Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 25, 2024

Title 25 - Indians last revised: Mar 22, 2024
§ 175.200 - Why does BIA collect revenue from you and the other customers it serves, and how is that revenue used?

(a) The revenue we collect from you and the other customers is authorized by 25 U.S.C. 385c (60 Stat. 895, as amended by 65 Stat. 254).

(b) The revenue we collect may be used to:

(1) Pay for operation and maintenance of the utility;

(2) Maintain Reserve Funds to:

(i) Make repairs and replacements to the utility;

(ii) Defray emergency expenses;

(iii) Ensure the continuous operation of the power system; and

(iv) Pay other allowable expenses and obligations to the extent required or permitted by law.

§ 175.205 - When are BIA rates and fees reviewed?

We review our rates and fees at least annually to:

(a) Determine if our financial requirements are being met to ensure the reliable operation of the utility serving you; and

(b) Determine if revenues are sufficient to meet the statutory requirements.

§ 175.210 - What is BIA's procedure for adjusting service fees?

If, based on our annual review, we determine our service fees need to be adjusted:

(a) We will notify you at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the adjustment; and

(b) We will publish a schedule of the adjusted service fees in a local newspaper(s) and post them in the local utility office serving you.

§ 175.215 - What is BIA's procedure for adjusting electric power rates?

Except for purchased power costs, if we determine electric power rates need to be adjusted, we will:

(a) Hold public meetings and notify you of their respective time, date, and location by newspaper notice and a notice posted in the utility office serving you;

(b) Provide you notice at least 15 days prior to the meeting;

(c) Provide you a description of the proposed rate adjustment;

(d) Provide you information on how, where, and when to submit comments on our proposed rate adjustment;

(e) Make a final determination on the proposed rate adjustment after all comments have been received, reviewed, and evaluated; and

(f) Publish the proposed rate adjustment and the final rate in the Federal Register if we determine the rate adjustment is necessary.

§ 175.220 - How long do rate and fee adjustments stay in effect?

These adjustments remain in effect until we conduct a review and determine adjustments are necessary.

§ 175.225 - What is the Federal Register, and where can I get it?

The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of official actions by Federal agencies and organizations, as well as Executive Orders and other Presidential Documents and is produced by the Government Printing Office (GPO). You can get Federal Register publications by:

(a) Visiting www.federalregister.gov or www.gpo.gov/fdsys;

(b) Writing to the GPO at Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; or

(c) Calling the GPO at (202) 512-1800.

§ 175.230 - Why are changes to purchased power costs not included in the procedure for adjusting electric power rates?

Changes to purchased power costs are not included in the procedure for adjusting electric power rates because unforeseen increases in the cost of purchased power are:

(a) Not under our control;

(b) Determined by current market rates; and

(c) Subject to market fluctuations that can occur at an undetermined time and frequency.

§ 175.235 - How does BIA include changes in purchased power costs in electric power rates?

When our cost of purchased power changes:

(a) We determine the effect of the change;

(b) We adjust the purchased power component of your bill accordingly;

(c) We add the purchased power adjustment to the existing electric power rate and put it into effect immediately;

(d) The purchased power adjustment remains in effect until we determine future adjustments are necessary;

(e) We must publish in the local newspaper and post at our office a notice of the purchase power adjustment and the basis for the adjustment; and

(f) Our decision to make a purchased power adjustment must be final.

authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 13; 25 U.S.C. 385c; 43 Stat. 475-76; 45 Stat. 210-13; 49 Stat. 1039-40; 49 Stat. 1822-23; 54 Stat. 422; 62 Stat. 269-73; 65 Stat. 254; 99 Stat. 319-20
source: 83 FR 61119, Nov. 28, 2018, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 25 CFR 175.235