; and (B) a utility owned or operated by 1 or more of the authorities described in subparagraph (A), including a joint action agency or similar entity. (2) Exclusions The term eligible entity does not include— (A) the Secretary; or (B) the Commission. (b) Request for designation An eligible entity may submit to the Secretary or the Commission a request to designate information that is in the possession and control of the eligible entity as critical electric infrastructure information by providing to the Secretary or the Commission, as applicable, a description of— (1) the nature of the information for which the designation is requested; and (2) the basis for the designation. (c) Timing; effect; future information (1) Timing (A) Submission A request under subsection (b) may be submitted to the Secretary or the Commission at any time, including after disclosure of the relevant information has been requested under any applicable law requiring public disclosure of information or records. (B) Treatment of submitted information On receipt of a request under subsection (b), the Secretary or the Commission, as applicable, shall treat the information that is the subject of the request as critical electric infrastructure information until the earlier of— (i) the date on which the Secretary or the Commission, as applicable, designates the information as critical electric infrastructure information