Proposed Information Collection and Request for Comments

Abstract: The information collected under the requirements of FERC- 520 ``Application for Authority to Hold Interlocking Directorate Positions'' (OMB No. 1902-0083) is used by the Commission to implement the statutory provisions of Section 305(b) of the Federal Power Act. Section 305(b) makes the holding of certain defined interlocking corporate positions unlawful unless the Commission has authorized the interlocks to be held, and requires the applicant to show in a form and manner as prescribed by the Commission, that neither public nor private interests will be adversely affected by the holding of the position. The Commission implements these filing requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR Part 45. Action: The Commission is requesting a three-year extension of the current expiration date, with no changes to the existing collection of data. Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated as:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Number of respondents annually responses per Average burden hours per Total annual burden hours respondent response (1) (2) (3)............................. (1)x(2)x(3) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28................................ 1 51.8 hours...................... 1,450 hours. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Commission anticipates an increase in the total burden hours due to changes in the wholesale marketplace. Specifically the number of participants (i.e. power marketers and independent power producers) is expected to increase. Estimated cost burden to respondents: 1,450 hours/2,080 hours per year x $109,889 per year = $76,605. The cost per respondent is $2,736. The reporting burden includes the total time, effort, or financial resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide the information including: (1) reviewing instructions; (2) developing, acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, verifying, processing, maintaining, disclosing and providing information; (3) adjusting the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; (4) training personnel to respond to a collection of information; (5) searching data sources; (6) completing and reviewing the collection of information; and (7) transmitting, or otherwise disclosing the information. The estimate of cost for respondents is based upon salaries for professional and clerical support, as well as direct and indirect overhead costs. Direct costs include all costs directly attributable to providing this information, such as administrative costs and the cost for information technology. Indirect or overhead costs are cost incurred by an organization in support of its mission. These costs apply to activities which benefit the whole organization rather than any one particular function or activity. Comments are invited on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is 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 estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses. Linwood A. Watson, Jr., Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 99-7636 Filed 3-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-M