Pursuant to 5
CFR 1320.11(c), OMB files this comment on this information
collection request (ICR) associated with the RM 96-1-037 proposed
rule. In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is withholding approval at
this time. The agency shall examine public comment in response to
the proposed rule and will include in the supporting statement of
the ICR, to be submitted to OMB at the final rule stage, a
description of how the agency has responded to any public comments
received on the ICR.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2012
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2013
168
0
168
169,955
0
169,955
0
0
0
The data filed under FERC-545 applies
to the 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 company's 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. The Commission 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 the Commission under section 4 of the NGA. These types
of filings are referred to as general section 4 rate cases. In the
proceedings, the Commission 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 a Commission Order. Once the
application is set for hearing, it is processed by Commission
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 hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. (ALJ)
Whether the case is settled or proceeds to hearing, the Commission
will eventually need to act upon settlement, or upon the record in
the hearing. In this rulemaking, the Commission proposes to require
jurisdictional entities to file tariff records that reflect the
adoption of version 2.0 of the standards.
The proposals in the NOPR
would, if implemented, upgrade the Commission's current business
practices and communication standards by specifically: (1) adding
and revising standards allowing the elimination of EDI requirements
for Capacity Release Upload information; (2) creating and modifying
existing information posting requirements for websites and
browsers; (3) requiring pipelines to provide security information;
(4) providing for the posting of information on waste heat recovery
feasibility on the Internet; (5) modifying pipeline notice content
and creating new pipeline notice types; and (6) creating standards
to ensure NAESB data format is consistent with other data reporting
via the Internet by using CSV. The implementation of these data
requirements will provide additional transparency to informational
posting web sites and will improve communication standards,
including gas-electric communications. The implementation of these
standards and regulations will promote the additional efficiency
and reliability of the gas industry's operations thereby helping
the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under the Natural
Gas Act of promoting the efficiency and reliability of the gas
industry's operations. In addition, the Commission's Office of
Enforcement will use the data for general industry oversight. In
addition to the program changes in the burden due to the NOPR, the
Commission is making adjustments for changes in the number of
respondents.
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.
RM96-1-037 NOPR SS v4.doc
NAESB report v2-0 of standards.pdf
Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)