FERC-545, Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal) (Final Rule RM96-1-43)
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
01/17/2025
Requested
Previously Approved
6 Months From Approved
05/31/2025
1,387
1,382
306,827
306,777
0
0
FERC-545 is required to implement sections 4, 5, and 16 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), (15 USC 717c, 717d, and 717o). NGA Sections 4, 5, and 16 together 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.
The following information is the subject of the FERC-545 information collection: (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). In summary, the Commission uses the FERC-545 information to (1) ensure there are adequate customer protections under section 4 of the NGA; (2) review rates and terms and conditions of service changes by natural gas companies for the transportation and storage of natural gas; (3) provide general industry oversight; and (4) supplement documentation during FERCâs audits process.
The Commission reviews the FERC-545 materials to determine whether proposed transportation and sales rates and terms and conditions of service are just and reasonable. The Commission uses the information to monitor rates and terms and conditions of service related to jurisdictional transportation, natural gas storage, and unbundled sales activities of jurisdictional companies. In addition to fulfilling the Commissionâs obligations under the NGA, the information enables the Commission to monitor the activities and evaluate transactions of the natural gas industry to ensure competitiveness and improved efficiency of the industryâs operations.
Consistent with our practice since Order No. 587-V, each pipeline must designate a single tariff section under which every NAESB WGQ Standard incorporated by reference by the Commission is listed. For each standard, the pipeline must specify in the tariff section or tariff sheet(s) listing all the NAESB standards:
(a) whether the standard is incorporated by reference;
(b) for those standards not incorporated by reference, the tariff provision that complies with the standard; or
(c) for those standards with which the pipeline does not comply, an explanatory statement, including an indication of whether the pipeline has been granted a waiver, extension of time, or other variance with respect to compliance with the standard.
The burden estimates associated with the proposed rule in Docket No. RM96-1-043 are program changes for FERC-545. In the following table, the requested burdens include those in Version 4.0 in Docket No. RM96-1-043. The previous burdens are those approved as a result of the final rule approving Version 3.2.
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 Tariff Filings
RM96-1-043 Final Rule.pdf
Final Rule for RM96-1-043 (Issued) 11.22.2024.docx
Negotiated Rates and Non-Conforming Agreement Filings