In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for 3 years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2013
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2010
85
0
85
9,913
0
9,913
611,446
0
0
FERC-592 is a FERC data collection that includes requirements at: a)18 CFR 250.16, the FERC-592 log/format at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/forms.asp#592, and
b)18 CFR Part 358 (Standards of Conduct).
FERC has the regulatory responsibility under section 4 of the Natural Gas Act to ensure that pipeline rates and terms and conditions of service are just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory. Just and reasonable rates and services are needed to achieve two principal objectives. They should promote competitive and efficient markets, while mitigating market power and preventing undue discrimination, especially for FERC's "prime constituency, captive customers vulnerable to pipelines' market power." In short, FERC's regulatory policy must seek to reconcile the objectives of fostering an efficient market that provides good alternatives to as many shippers as possible while at the same time creating a regulatory framework that is fair and protects captive customers without good alternatives.
In 1987 when the gas pipeline standards of conduct were issued in Order No. 497, the natural gas industry had witnessed a rapid growth of marketing affiliates and FERC was concerned that pipelines were giving their marketing affiliates preferential treatment. As a result, FERC issued certain rules intended to prevent interstate natural gas pipelines from providing preferential treatment to their marketing or brokering affiliates. The Standards of Conduct provided, in general, that pipelines and their marketing affiliates must function independently of each other. FERC reserved the right to impose structural remedies, such as divorcement or divestiture, in specific cases where the circumstances demonstrate they are required. Transmission Providers continue to have economic incentives to show undue preference toward their marketing affiliates.
On 9/23/2009, the FERC issued a 60-day notice; (74FR50176, 9/30/2009) requesting public comment. On 11/3/2009, FERC also issued a ÂRequest For Comment On And Emergency Short-Term Clearance Extension Of OMB Approval For FERC-592Â; (74FR58010, 11/10/2009). No comments were received by FERC on either Notice.
Please note there is no change in burden. However the related industry cost estimate is being included in ROCIS. Previously, it was shown as $0 in ROCIS but was included in the supporting statement.
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.
SUPP STATEMENT FERC-592 12-2-09.doc
FR11_10_09EmergencyRequest.pdf
FERC-592, "Standards of Conduct for Transmission Providers; and Marketing Affiliates of Interstate Pipelines"