, Federal power marketing agency, geothermal power producer (including a producer which is not an electric utility), qualifying cogenerator, or qualifying small power producer, the Commission may issue an order requiring—
(A) the physical connection of any cogeneration facility, any small power production facility, or the transmission facilities of any electric utility, with the facilities of such applicant,
(B) such action as may be necessary to make effective any physical connection described in subparagraph (A), which physical connection is ineffective for any reason, such as inadequate size, poor maintenance, or physical unreliability,
(C) such sale or exchange of electric energy or other coordination, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of any order under subparagraph (A) or (B), or
(D) such increase in transmission capacity as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of any order under subparagraph (A) or (B).
(2) Any State regulatory authority may apply to the Commission for an order for any action referred to in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (1). No such order may be issued by the Commission with respect to a Federal power marketing agency upon application of a State regulatory authority.
(b) Notice, hearing and determination by CommissionUpon receipt of an application under subsection (a), the Commission shall—
(1) issue notice to each affected State regulatory authority, each affected electric utility, each affected Federal power marketing agency, each affected owner or operator of a cogeneration facility or of a small power production facility, and to the public.1
1 So in original. The period probably should be a comma.
(2) afford an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, and
(3) make a determination with respect to the matters referred to in subsection (c).
(c) Necessary findingsNo order may be issued by the Commission under subsection (a) unless the Commission determines that such order—
(1) is in the public interest,
(2) would—
(A) encourage overall conservation of energy or capital,
(B) optimize the efficiency of use of facilities and resources, or
(C) improve the reliability of any electric utility system or Federal power marketing agency to which the order applies, and
(3) meets the requirements of section 824k of this title.
(d) Motion of Commission
(e) Definitions
(1) As used in this section, the term “facilities” means only facilities used for the generation or transmission of electric energy.
(2) With respect to an order issued pursuant to an application of a qualifying cogenerator or qualifying small power producer under subsection (a)(1), the term “facilities of such applicant” means the qualifying cogeneration facilities or qualifying small power production facilities of the applicant, as specified in the application. With respect to an order issued pursuant to an application under subsection (a)(2), the term “facilities of such applicant” means the qualifying cogeneration facilities, qualifying small power production facilities, or the transmission facilities of an electric utility, as specified in the application. With respect to an order issued by the Commission on its own motion under subsection (d), such term means the qualifying cogeneration facilities, qualifying small power production facilities, or the transmission facilities of an electric utility, as specified in the proposed order.
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 210, as added Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 202, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3135; amended Pub. L. 96–294, title VI, § 643(a)(2), June 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 770.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824i

§ 824j. Wheeling authority
(a) Transmission service by any electric utility; notice, hearing and findings by Commission
(b) Reliability of electric service
(c) Replacement of electric energyNo order may be issued under subsection (a) or (b) which requires the transmitting utility subject to the order to transmit, during any period, an amount of electric energy which replaces any amount of electric energy—
(1) required to be provided to such applicant pursuant to a contract during such period, or
(2) currently provided to the applicant by the utility subject to the order pursuant to a rate schedule on file during such period with the Commission: Provided, That nothing in this subparagraph shall prevent an application for an order hereunder to be filed prior to termination or modification of an existing rate schedule: Provided, That such order shall not become effective until termination of such rate schedule or the modification becomes effective.
(d) Termination or modification of order; notice, hearing and findings of Commission; contents of order; inclusion in order of terms and conditions agreed upon by parties
(1) Any transmitting utility ordered under subsection (a) or (b) to provide transmission services may apply to the Commission for an order permitting such transmitting utility to cease providing all, or any portion of, such services. After public notice, notice to each affected State regulatory authority, each affected Federal power marketing agency, each affected transmitting utility, and each affected electric utility, and after an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, the Commission shall issue an order terminating or modifying the order issued under subsection (a) or (b), if the transmitting utility providing such transmission services has demonstrated, and the Commission has found, that—
(A) due to changed circumstances, the requirements applicable, under this section and section 824k of this title, to the issuance of an order under subsection (a) or (b) are no longer met, or 1
1 So in original. The word “or” probably should not appear.
(B) any transmission capacity of the utility providing transmission services under such order which was, at the time such order was issued, in excess of the capacity necessary to serve its own customers is no longer in excess of the capacity necessary for such purposes, or
(C) the ordered transmission services require enlargement of transmission capacity and the transmitting utility subject to the order has failed, after making a good faith effort, to obtain the necessary approvals or property rights under applicable Federal, State, and local laws.
No order shall be issued under this subsection pursuant to a finding under subparagraph (A) unless the Commission finds that such order is in the public interest.
(2) Any order issued under this subsection terminating or modifying an order issued under subsection (a) or (b) shall—
(A) provide for any appropriate compensation, and
(B) provide the affected electric utilities adequate opportunity and time to—
(i) make suitable alternative arrangements for any transmission services terminated or modified, and
(ii) insure that the interests of ratepayers of such utilities are adequately protected.
(3) No order may be issued under this subsection terminating or modifying any order issued under subsection (a) or (b) if the order under subsection (a) or (b) includes terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties which—
(A) fix a period during which transmission services are to be provided under the order under subsection (a) or (b), or
(B) otherwise provide procedures or methods for terminating or modifying such order (including, if appropriate, the return of the transmission capacity when necessary to take into account an increase, after the issuance of such order, in the needs of the transmitting utility subject to such order for transmission capacity).
(e) “Facilities” defined
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 211, as added Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 203, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3136; amended Pub. L. 96–294, title VI, § 643(a)(3), June 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 770; Pub. L. 99–495, § 15, Oct. 16, 1986, 100 Stat. 1257; Pub. L. 102–486, title VII, § 721, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2915; Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1295(c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 985.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824j

§ 824j–1. Open access by unregulated transmitting utilities
(a) Definition of unregulated transmitting utility
In this section, the term “unregulated transmitting utility” means an entity that—
(1) owns or operates facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce; and
(2) is an entity described in section 824(f) of this title.
(b) Transmission operation services
Subject to section 824k(h) of this title, the Commission may, by rule or order, require an unregulated transmitting utility to provide transmission services—
(1) at rates that are comparable to those that the unregulated transmitting utility charges itself; and
(2) on terms and conditions (not relating to rates) that are comparable to those under which the unregulated transmitting utility provides transmission services to itself and that are not unduly discriminatory or preferential.
(c) Exemption
The Commission shall exempt from any rule or order under this section any unregulated transmitting utility that—
(1) sells not more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year;
(2) does not own or operate any transmission facilities that are necessary for operating an interconnected transmission system (or any portion of the system); or
(3) meets other criteria the Commission determines to be in the public interest.
(d) Local distribution facilities
(e) Exemption termination
(f) Application to unregulated transmitting utilities
(g) Remand
(h) Other requests
(i) Limitation
(j) Transfer of control of transmitting facilities
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 211A, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1231, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 955.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824j-1

§ 824k. Orders requiring interconnection or wheeling
(a) Rates, charges, terms, and conditions for wholesale transmission services
(b) Repealed. Pub. L. 102–486, title VII, § 722(1), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2916
(c) Issuance of proposed order; agreement by parties to terms and conditions of order; approval by Commission; inclusion in final order; failure to agree
(1) Before issuing an order under section 824i of this title or subsection (a) or (b) of section 824j of this title, the Commission shall issue a proposed order and set a reasonable time for parties to the proposed interconnection or transmission order to agree to terms and conditions under which such order is to be carried out, including the apportionment of costs between them and the compensation or reimbursement reasonably due to any of them. Such proposed order shall not be reviewable or enforceable in any court. The time set for such parties to agree to such terms and conditions may be shortened if the Commission determines that delay would jeopardize the attainment of the purposes of any proposed order. Any terms and conditions agreed to by the parties shall be subject to the approval of the Commission.
(2)
(A) If the parties agree as provided in paragraph (1) within the time set by the Commission and the Commission approves such agreement, the terms and conditions shall be included in the final order. In the case of an order under section 824i of this title, if the parties fail to agree within the time set by the Commission or if the Commission does not approve any such agreement, the Commission shall prescribe such terms and conditions and include such terms and conditions in the final order.
(B) In the case of any order applied for under section 824j of this title, if the parties fail to agree within the time set by the Commission, the Commission shall prescribe such terms and conditions in the final order.
(d) Statement of reasons for denial
(e) Savings provisions
(1) No provision of section 824i, 824j, 824m of this title, or this section shall be treated as requiring any person to utilize the authority of any such section in lieu of any other authority of law. Except as provided in section 824i, 824j, 824m of this title, or this section, such sections shall not be construed as limiting or impairing any authority of the Commission under any other provision of law.
(2) Sections 824i, 824j, 824l, 824m of this title, and this section, shall not be construed to modify, impair, or supersede the antitrust laws. For purposes of this section, the term “antitrust laws” has the meaning given in subsection (a) of the first sentence of section 12 of title 15, except that such term includes section 45 of title 15 to the extent that such section relates to unfair methods of competition.
(f) Effective date of order; hearing; notice; review
(1) No order under section 824i or 824j of this title requiring the Tennessee Valley Authority (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the “TVA”) to take any action shall take effect for 60 days following the date of issuance of the order. Within 60 days following the issuance by the Commission of any order under section 824i or of section 824j of this title requiring the TVA to enter into any contract for the sale or delivery of power, the Commission may on its own motion initiate, or upon petition of any aggrieved person shall initiate, an evidentiary hearing to determine whether or not such sale or delivery would result in violation of the third sentence of section 15d(a) of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 (16 U.S.C. 831n–4), hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the TVA Act [16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.].
(2) Upon initiation of any evidentiary hearing under paragraph (1), the Commission shall give notice thereof to any applicant who applied for and obtained the order from the Commission, to any electric utility or other entity subject to such order, and to the public, and shall promptly make the determination referred to in paragraph (1). Upon initiation of such hearing, the Commission shall stay the effectiveness of the order under section 824i or 824j of this title until whichever of the following dates is applicable—
(A) the date on which there is a final determination (including any judicial review thereof under paragraph (3)) that no such violation would result from such order, or
(B) the date on which a specific authorization of the Congress (within the meaning of the third sentence of section 15d(a) of the TVA Act [16 U.S.C. 831n–4(a)]) takes effect.
(3) Any determination under paragraph (1) shall be reviewable only in the appropriate court of the United States upon petition filed by any aggrieved person or municipality within 60 days after such determination, and such court shall have jurisdiction to grant appropriate relief. Any applicant who applied for and obtained the order under section 824i or 824j of this title, and any electric utility or other entity subject to such order shall have the right to intervene in any such proceeding in such court. Except for review by such court (and any appeal or other review by an appellate court of the United States), no court shall have jurisdiction to consider any action brought by any person to enjoin the carrying out of any order of the Commission under section 824i or section 824j of this title requiring the TVA to take any action on the grounds that such action requires a specific authorization of the Congress pursuant to the third sentence of section 15d(a) of the TVA Act [16 U.S.C. 831n–4(a)].
(g) Prohibition on orders inconsistent with retail marketing areas
(h) Prohibition on mandatory retail wheeling and sham wholesale transactionsNo order issued under this chapter shall be conditioned upon or require the transmission of electric energy:
(1) directly to an ultimate consumer, or
(2) to, or for the benefit of, an entity if such electric energy would be sold by such entity directly to an ultimate consumer, unless:
(A) such entity is a Federal power marketing agency; the Tennessee Valley Authority; a State or any political subdivision of a State (or an agency, authority, or instrumentality of a State or a political subdivision); a corporation or association that has ever received a loan for the purposes of providing electric service from the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 [7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.]; a person having an obligation arising under State or local law (exclusive of an obligation arising solely from a contract entered into by such person) to provide electric service to the public; or any corporation or association which is wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by any one or more of the foregoing; and
(B) such entity was providing electric service to such ultimate consumer on October 24, 1992, or would utilize transmission or distribution facilities that it owns or controls to deliver all such electric energy to such electric consumer.
Nothing in this subsection shall affect any authority of any State or local government under State law concerning the transmission of electric energy directly to an ultimate consumer.
(i) Laws applicable to Federal Columbia River Transmission System
(1) The Commission shall have authority pursuant to section 824i of this title, section 824j of this title, this section, and section 824l of this title to (A) order the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to provide transmission service and (B) establish the terms and conditions of such service. In applying such sections to the Federal Columbia River Transmission System, the Commission shall assure that—
(i) the provisions of otherwise applicable Federal laws shall continue in full force and effect and shall continue to be applicable to the system; and
(ii) the rates for the transmission of electric power on the system shall be governed only by such otherwise applicable provisions of law and not by any provision of section 824i of this title, section 824j of this title, this section, or section 824l of this title, except that no rate for the transmission of power on the system shall be unjust, unreasonable, or unduly discriminatory or preferential, as determined by the Commission.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter with respect to the procedures for the determination of terms and conditions for transmission service—
(A) when the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration either (i) in response to a written request for specific transmission service terms and conditions does not offer the requested terms and conditions, or (ii) proposes to establish terms and conditions of general applicability for transmission service on the Federal Columbia River Transmission System, then the Administrator may provide opportunity for a hearing and, in so doing, shall—(I) give notice in the Federal Register and state in such notice the written explanation of the reasons why the specific terms and conditions for transmission services are not being offered or are being proposed;(II) adhere to the procedural requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 839e(i) of this title, except that the hearing officer shall, unless the hearing officer becomes unavailable to the agency, make a recommended decision to the Administrator that states the hearing officer’s findings and conclusions, and the reasons or basis thereof, on all material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record; and(III) make a determination, setting forth the reasons for reaching any findings and conclusions which may differ from those of the hearing officer, based on the hearing record, consideration of the hearing officer’s recommended decision, section 824j of this title and this section, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and the provisions of law as preserved in this section; and
(B) if application is made to the Commission under section 824j of this title for transmission service under terms and conditions different than those offered by the Administrator, or following the denial of a request for transmission service by the Administrator, and such application is filed within 60 days of the Administrator’s final determination and in accordance with Commission procedures, the Commission shall—
(i) in the event the Administrator has conducted a hearing as herein provided for (I) accord parties to the Administrator’s hearing the opportunity to offer for the Commission record materials excluded by the Administrator from the hearing record, (II) accord such parties the opportunity to submit for the Commission record comments on appropriate terms and conditions, (III) afford those parties the opportunity for a hearing if and to the extent that the Commission finds the Administrator’s hearing record to be inadequate to support a decision by the Commission, and (IV) establish terms and conditions for or deny transmission service based on the Administrator’s hearing record, the Commission record, section 824j of this title and this section, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and the provisions of law as preserved in this section, or
(ii) in the event the Administrator has not conducted a hearing as herein provided for, determine whether to issue an order for transmission service in accordance with section 824j of this title and this section, including providing the opportunity for a hearing.
(3) Notwithstanding those provisions of section 825l(b) of this title which designate the court in which review may be obtained, any party to a proceeding concerning transmission service sought to be furnished by the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration seeking review of an order issued by the Commission in such proceeding shall obtain a review of such order in the United States Court of Appeals for the Pacific Northwest, as that region is defined by section 839a(14) of this title.
(4) To the extent the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration cannot be required under section 824j of this title, as a result of the Administrator’s other statutory mandates, either to (A) provide transmission service to an applicant which the Commission would otherwise order, or (B) provide such service under rates, terms, and conditions which the Commission would otherwise require, the applicant shall not be required to provide similar transmission services to the Administrator or to provide such services under similar rates, terms, and conditions.
(5) The Commission shall not issue any order under section 824i of this title, section 824j of this title, this section, or section 824l of this title requiring the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to provide transmission service if such an order would impair the Administrator’s ability to provide such transmission service to the Administrator’s power and transmission customers in the Pacific Northwest, as that region is defined in section 839a(14) of this title, as is needed to assure adequate and reliable service to loads in that region.
(j) Equitability within territory restricted electric systems
(k) ERCOT utilities
(1) Rates
(2) DefinitionsFor purposes of this subsection—
(A) the term “ERCOT” means the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; and
(B) the term “ERCOT utility” means a transmitting utility which is a member of ERCOT.
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 212, as added Pub. L. 95–617, title II, § 204(a), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3138; amended Pub. L. 102–486, title VII, § 722, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2916.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824k

§ 824l. Information requirements
(a) Requests for wholesale transmission services
(b) Transmission capacity and constraints
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 213, as added Pub. L. 102–486, title VII, § 723, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2919.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824l

§ 824m. Sales by exempt wholesale generators

No rate or charge received by an exempt wholesale generator for the sale of electric energy shall be lawful under section 824d of this title if, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the Commission finds that such rate or charge results from the receipt of any undue preference or advantage from an electric utility which is an associate company or an affiliate of the exempt wholesale generator. For purposes of this section, the terms “associate company” and “affiliate” shall have the same meaning as provided in section 16451 of title 42.1

1 See References in Text note below.

(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 214, as added Pub. L. 102–486, title VII, § 724, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2920; amended Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1277(b)(2), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 978.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824m

§ 824n. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1232(e)(3), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 957

CITE AS: 16 USC 824n

§ 824o. Electric reliability
(a) DefinitionsFor purposes of this section:
(1) The term “bulk-power system” means—
(A) facilities and control systems necessary for operating an interconnected electric energy transmission network (or any portion thereof); and
(B) electric energy from generation facilities needed to maintain transmission system reliability.
The term does not include facilities used in the local distribution of electric energy.
(2) The terms “Electric Reliability Organization” and “ERO” mean the organization certified by the Commission under subsection (c) the purpose of which is to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system, subject to Commission review.
(3) The term “reliability standard” means a requirement, approved by the Commission under this section, to provide for reliable operation of the bulk-power system. The term includes requirements for the operation of existing bulk-power system facilities, including cybersecurity protection, and the design of planned additions or modifications to such facilities to the extent necessary to provide for reliable operation of the bulk-power system, but the term does not include any requirement to enlarge such facilities or to construct new transmission capacity or generation capacity.
(4) The term “reliable operation” means operating the elements of the bulk-power system within equipment and electric system thermal, voltage, and stability limits so that instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading failures of such system will not occur as a result of a sudden disturbance, including a cybersecurity incident, or unanticipated failure of system elements.
(5) The term “Interconnection” means a geographic area in which the operation of bulk-power system components is synchronized such that the failure of one or more of such components may adversely affect the ability of the operators of other components within the system to maintain reliable operation of the facilities within their control.
(6) The term “transmission organization” means a Regional Transmission Organization, Independent System Operator, independent transmission provider, or other transmission organization finally approved by the Commission for the operation of transmission facilities.
(7) The term “regional entity” means an entity having enforcement authority pursuant to subsection (e)(4).
(8) The term “cybersecurity incident” means a malicious act or suspicious event that disrupts, or was an attempt to disrupt, the operation of those programmable electronic devices and communication networks including hardware, software and data that are essential to the reliable operation of the bulk power system.
(b) Jurisdiction and applicability
(1) The Commission shall have jurisdiction, within the United States, over the ERO certified by the Commission under subsection (c), any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system, including but not limited to the entities described in section 824(f) of this title, for purposes of approving reliability standards established under this section and enforcing compliance with this section. All users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system shall comply with reliability standards that take effect under this section.
(2) The Commission shall issue a final rule to implement the requirements of this section not later than 180 days after August 8, 2005.
(c) CertificationFollowing the issuance of a Commission rule under subsection (b)(2), any person may submit an application to the Commission for certification as the Electric Reliability Organization. The Commission may certify one such ERO if the Commission determines that such ERO—
(1) has the ability to develop and enforce, subject to subsection (e)(2), reliability standards that provide for an adequate level of reliability of the bulk-power system; and
(2) has established rules that—
(A) assure its independence of the users and owners and operators of the bulk-power system, while assuring fair stakeholder representation in the selection of its directors and balanced decisionmaking in any ERO committee or subordinate organizational structure;
(B) allocate equitably reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among end users for all activities under this section;
(C) provide fair and impartial procedures for enforcement of reliability standards through the imposition of penalties in accordance with subsection (e) (including limitations on activities, functions, or operations, or other appropriate sanctions);
(D) provide for reasonable notice and opportunity for public comment, due process, openness, and balance of interests in developing reliability standards and otherwise exercising its duties; and
(E) provide for taking, after certification, appropriate steps to gain recognition in Canada and Mexico.
(d) Reliability standards
(1) The Electric Reliability Organization shall file each reliability standard or modification to a reliability standard that it proposes to be made effective under this section with the Commission.
(2) The Commission may approve, by rule or order, a proposed reliability standard or modification to a reliability standard if it determines that the standard is just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest. The Commission shall give due weight to the technical expertise of the Electric Reliability Organization with respect to the span of a proposed standard or modification to a reliability standard and to the technical expertise of a regional entity organized on an Interconnection-wide basis with respect to a reliability standard to be applicable within that Interconnection, but shall not defer with respect to the effect of a standard on competition. A proposed standard or modification shall take effect upon approval by the Commission.
(3) The Electric Reliability Organization shall rebuttably presume that a proposal from a regional entity organized on an Interconnection-wide basis for a reliability standard or modification to a reliability standard to be applicable on an Interconnection-wide basis is just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory or preferential, and in the public interest.
(4) The Commission shall remand to the Electric Reliability Organization for further consideration a proposed reliability standard or a modification to a reliability standard that the Commission disapproves in whole or in part.
(5) The Commission, upon its own motion or upon complaint, may order the Electric Reliability Organization to submit to the Commission a proposed reliability standard or a modification to a reliability standard that addresses a specific matter if the Commission considers such a new or modified reliability standard appropriate to carry out this section.
(6) The final rule adopted under subsection (b)(2) shall include fair processes for the identification and timely resolution of any conflict between a reliability standard and any function, rule, order, tariff, rate schedule, or agreement accepted, approved, or ordered by the Commission applicable to a transmission organization. Such transmission organization shall continue to comply with such function, rule, order, tariff, rate schedule or agreement accepted, approved, or ordered by the Commission until—
(A) the Commission finds a conflict exists between a reliability standard and any such provision;
(B) the Commission orders a change to such provision pursuant to section 824e of this title; and
(C) the ordered change becomes effective under this subchapter.
If the Commission determines that a reliability standard needs to be changed as a result of such a conflict, it shall order the ERO to develop and file with the Commission a modified reliability standard under paragraph (4) or (5) of this subsection.
(e) Enforcement
(1) The ERO may impose, subject to paragraph (2), a penalty on a user or owner or operator of the bulk-power system for a violation of a reliability standard approved by the Commission under subsection (d) if the ERO, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing—
(A) finds that the user or owner or operator has violated a reliability standard approved by the Commission under subsection (d); and
(B) files notice and the record of the proceeding with the Commission.
(2) A penalty imposed under paragraph (1) may take effect not earlier than the 31st day after the ERO files with the Commission notice of the penalty and the record of proceedings. Such penalty shall be subject to review by the Commission, on its own motion or upon application by the user, owner or operator that is the subject of the penalty filed within 30 days after the date such notice is filed with the Commission. Application to the Commission for review, or the initiation of review by the Commission on its own motion, shall not operate as a stay of such penalty unless the Commission otherwise orders upon its own motion or upon application by the user, owner or operator that is the subject of such penalty. In any proceeding to review a penalty imposed under paragraph (1), the Commission, after notice and opportunity for hearing (which hearing may consist solely of the record before the ERO and opportunity for the presentation of supporting reasons to affirm, modify, or set aside the penalty), shall by order affirm, set aside, reinstate, or modify the penalty, and, if appropriate, remand to the ERO for further proceedings. The Commission shall implement expedited procedures for such hearings.
(3) On its own motion or upon complaint, the Commission may order compliance with a reliability standard and may impose a penalty against a user or owner or operator of the bulk-power system if the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that the user or owner or operator of the bulk-power system has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices that constitute or will constitute a violation of a reliability standard.
(4) The Commission shall issue regulations authorizing the ERO to enter into an agreement to delegate authority to a regional entity for the purpose of proposing reliability standards to the ERO and enforcing reliability standards under paragraph (1) if—
(A) the regional entity is governed by—
(i) an independent board;
(ii) a balanced stakeholder board; or
(iii) a combination independent and balanced stakeholder board.
(B) the regional entity otherwise satisfies the provisions of subsection (c)(1) and (2); and
(C) the agreement promotes effective and efficient administration of bulk-power system reliability.
The Commission may modify such delegation. The ERO and the Commission shall rebuttably presume that a proposal for delegation to a regional entity organized on an Interconnection-wide basis promotes effective and efficient administration of bulk-power system reliability and should be approved. Such regulation may provide that the Commission may assign the ERO’s authority to enforce reliability standards under paragraph (1) directly to a regional entity consistent with the requirements of this paragraph.
(5) The Commission may take such action as is necessary or appropriate against the ERO or a regional entity to ensure compliance with a reliability standard or any Commission order affecting the ERO or a regional entity.
(6) Any penalty imposed under this section shall bear a reasonable relation to the seriousness of the violation and shall take into consideration the efforts of such user, owner, or operator to remedy the violation in a timely manner.
(f) Changes in Electric Reliability Organization rules
(g) Reliability reports
(h) Coordination with Canada and Mexico
(i) Savings provisions
(1) The ERO shall have authority to develop and enforce compliance with reliability standards for only the bulk-power system.
(2) This section does not authorize the ERO or the Commission to order the construction of additional generation or transmission capacity or to set and enforce compliance with standards for adequacy or safety of electric facilities or services.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt any authority of any State to take action to ensure the safety, adequacy, and reliability of electric service within that State, as long as such action is not inconsistent with any reliability standard, except that the State of New York may establish rules that result in greater reliability within that State, as long as such action does not result in lesser reliability outside the State than that provided by the reliability standards.
(4) Within 90 days of the application of the Electric Reliability Organization or other affected party, and after notice and opportunity for comment, the Commission shall issue a final order determining whether a State action is inconsistent with a reliability standard, taking into consideration any recommendation of the ERO.
(5) The Commission, after consultation with the ERO and the State taking action, may stay the effectiveness of any State action, pending the Commission’s issuance of a final order.
(j) Regional advisory bodies
(k) Alaska and Hawaii
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 215, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1211(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 941.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824o

§ 824o–1. Critical electric infrastructure security
(a) DefinitionsFor purposes of this section:
(1) Bulk-power system; Electric Reliability Organization; regional entity
(2) Critical electric infrastructure
(3) Critical electric infrastructure information
(4) Defense critical electric infrastructure
(5) Electromagnetic pulse
(6) Geomagnetic storm
(7) Grid security emergencyThe term “grid security emergency” means the occurrence or imminent danger of—
(A)
(i) a malicious act using electronic communication or an electromagnetic pulse, or a geomagnetic storm event, that could disrupt the operation of those electronic devices or communications networks, including hardware, software, and data, that are essential to the reliability of critical electric infrastructure or of defense critical electric infrastructure; and
(ii) disruption of the operation of such devices or networks, with significant adverse effects on the reliability of critical electric infrastructure or of defense critical electric infrastructure, as a result of such act or event; or
(B)
(i) a direct physical attack on critical electric infrastructure or on defense critical electric infrastructure; and
(ii) significant adverse effects on the reliability of critical electric infrastructure or of defense critical electric infrastructure as a result of such physical attack.
(8) Secretary
(b) Authority to address grid security emergency
(1) Authority
(2) Notification of Congress
(3) Consultation
(4) ApplicationAn order for emergency measures under this subsection may apply to—
(A) the Electric Reliability Organization;
(B) a regional entity; or
(C) any owner, user, or operator of critical electric infrastructure or of defense critical electric infrastructure within the United States.
(5) Expiration and reissuance
(A) In general
(B) Extensions
(6) Cost recovery
(A) Critical electric infrastructure
(B) Defense critical electric infrastructure
(7) Temporary access to classified information
(c) Designation of critical defense facilitiesNot later than 180 days after December 4, 2015, the Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies and appropriate owners, users, or operators of infrastructure that may be defense critical electric infrastructure, shall identify and designate facilities located in the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia that are—
(1) critical to the defense of the United States; and
(2) vulnerable to a disruption of the supply of electric energy provided to such facility by an external provider.
The Secretary may, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and appropriate owners, users, or operators of defense critical electric infrastructure, periodically revise the list of designated facilities as necessary.
(d) Protection and sharing of critical electric infrastructure information
(1) Protection of critical electric infrastructure informationCritical electric infrastructure information—
(A) shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5; and
(B) shall not be made available by any Federal, State, political subdivision or tribal authority pursuant to any Federal, State, political subdivision or tribal law requiring public disclosure of information or records.
(2) Designation and sharing of critical electric infrastructure informationNot later than one year after December 4, 2015, the Commission, after consultation with the Secretary, shall promulgate such regulations as necessary to—
(A) establish criteria and procedures to designate information as critical electric infrastructure information;
(B) prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of critical electric infrastructure information;
(C) ensure there are appropriate sanctions in place for Commissioners, officers, employees, or agents of the Commission or the Department of Energy who knowingly and willfully disclose critical electric infrastructure information in a manner that is not authorized under this section; and
(D) taking into account standards of the Electric Reliability Organization, facilitate voluntary sharing of critical electric infrastructure information with, between, and by—
(i) Federal, State, political subdivision, and tribal authorities;
(ii) the Electric Reliability Organization;
(iii) regional entities;
(iv) information sharing and analysis centers established pursuant to Presidential Decision Directive 63;
(v) owners, operators, and users of critical electric infrastructure in the United States; and
(vi) other entities determined appropriate by the Commission.
(3) Authority to designate
(4) Considerations
(5) Protocols
(6) No required sharing of information
(7) Submission of information to Congress
(8) Disclosure of nonprotected information
(9) Duration of designation
(10) Removal of designation
(11) Judicial review of designations
(e) Security clearances
(f) Clarifications of liability
(1) Compliance with or violation of this chapter
(2) Relation to section 824a(c) of this title
(3) Sharing or receipt of information
(4) Rule of construction
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 215A, as added Pub. L. 114–94, div. F, § 61003(a), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1773.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824o-1

§ 824p. Siting of interstate electric transmission facilities
(a) Designation of national interest electric transmission corridors
(1) Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary of Energy (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”), in consultation with affected States and Indian Tribes, shall conduct a study of electric transmission capacity constraints and congestion.
(2) Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Secretary, after considering alternatives and recommendations from interested parties (including an opportunity for comment from affected States and Indian Tribes), shall issue a report, based on the study under paragraph (1) or other information relating to electric transmission capacity constraints and congestion, which may designate as a national interest electric transmission corridor any geographic area that—
(i)1
1 So in original. Probably should be “(A)”.
is experiencing electric energy transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely affects consumers; or
(ii)2
2 So in original. Probably should be “(B)”.
is expected to experience such energy transmission capacity constraints or congestion.
(3) Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Secretary, in conducting the study under paragraph (1) and issuing the report under paragraph (2), shall consult with any appropriate regional entity referred to in section 824o of this title.
(4) In determining whether to designate a national interest electric transmission corridor under paragraph (2), the Secretary may consider whether—
(A) the economic vitality and development of the corridor, or the end markets served by the corridor, may be constrained by lack of adequate or reasonably priced electricity;
(B)
(i) economic growth in the corridor, or the end markets served by the corridor, may be jeopardized by reliance on limited sources of energy; and
(ii) a diversification of supply is warranted;
(C) the energy independence or energy security of the United States would be served by the designation;
(D) the designation would be in the interest of national energy policy;
(E) the designation would enhance national defense and homeland security;
(F) the designation would enhance the ability of facilities that generate or transmit firm or intermittent energy to connect to the electric grid;
(G) the designation—
(i) maximizes existing rights-of-way; and
(ii) avoids and minimizes, to the maximum extent practicable, and offsets to the extent appropriate and practicable, sensitive environmental areas and cultural heritage sites; and
(H) the designation would result in a reduction in the cost to purchase electric energy for consumers.
(b) Construction permitExcept as provided in subsection (i), the Commission may, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, issue one or more permits for the construction or modification of electric transmission facilities in a national interest electric transmission corridor designated by the Secretary under subsection (a) if the Commission finds that—
(1)
(A) a State in which the transmission facilities are to be constructed or modified does not have authority to—
(i) approve the siting of the facilities; or
(ii) consider the interstate benefits or interregional benefits expected to be achieved by the proposed construction or modification of transmission facilities in the State;
(B) the applicant for a permit is a transmitting utility under this chapter but does not qualify to apply for a permit or siting approval for the proposed project in a State because the applicant does not serve end-use customers in the State; or
(C) a State commission or other entity that has authority to approve the siting of the facilities—
(i) has not made a determination on an application seeking approval pursuant to applicable law by the date that is 1 year after the later of—(I) the date on which the application was filed; and(II) the date on which the relevant national interest electric transmission corridor was designated by the Secretary under subsection (a);
(ii) has conditioned its approval in such a manner that the proposed construction or modification will not significantly reduce transmission capacity constraints or congestion in interstate commerce or is not economically feasible; or
(iii) has denied an application seeking approval pursuant to applicable law;
(2) the facilities to be authorized by the permit will be used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce;
(3) the proposed construction or modification is consistent with the public interest;
(4) the proposed construction or modification will significantly reduce transmission congestion in interstate commerce and protects or benefits consumers;
(5) the proposed construction or modification is consistent with sound national energy policy and will enhance energy independence; and
(6) the proposed modification will maximize, to the extent reasonable and economical, the transmission capabilities of existing towers or structures.
(c) Permit applications
(1) Permit applications under subsection (b) shall be made in writing to the Commission.
(2) The Commission shall issue rules specifying—
(A) the form of the application;
(B) the information to be contained in the application; and
(C) the manner of service of notice of the permit application on interested persons.
(d) Comments
(e) Rights-of-way
(1) In the case of a permit under subsection (b) for electric transmission facilities to be located on property other than property owned by the United States or a State, if the permit holder cannot acquire by contract, or is unable to agree with the owner of the property to the compensation to be paid for, the necessary right-of-way to construct or modify, and operate and maintain, the transmission facilities and, in the determination of the Commission, the permit holder has made good faith efforts to engage with landowners and other stakeholders early in the applicable permitting process, the permit holder may acquire the right-of-way by the exercise of the right of eminent domain in the district court of the United States for the district in which the property concerned is located, or in the appropriate court of the State in which the property is located.
(2) Any right-of-way acquired under paragraph (1) shall be used exclusively for the construction or modification of electric transmission facilities within a reasonable period of time after the acquisition.
(3) The practice and procedure in any action or proceeding under this subsection in the district court of the United States shall conform as nearly as practicable to the practice and procedure in a similar action or proceeding in the courts of the State in which the property is located.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the use of eminent domain to acquire a right-of-way for any purpose other than the construction, modification, operation, or maintenance of electric transmission facilities and related facilities. The right-of-way cannot be used for any other purpose, and the right-of-way shall terminate upon the termination of the use for which the right-of-way was acquired.
(f) Compensation
(1) Any right-of-way acquired pursuant to subsection (e) shall be considered a taking of private property for which just compensation is due.
(2) Just compensation shall be an amount equal to the fair market value (including applicable severance damages) of the property taken on the date of the exercise of eminent domain authority.
(g) State law
(h) Coordination of Federal authorizations for transmission facilities
(1) In this subsection:
(A) The term “Federal authorization” means any authorization required under Federal law in order to site a transmission facility.
(B) The term “Federal authorization” includes such permits, special use authorizations, certifications, opinions, or other approvals as may be required under Federal law in order to site a transmission facility.
(2) The Department of Energy shall act as the lead agency for purposes of coordinating all applicable Federal authorizations and related environmental reviews of the facility.
(3) To the maximum extent practicable under applicable Federal law, the Secretary shall coordinate the Federal authorization and review process under this subsection with any Indian tribes, multistate entities, and State agencies that are responsible for conducting any separate permitting and environmental reviews of the facility, to ensure timely and efficient review and permit decisions.
(4)
(A) As head of the lead agency, the Secretary, in consultation with agencies responsible for Federal authorizations and, as appropriate, with Indian tribes, multistate entities, and State agencies that are willing to coordinate their own separate permitting and environmental reviews with the Federal authorization and environmental reviews, shall establish prompt and binding intermediate milestones and ultimate deadlines for the review of, and Federal authorization decisions relating to, the proposed facility.
(B) The Secretary shall ensure that, once an application has been submitted with such data as the Secretary considers necessary, all permit decisions and related environmental reviews under all applicable Federal laws shall be completed—
(i) within 1 year; or
(ii) if a requirement of another provision of Federal law does not permit compliance with clause (i), as soon thereafter as is practicable.
(C) The Secretary shall provide an expeditious pre-application mechanism for prospective applicants to confer with the agencies involved to have each such agency determine and communicate to the prospective applicant not later than 60 days after the prospective applicant submits a request for such information concerning—
(i) the likelihood of approval for a potential facility; and
(ii) key issues of concern to the agencies and public.
(5)
(A) As lead agency head, the Secretary, in consultation with the affected agencies, shall prepare a single environmental review document, which shall be used as the basis for all decisions on the proposed project under Federal law.
(B) The Secretary and the heads of other agencies shall streamline the review and permitting of transmission within corridors designated under section 503 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 3
3 So in original. Probably should be followed by “of 1976”.
(43 U.S.C. 1763) by fully taking into account prior analyses and decisions relating to the corridors.
(C) The document shall include consideration by the relevant agencies of any applicable criteria or other matters as required under applicable law.
(6)
(A) If any agency has denied a Federal authorization required for a transmission facility, or has failed to act by the deadline established by the Secretary pursuant to this section for deciding whether to issue the authorization, the applicant or any State in which the facility would be located may file an appeal with the President, who shall, in consultation with the affected agency, review the denial or failure to take action on the pending application.
(B) Based on the overall record and in consultation with the affected agency, the President may—
(i) issue the necessary authorization with any appropriate conditions; or
(ii) deny the application.
(C) The President shall issue a decision not later than 90 days after the date of the filing of the appeal.
(D) In making a decision under this paragraph, the President shall comply with applicable requirements of Federal law, including any requirements of—
(i) the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a et seq.);
(ii) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
(iii) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);
(iv) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
(v) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
(7)
(A) Not later than 18 months after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall issue any regulations necessary to implement this subsection.
(B)
(i) Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary and the heads of all Federal agencies with authority to issue Federal authorizations shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure the timely and coordinated review and permitting of electricity transmission facilities.
(ii) Interested Indian tribes, multistate entities, and State agencies may enter the memorandum of understanding.
(C) The head of each Federal agency with authority to issue a Federal authorization shall designate a senior official responsible for, and dedicate sufficient other staff and resources to ensure, full implementation of the regulations and memorandum required under this paragraph.
(8)
(A) Each Federal land use authorization for an electricity transmission facility shall be issued—
(i) for a duration, as determined by the Secretary, commensurate with the anticipated use of the facility; and
(ii) with appropriate authority to manage the right-of-way for reliability and environmental protection.
(B) On the expiration of the authorization (including an authorization issued before August 8, 2005), the authorization shall be reviewed for renewal taking fully into account reliance on such electricity infrastructure, recognizing the importance of the authorization for public health, safety, and economic welfare and as a legitimate use of Federal land.
(9) In exercising the responsibilities under this section, the Secretary shall consult regularly with—
(A) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
(B) electric reliability organizations (including related regional entities) approved by the Commission; and
(C) Transmission Organizations approved by the Commission.
(i) Interstate compacts
(1) The consent of Congress is given for three or more contiguous States to enter into an interstate compact, subject to approval by Congress, establishing regional transmission siting agencies to—
(A) facilitate siting of future electric energy transmission facilities within those States; and
(B) carry out the electric energy transmission siting responsibilities of those States.
(2) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to regional transmission siting agencies established under this subsection.
(3) The regional transmission siting agencies shall have the authority to review, certify, and permit siting of transmission facilities, including facilities in national interest electric transmission corridors (other than facilities on property owned by the United States).
(4) The Commission shall have no authority to issue a permit for the construction or modification of an electric transmission facility within a State that is a party to a compact, unless the Secretary determines that the members of the compact are in disagreement after the later of—
(A) the date that is 1 year after the date on which the relevant application for the facility was filed; and
(B) the date that is 1 year after the date on which the relevant national interest electric transmission corridor was designated by the Secretary under subsection (a).
(j) Relationship to other laws
(1) Except as specifically provided, nothing in this section affects any requirement of an environmental law of the United States, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(2) Subsection (h)(6) shall not apply to any unit of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the National Trails System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or a National Monument.
(k) ERCOT
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 216, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1221(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 946; amended Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title I, § 40105, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 933.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824p

§ 824q. Native load service obligation
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) The term “distribution utility” means an electric utility that has a service obligation to end-users or to a State utility or electric cooperative that, directly or indirectly, through one or more additional State utilities or electric cooperatives, provides electric service to end-users.
(2) The term “load-serving entity” means a distribution utility or an electric utility that has a service obligation.
(3) The term “service obligation” means a requirement applicable to, or the exercise of authority granted to, an electric utility under Federal, State, or local law or under long-term contracts to provide electric service to end-users or to a distribution utility.
(4) The term “State utility” means a State or any political subdivision of a State, or any agency, authority, or instrumentality of any one or more of the foregoing, or a corporation that is wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by any one or more of the foregoing, competent to carry on the business of developing, transmitting, utilizing, or distributing power.
(b) Meeting service obligations
(1) Paragraph (2) applies to any load-serving entity that, as of August 8, 2005—
(A) owns generation facilities, markets the output of Federal generation facilities, or holds rights under one or more wholesale contracts to purchase electric energy, for the purpose of meeting a service obligation; and
(B) by reason of ownership of transmission facilities, or one or more contracts or service agreements for firm transmission service, holds firm transmission rights for delivery of the output of the generation facilities or the purchased energy to meet the service obligation.
(2) Any load-serving entity described in paragraph (1) is entitled to use the firm transmission rights, or, equivalent tradable or financial transmission rights, in order to deliver the output or purchased energy, or the output of other generating facilities or purchased energy to the extent deliverable using the rights, to the extent required to meet the service obligation of the load-serving entity.
(3)
(A) To the extent that all or a portion of the service obligation covered by the firm transmission rights or equivalent tradable or financial transmission rights is transferred to another load-serving entity, the successor load-serving entity shall be entitled to use the firm transmission rights or equivalent tradable or financial transmission rights associated with the transferred service obligation.
(B) Subsequent transfers to another load-serving entity, or back to the original load-serving entity, shall be entitled to the same rights.
(4) The Commission shall exercise the authority of the Commission under this chapter in a manner that facilitates the planning and expansion of transmission facilities to meet the reasonable needs of load-serving entities to satisfy the service obligations of the load-serving entities, and enables load-serving entities to secure firm transmission rights (or equivalent tradable or financial rights) on a long-term basis for long-term power supply arrangements made, or planned, to meet such needs.
(c) Allocation of transmission rights
(d) Certain transmission rights
(e) Obligation to build
(f) Contracts
(g) Water pumping facilities
(h) ERCOT
(i) Jurisdiction
(j) TVA area
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), for purposes of subsection (b)(1)(B), a load-serving entity that is located within the service area of the Tennessee Valley Authority and that has a firm wholesale power supply contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority shall be considered to hold firm transmission rights for the transmission of the power provided.
(2) Nothing in this subsection affects the requirements of section 824k(j) of this title.
(3) The Commission shall not issue an order on the basis of this subsection that is contrary to the purposes of section 824k(j) of this title.
(k) Effect of exercising rights
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 217, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1233(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 957.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824q

§ 824r. Protection of transmission contracts in the Pacific Northwest
(a) Definition of electric utility or personIn this section, the term “electric utility or person” means an electric utility or person that—
(1) as of August 8, 2005, holds firm transmission rights pursuant to contract or by reason of ownership of transmission facilities; and
(2) is located—
(A) in the Pacific Northwest, as that region is defined in section 839a of this title; or
(B) in that portion of a State included in the geographic area proposed for a regional transmission organization in Commission Docket Number RT01–35 on the date on which that docket was opened.
(b) Protection of transmission contractsNothing in this chapter confers on the Commission the authority to require an electric utility or person to convert to tradable or financial rights—
(1) firm transmission rights described in subsection (a); or
(2) firm transmission rights obtained by exercising contract or tariff rights associated with the firm transmission rights described in subsection (a).
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 218, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1235, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 960.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824r

§ 824s. Transmission infrastructure investment
(a) Rulemaking requirement
(b) ContentsThe rule shall—
(1) promote reliable and economically efficient transmission and generation of electricity by promoting capital investment in the enlargement, improvement, maintenance, and operation of all facilities for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce, regardless of the ownership of the facilities;
(2) provide a return on equity that attracts new investment in transmission facilities (including related transmission technologies);
(3) encourage deployment of transmission technologies and other measures to increase the capacity and efficiency of existing transmission facilities and improve the operation of the facilities; and
(4) allow recovery of—
(A) all prudently incurred costs necessary to comply with mandatory reliability standards issued pursuant to section 824o of this title; and
(B) all prudently incurred costs related to transmission infrastructure development pursuant to section 824p of this title.
(c) Incentives
(d) Just and reasonable rates
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 219, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1241, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 961.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824s

§ 824s–1. Incentives for cybersecurity investments
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Advanced cybersecurity technology
(2) Advanced cybersecurity technology information
(b) StudyNot later than 180 days after November 15, 2021, the Commission, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, shall conduct a study to identify incentive-based, including performance-based, rate treatments for the transmission and sale of electric energy subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission that could be used to encourage—
(1) investment by public utilities in advanced cybersecurity technology; and
(2) participation by public utilities in cybersecurity threat information sharing programs.
(c) Incentive-based rate treatmentNot later than 1 year after the completion of the study under subsection (b), the Commission shall establish, by rule, incentive-based, including performance-based, rate treatments for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce and the sale of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce by public utilities for the purpose of benefitting consumers by encouraging—
(1) investments by public utilities in advanced cybersecurity technology; and
(2) participation by public utilities in cybersecurity threat information sharing programs.
(d) Factors for considerationIn issuing a rule pursuant to this section, the Commission may provide additional incentives beyond those identified in subsection (c) in any case in which the Commission determines that an investment in advanced cybersecurity technology or information sharing program costs will reduce cybersecurity risks to—
(1) defense critical electric infrastructure (as defined in section 824o–1(a) of this title) and other facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission that are critical to public safety, national defense, or homeland security, as determined by the Commission in consultation with—
(A) the Secretary of Energy;
(B) the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
(C) other appropriate Federal agencies; and
(2) facilities of small or medium-sized public utilities with limited cybersecurity resources, as determined by the Commission.
(e) Ratepayer protection
(1) In generalAny rate approved under a rule issued pursuant to this section, including any revisions to that rule, shall be subject to the requirements of sections 824d and 824e of this title that all rates, charges, terms, and conditions—
(A) shall be just and reasonable; and
(B) shall not be unduly discriminatory or preferential.
(2) Prohibition of duplicate recovery
(f) Single-issue rate filings
(g) Protection of information
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 219A, as added Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title I, § 40123, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 951; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, § 7143(d)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3663.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824s-1

§ 824t. Electricity market transparency rules
(a) In general
(1) The Commission is directed to facilitate price transparency in markets for the sale and transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce, having due regard for the public interest, the integrity of those markets, fair competition, and the protection of consumers.
(2) The Commission may prescribe such rules as the Commission determines necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section. The rules shall provide for the dissemination, on a timely basis, of information about the availability and prices of wholesale electric energy and transmission service to the Commission, State commissions, buyers and sellers of wholesale electric energy, users of transmission services, and the public.
(3) The Commission may—
(A) obtain the information described in paragraph (2) from any market participant; and
(B) rely on entities other than the Commission to receive and make public the information, subject to the disclosure rules in subsection (b).
(4) In carrying out this section, the Commission shall consider the degree of price transparency provided by existing price publishers and providers of trade processing services, and shall rely on such publishers and services to the maximum extent possible. The Commission may establish an electronic information system if it determines that existing price publications are not adequately providing price discovery or market transparency. Nothing in this section, however, shall affect any electronic information filing requirements in effect under this chapter as of August 8, 2005.
(b) Exemption of information from disclosure
(1) Rules described in subsection (a)(2), if adopted, shall exempt from disclosure information the Commission determines would, if disclosed, be detrimental to the operation of an effective market or jeopardize system security.
(2) In determining the information to be made available under this section and time to make the information available, the Commission shall seek to ensure that consumers and competitive markets are protected from the adverse effects of potential collusion or other anticompetitive behaviors that can be facilitated by untimely public disclosure of transaction-specific information.
(c) Information sharing
(1) Within 180 days of August 8, 2005, the Commission shall conclude a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission relating to information sharing, which shall include, among other things, provisions ensuring that information requests to markets within the respective jurisdiction of each agency are properly coordinated to minimize duplicative information requests, and provisions regarding the treatment of proprietary trading information.
(2) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit or affect the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
(d) Exemption from reporting requirements
(e) Penalties for violations occurring before notice
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall be subject to any civil penalty under this section with respect to any violation occurring more than 3 years before the date on which the person is provided notice of the proposed penalty under section 825o–1 of this title.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in any case in which the Commission finds that a seller that has entered into a contract for the sale of electric energy at wholesale or transmission service subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission has engaged in fraudulent market manipulation activities materially affecting the contract in violation of section 824v of this title.
(f) ERCOT utilities
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 220, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1281, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 978.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824t

§ 824u. Prohibition on filing false information

No entity (including an entity described in section 824(f) of this title) shall willfully and knowingly report any information relating to the price of electricity sold at wholesale or the availability of transmission capacity, which information the person or any other entity knew to be false at the time of the reporting, to a Federal agency with intent to fraudulently affect the data being compiled by the Federal agency.

(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 221, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1282, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 979.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824u

§ 824v. Prohibition of energy market manipulation
(a) In general
(b) No private right of action
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 222, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1283, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 979.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824v

§ 824w. Joint boards on economic dispatch
(a) In general
(b) Membership
(c) Powers
(d) Report to the Congress
(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. II, § 223, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XII, § 1298, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 986.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 824w