In the final rule in Docket RM12-22
(Order 779; RIN 1902-AE57; 78FR30747, 5/23/2013), FERC directs the
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the
Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), to
submit to the Commission for approval proposed Reliability
Standards that address the impact of geomagnetic disturbances (GMD)
on the reliable operation of the Bulk-Power System. The Commission
directs NERC to implement the directive in two stages. The Public
Reporting Burden and cost related to the rule in Docket RM12-22-000
are covered by, and already included in, the existing FERC-725,
Certification of Electric Reliability Organization; Procedures for
Electric Reliability (OMB Control No. 1902-0225). FERC-725 includes
the ERO's overall responsibility for developing Reliability
Standards, such as the Reliability Standards for Geomagnetic
Disturbances. In general, the FERC-725 contains the following
information collection elements: Self Assessment and ERO
Application: The Commission requires the ERO to submit to FERC a
performance assessment report every five years. The next assessment
is due in 2015. Each of regional entity submits a performance
assessment report to the ERO. Submitting an application to become
an ERO is also part of this collection. Reliability Assessments: 18
CFR 39.11 requires the ERO to assess the reliability and adequacy
of the Bulk-Power System in North America. Subsequently, the ERO
must report to the Commission on its findings. Regional entities
perform similar assessments within individual regions. Currently
the ERO submits to FERC three assessments each year: long term,
winter, and summer. Reliability Standards Development: Under
Section 215 of the FPA the ERO is charged with developing
Reliability Standards. Regional entities may also develop regional
specific standards. Reliability Standards are the principal
mechanism provided FERC to ensure reliability on the Bulk-Power
System. Reliability Compliance: Reliability Standards are mandatory
and enforceable upon approval by FERC. In addition to the specific
information collection requirements contained in each standard
(cleared under other information collections), there are general
compliance, monitoring and enforcement information collection
requirements imposed on applicable entities. Audits, spot checks,
self-certifications, exception data submittals, violation
reporting, and mitigation plan confirmation are included in this
area. Stakeholder Survey: The ERO used a stakeholder survey to
solicit feedback from registered entities in preparation for its
three year performance assessment. The Commission assumes that the
ERO will perform another survey prior to the 2014 performance
assessment. Other Reporting: This category refers to all other
reporting requirements imposed on the ERO or regional entities in
order to comply with the Commission regulations. For example, FERC
may require NERC to submit a special reliability assessment. This
category is mention to capture these types of one-time filings
required of NERC or the Regions. The Commission implements its
responsibilities through 18 CFR Part 39. Without the FERC-725
information, the FERC, ERO, and Regional Entities will not have the
data needed to determine whether sufficient and appropriate
measures are being taken to ensure the reliability of the nation's
electric grid.
US Code:
16
USC 824o Name of Law: Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Commission first estimated
the burden for this collection in 2006, at a time when the
Reliability program was not yet established. In 2009 the Commission
sought renewal of this collection and was able to estimate the
burden more accurately than in 2006. In preparing the current
renewal request package, the Commission closely examined the
current Reliability program and corresponding data. Based on this
research, the Commission found that it is necessary to adjust the
previous burden estimate. The data show that in the area of
Reliability Compliance the number of audits, self-certifications,
spot checks, and mitigation plans has increased. The ERO generally
decides what Reliability Standard requirements will be audited and
which standards will be subject to self-certification. Some of the
increase can be accounted for by NERC's decisions
on what to include and not include for compliance activities in a
given year. The Commission also found that the area of Reliability
Standards development was not included in prior estimates and is
including the associated burden in this renewal. It is important to
note that the Commission does not directly control many of the
variables that cause the burden hours to need adjustment. NERC, in
its role as ERO is charged with the Reliability Standard
development, compliance, enforcement, and monitoring. Each year
NERC issues updated information regarding the focus of audits and
other compliance and monitoring activities. The regional entities
also have some autonomy over compliance activities in their
respective regions, subject to NERC/Commission oversight. The
increase (adjustment) in burden is necessary in order for FERC,
NERC and the Regional Entities to continue to improve the
reliability of the bulk-power system.
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.
corrected docket_LaFleur Statement20130516-3080.pdf
RM12-22 FinalRule_final2 supp state for non-substantive change request.docx
Registered Entities