Federal Electric Power: Controversy Relating to Construction of Transmission Lines
RCED-89-43
Published: Dec 06, 1988. Publicly Released: Jan 05, 1989.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Western Area Power Administration's (WAPA) justifications for conducting a joint transmission line construction project with other utility companies, particularly its proposed Craig/Bonanza line project, to determine: (1) the extent of WAPA participation in the project's costs and the resulting line capacity; and (2) whether WAPA construction activities comply with its legislative authority.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| The House Subcommittee on Water and Power Resources should consider examining: (1) WAPA transmission construction activities to improve system reliability; and (2) how WAPA may use transmission capacity beyond that needed for its power marketing activities. | The Department of Energy has fully adopted GAO recommended actions, directing WAPA involvement in joint transmission construction projects. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should direct the Administrator, WAPA, to establish a formal policy and implement procedures to direct its involvement in joint transmission construction projects, including a requirement for documenting the basis for and the extent of its participation in individual projects. |
As of March 31, 1990, this recommendation was closed. WAPA developed formal policy and procedures to comply with the recommended action, dated March 1990.
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