In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2023
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2020
100
0
200
30
0
60
0
0
0
The Commission established its Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) rules in Order Nos. 630 and 630-A. Information provided to the Commission in FERC-603 is necessary to that verification process and essential to keeping critical energy infrastructure information out of the hands of individuals that may do harm to this nation.
Since its initial inception, FERC-603 has been modified to make it more efficient while obtaining the information needed. For example, on November 17, 2016, in Order No. 833, the Commission adopted a Final Rule to implement provisions of the Fixing Americaâs Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) by amending its regulations to add processes for the designation, protection, and sharing of Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information (CEII). The Commission defined the term âCritical Electric Infrastructure Informationâ to include âCritical Energy Infrastructure Informationâ as defined under the Commissionâs regulations and determined to refer to both types of information, collectively, as Critical Energy/Electric Infrastructure Information (CEII).
The current procedures require that each CEII requester file a signed, written request in which he/she provides to the CEII Coordinator detailed information about himself/herself and their need for the information, along with an executed non-disclosure agreement. Commission staff verifies and utilizes this information to determine whether to release the CEII to the requester. Commission staff verifies each requester when each request is made. Information provided to the Commission in FERC-603 is necessary to the verification process and essential to keeping sensitive information out of the hands of individuals that may do harm to this nation.
There are no changes to the current reporting and recordkeeping requirements, other than requiring a signed statement from the requester attesting to the accuracy of the information provided in the request, which was inadvertently omitted from the previous form. The burden has not changed. Since the implementation of Order No. 833 in early 2017, CEII requests have steadily decreased. Moreover, in FY2020, the CEII Coordinator has only received 18 CEII requests to date.
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.