In the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) amends its open access regulations governing standards for business practices and electronic communications with interstate natural gas pipelines and public utilities. The FERC is incorporating by reference certain standards promulgated by the Wholesale Gas Quadrant (WGQ) and the Wholesale Electric Quadrant (WEQ) of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). These standards will establish communication protocols between interstate pipelines and power plant operators and transmission owners and operators. Through this rulemaking, FERC is seeking to improve coordination between the gas and electric industries in order to limit miscommunications about scheduling of gas-fired generators. (RM96-1-027)
The subject data collections will be affected because the proposed regulations will require interstate pipelines and public utilities to amend their standards to establish communication protocols between interstate pipelines and power plant operators and transmission owners and operators.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.