Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)

OMB Control No: 1902-0154	ICR Reference No: 200904-1902-003
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 200810-1902-004
Agency/Subagency: FERC	Agency Tracking No: FERC-545
Title: Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 08/02/2009
Retrieve Notice of Action (NOA)	Date Received in OIRA: 05/01/2009
Terms of Clearance:

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	08/31/2012	36 Months From Approved	03/31/2012
Responses	168	0	168
Time Burden (Hours)	169,955	0	168,275
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

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Abstract: The data filed under FERC-545 applies to general rate change applications filed by natural gas companies under section 4(e) of the NGA to reflect changes in rates based generally upon the pipeline company’s overall costs for all rates, and charges made, demanded, or received in connection with the transportation of natural gas. Setting just and reasonable rates require a balancing of equities between the interests of the pipeline and its ratepayers. FERC sets rates for interstate pipeline services in a number of proceedings. For example, when a pipeline files to increase its rates, it makes a filing with FERC under Section 4 of the NGA. These types of filings are referred to as general Section 4 rate cases. In the proceedings, FERC reviews all of a pipeline's 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 FERC Order. Once the application is set for hearing, it is processed by FERC staff. The issues in the application can be settled if parties can reach a consensus. However, if the issues cannot be resolved, they will proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Whether the case is settled or proceeds to hearing, FERC will eventually need to act upon the settlement, or upon the record in the hearing. This Final Rule upgrades the Commission’s current business practice and communication standards to the latest edition approved by the NAESB WGQ (i.e., the Version 1.8 Standards).

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 15 USC 717-717w Name of Law: Natural Gas Act    US Code: 16 USC 824 et. al. Name of Law: Federal Power Act    PL: Pub.L. 103 - 272 or 49 U.S.C. A. Section 1. Name of Law: Interstate Commerce Act    US Code: 15 USC 3301 et. al. Name of Law: Natural Gas Policy Act

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: PL: Pub.L. 109 - 58 312 Name of Law: Energy Policy Act 2005

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
1902-AD21	Final or interim final rulemaking	74 FR 9162	03/03/2009

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Federal Register Notices & Comments

Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? Yes

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title Form No. Form Name Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	168	168	0	0	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	169,955	168,275	0	1,680	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Changing Regulations

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: This Final Rule will upgrade the Commission's current business practice and communication standards to the latest edition approved by the NAESB WGQ (i.e., the Version 1.8 Standards). The implementation of these standards is necessary to increase the efficiency of the pipeline grid, make pipelines’ electronic communications more secure. Requiring such information ensures both a common means of communication and common business practices that provide participants engaged in transactions with interstate pipelines with timely information and uniform business procedures across multiple pipelines.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $1,326,501

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Is the Supporting Statement intended to be a Privacy Impact Assessment required by the E-Government Act of 2002? No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? Uncollected

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? Uncollected

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

Agency Contact: Kay Morice 202 502-6507 [email protected]

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:
		(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;
		(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;
		(c) It reduces burden on small entities;
		(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;
		(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;
		(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;
		(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:
			(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;
		(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.
		(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and
		(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.
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.
Certification Date: 05/01/2009

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