When I last posted on the potential impact of the
Utility MACT rule on electric system reliability, I swore I was
done with the subject. I knew then it was probably a
mistake. Yesterday, FERC announced that it has issued a White Paper on how it will respond to requests
by generators to EPA for an extension of time to comply under the
Utility MACT rule. Since FERC has invited comments on the
White Paper, it seemed worthy of note.
As those who have followed the progress of the MACT rule know,
EPA has allowed a basic compliance period of three years.
EPA has also provided for a one-year extension in some
cases. Beyond that, EPA has provided that facilities which
cannot comply within 4 years and which are critical to electric
system reliability may seek a further extension through an
administrative order. EPA also provided that it will take
comment from experts, including FERC, on applications for such
further extensions.
