80 FR 68312 - Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-538, FERC-740, FERC-729, FERC-715, FERC-592, FERC-60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A); Consolidated Comment Request; Extension
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 213 (November 4, 2015)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 213 (November 4, 2015)
| Page Range | 68312-68317 | |
| FR Document | 2015-28086 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 213 (Wednesday, November 4, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 68312-68317] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-28086] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IC16-2-000] Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-538, FERC-740, FERC-729, FERC-715, FERC-592, FERC-60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A); Consolidated Comment Request; Extension AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Notice of information collections and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the requirements and burden \1\ of the information collections described below. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Commission defines burden as the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. For further explanation of what is included in the information collection burden, reference 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3. DATES: Comments on the collections of information are due January 4, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments (identified by Docket No. IC16-2- 000) by either of the following methods:eFiling at Commission's Web site: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Please reference the specific collection number and/or title in your comments. Instructions: All submissions must be formatted and filed in accordance with submission guidelines at: http://www.ferc.gov/help/submission-guide.asp. For user assistance contact FERC Online Support by email at [email protected], or by phone at: (866) 208-3676 (toll-free), or (202) 502-8659 for TTY. Docket: Users interested in receiving automatic notification of activity in this docket or in viewing/downloading comments and issuances in this docket may do so at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/docs-filing.asp. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Brown may be reached by email at [email protected], telephone at (202) 502-8663, and fax at (202) 273-0873. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [[Page 68313]] Type of Request: Three-year extension of the information collection requirements for all collections described below with no changes to the current reporting requirements. Please note that each collection is distinct from the next. Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and cost of the collections of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collections; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. FERC-538, Gas Pipelines Certificates: Sections 7(a) Mandatory Initial Service OMB Control No.: 1902-0061. Abstract: Under sections 7(a), 10(a) and 16 of Natural Gas Act (NGA),\2\ upon application by a person or municipality authorized to engage in the local distribution of natural gas, the Commission may order a natural gas company to extend or improve its transportation facilities, and sell natural gas to the municipality or person and, for such purpose, to extend its transportation facilities to communities immediately adjacent to such facilities or to territories served by the natural gas pipeline company. The Commission uses the application data in order to be fully informed concerning the applicant, and the service the applicant is requesting. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ 15 U.S.C. 717f-w. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type of Respondent: Persons or municipalities authorized to engage in the local distribution of natural gas. Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response * $72.00 per Hour = Average Cost per Response. The hourly cost figure comes from the FERC average salary of $149,489/year. FERC-538--Gas Pipeline Certificates: Section 7(a) Mandatory Initial Service -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Average Total annual Number of of responses Total number burden & cost burden hours & Cost per respondents per of responses per response total annual respondent respondent \3\ cost ($) (1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)/(1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gas Pipeline Certificates............................... 1 1 1 240 240 $17,280 $17,280 $17,280 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-740, Availability of e-Tag Information to Commission Staff OMB Control No.: 1902-0254. Abstract: In Order 771,\4\ the FERC-740 information collection (providing Commission staff access to e-Tag data) was implemented to provide the Commission, Market Monitoring Units (MMUs), Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), and Independent System Operators (ISOs) with information that allows them to perform market surveillance and analysis more effectively. The e-Tag information is necessary to understand the use of the interconnected electricity grid, particularly transactions occurring at interchanges. Due to the nature of the electricity grid, an individual transaction's impact on an interchange cannot be assessed adequately in all cases without information from all connected systems, which is included in the e-Tags. The details of the physical path of a transaction included in the e-Tags helps the Commission to monitor, in particular, interchange transactions effectively, detect and prevent price manipulation over interchanges, and ensure the efficient and orderly use of the transmission grid. For example, the e-Tag data allows the Commission to identify transmission reservations as they go from one market to another and link the market participants involved in that transaction. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ Order 771 was issued in Docket No. RM11-12 (77 FR 76367, 12/ 28/2012). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Order No. 771 provided the Commission access to e-Tags by requiring that Purchasing-Selling Entities \5\ (PSEs) and Balancing Authorities (BAs), list the Commission on the ``CC'' list of e-Tags so that the Commission can receive a copy of the e-Tags. The Commission accesses the e-Tags by contracting with a commercial vendor, OATI. In early 2014, the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) incorporated the requirement that the Commission be added to the ``CC'' list on e- Tags as part of the tagging process.\6\ Even before NAESB added the FERC requirement to the tagging standards, the rules behind the ``CC'' list requirement had already been programmed into the industry standard tagging software so as to make the inclusion of FERC in the ``CC'' list automatic. The Commission expects that PSEs and BAs will continue to use existing, automated procedures to create and validate the e-Tags in a way that provides the Commission with access to them. In the rare event that a new BA would need to alert e-Tag administrators that certain tags it generates qualify for exemption under the Commission's regulations (e.g., transmissions from a new Canadian BA into another Canadian BA), this administrative function would be expected to require less than an hour of effort total from both the BA and an e-Tag administrator to include the BA on the exemption list. New exempt BAs occur less frequently than every year, but for the purpose of estimation we will conservatively assume one appears each year creating an additional burden associated with the Commission's FERC-740 requirement of $60.59.\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ A Purchasing-Selling Entity is the entity that purchases or sells, and takes title to, energy, capacity, and Interconnected Operations Services. Purchasing-Selling Entities may be affiliated or unaffiliated merchants and may or may not own generating facilities. Purchasing-Selling Entities are typically E-Tag Authors. \6\ NAESB Electronic Tagging Functional Specifications, Version 1.8.2. \7\ The estimated hourly cost (salary plus benefits) provided in this section is based on the figures for May 2014 posted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Utilities sector (available at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm#13-0000) assuming: 15 minutes legal (code 23-0000), $129.87 hourly 45 minutes information and record clerk (code 43-4199), $37.50 hourly. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type of Respondent: Purchasing-Selling Entities and Balancing Authorities. [[Page 68314]] Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden (rounded) for the information collection as: FERC-740--Availability of e-Tag Information to Commission Staff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Average Total annual Number of of responses Total number burden hours burden hours & Cost per FERC-740 respondents per of responses & cost per total annual respondent respondent response cost ($) (1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)/(1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Purchasing-Selling Entities (e-Tag Authors)............. 369 4,404 1,625,326 0 0 $0 Balancing Authorities................................... 101 16,092 1,625,326 0 0 0 New Balancing Authority [as noted above]................ 1 1 1 1 hr.; $60.59 1 hr.; $60.59 60.59 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................................... 470 .............. .............. .............. 1 hr.; $60.59 60.59 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-729, Electric Transmission Facilities OMB Control No.: 1902-0238. Abstract: This information collection implements the Commission's mandates under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which authorizes the Commission to issue permits under FPA section 216(b) for electric transmission facilities and the Commission's delegated responsibility to coordinate all other federal authorizations under FPA section 216(h). The related FERC regulations seek to develop a timely review process for siting of proposed electric transmission facilities. The regulations provide for (among other things) an extensive pre-application process that will facilitate maximum participation from all interested entities and individuals to provide them with a reasonable opportunity to present their views and recommendations, with respect to the need for and impact of the facilities, early in the planning stages of the proposed facilities as required under FPA section 216(d). Additionally, FERC has the authority to issue a permit to construct electric transmission facilities if a state has withheld approval for more than a year or has conditioned its approval in such a manner that it will not significantly reduce transmission congestion or is not economically feasible.\8\ FERC envisions that, under certain circumstances, the Commission's review of the proposed facilities may take place after one year of the state's review. Under section 50.6(e)(3) the Commission will not accept applications until one year after the state's review and then from applicants who can demonstrate that a state may withhold or condition approval of proposed facilities to such an extent that the facilities will not be constructed.\9\ In cases where FERC's jurisdiction rests on FPA section 216(b)(1)(C),\10\ the pre-filing process should not commence until one year after the relevant State applications have been filed. This will give states one full year to process an application without any intervening Federal proceedings, including both the pre-filing and application processes. Once that year is complete, an applicant may seek to commence FERC's pre-filing process. Thereafter, once the pre-filing process is complete, the applicant may submit its application for a construction permit. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ FPA section 216(b)(1)(C). \9\ However, the Commission will not issue a permit authorizing construction of the proposed facilities until, among other things, it finds that the state has, in fact, withheld approval for more than a year or had so conditioned its approval. \10\ In all other instances (i.e. where the state does not have jurisdiction to act or otherwise to consider interstate benefits, or the applicant does not qualify to apply for a permit with the State because it does not serve end use customers in the State), the pre- filing process may be commenced at any time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type of Respondent: Electric transmission facilities. Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: FERC-729--Electric Transmission Facilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Average Total annual Number of of responses Total number burden & cost burden hours & Cost per respondents per of responses per response total annual respondent respondent \11\ cost ($) (1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)/(1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Transmission Facilities........................ 1 1 1 9,600 9,600 $691,200 $691,200 $691,200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response * $72.00 per Hour = Average Cost per Response. The hourly cost figure comes from the FERC average salary of $149,489/year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-715, Annual Transmission Planning and Evaluation Report OMB Control No.: 1902-0171 Abstract: Acting under FPA section 213,\12\ FERC requires each transmitting utility that operates integrated transmission system facilities rated above 100 kilovolts (kV) to submit annually: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ 16 U.S.C. 824l. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact information for the FERC-715; Base case power flow data (if it does not participate in the development and use of regional power flow data); Transmission system maps and diagrams used by the respondent for transmission planning; [[Page 68315]] A detailed description of the transmission planning reliability criteria used to evaluate system performance for time frames and planning horizons used in regional and corporate planning; A detailed description of the respondent's transmission planning assessment practices (including, but not limited to, how reliability criteria are applied and the steps taken in performing transmission planning studies); and A detailed evaluation of the respondent's anticipated system performance as measured against its stated reliability criteria using its stated assessment practices. The FERC-715 enables the Commission to use the information as part of their regulatory oversight functions which includes: The review of rates and charges; The disposition of jurisdictional facilities; The consolidation and mergers; The adequacy of supply and; Reliability of nation's transmission grid The FERC-715 enables the Commission to facilitate and resolve transmission disputes. Additionally, the Office of Electric Reliability (OER) uses the FERC-715 data to help protect and improve the reliability and security of the nation's bulk power system. OER oversees the development and review of mandatory reliability and security standards and ensures compliance with the approved standards by the users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system. OER also monitors and addresses issues concerning the nation's bulk power system including assessments of resource adequacy and reliability. Without the FERC-715 data, the Commission would be unable to evaluate planned projects or requests related to transmission. Type of Respondent: Integrated transmission system facilities rated at or above 100 kilovolts (kV). Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: FERC-715--Annual Transmission Planning and Evaluation Report -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Total annual Number of of responses Total number Average burden burden hours & Cost per respondents per of responses & cost per total annual respondent respondent response \13\ cost ($) (1) (2) (1)*(2)=3 (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)/(1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Transmission Planning and Evaluation Report...... 115 1 115 160 18,400 $11,520 $11,520 $ 1,324,800 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................................... .............. .............. 115 .............. 18,400 $11,520 $ 1,324,800 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response * $72 per Hour = Average Cost per Response. The hourly cost figure comes from the FERC average salary of $149,489. Subject matter experts found that industry employment costs closely resemble FERC's regarding the FERC-715 information collection. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-592: Standards of Conduct for Transmission Provider and Marketing Affiliates of Interstate Pipelines OMB Control No.: 1902-0157 Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC-592 information collection requirements with no changes to the current reporting requirements. Abstract: The Commission uses the information maintained and posted by the respondents to monitor the pipeline's transportation, sales, and storage activities for its marketing affiliate to deter undue discrimination by pipeline companies in favor of their marketing affiliates. Non-affiliated shippers and other entities (e.g. state commissions) also use information to determine whether they have been harmed by affiliate preference and to prepare evidence for proceedings following the filing of a complaint. 18 CFR Part 358 (Standards of Conduct) Respondents maintain and provide the information required by part 358 on their internet Web sites. When the Commission requires a pipeline to post information on its Web site following a disclosure of non-public information to its marketing affiliate, non-affiliated shippers obtain comparable access to the non-public transportation information, which allows them to compete with marketing affiliates on a more equal basis. 18 CFR 250.16, and the FERC-592 log/format This form (log/format) provides the electronic formats for maintaining information on discounted transportation transactions and capacity allocation to support monitoring of activities of interstate pipeline marketing affiliates. Commission staff considers discounts given to shippers in litigated rate cases. Without this information collection: The Commission would be unable to effectively monitor whether pipelines are giving discriminatory preference to their marketing affiliates; and non-affiliated shippers and state commissions and others would be unable to determine if they have been harmed by affiliate preference or prepare evidence for proceedings following the filing of a complaint. Type of Respondents: Natural gas pipelines. Estimate of Annual Burden: \14\ The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \14\ The Commission defines burden as the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. For further explanation of what is included in the information collection burden, reference 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3. [[Page 68316]] FERC-592--Standards for Conduct for Transmission Providers Marketing Affiliates of Interstate Pipelines -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Average Total annual Number of of responses Total number burden & cost burden hours & Cost per respondents per of responses per response total annual respondent respondent \15\ cost ($) (1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)/(1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC 592 \16\........................................... 85 1 85 116.62 9,913 $8,396 $8,396 $713,736 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the FERC average salary of $149,489/year (or $72.00/hour). Commission staff finds that the work done for this information collection is typically done by wage categories similar to those at FERC. \16\ The requirements for this collection are contained in 18 CFR part 358 and 18 CFR part 250.16. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-60 (Annual Report of Centralized Service Companies), FERC-61 (Narrative Description of Service Company Functions), and FERC-555A (Preservation of Records Companies and Service Companies Subject to PUHCA) OMB Control No.: 1902-0215. Abstract: On August 8, 2005, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, was signed into law, repealing the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA 1935) and enacting the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 (PUHCA 2005). Section 1264 \17\ and section 1275 \18\ of PUHCA 2005 supplemented FERC's existing ratemaking authority under the Federal Power Act (FPA) to protect customers against improper cross- subsidization or encumbrances of public utility assets, and similarly, FERC's ratemaking authority under the Natural Gas Act (NGA). These provisions of PUHCA 2005 supplemented the FERC's broad authority under FPA section 301 and NGA section 8 to obtain the books and records of regulated companies and any person that controls or is under the influence of such companies if relevant to jurisdictional activities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \17\ Federal Books and Records Access Provision. \18\ Non-Power Goods and Services Provision. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC Form 60 Form No. 60 is an annual reporting requirement under 18 CFR 366.23 for centralized service companies. The report's function is to collect financial information (including balance sheet, assets, liabilities, billing and charges for associated and non-associated companies) from centralized service companies subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC. Unless Commission rule exempts or grants a waiver pursuant to 18 CFR 366.3 and 366.4 to the holding company system, every centralized service company in a holding company system must prepare and file electronically with the FERC the Form No. 60, pursuant to the General Instructions in the form. FERC-61 FERC-61 is a filing requirement for service companies in holding company systems (including special purpose companies) that are currently exempt or granted a waiver of FERC's regulations and would not have to file FERC Form 60. Instead, those service companies are required to file, on an annual basis, a narrative description of the service company's functions during the prior calendar year (FERC-61). In complying, a holding company may make a single filing on behalf of all of its service company subsidiaries. FERC-555A FERC prescribed a mandated preservation of records requirements for holding companies and service companies (unless otherwise exempted by FERC). This requires them to maintain and make available to FERC, their books and records. The preservation of records requirement provides for uniform records retention by holding companies and centralized service companies subject to PUHCA 2005. Data from the FERC Form 60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A provide a level of transparency that: (1) Helps protect ratepayers from pass-through of improper service company costs, (2) enables FERC to review and determine cost allocations (among holding company members) for certain non-power goods and services, (3) aids FERC in meeting its oversight and market monitoring obligations, and (4) benefits the public, both as ratepayers and investors. In addition, the FERC's audit staff used these records during compliance reviews and special analyses. If data from the FERC Form 60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A were not available, FERC would not be able to meet its statutory responsibilities, under EPAct 1992, EPAct of 2005, and PUHCA 2005, and FERC would not have all of the regulatory mechanisms necessary to ensure customer protection. Type of Respondent: Electric transmission facilities Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: FERC-60 (Annual Report of Centralized Service Companies), FERC-61 (Narrative Description of Service Company Functions), & FERC-555A (Preservation of Records Companies and Service Companies Subject to PUHCA) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Total annual Number of of responses Total number Average burden hours & Cost per respondents per of responses burden & cost total annual respondent respondent per response cost ($) (1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)/(1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-60 \19\............................................ 39 1 39 75 2,925 $4,280 $4,280 $166,929 [[Page 68317]] FERC-61 \20\............................................ 100 1 100 0.5 50 18.75 $18.75 $1,875 FERC-555A \21\.......................................... 100 1 100 1,080 108,000 33,480 $33,480 $3,348,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................................... .............. .............. .............. 1155.50 110,975 37,779 $37,779 $3,516,804 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \19\ For the FERC-60 the $57.00 (rounded from $57.07) hourly cost figure comes from the average cost of an management analyst (Occupation Code 13-1111) and an accountant (Occupation Code 13- 2011) as posted on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Web site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm). \20\ For the FERC-61 the $37.50 hourly cost figure comes from the cost of a records clerk (Occupation Code 43-4199) as posted on the BLS Web site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm). \21\ For the FERC-555 the $31.00 hourly cost figure (rounded from $30.71) comes from the cost of a file clerk (Occupation Code 43-4071) as posted on the BLS Web site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/ current/naics2_22.htm). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The total estimated annual cost burden to respondents is $3,516,262 [$166,725 (FERC Form 60) + $1,537.00 (FERC-61) + $3,348,000 (FERC-555A) = $3,516,600]. FERC Form 60: 2,925 hours * $57.07/hour = $166,929.00. FERC-61: 50 hours * $37.50/hour = $1,875. FERC-555A: \22\ \22\ Internal analysis assumes 50% electronic and 50% paper storage. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Labor costs for paper storage: 108,000 hours * $31.00/hours = $3,348,000 Record Retention/storage cost for paper storage (using an estimate of 6,000 ft\3\): $38,763.75 Electronic record retention/storage cost: $2,335,500 [108,000 hours / 2 = 54,000 * $28.00/hour \23\ = $1,512,000; electronic record storage cost: 54,000 hours * $15.25/year \24\ = $823,500; total electronic record storage: $2,335,500]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ The Commission bases the $28/hour figure on a FERC staff study that included estimating public utility recordkeeping costs. \24\ Per entity; the Commission bases this figure on the estimated cost to service and to store 1 GB of data (based on the aggregated cost of an IBM advanced data protection server). Dated: October 28, 2015. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015-28086 Filed 11-3-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
![68312 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Notices
292.309–292.313 are the implementing • An affected entity or person to Type of Respondents: Electric
regulations, and provide procedures for: subsequently apply to the Commission utilities, principally.
• An electric utility to file an for an order reinstating the electric Estimate of Annual Burden: 4 The
application for the termination of its utility’s obligation to purchase energy Commission estimates the total Public
obligation to purchase energy and and capacity from, or sell to, a QF.3 Reporting Burden for this information
capacity from, or sell to, a QF; 2 and collection as:
FERC–912—COGENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCTION, PURPA SECTION 210(m) REGULATIONS FOR
TERMINATION OR REINSTATEMENT OF OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE OR SELL
Annual Total annual
Average
Number of number of Total number burden hours Cost per
burden & cost
respondents responses per of responses & total annual respondent ($)
per response 5
respondent cost
(1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)÷(1)
Termination of obligation to purchase ..... 5 1 5 12 60 $864
$864 $4,320
Reinstatement of obligations to purchase 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0 $0
Termination of obligation to sell ............... 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0 $0
Reinstatement of obligation to sell .......... 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0 $0
Total .................................................. ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ 60 864
$4,320
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY • eFiling at Commission’s Web site:
Comments: Comments are invited on: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
Federal Energy Regulatory efiling.asp.
(1) Whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
Commission • Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier:
performance of the functions of the [Docket No. IC16–2–000] Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
Commission, including whether the Secretary of the Commission, 888 First
information will have practical utility; Commission Information Collection Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.
(2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate Activities (FERC–538, FERC–740, Please reference the specific
of the burden and cost of the collection FERC–729, FERC–715, FERC–592, collection number and/or title in your
FERC–60, FERC–61, and FERC–555A); comments.
of information, including the validity of
Consolidated Comment Request; Instructions: All submissions must be
the methodology and assumptions used;
Extension formatted and filed in accordance with
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility
and clarity of the information collection; AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory submission guidelines at: http://
and (4) ways to minimize the burden of Commission, DOE. www.ferc.gov/help/submission-
guide.asp. For user assistance contact
the collection of information on those ACTION: Notice of information
FERC Online Support by email at
who are to respond, including the use collections and request for comments. ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or by phone
of automated collection techniques or at: (866) 208–3676 (toll-free), or (202)
other forms of information technology. SUMMARY: In compliance with the
requirements of the Paperwork 502–8659 for TTY.
Dated: October 29, 2015. Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Docket: Users interested in receiving
Kimberly D. Bose, 3506(c)(2)(A), the Federal Energy automatic notification of activity in this
Secretary. Regulatory Commission (Commission or docket or in viewing/downloading
[FR Doc. 2015–28092 Filed 11–3–15; 8:45 am] FERC) is soliciting public comment on comments and issuances in this docket
the requirements and burden 1 of the may do so at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
information collections described filing/docs-filing.asp.
below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DATES: Comments on the collections of Ellen Brown may be reached by email
information are due January 4, 2016. at DataClearance@FERC.gov, telephone
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments at (202) 502–8663, and fax at (202) 273–
(identified by Docket No. IC16–2–000) 0873.
by either of the following methods: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
2 Contained within 18 CFR 292.310 and 292.312. 5 The estimates for cost per response are derived 1 The Commission defines burden as the total
3 Contained within 18 CFR 292.311 and 292.313. using the following formula: Average Burden Hours time, effort, or financial resources expended by
4 The Commission defines burden as the total per Response * $72.00 per Hour = Average Cost per persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or
time, effort, or financial resources expended by Response. The hourly cost figure comes from the provide information to or for a Federal agency. For
persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or FERC Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) average salary further explanation of what is included in the
provide information to or for a Federal agency. For plus benefits ($149,489/year). The Commission
information collection burden, reference 5 Code of
further explanation of what is included in the believes the FERC FTE average salary plus benefits
Federal Regulations 1320.3.
information collection burden, reference 5 Code of to be representative of wages for industry
Federal Regulations 1320.3. respondents.
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![68314 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Notices
Estimate of Annual Burden: The reporting burden (rounded) for the
Commission estimates the annual public information collection as:
FERC–740—AVAILABILITY OF e-TAG INFORMATION TO COMMISSION STAFF
Annual Average Total annual Cost per
Number of number of Total number burden hours burden hours
FERC–740 respondent
respondents responses per of responses & cost per & total annual ($)
respondent response cost
(1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)÷(1)
Purchasing-Selling Entities (e-Tag Au-
thors) .................................................... 369 4,404 1,625,326 0 0 $0
Balancing Authorities ............................... 101 16,092 1,625,326 0 0 0
New Balancing Authority [as noted
above] ................................................... 1 1 1 1 hr.; $60.59 1 hr.; $60.59 60.59
Total .................................................. 470 ........................ ........................ ........................ 1 hr.; $60.59 60.59
FERC–729, Electric Transmission views and recommendations, with an extent that the facilities will not be
Facilities respect to the need for and impact of the constructed.9 In cases where FERC’s
facilities, early in the planning stages of jurisdiction rests on FPA section
OMB Control No.: 1902–0238. the proposed facilities as required under 216(b)(1)(C),10 the pre-filing process
Abstract: This information collection FPA section 216(d). should not commence until one year
implements the Commission’s mandates Additionally, FERC has the authority after the relevant State applications
under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which to issue a permit to construct electric have been filed. This will give states one
authorizes the Commission to issue transmission facilities if a state has full year to process an application
permits under FPA section 216(b) for withheld approval for more than a year without any intervening Federal
electric transmission facilities and the or has conditioned its approval in such proceedings, including both the pre-
Commission’s delegated responsibility a manner that it will not significantly filing and application processes. Once
to coordinate all other federal reduce transmission congestion or is not that year is complete, an applicant may
authorizations under FPA section economically feasible.8 FERC envisions seek to commence FERC’s pre-filing
216(h). The related FERC regulations that, under certain circumstances, the process. Thereafter, once the pre-filing
seek to develop a timely review process Commission’s review of the proposed process is complete, the applicant may
for siting of proposed electric facilities may take place after one year submit its application for a construction
transmission facilities. The regulations of the state’s review. Under section permit.
provide for (among other things) an 50.6(e)(3) the Commission will not Type of Respondent: Electric
extensive pre-application process that accept applications until one year after transmission facilities.
will facilitate maximum participation the state’s review and then from Estimate of Annual Burden: The
from all interested entities and applicants who can demonstrate that a Commission estimates the annual public
individuals to provide them with a state may withhold or condition reporting burden for the information
reasonable opportunity to present their approval of proposed facilities to such collection as:
FERC–729—ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES
Annual Average Total annual Cost per
Number of number of Total number burden & cost burden hours respondent
respondents responses per of responses per & total annual ($)
respondent response 11 cost
(1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)÷(1)
Electric Transmission Facilities ................ 1 1 1 9,600 9,600 $691,200
$691,200 $691,200
utility that operates integrated • Base case power flow data (if it does
transmission system facilities rated not participate in the development and
FERC–715, Annual Transmission
Planning and Evaluation Report above 100 kilovolts (kV) to submit use of regional power flow data);
annually: • Transmission system maps and
OMB Control No.: 1902–0171 • Contact information for the FERC– diagrams used by the respondent for
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Abstract: Acting under FPA section 715; transmission planning;
213,12 FERC requires each transmitting
8 FPA section 216(b)(1)(C). 10 In all other instances (i.e. where the state does 11 The estimates for cost per response are derived
9 However, the Commission will not issue a not have jurisdiction to act or otherwise to consider using the following formula: Average Burden Hours
permit authorizing construction of the proposed interstate benefits, or the applicant does not qualify per Response * $72.00 per Hour = Average Cost per
facilities until, among other things, it finds that the to apply for a permit with the State because it does Response. The hourly cost figure comes from the
state has, in fact, withheld approval for more than not serve end use customers in the State), the pre- FERC average salary of $149,489/year.
a year or had so conditioned its approval. filing process may be commenced at any time. 12 16 U.S.C. 824l.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Notices 68317
FERC–60 (ANNUAL REPORT OF CENTRALIZED SERVICE COMPANIES), FERC–61 (NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE
COMPANY FUNCTIONS), & FERC–555A (PRESERVATION OF RECORDS COMPANIES AND SERVICE COMPANIES SUB-
JECT TO PUHCA)—Continued
Annual Total annual
Average Cost per
Number of number of Total number burden hours
burden & cost respondent
respondents responses per of responses & total annual
per response ($)
respondent cost
(1) (2) (1)*(2)=(3) (4) (3)*(4)=(5) (5)÷(1)
FERC–61 20 .............................................. 100 1 100 0.5 50 18.75
$18.75 $1,875
FERC–555A 21 ......................................... 100 1 100 1,080 108,000 33,480
$33,480 $3,348,000
Total .................................................. ........................ ........................ ........................ 1155.50 110,975 37,779
$37,779 $3,516,804
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY conference. Commissioners may attend
The total estimated annual cost and participate.
burden to respondents is $3,516,262 Federal Energy Regulatory
There is no fee for attendance.
[$166,725 (FERC Form 60) + $1,537.00 Commission
However, members of the public are
(FERC–61) + $3,348,000 (FERC–555A) =
$3,516,600]. [Docket No. RM15–14–000] encouraged to preregister online at:
FERC Form 60: 2,925 hours * $57.07/ https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/
hour = $166,929.00. Revised Critical Infrastructure registration/01-28-16-form.asp.
FERC–61: 50 hours * $37.50/hour = Protection; Reliability Standards; Those wishing to participate in panel
$1,875. Notice of Techinical Conference discussions should submit nominations
FERC–555A: 22 no later than close of business on
• Labor costs for paper storage: 108,000 Take notice that the Federal Energy
November 20, 2015 online at: https://
hours * $31.00/hours = $3,348,000 Regulatory Commission (Commission)
• Record Retention/storage cost for will hold a Commission staff-led www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/
paper storage (using an estimate of technical conference on Critical 01-28-16-speaker-form.asp.
6,000 ft3): $38,763.75 Infrastructure Protection Supply Chain There will be no webcast of this
• Electronic record retention/storage Risk Management issues identified in event. However, it will be transcribed.
cost: $2,335,500 [108,000 hours ÷ 2 = the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Transcripts of the conference will be
54,000 * $28.00/hour 23 = $1,512,000; (NOPR) in the above-captioned docket immediately available for a fee from
electronic record storage cost: 54,000 on January 28, 2016. The conference Ace-Federal Reporters, Inc. (202–347–
hours * $15.25/year 24 = $823,500; will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3700).
total electronic record storage: approximately 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
$2,335,500]. Commission conferences are
The conference will be held at the
accessible under section 508 of the
Dated: October 28, 2015. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
888 First Street NE., Washington, DC Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For
Kimberly D. Bose, accessibility accommodations please
Secretary. 20426.
The technical conference shall send an email to accessibility@ferc.gov
[FR Doc. 2015–28086 Filed 11–3–15; 8:45 am] or call toll free (866) 208–3372 (voice)
facilitate a structured dialogue on
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
supply chain risk management issues or (202) 502–8659 (TTY), or send a fax
identified by the Commission in the to (202) 208–2106 with the requested
19 For the FERC–60 the $57.00 (rounded from
$57.07) hourly cost figure comes from the average Revised Critical Infrastructure accommodations.
cost of an management analyst (Occupation Code Protection (CIP) Standards NOPR. For more information about the
13–1111) and an accountant (Occupation Code 13– Technical Conference panelists may be
2011) as posted on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
technical conference, please contact:
(BLS) Web site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/
asked to address: (1) The NOPR Sarah McKinley, Office of External
naics2_22.htm). proposal to direct that NERC develop a Affairs, 202–502–8368, sarah.mckinley@
20 For the FERC–61 the $37.50 hourly cost figure Reliability Standard to address supply ferc.gov.
comes from the cost of a records clerk (Occupation chain risk management; (2) the
Code 43–4199) as posted on the BLS Web site Dated: October 28, 2015.
(http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm).
anticipated features of, and
21 For the FERC–555 the $31.00 hourly cost figure requirements that should be included Kimberly D. Bose,
(rounded from $30.71) comes from the cost of a file in, such a standard; and (3) a reasonable Secretary.
clerk (Occupation Code 43–4071) as posted on the timeframe for development of a [FR Doc. 2015–28091 Filed 11–3–15; 8:45 am]
BLS Web site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/
standard. The technical conference will
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
naics2_22.htm). BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
22 Internal
be led by Commission staff, with
analysis assumes 50% electronic and
50% paper storage. prepared remarks to be presented by
23 The Commission bases the $28/hour figure on invited panelists, which must be
a FERC staff study that included estimating public submitted to the Commission in
utility recordkeeping costs. advance of the conference. A
24 Per entity; the Commission bases this figure on
the estimated cost to service and to store 1 GB of
subsequent notice providing an agenda
data (based on the aggregated cost of an IBM and details on the topics for discussion
advanced data protection server). will be issued in advance of the
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Document Created: 2018-03-01 11:28:13
Document Modified: 2018-03-01 11:28:13
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of information collections and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments on the collections of information are due January 4, | |
| Contact | Ellen Brown may be reached by email at [email protected], telephone at (202) 502-8663, and fax at (202) 273-0873. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 68312 |
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