Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-549); Comment Request; Extension, 46783-46785 [2011-19636]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 3, 2011 / Notices collections 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 collections 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). Dated: July 28, 2011. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–19635 Filed 8–2–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P original of their comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. Users interested in receiving automatic notification of activity in this docket may do so through eSubscription at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp. All comments and FERC issuances may be viewed, printed or downloaded remotely through FERC’s eLibrary at https://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/elibrary.asp, by searching on Docket No. IC11–549. For user assistance, contact FERC Online Support by e-mail at ferconlinesupport @ferc.gov, or by phone at: (866) 208– 3676 (toll-free), or (202) 502–8659 for TTY. Ellen Brown may be reached by e-mail at Data Clearance@FERC.gov, telephone at (202) 502–8663, and fax at (202) 273–0873. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information collected under the requirements of FERC–549, ‘‘Gas Pipeline Rates: NGPA Title III and NGA Blanket Certificate Transactions’’ (OMB Control No. 1902–0086), is used by the Commission to implement the statutory provisions of sections 311 and 312 of the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) and section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA). The Commission implements these statutes in 18 CFR part 284. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IC11–549–000] Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC–549); Comment Request; Extension Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection and request for comments. AGENCY: In compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 USC 3506(c)(2)(A) (2006), (Pub. L. 104–13), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the proposed information collection described below. DATES: Comments in consideration of the collection of information are due October 3, 2011. ADDRESSES: Comments may be filed either electronically (eFiled) or in paper format, and should refer to Docket No. IC11–549–000. Documents must be prepared in an acceptable filing format and in compliance with Commission submission guidelines at https://www. ferc.gov/help/submission-guide.asp. eFiling instructions are available at: https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling. asp. First time users must follow eRegister instructions at: https://www. ferc.gov/docs-filing/eregistration.asp, to establish a user name and password before eFiling. The Commission will send an automatic acknowledgement to the sender’s e-mail address upon receipt of eFiled comments. Commenters making an eFiling should not make a paper filing. Commenters that are not able to file electronically must send an srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Aug 02, 2011 Jkt 223001 Semi-Annual Storage Report for Interstate Pipelines 18 CFR 284.13(e) requires each interstate pipeline to file with the Commission a report of storage activity. The Commission adopted the existing semi-annual storage reporting requirements for interstate pipelines in their current form in 1992 as part of Order No. 636, and there have been only minor modifications in the semi-annual storage reporting requirements since that date. Natural gas production is relatively constant throughout the year, while many uses of natural gas, residential space heating for example, are seasonal. Natural gas storage plays a critical role in balancing the seasonal demand with relatively constant supply, and the data collected in the semi-annual storage report provides important information about natural gas pipelines’ ability to affect the prices shippers can obtain from consumers. Improved storage technology and the increased use of natural gas in industry and electric generation have helped transform the storage market since 1992. There has been a sharp increase in demand for natural gas outside of the traditional winter months. Withdrawals PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46783 and injections, instead of occurring on a uniform annual schedule based on heating needs, now occur dynamically year-round in response to market forces. Transportation by Interstate Pipelines In 18 CFR 284.102(e) the Commission requires interstate pipelines to obtain proper certification in order to ship natural gas on behalf of intrastate pipelines and local distribution companies (LDC). This certification consists of a letter from the intrastate pipeline or LDC authorizing the intrastate pipeline to ship gas on its behalf. In addition, interstate pipelines must obtain from its shippers certifications including sufficient information to verify that their services qualify under this section. Rates and Charges for Intrastate Pipelines 18 CFR 284.123(b) provides that intrastate gas pipeline companies file for Commission approval of rates for services performed in the interstate transportation of gas. An intrastate gas pipeline company may elect to use rates contained in one of its then effective transportation rate schedules on file with an appropriate state regulatory agency for intrastate service comparable to the interstate service OR file proposed rates and supporting information showing the rates are cost based and are fair and equitable. 150 days after the application is filed the rate is deemed to be fair and equitable unless the Commission either extends the time for action, institutes a proceeding or issues an order providing for rates it deems to be fair and equitable. 18 CFR 284.123(e) requires that within 30 days of commencement of new service any intrastate pipeline engaging in the transportation of gas in interstate commerce must file a statement that includes the interstate rates and a description of how the pipeline will engage in the transportation services, including operating conditions. If an intrastate gas pipeline company changes its operations or rates it must amend the statement on file with the Commission. Such amendment is to be filed not later than 30 days after commencement of the change operations or change in rate election. Code of Conduct 1 The Commission’s regulations at 18 CFR 284.288 and 284.403 provide that 1 These requirements were approved by OMB originally in FERC–916 (OMB Control No. 224, E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM Continued 03AUN1 46784 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 3, 2011 / Notices applicable sellers of natural gas adhere to a code of conduct when making gas sales in order to protect the integrity of the market. The Commission imposes this record retention requirement on applicable sellers to ‘‘retain, for a period of five years, all data and information upon which it billed the prices it charged for natural gas it sold pursuant to its market based sales certificate or the prices it reported for use in price indices.’’ FERC uses these records to monitor the jurisdictional transportation activities and unbundled sales activities of interstate natural gas pipelines and blanket marketing certificate holders. The record retention period of five years is necessary due to the importance of records related to any investigation of possible wrongdoing and related to assuring compliance with the codes of conduct and the integrity of the market. The requirement is necessary to ensure consistency with the rule prohibiting market manipulation (regulations adopted in Order No. 670, implementing the EPAct 2005 antimanipulation provisions 2) and the generally applicable five-year statute of limitations where the Commission seeks civil penalties for violations of the antimanipulation rules or other rules, regulations, or orders to which the price data may be relevant. Failure to have this information available would mean the Commission is unable to perform its regulatory functions and to monitor and evaluate transactions and operations of interstate pipelines and blanket marketing certificate holders. Market-Based Rates for Storage In 2006 the Commission amended its regulations to establish criteria for obtaining market-based rates for storage services offered under 18 CFR 284.501– 505. First, the Commission modified its market-power analysis to better reflect the competitive alternatives to storage. Second, pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Commission promulgated rules to implement section 4(f) of the Natural Gas Act, to permit underground natural gas storage service providers that are unable to show that they lack market power to negotiate market-based rates in circumstances where market-based rates are in the public interest and necessary to encourage the construction of the storage capacity in the area needing storage services, and where customers are adequately protected. These revisions are intended to facilitate the development of new natural gas storage capacity while protecting customers. Action: The Commission is requesting a three-year extension of the FERC–549 reporting requirements, with no changes. Burden Statement: The estimated annual public reporting burden is shown in the following table: Number of respondents annually Number of responses per respondent Average burden hours per response Total annual burden hours (1) FERC–549 requirements & 18 CFR cite (2) (3) (1) × (2) × (3) Semi-Annual Storage Reports for Interstates ................................. 284.13(e) .......................................................................................... Transportation by Interstate Pipelines ............................................. 284.102(e) ........................................................................................ Rates and Charges for Intrastate Pipelines .................................... 284.123(b), (e) ................................................................................. Code of Conduct 9 (recordkeeping) ................................................. 284.288, 403 .................................................................................... Market-Based Rates 10 .................................................................... 284.501–505 .................................................................................... Total .......................................................................................... 3 155 2 4 12 3,720 5 75 2 63 450 7 67 1 8 12 804 222 1 1 222 2 1 350 700 ............................ ............................ ............................ 5,846 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES The total estimated annual cost burden to respondents is $339,068 (5,846 hours times $58/hour 11). The reporting burden includes the total time, effort, or financial resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, 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 current expiration date is 9/30/2012). They are being moved to the FERC–549 in an effort to decrease the administrative effort involved in renewing data collections. 2 18 CFR 1c.1 and 1c.2, 71 FR 4,244 (2006). 3 The number of pipelines in eTariff that are subject to the Natural Gas Act. 4 This figure is based on the burden hours estimated in Docket No. RM09–2 (quarterly transportation and storage reports). 5 The number of respondents annually is assumed to be approximately half of the number of interstate pipelines as estimated under the semi-annual storage report category. 6 This is an estimate for the amount of time it requires to complete a one page document, which is what is essentially required by this part (one page from the shippers and one page from the intrastate or LDC, equaling an estimated 2 times a year). 7 This figure is based on the number of filings under 18 CFR Part 284.123 filings over the past three years. 8 This figure is based on the assumption that the effort required to make this revision to a tariff is approximately half of the effort required to make a baseline tariff filing (as computed in the Final Rule in Docket No. RM01–5). 9 The estimates for this category come from the Commission’s most recent renewal pertaining to this requirement. 10 The estimates for this category are the same as were submitted to OMB when these requirements were last modified (in the Final Rule in Docket No. RM05–23). 11 The per hour figures were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics National IndustrySpecific Occupational and Employment Wage Estimates (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/ naics4_221200.htm), and are based on the mean wage statistics for staff in the areas of management, business and financial, legal and administrative. The mean wage was then increased by 20% to account for benefits/overhead. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Aug 02, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM 03AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 3, 2011 / Notices overhead costs are costs 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. Dated: July 28, 2011. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2011–19636 Filed 8–2–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14230–000] srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES George Wenschhof; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions to Intervene, Protests, Recommendations, and Terms and Conditions Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. Type of Application: Conduit Exemption. b. Project No.: 14230–000. c. Date filed: July 15, 2011. d. Applicant: George Wenschhof. e. Name of Project: Meeker Wenschhof Hydroelectric Project. f. Location: The proposed Meeker Wenschhof Project would be located on an existing irrigation pipeline in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The land on which all the project structures are located is owned by the applicant. g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act 16 U.S.C. 791a–825r. h. Applicant Contact: Mr. Ryan Broshar, SRA International, 12600 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Aug 02, 2011 Jkt 223001 Colfax Ave. W., Lakewood, CO 80304, (303) 233–1275. i. FERC Contact: Christopher Chaney, (202) 502–6778, christopher.chaney@ferc.gov. j. Status of Environmental Analysis: This application is ready for environmental analysis at this time, and the Commission is requesting comments, reply comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions. k. Deadline for filing responsive documents: Due to the small size of the proposed project, as well as the resource agency consultation letters filed with the application, the 60-day timeframe specified in 18 CFR 4.34(b) for filing all comments, motions to intervene, protests, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions is shortened to 30 days from the issuance date of this notice. All reply comments filed in response to comments submitted by any resource agency, Indian tribe, or person, must be filed with the Commission within 45 days from the issuance date of this notice. Comments, protests, and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper; see 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site under https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/efiling.asp. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. The Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, it must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. l. Description of Project: The Meeker Wenschhof Project would consist of: (1) A proposed powerhouse containing one proposed generating unit with an installed capacity of 23 kilowatts; and (2) appurtenant facilities. The applicant estimates the project would have an average annual generation of 100,000 kilowatt-hours. m. This filing is available for review and reproduction at the Commission in the Public Reference Room, Room 2A, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. The filing may also be viewed on the web at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/elibrary.asp using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number, P–14230, in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, call toll-free 1–866–208–3676 or e-mail FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. For TTY, PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46785 call (202) 502–8659. A copy is also available for review and reproduction at the address in item h above. n. Development Application—Any qualified applicant desiring to file a competing application must submit to the Commission, on or before the specified deadline date for the particular application, a competing development application, or a notice of intent to file such an application. Submission of a timely notice of intent allows an interested person to file the competing development application no later than 120 days after the specified deadline date for the particular application. Applications for preliminary permits will not be accepted in response to this notice. o. Notice of Intent—A notice of intent must specify the exact name, business address, and telephone number of the prospective applicant, and must include an unequivocal statement of intent to submit a competing development application. A notice of intent must be served on the applicant(s) named in this public notice. p. Protests or Motions to Intervene— Anyone may submit a protest or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, 385.211, and 385.214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission’s Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any protests or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified deadline date for the particular application. q. All filings must (1) Bear in all capital letters the title ‘‘PROTEST’’, ‘‘MOTION TO INTERVENE’’, ‘‘NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE COMPETING APPLICATION’’, ‘‘COMPETING APPLICATION’’, ‘‘COMMENTS’’, ‘‘REPLY COMMENTS,’’ ‘‘RECOMMENDATIONS,’’ ‘‘TERMS AND CONDITIONS,’’ or ‘‘PRESCRIPTIONS;’’ (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. Any of these documents must be filed by providing the original E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM 03AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 3, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46783-46785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19636]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. IC11-549-000]


Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-549); Comment 
Request; Extension

AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection and request for 
comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 USC 3506(c)(2)(A) (2006), 
(Pub. L. 104-13), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission 
or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the proposed information 
collection described below.

DATES: Comments in consideration of the collection of information are 
due October 3, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be filed either electronically (eFiled) or in 
paper format, and should refer to Docket No. IC11-549-000. Documents 
must be prepared in an acceptable filing format and in compliance with 
Commission submission guidelines at https://www.ferc.gov/help/submission-guide.asp. eFiling instructions are available at: https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. First time users must follow 
eRegister instructions at: https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/eregistration.asp, to establish a user name and password before 
eFiling. The Commission will send an automatic acknowledgement to the 
sender's e-mail address upon receipt of eFiled comments. Commenters 
making an eFiling should not make a paper filing. Commenters that are 
not able to file electronically must send an original of their comments 
to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 
888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.
    Users interested in receiving automatic notification of activity in 
this docket may do so through eSubscription at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp. All comments and FERC issuances may be 
viewed, printed or downloaded remotely through FERC's eLibrary at 
https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp, by searching on Docket 
No. IC11-549. For user assistance, contact FERC Online Support by e-
mail at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or by phone at: (866) 208-3676 
(toll-free), or (202) 502-8659 for TTY.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Ellen Brown may be reached by e-mail at 
DataClearance@FERC.gov, telephone at (202) 502-8663, and fax at (202) 
273-0873.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information collected under the 
requirements of FERC-549, ``Gas Pipeline Rates: NGPA Title III and NGA 
Blanket Certificate Transactions'' (OMB Control No. 1902-0086), is used 
by the Commission to implement the statutory provisions of sections 311 
and 312 of the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) and section 7 of the 
Natural Gas Act (NGA). The Commission implements these statutes in 18 
CFR part 284.

Semi-Annual Storage Report for Interstate Pipelines

    18 CFR 284.13(e) requires each interstate pipeline to file with the 
Commission a report of storage activity. The Commission adopted the 
existing semi-annual storage reporting requirements for interstate 
pipelines in their current form in 1992 as part of Order No. 636, and 
there have been only minor modifications in the semi-annual storage 
reporting requirements since that date.
    Natural gas production is relatively constant throughout the year, 
while many uses of natural gas, residential space heating for example, 
are seasonal. Natural gas storage plays a critical role in balancing 
the seasonal demand with relatively constant supply, and the data 
collected in the semi-annual storage report provides important 
information about natural gas pipelines' ability to affect the prices 
shippers can obtain from consumers.
    Improved storage technology and the increased use of natural gas in 
industry and electric generation have helped transform the storage 
market since 1992. There has been a sharp increase in demand for 
natural gas outside of the traditional winter months. Withdrawals and 
injections, instead of occurring on a uniform annual schedule based on 
heating needs, now occur dynamically year-round in response to market 
forces.

Transportation by Interstate Pipelines

    In 18 CFR 284.102(e) the Commission requires interstate pipelines 
to obtain proper certification in order to ship natural gas on behalf 
of intrastate pipelines and local distribution companies (LDC). This 
certification consists of a letter from the intrastate pipeline or LDC 
authorizing the intrastate pipeline to ship gas on its behalf. In 
addition, interstate pipelines must obtain from its shippers 
certifications including sufficient information to verify that their 
services qualify under this section.

Rates and Charges for Intrastate Pipelines

    18 CFR 284.123(b) provides that intrastate gas pipeline companies 
file for Commission approval of rates for services performed in the 
interstate transportation of gas. An intrastate gas pipeline company 
may elect to use rates contained in one of its then effective 
transportation rate schedules on file with an appropriate state 
regulatory agency for intrastate service comparable to the interstate 
service OR file proposed rates and supporting information showing the 
rates are cost based and are fair and equitable. 150 days after the 
application is filed the rate is deemed to be fair and equitable unless 
the Commission either extends the time for action, institutes a 
proceeding or issues an order providing for rates it deems to be fair 
and equitable.
    18 CFR 284.123(e) requires that within 30 days of commencement of 
new service any intrastate pipeline engaging in the transportation of 
gas in interstate commerce must file a statement that includes the 
interstate rates and a description of how the pipeline will engage in 
the transportation services, including operating conditions. If an 
intrastate gas pipeline company changes its operations or rates it must 
amend the statement on file with the Commission. Such amendment is to 
be filed not later than 30 days after commencement of the change 
operations or change in rate election.

Code of Conduct \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These requirements were approved by OMB originally in FERC-
916 (OMB Control No. 224, current expiration date is 9/30/2012). 
They are being moved to the FERC-549 in an effort to decrease the 
administrative effort involved in renewing data collections.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission's regulations at 18 CFR 284.288 and 284.403 provide 
that

[[Page 46784]]

applicable sellers of natural gas adhere to a code of conduct when 
making gas sales in order to protect the integrity of the market. The 
Commission imposes this record retention requirement on applicable 
sellers to ``retain, for a period of five years, all data and 
information upon which it billed the prices it charged for natural gas 
it sold pursuant to its market based sales certificate or the prices it 
reported for use in price indices.'' FERC uses these records to monitor 
the jurisdictional transportation activities and unbundled sales 
activities of interstate natural gas pipelines and blanket marketing 
certificate holders.
    The record retention period of five years is necessary due to the 
importance of records related to any investigation of possible 
wrongdoing and related to assuring compliance with the codes of conduct 
and the integrity of the market. The requirement is necessary to ensure 
consistency with the rule prohibiting market manipulation (regulations 
adopted in Order No. 670, implementing the EPAct 2005 anti-manipulation 
provisions \2\) and the generally applicable five-year statute of 
limitations where the Commission seeks civil penalties for violations 
of the anti-manipulation rules or other rules, regulations, or orders 
to which the price data may be relevant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 18 CFR 1c.1 and 1c.2, 71 FR 4,244 (2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Failure to have this information available would mean the 
Commission is unable to perform its regulatory functions and to monitor 
and evaluate transactions and operations of interstate pipelines and 
blanket marketing certificate holders.

Market-Based Rates for Storage

    In 2006 the Commission amended its regulations to establish 
criteria for obtaining market-based rates for storage services offered 
under 18 CFR 284.501-505. First, the Commission modified its market-
power analysis to better reflect the competitive alternatives to 
storage. Second, pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the 
Commission promulgated rules to implement section 4(f) of the Natural 
Gas Act, to permit underground natural gas storage service providers 
that are unable to show that they lack market power to negotiate 
market-based rates in circumstances where market-based rates are in the 
public interest and necessary to encourage the construction of the 
storage capacity in the area needing storage services, and where 
customers are adequately protected. These revisions are intended to 
facilitate the development of new natural gas storage capacity while 
protecting customers.
    Action: The Commission is requesting a three-year extension of the 
FERC-549 reporting requirements, with no changes.
    Burden Statement: The estimated annual public reporting burden is 
shown in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Number of         Number of      Average burden
  FERC-549  requirements & 18 CFR cite       respondents      responses per       hours per       Total annual
                                              annually         respondent         response        burden hours
                                                       (1)               (2)               (3)   (1) x (2) x (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Semi-Annual Storage Reports for                    \3\ 155                 2            \4\ 12             3,720
 Interstates............................
284.13(e)...............................
Transportation by Interstate Pipelines..            \5\ 75                 2             \6\ 3               450
284.102(e)..............................
Rates and Charges for Intrastate                    \7\ 67                 1            \8\ 12               804
 Pipelines..............................
284.123(b), (e).........................
Code of Conduct \9\ (recordkeeping).....               222                 1                 1               222
284.288, 403............................
Market-Based Rates \10\.................                 2                 1               350               700
284.501-505.............................
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................  ................  ................  ................             5,846
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total estimated annual cost burden to respondents is $339,068 
(5,846 hours times $58/hour \11\).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The number of pipelines in eTariff that are subject to the 
Natural Gas Act.
    \4\ This figure is based on the burden hours estimated in Docket 
No. RM09-2 (quarterly transportation and storage reports).
    \5\ The number of respondents annually is assumed to be 
approximately half of the number of interstate pipelines as 
estimated under the semi-annual storage report category.
    \6\ This is an estimate for the amount of time it requires to 
complete a one page document, which is what is essentially required 
by this part (one page from the shippers and one page from the 
intrastate or LDC, equaling an estimated 2 times a year).
    \7\ This figure is based on the number of filings under 18 CFR 
Part 284.123 filings over the past three years.
    \8\ This figure is based on the assumption that the effort 
required to make this revision to a tariff is approximately half of 
the effort required to make a baseline tariff filing (as computed in 
the Final Rule in Docket No. RM01-5).
    \9\ The estimates for this category come from the Commission's 
most recent renewal pertaining to this requirement.
    \10\ The estimates for this category are the same as were 
submitted to OMB when these requirements were last modified (in the 
Final Rule in Docket No. RM05-23).
    \11\ The per hour figures were obtained from the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics National Industry-Specific Occupational and Employment 
Wage Estimates (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_221200.htm), 
and are based on the mean wage statistics for staff in the areas of 
management, business and financial, legal and administrative. The 
mean wage was then increased by 20% to account for benefits/
overhead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The reporting burden includes the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, 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

[[Page 46785]]

overhead costs are costs 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.

    Dated: July 28, 2011.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2011-19636 Filed 8-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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