efficient utilization of resources; requires maximum protection of our environment in the construction of new hydroelectric projects and natural gas transmission lines consistent with the Nation's needs for adequate and reliable electric power and natural gas services; and allocates resources consistent with the public interest under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act.

In addition, the FPC prescribes and enforces a uniform system of accounts for regulated electric utilities and natural gas pipeline companies.

To assure an abundant supply of electric energy throughout the United States with the greatest possible economy and with regard for the proper utilization and conservation of natural resources, the FPC has the authority and directive to divide the Nation into regional districts for the voluntary interconnection and coordination of facilities for generation, transmission, and sale of electric energy. The FPC reviews the electric utility industry's long-range planning for bulk power supply reliability and adequacy as reported by the Regional Reliability Councils and investigates instances of unreliable operation. Primary electric power consumption, costs, requirements, and supply capabilities, and the relationship of electric energy to overall national energy use, are analyzed and projected.

The Commission also regulates some securities, mergers, consolidations, and acquisitions of electric utilities, as well as their accounting.

It publishes staff river basin appraisals for use in licensing projects. It also reviews plans for dams proposed by other Federal agencies and makes. recommendations concerning facilities for the development of hydroelectric power.

The FPC is responsible for allocating the costs of certain Federal projects, and participates in the allocation of costs of other projects. It determines headwater benefit charges

against owners of non-Federal water power projects benefited by upstream improvements built by the United States or other licensees.

The Commission also requires development of recreational facilities for the general public at licensed hydroelectric projects.

The Commission reviews rates for the sale of electric power from certain Federal hydroelectric projects. In addition, it participates with other agencies in coordinating development and utilization of the Nation's water and related land resources.

In April 1972, the FPC completed publication of its 1970 National Power Survey, which outlines the probable patterns of development of the Nation's electric power industry through 1990. A continuing National Power Survey activity is the examination of major ? problems and issues currently affecting the industry's future development. Several reports have already been published as a part of that activity.

In the area of natural gas, the FPC issues certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transportation and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, and for the importation and exportation of gas. The FPC is concerned with broad aspects of the public interest, including prevention of undue vironment, adequacy of supplies and discrimination, protection of the ensafety of facilities, proper financing, and rate form and level. The Commission also allocates available supplies of interstate natural gas, on the basis of end use, during periods of shortage to assure the best use of available supplies. It has established a set of priorities of service, based on how the gas is ultimately used, for pipelines to follow when it is necessary to curtail deliveries of gas to their wholesale or industrial customers. When these matters are con

tested, or the public interest otherwise so requires, it holds public hearings so that issues can be resolved in the overall public interest.

The Commission reviews proposed changes in rates by interstate pipelines and independent producers, and initiates rate investigations on its own motion or on the filing of a complaint. It determines just and reasonable rates for interstate sales by independent producers and has established just and reasonable rates for various producing areas of the country. In June 1974 it instituted a nationwide rate for gas from wells commenced after January 1, 1973, and new dedications after that

date. The Commission also provided

for biennial reviews which will be concerned with the most recent cost of finding and producing new gas dedicated to interstate commerce. A nationwide rate for gas flowing from wells commenced before January 1, 1973, and sold in interstate commerce was established by the Commission December 31, 1975. The national rates superseded the ceiling rates previously established for each of the Nation's major gas-producing areas.

The FPC collects data and prepares reports on national gas supply and demand, supplemental supplies of gas such as liquefied natural gas and synthetic gas, research and development expenditures. It also conducts special studies of gas reserves, including auditing of reserves reported to be shut-in or uncommitted.

In Fiscal Year 1971 the Commission initiated a National Gas Survey to compile extensive information on the natural gas industry. Publication of the five-volume survey was completed in August 1975 with the release of Volume I, containing the Commission's summary and recommendations. The data gathered by the Survey is used in the Commission's regulatory decisionmaking, as well as in the formulation of future natural gas policy.

The Commission in 1973 initiated a Regulatory Information System to assist in organizing and analyzing the massive amount of data which it receives and generates. RIS will be fully electronic and will serve all levels of

management. The initial phase of the RIS will be fully developed during 1976 and will begin to collect annual 1976 data. In addition to being an integral part of the FPC regulatory process, the System will make records promptly available to the public and will permit expeditious responses to specific inquiries from individuals, State regulatory commissions, and other Government agencies.

Sources of Information

Inquiries on the following subjects or

any other matter concerning FPC should be directed to the specified office, Federal Power Commission, 825 North Capitol Street NE., Washington, D.C. 20426.

READING ROOM

Room 1000, Office of Public Information. Contains or provides access to all the Commission's public files, documents, publications and all other public information. Phone, 202-275-4006.

PUBLICATIONS

A list of publications issued by the FPC and other general information concerning the FPC's regulatory activities are available upon request from the Office of Public Information.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental impact statements are available for inspection and copying in the Office of Public Information.

CONTRACTS

FPC contracts are primarily for environmental impact analyses, energy related studies, and ADP equipment and services. No construction or building maintenance services are contracted. Practically all office equipment, supplies and related services are obtained through the General Services Adminis tration. For further information, contact the Director, Office of Administrative Operations, Room 3106, North Building.

EMPLOYMENT

Various civil service registers and examinations are used in the selection of new employees. Employment inquiries and applications should be directed to the Director, Office of Personnel Programs.

CONSUMER ACTIVITIES

FPC's regulatory activities do not directly affect ultimate consumers of electric power and natural gas; consumers may be indirectly affected when distributors of these commodities reflect in their rates and services FPC actions on the wholesale level. Retail rates, or those to the ultimate consumer, are generally under the jurisdiction of local and State public service commissions. Questions on retail rates or quality of

electric or gas service should be directed to the appropriate State public service commission.

REGULATORY INFORMATION SYSTEM

The Office of Regulatory Information Systems is charged with implementing and directing the fully electronic data management program. Questions should be directed to the Assistant Executive Director for Regulatory Information Systems.

For further information, contact the Office of Public Information, Federal Power Commission, 825 North Capitol Street NE., Washington, D.C. 20426.

Approved.

RICHARD L. DUNHAM, Chairman.

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM