As we enjoy these first few days of July, and say hello to summer, we are reminded that the compliance filing marathon is NOT OVER YET.  Oh yes folks, as we are wrapping up our EQR filings, annual Form 561 interlock reports, and gearing up for Q2 2014 EQRs that are due by the end of July – we are reminded that there is another compliance monster looming – Form 861, which is an annual filing required by the Energy Information Administration (“EIA”). Form 861 is required for all companies with forward power contracts with physical delivery.  This includes companies that sell energy and promise to deliver it to someone who promises to buy it.  Generally speaking, Retail Energy Marketers – this means you.

So what’s the EIA? When is the form due? What is Form 861? The short answer is that the EIA records energy statistics.  Form 861 is typically due April 30 every year – but is delayed for various reasons this year. Form 861 is what the EIA uses to collect data on retail energy sales and other energy statistics.  Submission of this form is required, and Parties can be fined for failing to send it in. Our contacts at EIA have told us that the due date for Form 861 is delayed this year because there has been an issue with the office of management and budget that has prevented  EIA from clearing their files, as they are required to do so every three years. This means that this year the form will be due on August 5.

And what’s the EIA exactly? According to its mission statement, the EIA “is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment. EIA is the nation’s premier source of energy information and, by law, its data, analyses, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. Government.”

So, there you have it.  Another governmental agency requiring yet another filing from companies in the energy sector.  (No, it never ends.)