This is 1 of 3 ICRs (for FERC-545, FERC-549, and FERC-550) related to the CID (company i.d.) and agent front-end, administrative changes in Dockets RM07-16 and RM01-5. The changes affect interstate and intrastate gas pipelines and oil pipelines. The other reporting and recordkeeping requirements are not affected. (Similar front-end changes were made for electric utilities filing the EQR under Docket RM12-3 and were submitted to OMB for review under FERC-920, Electric Quarterly Report, OMB No. 1902-0255. Those reporting requirements are pending OMB review in ICR No. 201302-1902-003.)
FERC-549 is required to implement the statutory provisions governed by Sections 311 and 312 of the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) (15 USC 3371-3372) and Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) (15 U.S.C. 717f). The reporting requirements for implementing these provisions are contained in 18 Code of Federal regulations (CFR) Part 284.
Rates and Charges for Intrastate Pipelines. 18 CFR 284.123(b) provides that intrastate gas pipeline companies and local distribution companies not subject to Commission jurisdiction pursuant to section 1(c) of the NGA with blanket transportation authority pursuant to 18 CFR 284.224 file for Commission approval of rates for services performed in the interstate transportation of gas. An intrastate gas pipeline company may elect to use rates contained in one of its then effective transportation rate schedules on file with an appropriate state regulatory agency for intrastate service comparable to the interstate service OR file proposed rates and supporting information showing the rates are cost based and are fair and equitable. 150 days after the application is filed the rate is deemed to be fair and equitable unless the Commission either extends the time for action, institutes a proceeding or issues an order providing for rates it deems to be fair and equitable.
18 CFR 284.123(e) requires that within 30 days of commencement of new service any intrastate pipeline engaging in the transportation of gas in interstate commerce must file a statement that includes the interstate rates and a description of how the pipeline will engage in the transportation services, including operating conditions. If an intrastate gas pipeline company changes its operations or rates it must amend the statement on file with the Commission. Such amendment is to be filed not later than 30 days after commencement of the change in operations or change in rate election.
Market-Based Rates for Storage. In 2006, the Commission established criteria for obtaining market-based rates for storage services offered under 18 CFR 284.501-505. First, the Commission modified its market-power analysis to better reflect the competitive alternatives to storage. Second, pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Commission promulgated rules to implement section 4(f) of the Natural Gas Act, to permit underground natural gas storage service providers that are unable to show that they lack market power to negotiate market-based rates in circumstances where market-based rates are in the public interest and necessary to encourage the construction of the storage capacity in the area needing storage services, and where customers are adequately protected. These revisions were intended to facilitate the development of new natural gas storage capacity while protecting customers.
The Commission is revising the company registration process for interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines and oil pipelines with respect to the filing of electronic tariffs (eTariff). These procedures are expected to take effect no sooner than 7/12/2013. To improve security and the filing process, the Commission is adopting a revised method of authenticating filings requiring the use of a company registration number. Under this system, the filer will maintain a list of eRegistered agents which it has authorized to submit filings on its behalf. A filer can designate multiple individuals as its agents. The agent will use its eRegistration account to log onto FERC Online
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.
dropdown_picklist screenshots.docx
clean_Company Registration Manual 7-19-2013.doc
SuppNoticeTechConf20130412154711-RM07-16-000.pdf
Market Based Rates (18 CFR 284.501-505)