The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) published a combined notice of filings on November 25, 2025, in Volume 90 of the Federal Register, announcing a series of submissions received between late September and mid-October 2025. This notice, issued by the Department of Energy, covers electric corporate applications, exempt wholesale generator certifications, a formal complaint, and numerous electric rate filings. It serves to inform the public and stakeholders of these developments, providing opportunities for intervention, protests, or comments by specified deadlines, typically set at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The filings reflect routine yet critical aspects of energy market regulation, including ownership changes, market-based rate authorizations, and compliance with federal standards. Their significance lies in FERC's role in overseeing interstate electricity transmission and wholesale sales, ensuring competitive markets and reliable service amid evolving energy landscapes.
Electric Corporate Filings Under Section 203
FERC received two applications under Section 203 of the Federal Power Act, which requires commission approval for certain transactions involving public utilities, such as mergers or acquisitions that could affect jurisdictional facilities. The first, docketed as EC25-151-000, is a joint application from Carroll County Energy LLC and AL Carroll County Holdings LLC, filed on September 30, 2025, with comments due by December 1, 2025. This likely pertains to a proposed disposition of facilities, though specifics are accessible via FERC's eLibrary system under accession number 20250930-5326.
The second, EC26-7-000, involves Leaning Juniper Wind Power II LLC and Leaning Juniper 2B LLC, filed on October 14, 2025, with a comment deadline of November 4, 2025 (accession 20251014-5420). Section 203 reviews focus on whether transactions are consistent with the public interest, considering factors like market concentration and ratepayer impacts. Precedents such as FERC's 1996 Merger Policy Statement, updated in 2018, guide these evaluations, emphasizing competitive effects. Key players here include renewable energy developers, reflecting the sector's growth in wind power. Perspectives vary: proponents argue such deals enhance efficiency, while critics, including consumer advocates, worry about consolidation reducing competition.
Exempt Wholesale Generator Certifications
One filing falls under exempt wholesale generator (EWG) status, which allows entities to sell power at wholesale without full public utility regulation, provided they meet criteria under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. Docket EG26-18-000 involves Medway Grid LLC's self-certification notice, filed October 14, 2025, with comments due November 4, 2025 (accession 20251014-5341). EWGs are common for independent power producers, and this certification could enable Medway Grid to operate in competitive markets more flexibly. Background includes the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which streamlined EWG processes to encourage investment. Implications include potential short-term market entry for new generation, with long-term effects on grid reliability if scaled up.
Complaints and Compliance in EL Dockets
A notable complaint was filed in docket EL26-5-000 by BP Energy Retail Company LLC against ISO New England Inc. and others, submitted on October 14, 2025, with comments due November 13, 2025 (accession 20251014-5331). This formal grievance likely addresses market rules or operational issues in the New England region, where ISO New England manages the grid and wholesale markets. FERC's complaint process under Section 206 allows parties to challenge unjust rates or practices. Relevant precedents include cases like those involving ISO market designs, such as FERC's rulings on capacity markets in PJM Interconnection. Key players are BP Energy, a major retail supplier, and ISO New England, a regional transmission organization. Different views emerge: complainants may seek fairer market access, while respondents defend existing frameworks for stability. Short-term, this could prompt investigations; long-term, it might influence regional market reforms.
Electric Rate Filings and Market Updates
The bulk of the notice comprises electric rate filings under Section 205, which governs rate changes by public utilities. These include supplements to triennial market power analyses (e.g., ER10-2757-011 for entities like New Harquahala Generating Company LLC, filed October 14, 2025), notices of change in status (e.g., ER12-1725-008 for Birdsboro Power LLC), and compliance filings related to Order No. 2023 on interconnection reforms (e.g., ER24-2042-001 by California ISO).
Several involve New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) compliance with demand response program sunsets (ER19-2276-007 and ER23-2040-004, both effective October 31, 2025). Other filings cover initial market-based rate applications (e.g., ER26-138-000 by Leaning Juniper 2B LLC), annual cost updates (e.g., ER26-139-000 by Midcontinent ISO for Cost of New Entry), and transmission revenue balancing account adjustments (e.g., ER26-140-000 by LS Power Grid California LLC).
These reflect FERC's oversight of market-based rates, requiring periodic demonstrations of lack of market power, as per guidelines in Order No. 697. Political forces include the push for renewable integration and grid modernization, influenced by the Biden administration's clean energy goals, though no direct executive orders are cited here. Implications range from immediate rate adjustments affecting consumers to broader market competitiveness. Stakeholders, including utilities and regulators, offer perspectives: some emphasize innovation, others highlight risks of rate increases.
In summary, this combined notice underscores FERC's procedural role in facilitating public input on energy matters, with filings pointing to active sectors like renewables and regional markets.
