FERC has updated
the Supporting Statement to reflect a clarification in the
assumptions regarding burden calculation. In addition, FERC has
corrected the Annual Cost to Federal Government calculation in both
the Supporting Statement and in ROCIS.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2012
36 Months From Approved
09/30/2009
168
0
96
168,275
0
92,947
0
0
0
The data filed under FERC-545 applies
to general rate change applications filed by natural gas companies
under section 4(e) of the NGA to reflect changes in rates based
generally upon the pipeline companys overall costs for all rates,
and charges made, demanded, or received in connection with the
transportation of natural gas. Setting just and reasonable rates
require a balancing of equities between the interests of the
pipeline and its ratepayers. FERC sets rates for interstate
pipeline services in a number of proceedings. For example, when a
pipeline files to increase its rates, it makes a filing with FERC
under Section 4 of the NGA. These types of filings are referred to
as general Section 4 rate cases. In the proceedings, FERC reviews
all of a pipeline's rates and services. A pipeline can file a
general Section 4 rate case anytime it wishes, provided the
pipeline did not agree otherwise in a settlement. A pipeline must
demonstrate that the new rates it proposes to charge are just and
reasonable. When a rate increase filing is made pursuant to Section
4, the application is typically suspended and set for hearing by
FERC Order. Once the application is set for hearing, it is
processed by FERC staff. The issues in the application can be
settled if parties can reach a consensus. However, if the issues
cannot be resolved, they will proceed to a hearing before an
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Whether the case is settled or
proceeds to hearing, FERC will eventually need to act upon the
settlement, or upon the record in the hearing. FERC is requiring in
this Final Rule (RM01-5-000) to require regulated entities filing
under Parts 35, 154, 284, 300 and 341 to make all tariff and rate
case filings, as well as other material involved in these filings
(see above) electronically. The creation of an electronic database
will provide easier access to tariffs and allow the viewing of
proposed tariff sections in context. One of the principal benefits
of such a database is the ability to do historical research into
tariffs. For example, proceedings such as complaints may involve
past tariff provisions that have already been revised by the
utility by the time the complaint is considered by the Commission.
In order to expeditiously process such filings, the Commission, the
parties, and the public need to be able to obtain the tariff
provision that apply to the time period under review, rather than
the currently effective tariff provision.
Final Rule (RM01-5-000) will
assist the Commissions efforts to comply with the Government
Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) by developing the capability to
file electronically with the Commission via the Internet with
uniform formats using software that is readily available and easy
to use and also achieve the Presidents Management Agenda
initiatives of expanding electronic government. The provision of an
electronic database of company tariffs will make such information
available more efficiently and to a broader audience. The database
will provide easier access to tariffs and allow the viewing of
proposed tariff sections in context. One of the principal benefits
of such a database is the ability to do historical research into
tariffs. For example, proceedings such as complaints may involve
past tariff provisions that have already been revised by the
utility by the time the complaint is considered by the Commission.
In order to expeditiously process such filings, the Commission, the
parties, and the public need to be able to obtain the tariff
provision that apply to the time period under review, rather than
the currently effective tariff provision.
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.
FERC Implementation Guide for Electronic Tariff Filing v 0.9.15.08.doc
09-18-08-M-1.pdf
Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)