Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC Form 80, FERC-550, and FERC-549); Comment Request, 59995-59998 [2016-20977]
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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]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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4 This
5 This
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figure is rounded from 66.8.
figure is rounded from $223.50.
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 169 / Wednesday, August 31, 2016 / Notices
FERC–550—Oil Pipelines Rates—Tariff
Filings
OMB Control No.: 1902–0089.
Abstract: FERC–550 is required to
implement the sections of the Interstate
Commerce Act (ICA) (49 U.S.C. 1, et
seq., 49 App. U.S.C. 1–85). The
Commission’s regulatory jurisdiction
over oil pipelines includes:
• Regulation of rates and practices of
oil pipeline companies engaged in
interstate transportation;
• establishment of equal service
conditions to provide shippers with
equal access to pipeline transportation;
• establishment of reasonable rates
for transporting petroleum and
petroleum products by pipeline.
The filing requirements for oil
pipeline tariffs and rates 6 put in place
by the FERC–550 data collection
provide the Commission with the
information it needs to analyze
proposed tariffs, rates, fares, and charges
59997
of oil pipelines and other carriers in
connection with the transportation of
crude oil and petroleum products. The
Commission uses this information to
determine whether the proposed tariffs
and rates are just and reasonable.
Type of Respondent: Oil Pipelines.
Estimate of Annual Burden: The
Commission estimates the annual public
reporting burden 7 and cost for the
FERC–550 information collection as
follows:
FERC–550—OIL PIPELINES RATES—TARIFF FILINGS
Number of
respondents
Annual
number of
responses
per
respondent
Total number
of responses
Average burden &
cost per response 8
Total annual burden
hours & total
annual cost
Cost per
respondent
($)
(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.
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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
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21:59 Aug 30, 2016
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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
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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
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(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).
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(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
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........................
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.
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]]>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
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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:
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\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 $223.50.
FERC Form 80--Licensed Hydropower Development Recreation Report
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Total annual
Annual number Total number Average burden & burden hours & Cost per
Number of respondents of responses of responses cost per total annual respondent
per respondent response \3\ cost ($)
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)............. (3) * (4) = (5) (5) / (1)
(3)
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400.......................... 0.167 \4\ 67 \5\ 3 hrs.; $224 201 hrs.; $37.44
$14,974.50.
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[[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.
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\6\ 18 CFR parts 341-348.
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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:
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\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 $74.50/
hour). Commission staff finds that the work done for this
information collection is typically done by wage categories similar
to those at FERC.
FERC-550--Oil Pipelines Rates--Tariff Filings
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Annual number Total annual burden Cost per
Number of of responses Total number Average burden & cost hours & total annual respondent
respondents per respondent of responses per response \8\ cost ($)
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)..................... (3) * (4) = (5)........ (5) / (1)
(3)
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FERC-550............................. 208 3.68 765 7.815 hrs.; $582.22..... 5,978 hrs.; $445,396... $2,141.33
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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.
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\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
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Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual
public reporting burden for the information collection as:
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\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 $128.94 for lawyers (occupation code
23-0000). (The figures are taken from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, May 2015 figures at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm).
\13\ A portion of these responses includes recordkeeping burden.
\14\ 18 CFR 284.288, 403.
\15\ 18 CFR 284.501-505.
FERC-549--NGPA Title III Transactions and NGA Blanket Certificate Transaction
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Annual number Total annual burden
Number of of responses Total number Average burden & cost hours & total annual Cost per
respondents per respondent of responses per response cost respondent ($)
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (4)..................... (3) * (4) = (5)........ (5) / (1)
(3)
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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
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Total............................ .............. .............. 426 ........................ 4,572 hrs.; $521,388.68 ..............
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Dated: August 25, 2016.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-20977 Filed 8-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
