In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2017
36 Months From Approved
08/31/2014
62
0
88
9,920
0
1,232
0
0
0
FERC-600 was created in Order No. 602 to enable FERC to reorganize its existing complaint procedures to ensure that all complaints would be handled efficiently.
Complaints may be filed by interested/affected parties regarding oil, natural gas, electric and hydropower operations, facilities, and services. The data in complaints are used by the Commission in establishing a basis to make an initial determination regarding the merits of the complaint and whether or not to undertake further investigation or provide relief. Investigations may range from whether there is undue discrimination in rates or services to questions regarding market power of regulated entities to environmental concerns. In order to make an informed determination, it is important to know the specifics underlying any oil, gas, electric, and hydropower complaint "up-front" in a timely manner and in sufficient detail to allow the Commission to act swiftly. In addition, such complaint data help the Commission and interested parties to monitor, e.g., the market for undue discrimination or exercises of market power. The information submitted is voluntary but submitted pursuant to prescribed filing requirements. The Commission implements these filing requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR Parts 343 and 385.206.
There are no program changes or revisions to FERC-600 reporting requirements. However, for this 2014 clearance request, we have re-evaluated the time and effort involved in preparing and filing a complaint, in light of the current complexities of the industries regulated by FERC. There thus are adjustments to:
-Increase the burden per response (to 160 hours, rather than 14 hours) to reflect the current complexities of the industries, and the issues that have not been resolved between the parties and are being submitted to FERC
-Decrease the average number of annual respondents and responses (to 62, rather than 88). (This figure fluctuates annually, and reflects more current data.)
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.