FERC-545, Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
05/18/2022
02/04/2022
In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2025
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2022
1,363
0
1,410
305,812
0
283,931
0
0
0
FERC-545 is required to implement sections 4, 5, and 16 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), (15 USC 717c-717o, PL 75 688, 52 Stat. 822 and 830). NGA Sections 4, 5, and 16 authorize the Commission to inquire into rate structures and methodologies and to set rates at a just and reasonable level. Specifically, a natural gas company must obtain Commission authorization for all rates and charges made, demanded, or received in connection with the transportation or sale of natural gas in interstate commerce.
Under the NGA, a natural gas companyâs rates must be just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory or preferential. The Commission may act under different sections of the NGA to effect a change in a natural gas companyâs rates. When the Commission reviews changes in rates that a natural gas company has proposed, it is subject to the requirement of section 4(e) of the NGA. Under section 4(e), the natural gas company bears the burden of proving that its proposed rates are just and reasonable. For example, when a pipeline files to increase its rates, it makes a filing with the Commission under section 4 of the NGA. These types of filings are referred to as general section 4 rate cases. In the proceedings, the Commission reviews all of a pipelineâs rates and services. A pipeline can file a general section 4 rate case anytime it wishes, provided the pipeline did not agree otherwise in a settlement. A pipeline must demonstrate that the new rates it proposes to charge are just and reasonable. When a rate increase filing is made pursuant to section 4, the application is typically suspended and set for hearing by a Commission Order. On the other hand, when the Commission seeks to impose its own rate determination, it must do so in compliance with section 5(a) of the NGA. Under section 5, the Commission must first establish that its alternative rate proposal is both just and reasonable.
The Final Rule in RM96-1-041 requires interstate gas pipelines to make a one-time tariff filing to reflect the changes in the updated NAESB standards. Interstate natural gas pipelines are required to conduct their transactions in accordance with the stated terms of their tariffs. The compliance tariff filings made in accordance with the final rule ensure that the pipelines acknowledge their obligation to conduct their business transactions in accordance with Commission requirements, which now include a requirement to comply with the business practice standards incorporated by reference into the Commissionâs regulations as enforceable, mandatory requirements. The tariff filing also provides transparency for customers, as the business practice standards to be followed by the pipeline are specifically identified in the pipelineâs tariff.
In the Final Rule, the Commission amends its regulations at 18 CFR 284.12(a) to incorporate by reference the latest version (Version 3.1) of certain business practice standards adopted by the Wholesale Gas Quadrant (WGQ) of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) applicable to natural gas pipelines. To implement these standards, natural gas pipelines will be required to file tariff sheets to reflect the changed standards. The FERC-545 accounts for the preparation and filing of tariff sheets. Information collection requirements contained within the standards are under FERC-549C, which the Commission is submitting concurrently with this package in a separate ICR.
******Correction to Final Rule RM96-1-42 average of one-time burden spread over years 1-3.
NAESB (Version 3.2)
⢠The PRA aspects of this final rule were approved by OMB. However we are correcting here the no. of responses in the previously approved ICR Reference No: 202108-1902-003. Correction made to the number of responses of the originally stated 178 should actually be 59 (or 178 averaged over 3 years; 178/3=59.333 *rounded).
This created a decrease in responses by -119.16
Changes in estimate for the following:
(The changes in estimate are due normal market fluctuations.)
⢠Tariff Filings
There was a decrease of 20 responses, from 322 to 302 responses.and a decrease of 4,281 hours, from 67,942 to 63,661.
⢠Rate Filings
There was an increase of 40 responses, from 24 to 64 responses and an increase of 14,160 hours, from 8,496 to 22,656.
⢠Informational Reports
There was a decrease of 60 responses, from 237 to 177 and a decrease of 14,100 hours, from 55,695 to 41,595.
⢠Negotiated Rates & Non-Conforming Agreement Filings
There was an increase of respondents from 65 to 69 (645 to 759 responses) creating an increase of 114 responses overall. The total hours increased 26,562, from 150,285 to 176,847.
⢠Market-Base Rates for Storage Filings
There was a decrease of 2 responses, from 4 to 2 responses and a decrease of 460 hours, from 920 to 460.
Overall Net Change Due to All Adjustments in Estimates Described above. These changes results in a net decrease of 47 responses and an increase of 21,881 hours for all FERC-545 components due to correcting, adjusting for a more accurate estimate, and to reflect normal industry adjustments.
$143,806
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Tracy DeMarr 202 502-8187
Reginfo record details
No
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.
Form FERC-545 Sample Tariff Filing
FERC-545 30-day notice (published) 1.26.2022.pdf
FERC-545 30-day notice (Issued) 1.20.22.docx
Negotiated Rates and Non-Conforming Agreement Filings