Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-551); Comment Request, 95127-95128 [2016-31096]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IC16–17–000] Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC–551); 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 its information collection FERC–551 (Reporting of Flow Volume and Capacity by Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines) 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 70671, 10/13/ 2016) requesting public comments. The Commission received no comments on the FERC–551 and is making this notation in its submittal to OMB. DATES: Comments on the collection of information are due by January 26, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments filed with OMB, identified by the OMB Control No. 1902–0243, 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. IC16–17–000, 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 asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:45 Dec 23, 2016 Jkt 241001 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/docsfiling/docs-filing.asp. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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: Title: FERC–551, Reporting of Flow Volume and Capacity by Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines OMB Control No.: 1902–0243 Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC–551 information collection requirements with no changes to the reporting requirements. Abstract: The Commission has a statutory requirement to facilitate price transparency in markets for the sale or transportation of physical natural gas in interstate commerce, having due regard for the public interest, the integrity of those markets, fair competition, and the protection of consumers. FERC–551 uses the information provided by pipelines as part of its overall implementation of the statutory provisions of sections 23(a)(1) of the Natural Gas Act, 16 U.S.C. 717t–2(a)(1); Section 316 of EPAct 2005; section 23 of the Natural Gas Act; section 1281 of EPAct 2005; and section 220 to the Federal Power Act. More specifically, the Commission uses the pipelines’ FERC–551 postings as part of fulfilling the transparency provisions of section 23(a)(1) of the Natural Gas Act as mandated by Congress. FERC relies in part on section 23(a)(1) of the Natural Gas Act, for authority to collect this information. The data requirements for pipelines are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR part 284.13, reporting requirements for interstate pipelines. The Commission has directed the data requirements under FERC–551 are to be posted on interstate pipelines’ Web sites and not filed on formatted/printed forms. FERC is obligated to prescribe rules for the collection and dissemination of information regarding the wholesale, interstate markets for natural gas and electricity. The Commission is authorized to adopt rules to assure the timely dissemination of information PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 95127 about the availability and prices of natural gas and natural gas transportation and electric energy and transmission service in such markets. The posting requirements are based on the Commission’s authority under section 23 of the NGA (as added by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, EPAct 2005), which directs the Commission, in relevant part, to obtain and disseminate ‘‘information about the availability and prices of natural gas at wholesale and in interstate commerce.’’ 1 This provision enhances the Commission’s authority to ensure confidence in the nation’s natural gas markets. The Commission’s market-oriented policies for the wholesale natural gas industry require that interested persons have broad confidence that reported market prices accurately reflect the interplay of legitimate market forces. Without confidence in the efficiency of price formation, the true value of transactions is very difficult to determine. Further, price transparency facilitates ensuring that jurisdictional prices are ‘‘just and reasonable.’’ 2 The posting for FERC–551 occurs on a daily basis. The data must be available for download for 90 days and must be retained by the pipeline for 3 years. The Commission uses the daily posting of information by interstate pipelines to provide information regarding the price and availability of natural gas to market participants, state commissions, FERC, and the public. The postings contribute to market transparency by aiding the understanding of the volumetric/ availability drivers behind price movements and it provides a better picture of disruptions in interstate natural gas flows. Type of Respondents: Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines. Estimate of Annual Burden: 3 The Commission estimates the annual public reporting burden for the information collection as: 1 Section 23(a)(2) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717t– 2(a)(2) (2000 & Supp. V 2005). 2 See sections 4 and 5 of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717c and 717d. 3 Burden is defined as the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. For further explanation of what is included in the information collection burden, refer to 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3. E:\FR\FM\27DEN1.SGM 27DEN1 95128 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Notices FERC–551: REPORTING OF FLOW VOLUME AND CAPACITY BY INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS PIPELINES Number of respondents Total number of responses Average burden & cost per response 4 Total annual burden hours & total annual cost Cost per respondent ($) (1) FERC–551 ................... Annual number of responses per respondent (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4) (3) * (4) = (5) (5) ÷ (1) 169 365 61,685 0.5 hrs.; $30.22 ........... 30,842.50 hrs.; $1,864,120.70 ....... 182.5 hrs.; $11,030.30. Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the 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 and cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Dated: December 20, 2016. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2016–31096 Filed 12–23–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Combined Notice of Filings #1 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric corporate filings: Docket Numbers: EC17–50–000. Applicants: ITC Midwest LLC. Description: Application Pursuant to Section 203 of the Federal Power Act to Acquire New Assets of ITC Midwest LLC. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5425. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER10–1817–015; ER10–1818–014; ER10–1819–016; ER10–1820–019. Applicants: Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, 4 The estimates for cost per response are derived using the following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response × $60.44 per hour = Average Cost per Response. This figure includes wages plus benefits and comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm data from May 2015) using Management Analyst category code (13–1111). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:45 Dec 23, 2016 Jkt 241001 Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation, Public Service Company of Colorado, Southwestern Public Service Company. Description: Supplement to November 7, 2016 Notice of Change in Status of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, et al. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5375. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER10–3177–001; ER10–3181–001; ER10–3285–001. Applicants: UGI Utilities, Inc., UGI Development Company, UGI Energy Services, LLC. Description: Updated Triennial Market Power Analysis for Northeast region of the UGI MBR Companies. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5294. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 2/17/17. Docket Numbers: ER15–1775–003. Applicants: Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Description: Compliance filing: Basin Electric Power Cooperative Formula Rate Compliance Filing to be effective 10/1/2015. Filed Date: 12/20/16. Accession Number: 20161220–5114. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/10/17. Docket Numbers: ER15–1943–002. Applicants: Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Description: Compliance filing: Missouri River Energy Services Formula Rate Compliance Filing to be effective 10/1/2015. Filed Date: 12/20/16. Accession Number: 20161220–5105. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/10/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–581–000. Applicants: ISO New England Inc. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Original Service Agreement No. SGIA– ISONE/CMP–16–01 under Schedule 23 to be effective 11/30/2016. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5339. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–582–000. Applicants: Westside Solar, LLC. Description: Baseline eTariff Filing: Westside Solar, LLC Application for MBR Authority to be effective 2/17/ 2017. Filed Date: 12/19/16. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Accession Number: 20161219–5352. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–583–000. Applicants: Whitney Point Solar, LLC. Description: Baseline eTariff Filing: Whitney Point Solar, LLC Application for MBR Authority to be effective 2/17/ 2017. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5353. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–584–000. Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Queue Position AB2–027, Original Service Agreement No. 4588 to be effective 11/18/2016. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5354. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–585–000. Applicants: Michigan Electric Transmission Company. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Notice of Cancellation of METC RS No. 7 to be effective 11/19/2016. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5357. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–586–000. Applicants: International Transmission Company. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Notice of Termination of ITCT RS No. 10 to be effective 11/19/2016. Filed Date: 12/19/16. Accession Number: 20161219–5360. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/9/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–587–000. Applicants: Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 3290 Sholes Wind Energy, LLC GIA to be effective 12/5/2016. Filed Date: 12/20/16. Accession Number: 20161220–5033. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/10/17. Docket Numbers: ER17–588–000. Applicants: Southwest Power Pool, Inc. Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 1135R1 Public Service Co of OK and GRDA Interconnection Agr to be effective 12/1/2016. Filed Date: 12/20/16. Accession Number: 20161220–5034. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 1/10/17. E:\FR\FM\27DEN1.SGM 27DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 95127-95128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31096]

[[Page 95127]]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. IC16-17-000]

Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-551); 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 its information
collection FERC-551 (Reporting of Flow Volume and Capacity by
Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines) 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 70671, 10/13/2016) requesting public comments. The Commission
received no comments on the FERC-551 and is making this notation in its
submittal to OMB.

DATES: Comments on the collection of information are due by January 26,
2017.

ADDRESSES: Comments filed with OMB, identified by the OMB Control No.
1902-0243, 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. IC16-17-000, 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 CONTACT: 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:
Title: FERC-551, Reporting of Flow Volume and Capacity by
Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines
OMB Control No.: 1902-0243
Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC-551 information
collection requirements with no changes to the reporting requirements.
Abstract: The Commission has a statutory requirement to facilitate
price transparency in markets for the sale or transportation of
physical natural gas in interstate commerce, having due regard for the
public interest, the integrity of those markets, fair competition, and
the protection of consumers. FERC-551 uses the information provided by
pipelines as part of its overall implementation of the statutory
provisions of sections 23(a)(1) of the Natural Gas Act, 16 U.S.C. 717t-
2(a)(1); Section 316 of EPAct 2005; section 23 of the Natural Gas Act;
section 1281 of EPAct 2005; and section 220 to the Federal Power Act.
More specifically, the Commission uses the pipelines' FERC-551 postings
as part of fulfilling the transparency provisions of section 23(a)(1)
of the Natural Gas Act as mandated by Congress. FERC relies in part on
section 23(a)(1) of the Natural Gas Act, for authority to collect this
information. The data requirements for pipelines are listed in the Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR part 284.13, reporting
requirements for interstate pipelines. The Commission has directed the
data requirements under FERC-551 are to be posted on interstate
pipelines' Web sites and not filed on formatted/printed forms.
FERC is obligated to prescribe rules for the collection and
dissemination of information regarding the wholesale, interstate
markets for natural gas and electricity. The Commission is authorized
to adopt rules to assure the timely dissemination of information about
the availability and prices of natural gas and natural gas
transportation and electric energy and transmission service in such
markets.
The posting requirements are based on the Commission's authority
under section 23 of the NGA (as added by the Energy Policy Act of 2005,
EPAct 2005), which directs the Commission, in relevant part, to obtain
and disseminate ``information about the availability and prices of
natural gas at wholesale and in interstate commerce.'' \1\ This
provision enhances the Commission's authority to ensure confidence in
the nation's natural gas markets. The Commission's market-oriented
policies for the wholesale natural gas industry require that interested
persons have broad confidence that reported market prices accurately
reflect the interplay of legitimate market forces. Without confidence
in the efficiency of price formation, the true value of transactions is
very difficult to determine. Further, price transparency facilitates
ensuring that jurisdictional prices are ``just and reasonable.'' \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ Section 23(a)(2) of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717t-2(a)(2) (2000 &
Supp. V 2005).
\2\ See sections 4 and 5 of the NGA, 15 U.S.C. 717c and 717d.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The posting for FERC-551 occurs on a daily basis. The data must be
available for download for 90 days and must be retained by the pipeline
for 3 years.
The Commission uses the daily posting of information by interstate
pipelines to provide information regarding the price and availability
of natural gas to market participants, state commissions, FERC, and the
public. The postings contribute to market transparency by aiding the
understanding of the volumetric/availability drivers behind price
movements and it provides a better picture of disruptions in interstate
natural gas flows.
Type of Respondents: Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines.
Estimate of Annual Burden: \3\ The Commission estimates the annual
public reporting burden for the information collection as:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ Burden is defined as the total time, effort, or financial
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. For
further explanation of what is included in the information
collection burden, refer to 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3.

[[Page 95128]]

FERC-551: Reporting of Flow Volume and Capacity by Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual number Average burden & Total annual
Number of of responses Total number of cost per response burden hours & Cost per respondent ($)
respondents per respondent responses \4\ total annual cost
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4)............... (3) * (4) = (5)... (5) / (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-551....................... 169 365 61,685 0.5 hrs.; $30.22.. 30,842.50 hrs.; 182.5 hrs.; $11,030.30.
$1,864,120.70.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the 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 and
cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality,
utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ The estimates for cost per response are derived using the
following formula: Average Burden Hours per Response x $60.44 per
hour = Average Cost per Response. This figure includes wages plus
benefits and comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_22.htm data from May 2015) using
Management Analyst category code (13-1111).

Dated: December 20, 2016.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-31096 Filed 12-23-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

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