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)