81 FR 11781 - Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-538, FERC-740, FERC-729, FERC-715, FERC-592, FERC-60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A); Comment Request
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 44 (March 7, 2016)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 44 (March 7, 2016)
| Page Range | 11781-11785 | |
| FR Document | 2016-04956 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 11781-11785] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-04956] [[Page 11781]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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); Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Comment request. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is submitting information collections FERC-538, FERC-740, FERC-729, FERC-715, FERC-592, FERC-60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review of the information collection requirements. Any interested person may file comments directly with OMB and should address a copy of those comments to the Commission as explained below. The Commission previously issued a Notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 68312, 11/4/2015) requesting public comments. The Commission received no comments on the FERC-538, FERC-740, FERC-729, FERC-715, FERC-592, FERC-60, FERC-61, or FERC-555A and is making this notation in its submittals to OMB. DATES: Comments on the collection of information are due by April 6, 2016. ADDRESSES: Comments filed with OMB, identified by the OMB Control Nos. 1902-0061 (FERC-538), 1902-0254 (FERC-740), 1902-0238 (FERC-729), 1902- 0171 (FERC-715), 1902-0157 (FERC-592), or 1902-0215 (FERC-60, FERC-61, and FERC-555A) should be sent via email to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs: [email protected]. Attention: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Desk Officer. The Desk Officer may also be reached via telephone at 202-395-0710. A copy of the comments should also be sent to the Commission, in 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. 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], by telephone at (202) 502-8663, and by fax at (202) 273-0873. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Type of Request: Three-year extension of the information 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 Pipeline Certificates: Section 7(a) Mandatory Initial Service OMB Control No.: 1902-0061. Abstract: Under sections 7(a), 10(a) and 16 of Natural Gas Act (NGA),\1\ 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 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: FERC-538--Gas Pipeline Certificates: Section 7(a) Mandatory Initial Service -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Number of of responses Total number Average burden and cost per Total annual burden hours Cost per respondents per respondent of responses response \2\ and total annual cost respondent ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)........................ (3) * (4) = (5)............ (5) / (1) (3) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gas Pipeline Certificates..... 1 1 1 240 hrs.; $17,280.......... 240 hrs.; $17,280.......... $17,280 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-740, Availability of e-Tag Information to Commission Staff OMB Control No.: 1902-0254. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ 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 plus benefits of $149,489/year because FERC staff believes industry wages plus benefits are similar. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract: In Order 771,\3\ 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 [[Page 11782]] 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ 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 \4\ (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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.\5\ 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.\6\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ NAESB Electronic Tagging Functional Specifications, Version 1.8.2. \6\ 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), $37.50 hourly. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type of Respondent: Purchasing-Selling Entities and Balancing Authorities. Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden (rounded) for the information collection as: FERC-740--Availability of e-Tag Information to Commission Staff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual number Cost per FERC-740 Number of of responses Total number Average burden and cost Total annual burden hours respondent respondents per respondent of responses per response and total annual cost ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)........................ (3) * (4) = (5)............ (5) / (1) (3) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Purchasing-Selling Entities (e-Tag 369 4,404 1,625,326 0.......................... 0.......................... $0 Authors). Balancing Authorities.............. 101 16,092 1,625,326 0.......................... 0.......................... 0 New Balancing Authority [as noted 1 1 1 1 hr.; $60.59.............. 1 hr.; $60.59.............. 60.59 above]. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total.......................... 471 .............. .............. ........................... 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.\7\ 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.\8\ In cases where FERC's jurisdiction rests on FPA section 216(b)(1)(C),\9\ the pre-filing process should not commence until one year [[Page 11783]] 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ FPA section 216(b)(1)(C). \8\ 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. \9\ 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 Number of of responses Total number Average burden and cost Total annual burden hours Cost per respondents per respondent of responses per response \10\ and total annual cost respondent ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)...................... (3) * (4) = (5).......... (5)/(1) (3) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Transmission Facilities.. 1 1 1 9,600 hrs.; $691,200..... 9,600 hrs.; $691,200..... $691,200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-715, Annual Transmission Planning and Evaluation Report --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OMB Control No.: 1902-0171. Abstract: Acting under FPA section 213,\11\ FERC requires each transmitting utility that operates integrated transmission system facilities rated above 100 kilovolts (kV) to submit annually: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ 16 U.S.C. 8241. 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; 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 Number of of responses Total number Average burden and cost Total annual burden hours and Cost per respondents per respondent of responses per response \12\ total annual cost respondent ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)....................... (3) * (4) = (5)............... (5) / (1) (3) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Transmission Planning 115 1 115 160 hrs.; $11,520......... 18,400 hrs.; $1,324,800....... $11,520 and Evaluation Report. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total................... .............. .............. 115 .......................... 18,400 hrs.; $1,324,800....... 11,520 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FERC-592: Standards of Conduct for Transmission Provider and Marketing Affiliates of Interstate Pipelines --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ 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 plus benefits of $149,489/year because FERC staff believes industry wages plus benefits are similar. Subject matter experts found that industry employment costs closely resemble FERC's regarding the FERC-715 information collection. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 [[Page 11784]] 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: \13\ The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ 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. FERC-592--Standards of Conduct for Transmission Providers and Marketing Affiliates of Interstate Pipelines ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Annual number Number of of responses Total number Average burden and cost per response \14\ Total annual burden hours and total annual Cost per respondents per respondent of responses cost respondent ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)....................................... (3) * (4) = (5)........................... (5) / (1) (3) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FERC 592 \15\........................... 85 1 85 116.62 hrs.; $8,396.64.................... 9,913 hrs.; $713,736...................... $8,396.64 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FERC-60 (Annual Report of Centralized Service Companies), FERC-61 (Narrative Description of Service Company Functions), and FERC-555A (Preservation of Records of Holding Companies and Service Companies Subject to PUHCA 2005) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \14\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the FERC average salary of $149,489/year (or $72.00/hour). The hourly cost figure comes from the FERC average salary plus benefits of $149,489/year because FERC staff believes industry wages plus benefits are similar. \15\ The requirements for this collection are contained in 18 CFR Part 358 and 18 CFR Part 250.16. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 \16\ and section 1275 \17\ 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ Federal Books and Records Access Provision. \17\ 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 requirement 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 uses these records during compliance reviews and special analyses. [[Page 11785]] 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 of Holding Companies and Service Companies Subject to PUHCA 2005) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Annual number Number of of responses Total number Average burden and cost per response Total annual burden hours and total annual Cost per respondents per respondent of responses cost respondent ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)....................................... (3) * (4) = (5)........................... (5) / (1) (3) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FERC-60 \18\............................ 39 1 39 75 hrs.; $4,280........................... 2,925 hrs.; $166,930...................... $4,280 FERC-61 \19\............................ 100 1 100 0.5 hrs.; $18.75.......................... 50 hrs.; $1,875........................... 18.75 FERC-555A \20\.......................... 100 1 100 1,080 hrs.; $33,166.80.................... 108,000 hrs.; $3,316,680.................. 33,166.80 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total............................... .............. .............. .............. .......................................... 110,975 hrs.; $3,485,485.................. .............. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In addition to the labor (burden hour cost, provided above) for FERC-555A,\21\ there are additional costs for records retention and storage: \18\ For the FERC-60, the $57.07/hour figure is based on the average cost (wages plus benefits) of a 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). \19\ 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). \20\ For the FERC-555A, the $30.71/hour figure is based on the cost (wages plus benefits) 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 estimates use the $30.71/hour (rather than the rounded $31/hour provided in the 60-day Notice. \21\ Internal analysis assumes 50% electronic and 50% paper storage --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50% of the records are paper. Paper storage costs (using an estimate of 6,000 ft\3\): $38,763.75 50% of the records are electronic. Electronic storage cost is $15.25/year \22\ for each entity, or $1,525 for all entities. \22\ 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 advanced data protection server). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total record storage cost for FERC-555A for all entities is $40,288.75. The total annual cost (including burden hours [from table above] and record storage cost) of FERC-555A is $3,356,958.75. Dated: February 24, 2016. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016-04956 Filed 3-4-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices 11781
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (FERC–592), or 1902–0215 (FERC–60, Comments: Comments are invited on:
FERC–61, and FERC–555A) should be (1) Whether the collections of
Federal Energy Regulatory sent via email to the Office of information are necessary for the proper
Commission Information and Regulatory Affairs: performance of the functions of the
[Docket No. IC16–2–000] oira_submission@omb.gov. Attention: Commission, including whether the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission information will have practical utility;
Commission Information Collection Desk Officer. The Desk Officer may also (2) the accuracy of the agency’s
Activities (FERC–538, FERC–740, be reached via telephone at 202–395– estimates of the burden and cost of the
FERC–729, FERC–715, FERC–592, 0710. collections of information, including the
FERC–60, FERC–61, and FERC–555A); A copy of the comments should also validity of the methodology and
Comment Request be sent to the Commission, in Docket assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
No. IC16–2–000, by either of the the quality, utility and clarity of the
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory following methods: information collections; and (4) ways to
Commission. • eFiling at Commission’s Web site: minimize the burden of the collections
ACTION: Comment request. http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ of information on those who are to
efiling.asp. respond, including the use of automated
SUMMARY: In compliance with the
requirements of the Paperwork • Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: collection techniques or other forms of
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, information technology.
Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C.
3507(a)(1)(D), the Federal Energy Secretary of the Commission, 888 First FERC–538, Gas Pipeline Certificates:
Regulatory Commission (Commission or Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Section 7(a) Mandatory Initial Service
FERC) is submitting information Instructions: All submissions must be
formatted and filed in accordance with OMB Control No.: 1902–0061.
collections FERC–538, FERC–740, Abstract: Under sections 7(a), 10(a)
FERC–729, FERC–715, FERC–592, submission guidelines at: http://
www.ferc.gov/help/submission- and 16 of Natural Gas Act (NGA),1 upon
FERC–60, FERC–61, and FERC–555A to application by a person or municipality
the Office of Management and Budget guide.asp. For user assistance contact
FERC Online Support by email at authorized to engage in the local
(OMB) for review of the information distribution of natural gas, the
collection requirements. Any interested ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or by phone
at: (866) 208–3676 (toll-free), or (202) Commission may order a natural gas
person may file comments directly with company to extend or improve its
OMB and should address a copy of 502–8659 for TTY.
Docket: Users interested in receiving transportation facilities, and sell natural
those comments to the Commission as gas to the municipality or person and,
explained below. The Commission automatic notification of activity in this
docket or in viewing/downloading for such purpose, to extend its
previously issued a Notice in the transportation facilities to communities
Federal Register (80 FR 68312, 11/4/ comments and issuances in this docket
may do so at http://www.ferc.gov/docs- immediately adjacent to such facilities
2015) requesting public comments. The or to territories served by the natural gas
Commission received no comments on filing/docs-filing.asp.
pipeline company. The Commission
the FERC–538, FERC–740, FERC–729, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: uses the application data in order to be
FERC–715, FERC–592, FERC–60, FERC– Ellen Brown may be reached by email fully informed concerning the applicant,
61, or FERC–555A and is making this at DataClearance@FERC.gov, by and the service the applicant is
notation in its submittals to OMB. telephone at (202) 502–8663, and by fax requesting.
DATES: Comments on the collection of at (202) 273–0873. Type of Respondent: Persons or
information are due by April 6, 2016. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: municipalities authorized to engage in
ADDRESSES: Comments filed with OMB, Type of Request: Three-year extension the local distribution of natural gas.
identified by the OMB Control Nos. of the information collections described Estimate of Annual Burden: The
1902–0061 (FERC–538), 1902–0254 below with no changes to the current Commission estimates the annual public
(FERC–740), 1902–0238 (FERC–729), reporting requirements. Please note that reporting burden for the information
1902–0171 (FERC–715), 1902–0157 each collection is distinct from the next. collection as:
FERC–538—GAS PIPELINE CERTIFICATES: SECTION 7(a) MANDATORY INITIAL SERVICE
Annual Total annual burden
Number of number of Total number Average burden and hours and total annual Cost per
respondents responses per of responses cost per response 2 cost respondent ($)
respondent
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4) (3) * (4) = (5) (5) ÷ (1)
Gas Pipeline Certificates 1 1 1 240 hrs.; $17,280 ...... 240 hrs.; $17,280 ...... $17,280
FERC–740, Availability of e-Tag Abstract: In Order 771,3 the FERC– (MMUs), Regional Transmission
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Information to Commission Staff 740 information collection (providing Organizations (RTOs), and Independent
Commission staff access to e-Tag data) System Operators (ISOs) with
OMB Control No.: 1902–0254. was implemented to provide the information that allows them to perform
Commission, Market Monitoring Units market surveillance and analysis more
1 15 U.S.C. 717f–w. Response. The hourly cost figure comes from the 3 Order 771 was issued in Docket No. RM11–12
2 The estimates for cost per response are derived FERC average salary plus benefits of $149,489/year (77 FR 76367, 12/28/2012).
using the following formula: Average Burden Hours because FERC staff believes industry wages plus
per Response * $72.00 per Hour = Average Cost per benefits are similar.
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![11782 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices
effectively. The e-Tag information is requiring that Purchasing-Selling them. In the rare event that a new BA
necessary to understand the use of the Entities 4 (PSEs) and Balancing would need to alert e-Tag administrators
interconnected electricity grid, Authorities (BAs), list the Commission that certain tags it generates qualify for
particularly transactions occurring at on the ‘‘CC’’ list of e-Tags so that the exemption under the Commission’s
interchanges. Due to the nature of the Commission can receive a copy of the e- regulations (e.g., transmissions from a
electricity grid, an individual Tags. The Commission accesses the e- new Canadian BA into another
transaction’s impact on an interchange Tags by contracting with a commercial Canadian BA), this administrative
cannot be assessed adequately in all vendor, OATI. function would be expected to require
cases without information from all In early 2014, the North American less than an hour of effort total from
connected systems, which is included Energy Standards Board (NAESB) both the BA and an e-Tag administrator
in the e-Tags. The details of the physical incorporated the requirement that the to include the BA on the exemption list.
path of a transaction included in the e- Commission be added to the ‘‘CC’’ list New exempt BAs occur less frequently
Tags helps the Commission to monitor, on e-Tags as part of the tagging process.5 than every year, but for the purpose of
in particular, interchange transactions Even before NAESB added the FERC estimation we will conservatively
effectively, detect and prevent price requirement to the tagging standards, assume one appears each year creating
manipulation over interchanges, and the rules behind the ‘‘CC’’ list an additional burden associated with
ensure the efficient and orderly use of requirement had already been the Commission’s FERC–740
the transmission grid. For example, the programmed into the industry standard requirement of $60.59.6
e-Tag data allows the Commission to tagging software so as to make the Type of Respondent: Purchasing-
identify transmission reservations as inclusion of FERC in the ‘‘CC’’ list Selling Entities and Balancing
they go from one market to another and automatic. The Commission expects that Authorities.
link the market participants involved in PSEs and BAs will continue to use Estimate of Annual Burden: The
that transaction. existing, automated procedures to create Commission estimates the annual public
Order No. 771 provided the and validate the e-Tags in a way that reporting burden (rounded) for the
Commission access to e-Tags by provides the Commission with access to information collection as:
FERC–740—AVAILABILITY OF E-TAG INFORMATION TO COMMISSION STAFF
Annual Total annual
Average burden Cost per
Number of number of Total number burden hours
FERC–740 and cost respondent
respondents responses per of responses and total annual
per response ($)
respondent cost
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4) (3) * (4) = (5) (5) ÷ (1)
Purchasing-Selling Entities (e-Tag Au- 369 4,404 1,625,326 0 ....................... 0 ....................... $0
thors).
Balancing Authorities ............................... 101 16,092 1,625,326 0 ....................... 0 ....................... 0
New Balancing Authority [as noted 1 1 1 1 hr.; $60.59 ..... 1 hr.; $60.59 ..... 60.59
above].
Total .................................................. 471 ........................ ........................ ........................... 1 hr.; 60.59 ....... 60.59
FERC–729, Electric Transmission provide for (among other things) an reduce transmission congestion or is not
Facilities extensive pre-application process that economically feasible.7 FERC envisions
will facilitate maximum participation that, under certain circumstances, the
OMB Control No.: 1902–0238. from all interested entities and Commission’s review of the proposed
Abstract: This information collection individuals to provide them with a facilities may take place after one year
implements the Commission’s mandates reasonable opportunity to present their of the state’s review. Under section
under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which views and recommendations, with 50.6(e)(3) the Commission will not
authorizes the Commission to issue respect to the need for and impact of the accept applications until one year after
permits under FPA section 216(b) for facilities, early in the planning stages of the state’s review and then from
electric transmission facilities and the the proposed facilities as required under applicants who can demonstrate that a
Commission’s delegated responsibility FPA section 216(d). state may withhold or condition
to coordinate all other federal Additionally, FERC has the authority approval of proposed facilities to such
authorizations under FPA section to issue a permit to construct electric an extent that the facilities will not be
216(h). The related FERC regulations transmission facilities if a state has constructed.8 In cases where FERC’s
seek to develop a timely review process withheld approval for more than a year jurisdiction rests on FPA section
for siting of proposed electric or has conditioned its approval in such 216(b)(1)(C),9 the pre-filing process
transmission facilities. The regulations a manner that it will not significantly should not commence until one year
4 A Purchasing-Selling Entity is the entity that May 2014 posted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 8 However, the Commission will not issue a
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
purchases or sells, and takes title to, energy, for the Utilities sector (available at http:// permit authorizing construction of the proposed
capacity, and Interconnected Operations Services. www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm#13-0000) facilities until, among other things, it finds that the
Purchasing-Selling Entities may be affiliated or assuming: state has, in fact, withheld approval for more than
unaffiliated merchants and may or may not own a year or had so conditioned its approval.
generating facilities. Purchasing-Selling Entities are • 15 minutes legal (code 23–0000), $129.87 9 In all other instances (i.e. where the state does
typically E-Tag Authors. hourly.
not have jurisdiction to act or otherwise to consider
5 NAESB Electronic Tagging Functional • 45 minutes information and record clerk (code interstate benefits, or the applicant does not qualify
Specifications, Version 1.8.2. 43–4199), $37.50 hourly. to apply for a permit with the State because it does
6 The estimated hourly cost (salary plus benefits) 7 FPA section 216(b)(1)(C). not serve end use customers in the State), the pre-
provided in this section is based on the figures for filing process may be commenced at any time.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices 11785
If data from the FERC Form 60, FERC– and FERC would not have all of the Estimate of Annual Burden: The
61, and FERC–555A were not available, regulatory mechanisms necessary to Commission estimates the annual public
FERC would not be able to meet its ensure customer protection. reporting burden for the information
statutory responsibilities, under EPAct Type of Respondent: Electric collection as:
1992, EPAct of 2005, and PUHCA 2005, transmission facilities.
FERC–60 (ANNUAL REPORT OF CENTRALIZED SERVICE COMPANIES), FERC–61 (NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE
COMPANY FUNCTIONS), & FERC–555A (PRESERVATION OF RECORDS OF HOLDING COMPANIES AND SERVICE COM-
PANIES SUBJECT TO PUHCA 2005)
Annual Total annual burden Cost per
Number of number of Total number Average burden and hours and total annual respondent
respondents responses per of responses cost per response cost ($)
respondent
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4) (3) * (4) = (5) (5) ÷ (1)
FERC–60 18 ............. 39 1 39 75 hrs.; $4,280 ............... 2,925 hrs.; $166,930 ...... $4,280
FERC–61 19 ............. 100 1 100 0.5 hrs.; $18.75 .............. 50 hrs.; $1,875 ............... 18.75
FERC–555A 20 ........ 100 1 100 1,080 hrs.; $33,166.80 ... 108,000 hrs.; $3,316,680 33,166.80
Total ................. ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................................ 110,975 hrs.; $3,485,485 ........................
In addition to the labor (burden hour DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY and Certificates, Bobcat Gas Storage,
cost, provided above) for FERC–555A,21 P.O. Box 1642, Houston, Texas 77251–
there are additional costs for records Federal Energy Regulatory 1642, or by calling (713) 627–4102
retention and storage: Commission (telephone) or by email at laconnolly@
spectraenergy.com.
• 50% of the records are paper. Paper [Docket No. CP16–73–000]
Pursuant to Section 157.9 of the
storage costs (using an estimate of Commission’s rules, 18 CFR. 157.9,
6,000 ft3): $38,763.75 Port Barre Investments, LLC (d/b/a
Bobcat Gas Storage); Notice of within 90 days of this Notice the
• 50% of the records are electronic. Application Commission staff will either: Complete
Electronic storage cost is $15.25/year its environmental assessment (EA) and
22 for each entity, or $1,525 for all Take notice that on February 12, 2016, place it into the Commission’s public
entities. Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (d/b/a record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or
Bobcat Gas Storage) (Bobcat), 5400 issue a Notice of Schedule for
Total record storage cost for FERC–
Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas Environmental Review. If a Notice of
555A for all entities is $40,288.75.
77056–5310, filed an application, Schedule for Environmental Review is
The total annual cost (including pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural issued, it will indicate, among other
burden hours [from table above] and Gas Act and Part 157 of the milestones, the anticipated date for the
record storage cost) of FERC–555A is Commission’s regulations for an Commission staff’s issuance of the final
$3,356,958.75. amendment to a Certificate of Public environmental impact statement (FEIS)
Dated: February 24, 2016. Convenience and Necessity issued to or EA for this proposal. The filing of the
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Bobcat on March 19, 2009 in Docket No. EA in the Commission’s public record
CP09–19–000, as amended by for this proceeding or the issuance of a
Deputy Secretary. Commission orders on March 31, 2010 Notice of Schedule for Environmental
[FR Doc. 2016–04956 Filed 3–4–16; 8:45 am] in Docket No. CP10–30–000, and on Review will serve to notify federal and
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P April 8, 2011 in Docket No. CP11–124– state agencies of the timing for the
000. The March 19 Order authorized completion of all necessary reviews, and
18 For the FERC–60, the $57.07/hour figure is Bobcat to construct, own, operate, and the subsequent need to complete all
based on the average cost (wages plus benefits) of maintain three additional natural gas federal authorizations within 90 days of
a management analyst (Occupation Code 13–1111)
and an accountant (Occupation Code 13–2011) as
storage facilities (Cavern Nos. 3, 4, and the date of issuance of the Commission
posted on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Web 5) at the salt dome in St. Landry Parish, staff’s FEIS or EA.
site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_ Louisiana. With this application, Bobcat There are two ways to become
22.htm). is seeking authorization to amend its involved in the Commission’s review of
19 For the FERC–61 the $37.50 hourly cost figure
certificate to reflect a change in the base this project. First, any person wishing to
comes from the cost of a records clerk (Occupation
Code 43–4199) as posted on the BLS Web site gas capacity for Cavern Well No. 4 from obtain legal status by becoming a party
(http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm). 2.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) to 3.5 Bcf, to the proceedings for this project
20 For the FERC–555A, the $30.71/hour figure is and a change in total gas capacity for should, on or before the comment date
based on the cost (wages plus benefits) of a file Cavern Well No. 4 from 12.4 Bcf to 13.4 stated below, file with the Federal
clerk (Occupation Code 43–4071) as posted on the
Bcf, all as more fully set forth in the Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
BLS Web site (http://www/bls.gov/oes/current/
naics2_22.htm). The estimates use the $30.71/hour application which is on file with the First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426,
(rather than the rounded $31/hour provided in the Commission and open to public a motion to intervene in accordance
60-day Notice. inspection. No changes are proposed by with the requirements of the
21 Internal analysis assumes 50% electronic and
Bobcat to the certificated working gas Commission’s Rules of Practice and
50% paper storage
22 Per entity; the Commission bases this figure on
capacity for any of the caverns. Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211)
the estimated cost to service and to store 1 GB of
Any questions regarding this and the Regulations under the NGA (18
data (based on the aggregated cost of an advanced application should be directed to Lisa CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party
data protection server). A. Connolly, General Manager, Rates status will be placed on the service list
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Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:08:09
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:08:09
| 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 | Comment request. | |
| Dates | Comments on the collection of information are due by April 6, 2016. | |
| Contact | Ellen Brown may be reached by email at [email protected], by telephone at (202) 502-8663, and by fax at (202) 273-0873. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 11781 |
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