In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for 3 years. Upon resubmission, it is suggested the agency update the supporting statement to incorporate both changes and corrections. Further, supporting statements for other collections should include these explanations when applicable (e.g. FERC-516).
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2013
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2011
528
0
440
183,644
0
222,955
27,405,734
0
1,089,000
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is incorporating by reference in its regulations at 18 CFR 38.2 the latest version (Version 002.1) of certain business practice standards adopted by the Wholesale Electric Quadrant (WEQ) of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). NAESBÂs Version 002.1 Standards mainly modify NAESBÂs Version 001 Standards in response to Order Nos. 890, 890-A, and 890-B.al NAESBÂs standards include business practices that streamline the transactional processes of the natural gas and electric industries, as well as communication protocols and related standards designed to improve the efficiency of communication within each industry. NAESB supports all four quadrants of the gas and electric industries  wholesale gas, wholesale electric, retail gas, and retail electric. All participants in the gas and electric industries are eligible to join NAESB and participate in standards development. NAESB develops its standards under a consensus process so that the standards draw support from a wide range of industry members. NAESBÂs procedures are designed to ensure that all industry members can have input into the development of a standard, whether or not they are members of NAESB. Furthermore, each standard the WEQ adopts is supported by a consensus of the six industry segments: transmission, generation, marketer/brokers, distribution/load serving entities, end users, and independent grid operators/planners. FERC-717 covers the standards for business practices and electronic communications of public utilities.
FERC issued a Final Rule incorporating by reference in its regulations at 18 CFR 38.2 the latest version (Version 002.1) of certain business practice standards adopted by the Wholesale Electric Quadrant (WEQ) of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). In addition, FERC is proposing, consistent with its regulations at 18 CFR 35.28(c)(1)(vii), to require each public utility to revise its OATT to include Version 002.1 WEQ standards. For standards that do not require implementing tariff provisions, FERC is permitting the public utility to incorporate the WEQ standard by reference in its OATT. FERC's estimates for the annual reporting burden in the Standards for Business Practices and Communication Protocols for Public Utilities Final Rule are anticipated to be 6,336 hours. This increase is attributable to the implementation of business standards and communication protocols. This burden increase is partially offset by a decrease in the number of respondents who have to post the information on their OASIS sites.
The industry burden and cost estimates were corrected on 3/3/2010 (per discussion with OMB on 3/2). All 3 of the IC's now reflect the estimated 176 respondents, and industry cost figures are included. For more details, see the supporting statement and the spreadsheet attached under "Supplemental Documents".
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.
internal spreadsh for supplemental with costs3 9 2010 commentbehind.xls
explanation of cost increase 3 9 2010.doc
SNL Interactive Article.mht
Standards for Business Practices and Communication Protocols