In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is withholding approval at this time. Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency must submit to OMB a summary of all comments related to the information collection contained in the proposed rule and the agency response. The agency should clearly indicate any changes made to the information collection as a result of these comments.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2010
36 Months From Approved
06/30/2010
43
0
43
4,945
0
4,945
0
0
0
The FERC Form 2-A is a financial and operating report for natural gas rate regulation for major pipeline owners. A Ânonmajor pipeline owner is one that has combined gas sales for resale and has gas transported or stored for a fee that exceeds 200,000 Dth but which is less than 50 million Dth, in each of the three previous calendar years. Under the Form 2-A, the Commission investigates, collects and records data, and prescribes rules and regulations concerning accounts, records and memoranda as necessary to administer the NGA. The Commission is empowered to prescribe a system of accounts for jurisdictional gas pipelines and after notice and opportunity for hearing, may determine the accounts in which particular outlays and receipts will be entered, charged or credited.
The information maintained and collected under the requirements of Part 141 is essential to the CommissionÂs oversight duties. The data now reported in the forms does not provide sufficient information to the Commission and the public to permit an evaluation of the filers jurisdictional rates. Since the triennial restatement of rates requirement was abolished and pipelines are no longer required to submit this information, the need for current and relevant data is greater than in the past. The information collection proposed in the NOPR will increase the forms usefulness to both the public and the Commission. Without this information, it is difficult for the Commission and the public to perform an assessment of pipeline costs, and thereby help to ensure that rates are just and reasonable.
The Commission has determined that dependable, affordable, competitive wholesale energy markets require an adequate infrastructure, balanced market rules, and vigilant oversight. This proposed rule helps in achieving the goal of vigilant oversight by providing the Commission with more timely, relevant, reliable and understandable information from jurisdictional participants in the energy markets. Since the last submission of FERC Form 2-A there has been an adjustment to the number of respondents who file the Form 2-A. This has resulted in an increase of one respondent.
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 2-A Annual Report of Nonmajor Natural Gas Companies
Chairman's comments.doc
Annual Report of Nonmajor Natural Gas Companies