Standards for Business Practices and Communication Protocols

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

Please read the instructions before completing this form. For additional forms or assistance in completing this form, contact your agency=s Paperwork Clearance Officer. Send two copies of this form, the collection instrument to be reviewed, the Supporting Statement, and any additional documentation to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Docket Library, Room 10102, 725 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20503
1. Agency/Subagency originating request Federal Energy Regulatory Commission	2. OMB control number b. [ ] None a. _1__ _9__ _0__ _2__ - 0_ 1_ 7_ 3_ ___ ___ ___ ___
3. Type of information Collection (check one) a. [ ] New Collection b. [x ]Revision of a currently approved collection c. [ ] Extension of a currently approved collection d. [ ] Reinstatement, without change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired e. [ ]Reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired f. G Existing collection in use without an OMB control number For b-f, note item A2 of Supporting Statement instructions	4. Type of review requested (check one) a. [x] Regular b. [ ] Emergency - Approval requested by: _/_/_ c. G Delegated 5. Small entities Will this information collection have any significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities? G Yes [x] No 6. Requested expiration date a. [x] Three years from approval date b. G Other Specify: __/__/_ _
7. Title Standards for Business Practices and Communication Protocols for Public Utilities:
8. Agency form numbers(s) (if applicable) FERC-717
9. Keywords 'public utilities, electric energy, information systems’
10. Abstract The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proposes to amend its open access regulations governing standards for business practices and electronic communications with interstate natural gas pipelines and public utilities. The FERC is proposing to incorporate by reference certain standards promulgated by the Wholesale Gas Quadrant (WGQ) and the Wholesale Electric Quadrant (WEQ) of the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB). These standards will establish communication protocols between interstate pipelines and power plant operators and transmission owners and operators. Through this rulemaking, FERC is seeking to improve coordination between the gas and electric industries in order to limit miscommunications about scheduling of gas-fired generators.
11. Affected public (Mark primary with AP@ and all others that apply with AX@) a. _ x__ Individuals or household d. ___ Farms b. _P_ Business or other for-profit e. ___ Federal Government c. ___ Not-for-profit institutions f. _x_State, Local or Tribal Government	12. Obligation to respond (Mark primary with AP@ and all others that apply with AX@) a. [[ ] Voluntary b. [ ] Required to obtain or retain benefits c. [ x ] Mandatory
13. Annual reporting and recordkeeping hour burden a. Number of respondents 220 b. Total annual responses 220 1. Percentage of these responses collected electronically 100 % c. Total annual hours requested 222,955 d. Current OMB inventory 215,695 e. Difference 7260 f. Explanation of difference 1. Program change +7260 2. Adjustment	14. Annual reporting and recordkeeping cost burden (in thousands of dollars) a. Total annualized capital/startup costs $ 0 b. Total annual costs (O&M) $ 0 c. Total annualized cost requested $ 0 d. Current OMB inventory $ 0 e. Difference $ 0 f. Explanation of difference 1. Program change $ 2. Adjustment $
15. Purpose of information collection (mark primary with AP@ and all others that apply with AX@) a. __ Application for benefits e. _ __ Program planning or management b. _x_ Program evaluation f. ___ Research c. ___ General purpose statistics g. _ P_ Regulatory or compliance d. ___ Audit	16. Frequency of recordkeeping or reporting (check all that apply) a. [ ] Recordkeeping b. G Third party disclosure c. [ x ] Reporting 1. [ x ] On occasion 2. [ ]Weekly 3. [ ]Monthly 4. [ ]Quarterly 5. [ ]Semi-annually 6. [ ] Annually 7. [ ] Biennially 8. [ x ]Other (describe) 30 days after change in status
17. Statistical Methods Does this information collection employ statistical methods? [ ] Yes [x] No	18. Agency contact (person who can best answer questions regarding the content of this submission) Name: Kay Morice Phone: (202)502-6507

OMB 83-I 10/95

19. Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9. NOTE: The test of 5 CFR 1320.9, and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3), appear at the end of the instructions. The certification is to be made with reference to those regulatory provisions as set froth in the instructions. 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 terminology that is understandable to respondents; (e) Its implementations 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): (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 for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected (see note in Item 19 of the instructions); (i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology; and (j) It makes appropriate use of information technology. If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item below and explain the reason in Item 18 of the Supporting Statement. Item no. 19 (g)(vi) See item no. 17 of Supporting Statement. Item no. 19 (i). See Item no. 18 of the Supporting Statement

Signature of Senior Official or designee Michael P. Miller, Information Clearance Officer, FERC

Date

OMB 83-I 10/95