Economic Development:

Termination of the Common Support Agreement

RCED-83-28, Nov 10, 1982

Contact:

Gerald H. Elsken
(202) 376-9710
contact@gao.gov

 

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

GAO reviewed the efforts of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to terminate the Common Support Agreement between FERC and the Department of Energy (DOE). This termination would transfer from DOE to FERC the responsibility for performing certain administrative functions in support of FERC.

GAO found that estimates of the resources needed to perform the support functions, which were made by FERC, were not based on a complete evaluation. GAO also found that FERC is not yet prepared for an orderly, economical transfer of the administrative support functions from DOE.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendations for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Chairman of FERC in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy should make complete evaluations of the resources which FERC needs in order to assume responsibility for the functions to be transferred, including completion of the evaluations already arranged for.

    Agency Affected: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

    Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

    Recommendation: The Chairman of FERC in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy should prepare a transition plan for the transfer, including: (1) a schedule for acquisition of resources which would provide for installation, testing, and training; (2) a schedule for assuming responsibilities from DOE as FERC completes its preparations to receive them; and (3) provision for DOE system backup to avoid loss of vital information and problems until the FERC systems are operating satisfactorily.

    Agency Affected: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.