FERC-546, Certificated Rate
Filings: Gas Pipeline Rates
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
02/15/2022
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2022
75
75
37,483
37,500
0
0
The following list outlines four
circumstances under which the FERC-546 information collection
requirements for certificated rates must be met: A company decides
to: 1. Construct and operate a new jurisdictional pipeline; 2.
Expand its certificated pipeline capacity by constructing a lateral
pipeline, adding compression or providing storage at incremental or
cost-based rates; 3. Build a new liquefied natural gas facility; or
4. Provide gas storage and negotiate market based rates. Under the
circumstances 1-3, the company must file its FERC-546 cost data
along with an application for a certificate of public convenience
and necessity under the statutory requirements of NGA Section 7(c).
For circumstance 4, the company must file its FERC-546 information
with an application under NGA Section 4(f)5. The FERC-546 includes
the following: • Supporting information for proposed initial rates
(e.g. cost-based, market based, incremental rates); • Pro forma
tariffs; • Motions to put proposed initial rates into effect
subject to Commission findings on the related certificate; •
Unexecuted precedent agreements; and Section 16 of the NGA grants
the Commission administrative powers including the ability to
define accounting, technical and trade terms, prescribe forms,
statements, declarations or reports and to prescribe rules and
regulations. Section 403 authorizes the Commission, as delegated
through the Department of Energy Organization Act, to establish and
review priorities for curtailments under the Natural Gas Act. The
Commission reviews the FERC-546 materials in order to approve rates
and tariff changes associated with an application for a certificate
under NGA Section 7(c). Additionally, the Commission reviews
FERC-546 materials in 4(f) storage applications to evaluate market
power and decide whether to grant, deny, or condition market based
rate authority for the applicant. The Commission also uses the
FERC-546 information to monitor jurisdictional transportation,
natural gas storage, and unbundled sales activities of interstate
natural gas pipelines and Hinshaw pipelines. In addition to
fulfilling the Commission’s obligations under the NGA, the FERC-546
enables the Commission to monitor activities, evaluate
transactions, ensure competitiveness, and improved efficiency of
the gas industry's operations. In summary, the Commission uses the
FERC-546 information to: • Ensure adequate customer protections
under section 4(f) of the NGA; • Review rate and tariff changes by
natural gas companies for the transportation of natural gas and
natural gas storage services; • Provide general industry oversight;
and • Supplement documentation during its audits process. Failure
to collect this information would prevent the Commission from being
able to monitor and evaluate transactions and operations of
interstate pipelines and perform its regulatory functions.
The annual burden hours
decreased from 37500 to 37483 due to better accuracy in the
estimate but there was a decrease in the number of respondents from
51 to 47 from the last renewal as a result of declining demand for
natural gas due to a shift in domestic policies away from fossil
fuel as well as increasing awareness in greenhouse gas mitigation.
Another factor that has contributed to a decline in natural gas
projects is the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused pipeline
companies to delay or stall many proposed pipeline projects. Thus,
the public reporting burden has decreased for this information
collection. However, the Commission made no program changes
regarding burden imposed upon respondents and the FERC-546
requirements remain unchanged from previously approved clearance
packages.
$143,806
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Tracy DeMarr 202
502-8187
No
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.
FERC-546 30 day notice (published) 1.28.22.pdf
FERC-546 30-day notice (Issued) 1.21.22.docx
Certificated Rate Filings: Gas Pipeline Rates