25-22.076. Contents of Petition

Petitions submitted to commence a determination of need proceeding or responses to the Commission’s order commencing a proceeding shall comply with the other requirements of Chapter 25-2, F.A.C., as to form and style and shall contain the following information:

(1) A general description of the existing load and electrical characteristics of the electrical transmission grid including an electrical system map indicating the general location and configuration of existing and the proposed transmission line or lines.

(2) A general description of the proposed transmission line or lines, including the project name, the starting and ending points of the transmission line or lines as defined by the utility, the design and the operating voltage of the proposed transmission line or lines, the approximate cost, and the projected in-service date or dates of the proposed transmission line or lines.

(3) A statement of the specific situations, conditions, contingencies, or other factors which indicate that need exists for the proposed transmission line or lines, including the general time within which the proposed transmission line or lines will be needed. Documentation shall include load flow studies on a peninsular Florida basis, a Gulf Power basis, a Southern Electric System basis or some combination of these and, when applicable, inclusion of adjoining states showing power flows and voltage profiles on the transmission lines in the more critical operating conditions. Load flows should cover the general time period within which the proposed transmission line or lines will be needed, but at the option of the utility, may cover a period of several years. One copy of the complete load flow analysis, including supporting documentation shall be filed with the Commission. The load flow analysis shall identify the load forecasts upon which the load levels are based. Supplemental studies, such as transient stability or short circuit analysis, may be submitted at the option of the utility or upon request of the Commission, if needed to support the need for the proposed transmission line or lines.

(4) A summary discussion of the major alternative transmission lines or transmission improvements which were examined and evaluated by the utility in arriving at the decision to pursue the proposed project. The discussion shall consist of: (a) a general description of the other transmission line alternatives, including, if appropriate, load flow analyses and electrical system diagrams showing power flows and voltage profiles on the transmission lines in the more critical operating conditions and (b) a discussion of the performance of each alternative in terms of economics, reliability, long-term flexibility and usefulness, or other relevant factors.

(5) A statement of the major reason or reasons for adding the proposed transmission line or lines, specifically whether the proposed transmission line or lines will:

(a) Improve or maintain reliability;

(b) Improve intra- or inter-system power transfer capabilities;

(c) Integrate power supply sources;

(d) Correct thermal overloads or low voltage conditions;

(e) Accommodate load growth;

(f) Improve system economics;

(g) Accommodate relocations;

(h) Conserve or displace oil;

(i) Serve any other useful purpose;

(j) Any combination of the above.

(6) A statement of the adverse consequences to the electrical system which will result if the project is delayed or if the Commission denies the application.

(7) An estimate of the time for full project development and an explanation of the factors and considerations which justify the proposed phasing of the project where development of the project will be phased over an extended period of time.

Rulemaking Authority 350.127(2), 403.537(2) FS. Law Implemented 403.537 FS. History–New 12-20-81, Formerly 25-2.131, 25-22.76.