Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC Form 80, FERC-550, and FERC-549); Comment Request, 59995-59998 [2016-20977]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices Online service, please email FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. or call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Dated: August 25, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–20976 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP16–494–000] mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of Application Take notice that on August 16, 2016, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), Post Office Box 1396, Houston, Texas 77251, filed in Docket No. CP16–494–000, an application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act and Part 157 of the Commission’s regulations requesting authorization of its Gulf Connector Expansion Project (Project) consisting of three new compressor stations totaling 30,650 horsepower in Wharton, San Patricio and Victoria Counties, Texas; a new interconnect with Cheniere Corpus Christi Pipeline, LLC’s pipeline facilities in San Patricio County, Texas; and piping and valve modifications in Hardin and Wharton Counties, Texas to allow for bi-directional flow and related appurtenant facilities. The Project would cost approximately $167.4 million and would enable 475,000 dekatherms per day of incremental firm natural gas transportation, all as more fully set forth in the application which is on file with the Commission and open to public inspection. This filing may be viewed on the web at https:// www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, please contact FERC at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TYY, (202) 502–8659. Any questions regarding this Application should be directed to Ingrid Germany, Rates & Regulatory, P.O. Box 1396, Houston, Texas 77251–1396, or call (713) 215–4015, or via eMail: PipelineExpansion@Williams.com, the toll-free Project telephone number (866) 455–9103, or the Project Web site at www.williams.com/GulfConnector. Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission’s rules, 18 CFR 157.9, within 90 days of this Notice the VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:59 Aug 30, 2016 Jkt 238001 Commission staff will either: Complete its environmental assessment (EA) and place it into the Commission’s public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff’s issuance of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or EA for this proposal. The filing of the EA in the Commission’s public record for this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff’s FEIS or EA. There are two ways to become involved in the Commission’s review of this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or before the comment date stated below, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must submit 7 copies of filings made with the Commission and must mail a copy to the applicant and to every other party in the proceeding. Only parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of Commission orders in the proceeding. However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project. The Commission will consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission’s rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the protest. Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of this project should submit an original and PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 59995 two copies of their comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commenter’s will be placed on the Commission’s environmental mailing list, will receive copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings associated with he Commission’s environmental review process. Environmental commenter’s will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commentary, will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents issued by the Commission) and ill not have the right to seek court review of the Commission’s final order. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the ‘‘eFiling’’ link at https:// www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 5 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site under the ‘‘e-Filing’’ link. Comment Date: September 15, 2016 Dated: August 25, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–20975 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IC16–10–000] Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC Form 80, FERC–550, and FERC–549); Comment Request Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Comment request. AGENCY: 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 these information collections (FERC Form 80 [Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report], FERC–550 [Oil Pipeline RatesTariff Filings], and FERC–549 [NGPA 1 SUMMARY: 1 NGPA E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM = Natural Gas Policy Act 31AUN1 59996 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices Title III Transactions and NGA 2 Blanket Certificate Transaction]) 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 (81 FR 33499, 5/26/ 2016) requesting public comments. The Commission received no comments regarding any of the included information collections and is making this notation in its submittal to OMB. DATES: Comments on the collections of information are due by September 30, 2016. Comments filed with OMB, identified by the OMB Control Nos. 1902–0106 (FERC Form 80), 1902–0089 (FERC–550), or 1902–0086 (FERC–549) should be sent via email to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs: oira_submission@omb.gov, Attention: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Desk Officer. A copy of the comments should also be sent to the Commission, in Docket No. IC16–10–000, by either of the following methods: • eFiling at Commission’s Web site: https://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: https:// www.ferc.gov/help/submissionguide.asp. For user assistance contact FERC Online Support by email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, 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 ADDRESSES: may do so at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/docs-filing.asp. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Ellen Brown may be reached by email at DataClearance@FERC.gov, by telephone at (202) 502–8663, and by fax at (202) 273–0873. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Type of Request: Three-year extension of the information collection requirements for all collections described below with no changes to the current reporting requirements. Please note that each collection is distinct from the next. Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden and cost of the collections of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collections; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. FERC Form 80, Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report OMB Control No.: 1902–0106. Abstract: FERC uses the information on the FERC Form 80 (also known as ‘‘FERC–80’’) to implement the statutory provisions of sections 4(a), 10(a), 301(a), 304 and 309 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), 16 U.S.C. 797, 803, 825c and 825h. FERC’s authority to collect this information comes from section 10(a) of the FPA which requires the Commission to be responsible for ensuring that hydro projects subject to FERC jurisdiction are consistent with the comprehensive development of the nation’s waterway for recreation and other beneficial public uses. In the interest of fulfilling these objectives, FERC expects licensees subject to its jurisdiction to recognize the resources that are affected by their activities and to play a role in protecting such resources. FERC Form 80 is a report on the use and development of recreational facilities at hydropower projects licensed by the Commission. Applications for amendments to licenses and/or changes in land rights frequently involve changes in resources available for recreation. FERC utilizes the FERC Form 80 data when analyzing the adequacy of existing public recreational facilities and when processing and reviewing proposed amendments to help determine the impact of such changes. In addition, FERC staff uses the FERC Form 80 data when conducting inspections of licensed projects and in evaluating compliance with various license conditions and in identifying recreational facilities at hydropower projects. The data which FERC Form 80 requires are specified by Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR 8.11 and 141.14 (and are discussed at https://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/forms.asp#80). FERC collects the FERC Form 80 once every six years. The last collection was due on April 1, 2015, for data compiled during the 2014 calendar year. The next collection of the FERC Form 80 is due on April 1, 2021, with subsequent collections due every sixth year, for data compiled during the previous calendar year. The Commission updated the format for the general instructions section of the form for improved readability. Specifically, FERC split a long paragraph into several smaller paragraphs. FERC made no changes to the instructions, form, or glossary. Type of Respondent: Hydropower project licensees. Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: FERC FORM 80—LICENSED HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT RECREATION REPORT Annual number of responses per respondent Total number of responses (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) 400 ................................. 0.167 4 67 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Number of respondents 2 NGA = Natural Gas Act estimates for cost per response are derived using the 2016 FERC average salary plus benefits of 3 The VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:59 Aug 30, 2016 Jkt 238001 Cost per respondent ($) (5) ÷ (1) 201 hrs.; $14,974.50 ................... $37.44 (4) 53 hrs.; $224 ............................... $154,647/year (or $74.50/hour). Commission staff finds that the work done for this information collection is typically done by wage categories similar to those at FERC. PO 00000 Total annual burden hours & total annual cost (3) * (4) = (5) Average burden & cost per response 3 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4 This 5 This E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM figure is rounded from 66.8. figure is rounded from $223.50. 31AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices FERC–550—Oil Pipelines Rates—Tariff Filings OMB Control No.: 1902–0089. Abstract: FERC–550 is required to implement the sections of the Interstate Commerce Act (ICA) (49 U.S.C. 1, et seq., 49 App. U.S.C. 1–85). The Commission’s regulatory jurisdiction over oil pipelines includes: • Regulation of rates and practices of oil pipeline companies engaged in interstate transportation; • establishment of equal service conditions to provide shippers with equal access to pipeline transportation; • establishment of reasonable rates for transporting petroleum and petroleum products by pipeline. The filing requirements for oil pipeline tariffs and rates 6 put in place by the FERC–550 data collection provide the Commission with the information it needs to analyze proposed tariffs, rates, fares, and charges 59997 of oil pipelines and other carriers in connection with the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products. The Commission uses this information to determine whether the proposed tariffs and rates are just and reasonable. Type of Respondent: Oil Pipelines. Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden 7 and cost for the FERC–550 information collection as follows: FERC–550—OIL PIPELINES RATES—TARIFF FILINGS Number of respondents Annual number of responses per respondent Total number of responses Average burden & cost per response 8 Total annual burden hours & total annual cost Cost per respondent ($) (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4) (3) * (4) = (5) (5) ÷ (1) 208 3.68 765 7.815 hrs.; $582.22 ......... 5,978 hrs.; $445,396 ....... $2,141.33 FERC–550 ................... FERC–549—NGPA Title III Transactions and NGA Blanket Certificate Transaction OMB Control No.: 1902–0086. Abstract: FERC–549 is required to implement the statutory provisions governed by Sections 311 and 312 of the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) (15 U.S.C. 3371–3372) and Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) (15 U.S.C. 717f). The reporting requirements for implementing these provisions are contained in 18 CFR part 284. 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 interstate 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. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 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 6 18 CFR parts 341–348. one-time burden imposed by Order 780 (issued May 16, 2013, in Docket No. RM12–15–000; 7 The VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:59 Aug 30, 2016 Jkt 238001 The Commission’s regulations at 18 CFR 284.288 and 284.403 provide that applicable sellers of natural gas adhere to a code of conduct when making gas sales in order to protect the integrity of the market. As part of this code, the Commission imposes a 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) 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 78 FR 32090, 5/29/2013) has been completed and is not included. 8 The estimates for cost per response are derived using the FERC 2016 average salary plus benefits of $154,647/year (or $74.50/hour). Commission staff finds that the work done for this information collection is typically done by wage categories similar to those at FERC. 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. It is the Commission policy that each pipeline must file at least every five years to ensure its rates are fair and equitable. Depending on the business process used, either 60 or 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 in operations or change in rate election. Code of Conduct PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1 59998 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices 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. Type of Respondent: Gas pipelines. Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: FERC–549—NGPA TITLE III TRANSACTIONS AND NGA BLANKET CERTIFICATE TRANSACTION Number of respondents Total number of responses (1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) Transportation by Interstate Pipelines 9. Rates and Charges for Intrastate Pipelines11. Code of Conduct 13 14 ... Market-Based Rates 15 Total ...................... Annual number of responses per respondent 75 2 150 50 1 222 4 ........................ 2,500 hrs.; $254,225 ... 5,084.50 1 1 222 4 1 hr.; $128.94 10 .......... 350 hrs.; $45,129 10 .... 222 hrs.; $28,624.68 ... 1,400 hrs.; $180,516 ... 128.94 45,129 ........................ 426 ..................................... 4,572 hrs.; $521,388.68. 3 the response to FWS’ request, filed by American Municipal Power, Inc. (agent for the City of Wadsworth, Ohio) on July 15, 2016. e. All local, state, and federal agencies, Indian tribes, and other interested entities are invited to participate by phone. Please call Andy Bernick at (202) 502–8660 by Tuesday, September 13, 2016, to RSVP and to receive specific instructions on how to participate. [Project No. 12796–004] Dated: August 24, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. City of Wadsworth, Ohio; Notice of Teleconference mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES (5) ÷ (1) 50 hrs.; $5,084.50 12 ... Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a. Project Name and Number: R.C. Byrd Hydroelectric Project No. 12796. b. Date and Time of Meeting: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). c. FERC Contact: Andy Bernick, andrew.bernick@ferc.gov or (202) 502– 8660. d. Purpose of Meeting: Commission staff will hold a teleconference to discuss: (1) Additional information needs regarding listed freshwater mussel species filed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pennsylvania Field Office (FWS) on June 16, 2016; and (2) CFR 284.102(e). average hourly cost (salary plus benefits) is $128.94. The BLS wage category code is 23–0000 (lawyers). This figure is also taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 figures at https:// www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm.a 11 18 CFR 284.123(b),(e). Jkt 238001 (3) * (4) = (5) 50 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 21:59 Aug 30, 2016 (4) hrs.10; $386.82 $773.64 BILLING CODE 6717–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 Cost per respondent ($) 450 hrs.; $58,023 ........ [FR Doc. 2016–20977 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am] 10 The Total annual burden hours & total annual cost ......... Dated: August 25, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. 9 18 Average burden & cost per response [FR Doc. 2016–20971 Filed 8–30–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings #1 Take notice that the Commission received the following exempt wholesale generator filings: Docket Numbers: EG16–141–000. 12 The estimates for cost per response are derived using the following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response * $101.69 per Hour = Average Cost per Response. The hourly average of $101.69 assumes equal time is spent by an economist and lawyer. The average hourly cost (salary plus benefits) is: $74.43 for economists (occupation code 19–3011) and $128.94 for lawyers (occupation code PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ........................ Applicants: Luning Energy Holdings LLC. Description: Notice of SelfCertification of Exempt Wholesale Generator Status of Luning Energy Holdings LLC. Filed Date: 8/25/16. Accession Number: 20160825–5050. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 9/15/16. Docket Numbers: EG16–142–000. Applicants: Luning Energy LLC. Description: Notice of SelfCertification of Exempt Wholesale Generator Status of Luning Energy LLC. Filed Date: 8/25/16. Accession Number: 20160825–5051. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 9/15/16. Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER10–1818–012; ER10–1817–013; ER10–1819–014; ER10–1820–017. Applicants: Public Service Company of Colorado, Southwestern Public Service Company, Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation. Description: Supplement to January 14, 2016 Triennial Market Power 23–0000). (The figures are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 figures at https:// www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm). 13 A portion of these responses includes recordkeeping burden. 14 18 CFR 284.288, 403. 15 18 CFR 284.501–505. E:\FR\FM\31AUN1.SGM 31AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 169 (Wednesday, August 31, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59995-59998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20977]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. IC16-10-000]


Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC Form 80, FERC-
550, and FERC-549); 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 these information 
collections (FERC Form 80 [Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation 
Report], FERC-550 [Oil Pipeline Rates-Tariff Filings], and FERC-549 
[NGPA \1\

[[Page 59996]]

Title III Transactions and NGA \2\ Blanket Certificate Transaction]) 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 (81 FR 33499, 5/26/2016) requesting 
public comments. The Commission received no comments regarding any of 
the included information collections and is making this notation in its 
submittal to OMB.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ NGPA = Natural Gas Policy Act
    \2\ NGA = Natural Gas Act

DATES: Comments on the collections of information are due by September 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
30, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Comments filed with OMB, identified by the OMB Control Nos. 
1902-0106 (FERC Form 80), 1902-0089 (FERC-550), or 1902-0086 (FERC-549) 
should be sent via email to the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs: oira_submission@omb.gov, Attention: Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission Desk Officer.
    A copy of the comments should also be sent to the Commission, in 
Docket No. IC16-10-000, by either of the following methods:
     eFiling at Commission's Web site: https://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: https://www.ferc.gov/help/submission-guide.asp. For user assistance contact FERC Online Support 
by email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, 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 https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/docs-filing.asp.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Type of Request: Three-year extension of the information collection 
requirements for all collections described below with no changes to the 
current reporting requirements. Please note that each collection is 
distinct from the next.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collections of 
information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions 
of the Commission, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the 
burden and cost of the collections of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility and clarity of the information collections; and 
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

FERC Form 80, Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report

    OMB Control No.: 1902-0106.
    Abstract: FERC uses the information on the FERC Form 80 (also known 
as ``FERC-80'') to implement the statutory provisions of sections 4(a), 
10(a), 301(a), 304 and 309 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), 16 U.S.C. 
797, 803, 825c and 825h. FERC's authority to collect this information 
comes from section 10(a) of the FPA which requires the Commission to be 
responsible for ensuring that hydro projects subject to FERC 
jurisdiction are consistent with the comprehensive development of the 
nation's waterway for recreation and other beneficial public uses. In 
the interest of fulfilling these objectives, FERC expects licensees 
subject to its jurisdiction to recognize the resources that are 
affected by their activities and to play a role in protecting such 
resources.
    FERC Form 80 is a report on the use and development of recreational 
facilities at hydropower projects licensed by the Commission. 
Applications for amendments to licenses and/or changes in land rights 
frequently involve changes in resources available for recreation. FERC 
utilizes the FERC Form 80 data when analyzing the adequacy of existing 
public recreational facilities and when processing and reviewing 
proposed amendments to help determine the impact of such changes. In 
addition, FERC staff uses the FERC Form 80 data when conducting 
inspections of licensed projects and in evaluating compliance with 
various license conditions and in identifying recreational facilities 
at hydropower projects.
    The data which FERC Form 80 requires are specified by Title 18 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR 8.11 and 141.14 (and 
are discussed at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/forms.asp#80).
    FERC collects the FERC Form 80 once every six years. The last 
collection was due on April 1, 2015, for data compiled during the 2014 
calendar year. The next collection of the FERC Form 80 is due on April 
1, 2021, with subsequent collections due every sixth year, for data 
compiled during the previous calendar year.
    The Commission updated the format for the general instructions 
section of the form for improved readability. Specifically, FERC split 
a long paragraph into several smaller paragraphs.
    FERC made no changes to the instructions, form, or glossary.
    Type of Respondent: Hydropower project licensees.
    Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual 
public reporting burden for the information collection as:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the 
2016 FERC average salary plus benefits of $154,647/year (or $74.50/
hour). Commission staff finds that the work done for this 
information collection is typically done by wage categories similar 
to those at FERC.
    \4\ This figure is rounded from 66.8.
    \5\ This figure is rounded from $223.50.

                         FERC Form 80--Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Total annual
                                Annual number   Total number   Average burden &   burden hours &     Cost per
    Number of respondents       of responses    of responses       cost per        total annual     respondent
                               per respondent                    response \3\          cost             ($)
(1)                                      (2)     (1) * (2) =   (4).............  (3) * (4) = (5)      (5) / (1)
                                                         (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
400..........................          0.167          \4\ 67   \5\ 3 hrs.; $224  201 hrs.;               $37.44
                                                                                  $14,974.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 59997]]

FERC-550--Oil Pipelines Rates--Tariff Filings

    OMB Control No.: 1902-0089.
    Abstract: FERC-550 is required to implement the sections of the 
Interstate Commerce Act (ICA) (49 U.S.C. 1, et seq., 49 App. U.S.C. 1-
85). The Commission's regulatory jurisdiction over oil pipelines 
includes:
     Regulation of rates and practices of oil pipeline 
companies engaged in interstate transportation;
     establishment of equal service conditions to provide 
shippers with equal access to pipeline transportation;
     establishment of reasonable rates for transporting 
petroleum and petroleum products by pipeline.
    The filing requirements for oil pipeline tariffs and rates \6\ put 
in place by the FERC-550 data collection provide the Commission with 
the information it needs to analyze proposed tariffs, rates, fares, and 
charges of oil pipelines and other carriers in connection with the 
transportation of crude oil and petroleum products. The Commission uses 
this information to determine whether the proposed tariffs and rates 
are just and reasonable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 18 CFR parts 341-348.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Type of Respondent: Oil Pipelines.
    Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual 
public reporting burden \7\ and cost for the FERC-550 information 
collection as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The one-time burden imposed by Order 780 (issued May 16, 
2013, in Docket No. RM12-15-000; 78 FR 32090, 5/29/2013) has been 
completed and is not included.
    \8\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the 
FERC 2016 average salary plus benefits of $154,647/year (or $74.50/
hour). Commission staff finds that the work done for this 
information collection is typically done by wage categories similar 
to those at FERC.

                                                      FERC-550--Oil Pipelines Rates--Tariff Filings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Annual number                                              Total annual burden       Cost per
                                          Number of     of responses    Total number    Average burden &  cost     hours & total annual     respondent
                                         respondents   per respondent   of responses       per response \8\                cost                 ($)
                                                 (1)             (2)     (1) * (2) =   (4).....................  (3) * (4) = (5)........      (5) / (1)
                                                                                 (3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-550.............................            208            3.68             765   7.815 hrs.; $582.22.....  5,978 hrs.; $445,396...      $2,141.33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FERC-549--NGPA Title III Transactions and NGA Blanket Certificate 
Transaction

    OMB Control No.: 1902-0086.
    Abstract: FERC-549 is required to implement the statutory 
provisions governed by Sections 311 and 312 of the Natural Gas Policy 
Act (NGPA) (15 U.S.C. 3371-3372) and Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act 
(NGA) (15 U.S.C. 717f). The reporting requirements for implementing 
these provisions are contained in 18 CFR part 284.

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 interstate 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. It is the Commission 
policy that each pipeline must file at least every five years to ensure 
its rates are fair and equitable. Depending on the business process 
used, either 60 or 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 in 
operations or change in rate election.

Code of Conduct

    The Commission's regulations at 18 CFR 284.288 and 284.403 provide 
that applicable sellers of natural gas adhere to a code of conduct when 
making gas sales in order to protect the integrity of the market. As 
part of this code, the Commission imposes a 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) 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. 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

[[Page 59998]]

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.
    Type of Respondent: Gas pipelines.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 18 CFR 284.102(e).
    \10\ The average hourly cost (salary plus benefits) is $128.94. 
The BLS wage category code is 23-0000 (lawyers). This figure is also 
taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 figures at 
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm.a
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual 
public reporting burden for the information collection as:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 18 CFR 284.123(b),(e).
    \12\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the 
following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response * $101.69 per 
Hour = Average Cost per Response. The hourly average of $101.69 
assumes equal time is spent by an economist and lawyer. The average 
hourly cost (salary plus benefits) is: $74.43 for economists 
(occupation code 19-3011) and $128.94 for lawyers (occupation code 
23-0000). (The figures are taken from the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics, May 2015 figures at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm).
    \13\ A portion of these responses includes recordkeeping burden.
    \14\ 18 CFR 284.288, 403.
    \15\ 18 CFR 284.501-505.

                                      FERC-549--NGPA Title III Transactions and NGA Blanket Certificate Transaction
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Annual number                                              Total annual burden
                                          Number of     of responses    Total number     Average burden & cost     hours & total annual      Cost per
                                         respondents   per respondent   of responses         per response                  cost           respondent ($)
                                                  (1)             (2)     (1) * (2) =  (4).....................  (3) * (4) = (5)........       (5) / (1)
                                                                                  (3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation by Interstate                       75               2             150  3 hrs.\10\; $386.82.....  450 hrs.; $58,023......         $773.64
 Pipelines \9\.
Rates and Charges for Intrastate                   50               1              50  50 hrs.; $5,084.50 \12\.  2,500 hrs.; $254,225...        5,084.50
 Pipelines\11\.
Code of Conduct \13\ \14\............             222               1             222  1 hr.; $128.94 \10\.....  222 hrs.; $28,624.68...          128.94
Market-Based Rates \15\..............               4               1               4  350 hrs.; $45,129 \10\..  1,400 hrs.; $180,516...          45,129
                                      ------------------------------------------------                                                   ---------------
    Total............................  ..............  ..............             426  ........................  4,572 hrs.; $521,388.68  ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: August 25, 2016.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-20977 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.