In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2018
36 Months From Approved
08/31/2016
2,305
0
2,151
281,720
0
280,445
0
0
0
The Commission uses the FERC-545 information to examine service and tariff provisions related to natural gas transportation and storage services. The following information is the subject of the FERC-545: (1) tariff filings and any related compliance filings; (2) rate case filings and any related compliance filings; (3) informational reports; (4) negotiated rates (5) non-conforming agreement filings and (6) NAESB Activity (tariff portion only related to pipeline activity).
The changes to the FERC-545 in the final rule in Docket RM14-21 are under the first item, "tariff filings and any related compliance filings". Currently, pursuant to sections 154.103 and 154.106 of our regulations, natural gas pipelines must have a system map in their tariffs on file with the Commission and, pursuant to section 284.12(a)(1)(v), on the tariff section of their websites. In order to reduce regulatory burden on these pipelines, the Commission eliminates the requirement that natural gas pipelines have a system map on file with the Commission but retains the requirement to post the system map on their websites. In order to promote transparency, the Commission is modifying its requirement from an annual update to a quarterly deadline for updating pipeline maps on the pipeline's website.
In this Final Rule in Docket RM14-21, the Commission revises its Part 154 regulations concerning interstate natural gas pipeline maps. First, as proposed at the NOPR stage, the Commission is permanently eliminating the requirements that pipelines include system maps in their tariffs. This requires a one-time filing to update those system maps by April 30 of any year following a major system change. Second, while the Commission is retaining the requirement that pipelines maintain a system map on their Internet websites, we revise our regulations to require pipelines to update the online maps no later than the end of the next calendar quarter after a major system change. This Final Rule is designed to reduce the regulatory burden on pipelines and to enhance transparency.
The burden estimates presented within this clearance package reflect the time necessary for respondents to update their tariffs according to the final rule, as well as the burden reduction because respondents will no longer have to file system map adjustments. Also, there is a small burden increase to account for the approved requirement that pipelines update their system maps on a more frequent basis than annually. The Commission bases the estimated number of respondents on the number of Natural Gas Act jurisdictional companies with tariffs on file, accounting for companies that have waivers. The Commission assumes that in the first year the only difference in burden for respondents is to make the one time tariff changes estimated at eight hours per respondent. In each year, starting in the second, the Commission estimates that approximately 21 respondents per year will experience a four hour reduction in burden from no longer filing annual system map adjustments with the Commission. Also starting in the second year, the Commission estimates that approximately four respondents will see an increase of four hours per year in order to update their maps more frequently.
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.
RM14-21 Supporting Statement1-22-2015docx.docx
15 USC 717o.pdf
Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)