Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
FERC Implementation Guide for Electronic Tariff Filing v 0.9.15.08.doc Supplementary Document	2009-03-16
09-18-08-M-1.pdf Supplementary Document	2008-10-03
RM01-5-000 (Supp)Final Rule OMB JustificationI.doc Supporting Statement A	2009-03-16

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
44004	Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-formal)	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 1902-0154	ICR Reference No: 200810-1902-004
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 200606-1902-009
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 with change	Conclusion Date: 03/23/2009
	Date Received in OIRA: 10/03/2008
Terms of Clearance: FERC has updated the Supporting Statement to reflect a clarification in the assumptions regarding burden calculation. In addition, FERC has corrected the Annual Cost to Federal Government calculation in both the Supporting Statement and in ROCIS.

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	03/31/2012	36 Months From Approved	09/30/2009
Responses	168	0	96
Time Burden (Hours)	168,275	0	92,947
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. FERC is requiring in this Final Rule (RM01-5-000) to require regulated entities filing under Parts 35, 154, 284, 300 and 341 to make all tariff and rate case filings, as well as other material involved in these filings (see above) electronically. The creation of an electronic database will provide easier access to tariffs and allow the viewing of proposed tariff sections in context. One of the principal benefits of such a database is the ability to do historical research into tariffs. For example, proceedings such as complaints may involve past tariff provisions that have already been revised by the utility by the time the complaint is considered by the Commission. In order to expeditiously process such filings, the Commission, the parties, and the public need to be able to obtain the tariff provision that apply to the time period under review, rather than the currently effective tariff provision.

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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-AC19	Final or interim final rulemaking	73 FR 57515	10/03/2008

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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	96	0	72	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	168,275	92,947	0	5,218	70,110	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: Final Rule (RM01-5-000) will assist the Commission’s efforts to comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) by developing the capability to file electronically with the Commission via the Internet with uniform formats using software that is readily available and easy to use and also achieve the President’s Management Agenda initiatives of expanding electronic government. The provision of an electronic database of company tariffs will make such information available more efficiently and to a broader audience. The database will provide easier access to tariffs and allow the viewing of proposed tariff sections in context. One of the principal benefits of such a database is the ability to do historical research into tariffs. For example, proceedings such as complaints may involve past tariff provisions that have already been revised by the utility by the time the complaint is considered by the Commission. In order to expeditiously process such filings, the Commission, the parties, and the public need to be able to obtain the tariff provision that apply to the time period under review, rather than the currently effective tariff provision.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $1,294,905

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)? Uncollected

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

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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: 10/03/2008

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