Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-519, FERC-520, FERC-546, and FERC-580) Comment Request; Extension, 95765-95768 [2024-28248]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 3, 2024 / Notices
Identifier must include an Associated
Filing Identifier at the Filing level for
the filing to receive a sub-docket. In this
situation, filers must submit the filing
using the compliance_type category and
must include an associated filing
identifier at the Filing level, so they are
assigned a sub-docket of the original
docket. Failure to include the associated
filing identifier will result in a rejection
of the filing (Error code 28- An
Associated Filing Identifier is required
at filing level.). Type of Filing Codes
designated under the compliance_new_
type category apply to filings that will
receive a new docket number. If the
filing using these codes includes an
associated filing identifier at the Filing
level, the filing be rejected (Error code
187—This type of filing code establishes
a new docket, so the associated filing
identifier is not needed).
New codes also have been added to
permit utilities establishing new Tariff
baselines to distinguish between rate
change filings (code 390) and initial rate
filings under section 35.12 of the
Commission’s regulations (code 395).2
Questions on eTariff should be
directed to: etariffresponse@ferc.gov.
Dated: November 25, 2024.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024–28244 Filed 12–2–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. IC25–1–000]
Commission Information Collection
Activities (FERC–519, FERC–520,
FERC–546, and FERC–580) Comment
Request; Extension
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
ACTION: Notice of information collection
and request for comments.
AGENCY:
In compliance with the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission
(Commission or FERC) is soliciting
public comment on the currently
approved information collection, FERC–
519, (Application under Federal Power
Act Section 203); FERC–520,
(Application for Authority to Hold
interlocking Directorate positions;
FERC–546, (Certification of Qualifying
Facility (QF) Status for a Small Power
Production or Cogeneration Facility);
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
2 18
CFR 35.12 (2024).
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FERC–580, (Interrogatory on Fuel and
Energy Purchase Practices). The above
four collections are a part of a combined
notice only and are not being combined
into one OMB Collection number.
DATES: Comments on the collection of
information are due February 3, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may submit copies of
your comments (identified by Docket
No. IC25–1–000) by one of the following
methods:
Electronic filing through https://
www.ferc.gov, is preferred.
• Electronic Filing: Documents must
be filed in acceptable native
applications and print-to-PDF, but not
in scanned or picture format.
• For those unable to file
electronically, comments may be filed
by USPS mail or by hand (including
courier) delivery:
Æ Mail via U.S. Postal Service Only:
Addressed to: Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the
Commission, 888 First Street NE,
Washington, DC 20426.
Æ Hand (including courier) Delivery:
Deliver to: Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, MD 20852.
Instructions: All submissions must be
formatted and filed in accordance with
submission guidelines at: https://
www.ferc.gov. For user assistance,
contact FERC Online Support by email
at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or by
phone at (866) 208–3676 (toll-free).
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kayla Williams may be reached by
email at DataClearance@FERC.gov,
telephone at (202) 502–6468.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. FERC–519
Title: FERC–519, Application under
Federal Power Act Section 203.1
OMB Control No.: 1902–0082.
Type of Request: Three-year extension
of the FERC–519 information collection
requirements with no changes to the
current reporting requirements.
Abstract: The Commission requires
that public utility officers must seek
authorization under amended section
203(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Power Act
(FPA) to merge or consolidate, directly
or indirectly, its facilities subject to the
jurisdiction of the Commission, or any
part thereof, with the facilities of any
other person, or any part thereof, that
are subject to the jurisdiction of the
1 16
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U.S.C. 824b.
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95765
Commission and have a value in excess
of $10 million, by any means
whatsoever. In addition, as required by
the Act, the Commission establishes a
requirement to submit a notification
filing for mergers or consolidations by a
public utility if the facilities to be
acquired have a value in excess of $1
million and such public utility is not
required to secure Commission
authorization under amended section
203(a)(1)(B). The information collected
under the FERC–519 enables the
Commission to meet its statutory
responsibilities regarding public utility
disposition, merger, consolidation of
facilities, purchase, or acquisition
oversight and enforcement in
accordance with the FPA as referenced
above. Without this information, FERC
would be unable to meet these
responsibilities. The required
information includes descriptions of
corporate attributes of the party or
parties to the proposed transaction (e.g.,
a sale, lease, or other disposition,
merger, or consolidation of facilities, or
purchase of other acquisition of the
securities of a public utility and the
facilities or other property involved in
the transaction), statements about effect
of the transaction, and the applicant’s
proof that the transaction will be
consistent with the public interest. It
will enable the Commission to meet its
statutory responsibilities regarding its
FPA section 203 oversight of public
utility dispositions, mergers, or
consolidation of facilities, and
associated oversight and enforcement
responsibilities under the FPA as
referenced above. The required
information to be collected in the
notification filing (established by the
addition of 18 CFR part 33.12) for
certain transactions includes
descriptions of corporate attributes of
the party or parties to the transaction
and the facilities involved. FPA section
203 requires a filing on the occasion that
a public utility proposes to dispose of
jurisdictional facilities, merge such
facilities, or acquire the securities of
another public utility. Public Utilities
consist of:
• Corporate;
• Information Technology
Management;
• General Accounting;
• Personnel and Payroll;
• Transportation;
• Tariffs and Rates;
• Insurance;
• Operations and Maintenance;
• Plant and Depreciation;
• Purchase and Stores;
• Revenue Accounting and
Collection;
• Tax;
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 3, 2024 / Notices
• Treasury; and
• Miscellaneous.
Type of Respondents: Public utility
officers regulated by the FPA.
Estimate of Annual Burden: 2 The
Commission estimates the total annual
burden and cost 3 for this information
collection as follows:
FERC–519—APPLICATION UNDER FEDERAL POWER ACT SECTION 203
Number of
respondents
Annual
number of
responses per
respondent
Total
number of
responses
(1)
(2)
(1) * (2) = (3)
134
FERC–519 (FPA Section
203 Filings) 4.
1
2. FERC–520
Title: FERC–520, Application for
Authority to Hold Interlocking
Directorate Positions.
OMB Control No.: 1902–0083.
Type of Request: Three-year extension
of the FERC–520 information collection
requirements with no changes to the
current reporting requirements.
Abstract: FERC Form No. 520 is an
application requesting FERC
authorization for officers and directors
of regulated public utilities to
simultaneously hold positions of
officers and directors of certain other
entities. Section 305(b)(1) of the Federal
Power Act (FPA) 6 prohibits the holding
of specific interlocking positions unless
the Commission has authorized the
holding of such interlocks upon a
determination that neither public nor
Average
burden &
cost per
response
134
Total annual
burden hours
(total annual cost)
Cost per
respondent
($)
(5) ÷ (1)
(4)
(3) * (4) = (5)
324.43 hr.5; $32,443 ....
43,473.62 hrs.; $4,347,362 .......
private interests will be adversely
affected.
FERC–520 consists of three
information collection activities. A ‘‘full
application,’’ in accordance with 18
CFR 45.8, provides detailed information
about the positions for which
authorization is sought, including a
description of duties. Submission of a
more streamlined ‘‘informational
report,’’ in accordance with 18 CFR
45.9, is a condition for an automatic
grant of authorization to hold
interlocking directorates. This automatic
authorization is available only to certain
types of officers and directors. Finally,
a ‘‘notice of change,’’ in accordance
with 18 CFR 45.5, is required within 60
days after an officer or director resigns
or withdraws from Commissionauthorized interlocked positions or if
$32,443.
the applicant is not re-elected or
reappointed to the interlocked position.
However, no notice of change is
required if the only change is: (1) a
resignation or withdrawal from fewer
than all position held between or among
affiliated public utilities; (2) a reelection
or reappointment to a position that was
previously authorized; or (3) holding a
different or additional interlocking
position that would qualify for
automatic authorization under 18 CFR
45.9.
Type of Respondents: Officers and
directors of public utilities seeking
authorization to hold interlocking
directorates.
Estimate of Annual Burden: 7 The
Commission estimates the total annual
burden and cost 8 for this information
collection as follows:
FERC–520—APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO HOLD INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATE POSITIONS
A.
Number of
respondents
B.
Annual
number of
responses per
respondent
C.
Total number
of responses
D.
Average burden &
cost per response
(Column A × Column B)
Full Application ........
Informational Report
Notice of Change ....
Totals ...............
16
500
100
616
1
1
1
N/A
3. FERC–546
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Title: FERC–546, Certificated Rate
Filings: Gas Pipeline Rates.
OMB Control No.: 1902–0155.
2 ‘‘Burden’’ is 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 Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations
1320.3.
3 Commission staff estimates that the industry’s
skill set and cost (for wages and benefits) for FERC–
520 are approximately the same as the
Commission’s average cost. The FERC 2024 average
salary plus benefits for one FERC full-time
equivalent (FTE) is $207,786/year (or $100/hour).
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16
500
100
616
50 hrs.; $4,350 .........
8 hrs.; $696 ..............
0.25 hrs.; $21.75 ......
N/A ...........................
E.
Total annual burden
hours & total
annual cost
F.
Cost per respondent
(Column C × Column D)
(Column E ÷ Column A)
800 hrs.; $69,600 .............
4,000 hrs.; $348,000 ........
25 hrs.; $2,175 .................
4,825 hrs.; $419,775 ........
$4,350
696
21.75
N/A
Type of Request: Three-year extension
of the FERC–546 information collection
requirements with no changes to the
current reporting requirements.
Abstract: The Commission reviews
the FERC–546 materials to decide
whether to approve rates and tariff
changes associated with an application
for a certificate under Natural Gas Act
4 Commission staff estimates that approximately
26 section 203 filings will change from full section
203 filings to the notification filing described above
and will take one burden hour to complete. The
number of respondents and responses is based on
Commission staff’s estimate that 13 percent of the
approximately 200 section 203 filings received will
be affected. This represents a significant reduction
in burden hours.
5 With this amendment each of the 26 affected
entities and their related filings (i.e., the entities
that now only have to file the section 203
notification filings) is reduced to 1 hour.
6 16 U.S.C. 825d(b)(1).
7 ‘‘Burden’’ is 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 Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations
1320.3.
8 Commission staff estimates that the industry’s
skill set and cost (for wages and benefits) for FERC–
520 are approximately the same as the
Commission’s average cost. The FERC 2024 average
salary plus benefits for one FERC full-time
equivalent (FTE) is $207,786/year (or $100/hour).
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 3, 2024 / Notices
(NGA) section 7(c) (15 U.S.C. 717).
Additionally, FERC reviews FERC–546
materials in NGA section 4(f) (15 U.S.C.
717), storage applications, to evaluate an
applicant’s market power and determine
whether to grant market-based rate
authority to the applicant. The
Commission uses the information in
FERC–546 to monitor jurisdictional
transportation, natural gas storage, and
unbundled sales activities of interstate
natural gas pipelines and Hinshaw 9
pipelines. In addition to fulfilling the
Commission’s obligations under the
NGA, the FERC–546 enables the
Commission to monitor the activities
and evaluate transactions of the natural
gas industry, ensure competitiveness,
and improve efficiency of the industry’s
operations. In summary, the
Commission uses the information to:
• ensure adequate customer
protections under NGA section 4(f);
• review rate and tariff changes filed
under NGA section 7(c) for certification
of natural gas pipeline transportation
and storage services;
• provide general industry oversight;
and
95767
• supplement documentation during
the pipeline audits process.
Failure to collect this information
would prevent the Commission from
monitoring and evaluating transactions
and operations of jurisdictional
pipelines and performing its regulatory
functions.
Type of Respondents: Jurisdictional
pipeline companies and storage
operators.
Estimate of Annual Burden: 10 The
Commission estimates the burden and
cost for this information collection as
follows:
FERC–546 (CERTIFICATED RATE FILINGS: GAS PIPELINE RATES)
Annual
number of
respondents
Annual
number of
responses per
respondent
Total number
of responses
(rounded)
Average burden &
cost per response
(rounded)
Total annual burden
hours & total
annual cost
(rounded)
Cost per
respondent
($)
(rounded)
(1)
(2)
(1) * (2) = (3)
(4)
(3) * (4) = (5)
(5) ÷ (1)
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Pipeline Certificate Filings
and Storage Applications.
Project Area Labor Wage 12 ...
48
11 1
48
500 hrs.; $50,000 .......
24,000 hrs.; $2,400,000 ............
$50,000.
16
1
16
15 hrs; $1,500 ............
240 hrs; $24,000 .......................
15 hrs: $1,500.
4. FERC–580
Title: FERC Form 580: Interrogatory
on Fuel and Energy Purchase Practices
Pursuant to Section 205 of the Federal
Power Act.
OMB Control No.: 1902–0137.
Type of Request: Three-year extension
of the FERC Form 580 with no
substantive changes to the current
reporting requirements. Administrative
changes to update the form are being
made, as described below.
Abstract: The Commission collects
FERC Form 580 information every other
year as required under Section 205(f)(2)
of the FPA,13 which provides that the
Commission must review, ‘‘not less
frequently than every 2 years,’’ practices
under automatic adjustment clauses
(AACs).14 As required by FPA section
205(f)(2), the Commission uses the
information collected through the FERC
Form 580 interrogatory to review utility
purchase and cost recovery practices
under AACs in order to ensure efficient
use of resources.15 The Commission
uses the information to evaluate costs in
individual rate filings and to
supplement periodic utility audits. The
public also uses the information in this
manner. Without the FERC Form 580
interrogatory, the Commission would
not have the requisite information
available to conduct the necessary
review the FPA mandates.
Type of Respondents: The filing must
be submitted by all FERC-jurisdictional
utilities owning and/or operating at
least one steam-electric generating
station of 50 MW or greater capacity or
having a majority ownership interest in
a jointly-owned steam-electric
generating station of at least 50 MW. A
jurisdictional utility without a costbased tariff on file with the Commission
is not required to file the form.
Estimate of Annual Burden: The
Commission estimates the annual 16
public reporting burden 17 and cost 18
for the information collection as:
9 Hinshaw pipelines are those that receive all outof-state gas from entities within or at the boundary
of a state if all the natural gas so received is
ultimately consumed within the state in which it is
received, 15 U.S.C. 717(c). Congress concluded that
Hinshaw pipelines are ‘‘matters primarily of local
concern,’’ and so are more appropriately regulated
by pertinent state agencies rather than by FERC.
The Natural Gas Act section 1(c) exempts Hinshaw
pipelines from FERC jurisdiction. A Hinshaw
pipeline, however, may apply for a FERC certificate
to transport gas outside of state lines.
10 ‘‘Burden’’ is 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 Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations
1320.3.
11 This figure was calculated by dividing the total
number of responses (111) by the total number of
respondents (83). The resulting figure was then
rounded to the nearest thousandth place.
12 Project-Area Wage Standards in the Labor Cost
Component of Cost-of-Service Rates under Docket
No. PL24–1–000 was issued on March 21, 2024,
which allows jurisdictional entities to include
wages consistent with project-area standards in
cost-of-service rates filed with the Commission
where the record supports that outcome.
13 16 U.S.C. 824d.
14 An automatic adjustment clause is a provision
of a rate schedule which provides for increases or
decreases (or both), without prior hearing, in rates
reflecting increases or decreases (or both) in costs
incurred by an electric utility.
For additional information on AACs, see the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Desk
Reference for FERC Form 580 on the Commission’s
website.
15 By using the data in FERC Form 580, the
Commission is able to review utility purchase and
cost recovery practices and ensure the resources are
in compliance with Commission regulations in 18
CFR 35.14.
16 The FERC Form 580 interrogatory is conducted
every two years.
17 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. See 5 CFR
1320 for additional information on the definition of
information collection burden.
18 Commission staff estimates that the industry’s
skill set and cost (for wages and benefits) for FERC–
520 are approximately the same as the
Commission’s average cost. The FERC 2024 average
salary plus benefits for one FERC full-time
equivalent (FTE) is $207,786/year (or $100/hour).
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 3, 2024 / Notices
FERC FORM 580 (INTERROGATORY ON FUEL AND ENERGY PURCHASE PRACTICES PURSUANT TO SECTION 205 OF THE
FEDERAL POWER ACT)
Number of
respondents
Annual
number of
responses per
respondent
Total
number of
responses
Average burden &
cost per response
Total annual burden
hours & total
annual cost
Annual
cost per
respondent
($)
(1)
(2)
(1) * (2) = (3)
(4)
(3) * (4) = (5)
(5) ÷ (1)
Respondents with FACs 19 .................
Respondents with AACs, but no FACs
Respondents with no AACs and no
FACs.
24
12
4
0.5
0.5
0.5
12
6
2
103 hrs.; $10,300 .....
20 hrs.; $2,000 .........
2 hrs.; $200 ..............
1,236 hrs.; $123,600 ..........
120.0 hrs.; $12,000 ............
4.0 hrs.; $400 .....................
$5,150
1,000
100
Total .............................................
......................
..........................
20
...................................
1,360.0 hrs.; $136,000 .......
........................
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: November 25, 2024.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024–28248 Filed 12–2–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. CP25–17–000]
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Cimarron River Pipeline, LLC; Notice
of Application and Establishing
Intervention Deadline
Take notice that on November 12,
2024, Cimarron River Pipeline, LLC
(Cimarron River), 2331 CityWest
Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77042, filed
an abbreviated application under
section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act
(NGA), and Part 157 of the
Commission’s regulations requesting
authorization to abandon the Cimarron
Facilities, comprised of approximately
450 miles of gathering facilities,
including pipeline ranging from 4.5inch- to 30-inch-diameter, auxiliary and
appurtenant facilities, twenty-two field
compressors, and sixty-three receipt and
delivery points located in various
counties of Texas, Oklahoma, and
19 Fuel
Adjustment Clause (FAC).
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Kansas (Cimarron Facilities
Abandonment Project).
Cimarron River also requests
authorization to abandon its: (i) NGA
Section 7 certificate of public
convenience and necessity for the
acquisition, construction, and operation
of the Cimarron Facilities; (ii) Part 157,
Subpart F blanket certificate; and (iii)
Part 284, Subpart G blanket certificate to
provide open access transportation, as
well as the cancellation of its FERC Gas
Tariff, Second Revised Volume No. 1,
including all rate schedules therein, all
as more fully set forth in the application
which is on file with the Commission
and open for public inspection.
In addition to publishing the full text
of this document in the Federal
Register, the Commission provides all
interested persons an opportunity to
view and/or print the contents of this
document via the internet through the
Commission’s Home Page (https://
www.ferc.gov). From the Commission’s
Home Page on the internet, this
information is available on eLibrary.
The full text of this document is
available on eLibrary in PDF and
Microsoft Word format for viewing,
printing, and/or downloading. To access
this document in eLibrary, type the
docket number excluding the last three
digits of this document in the docket
number field.
User assistance is available for
eLibrary and the Commission’s website
during normal business hours from
FERC Online Support at (202) 502–6652
(toll free at 1–866–208–3676) or email at
ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the
Public Reference Room at (202) 502–
8371, TTY (202) 502–8659. Email the
Public Reference Room at
public.referenceroom@ferc.gov.
Any questions regarding the proposed
project should be directed to Shannon
M. Miller, Director, Regulatory Affairs,
Cimarron River Pipeline, LLC, 2331
CityWest Boulevard, Houston, Texas
77042, by phone at (832) 765–8312, or
by email at shannon.m.miller@p66.com.
Pursuant to section 157.9 of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and
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Procedure,1 within 90 days of this
Notice the Commission staff will either:
complete its environmental review 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 environmental assessment (EA) for
this proposal. The filing of an 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.
Public Participation
There are three ways to become
involved in the Commission’s review of
this project: you can file comments on
the project, you can protest the filing,
and you can file a motion to intervene
in the proceeding. There is no fee or
cost for filing comments or intervening.
The deadline for filing a motion to
intervene is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on
December 16, 2024. How to file protests,
motions to intervene, and comments is
explained below.
The Commission’s Office of Public
Participation (OPP) supports meaningful
public engagement and participation in
Commission proceedings. OPP can help
members of the public, including
landowners, environmental justice
communities, Tribal members and
others, access publicly available
information and navigate Commission
processes. For public inquiries and
assistance with making filings such as
interventions, comments, or requests for
rehearing, the public is encouraged to
1 18
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03DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 95765-95768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28248]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Docket No. IC25-1-000]
Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-519, FERC-520,
FERC-546, and FERC-580) Comment Request; Extension
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Notice of information collection and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or
FERC) is soliciting public comment on the currently approved
information collection, FERC-519, (Application under Federal Power Act
Section 203); FERC-520, (Application for Authority to Hold interlocking
Directorate positions; FERC-546, (Certification of Qualifying Facility
(QF) Status for a Small Power Production or Cogeneration Facility);
FERC-580, (Interrogatory on Fuel and Energy Purchase Practices). The
above four collections are a part of a combined notice only and are not
being combined into one OMB Collection number.
DATES: Comments on the collection of information are due February 3,
2025.
ADDRESSES: You may submit copies of your comments (identified by Docket
No. IC25-1-000) by one of the following methods:
Electronic filing through https://www.ferc.gov, is preferred.
Electronic Filing: Documents must be filed in acceptable
native applications and print-to-PDF, but not in scanned or picture
format.
For those unable to file electronically, comments may be
filed by USPS mail or by hand (including courier) delivery:
[cir] Mail via U.S. Postal Service Only: Addressed to: Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First
Street NE, Washington, DC 20426.
[cir] Hand (including courier) Delivery: Deliver to: Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852.
Instructions: All submissions must be formatted and filed in
accordance with submission guidelines at: https://www.ferc.gov. For
user assistance, contact FERC Online Support by email at
[email protected], or by phone at (866) 208-3676 (toll-free).
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kayla Williams may be reached by email
at [email protected], telephone at (202) 502-6468.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. FERC-519
Title: FERC-519, Application under Federal Power Act Section
203.\1\
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\1\ 16 U.S.C. 824b.
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OMB Control No.: 1902-0082.
Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC-519 information
collection requirements with no changes to the current reporting
requirements.
Abstract: The Commission requires that public utility officers must
seek authorization under amended section 203(a)(1)(B) of the Federal
Power Act (FPA) to merge or consolidate, directly or indirectly, its
facilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, or any part
thereof, with the facilities of any other person, or any part thereof,
that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission and have a value
in excess of $10 million, by any means whatsoever. In addition, as
required by the Act, the Commission establishes a requirement to submit
a notification filing for mergers or consolidations by a public utility
if the facilities to be acquired have a value in excess of $1 million
and such public utility is not required to secure Commission
authorization under amended section 203(a)(1)(B). The information
collected under the FERC-519 enables the Commission to meet its
statutory responsibilities regarding public utility disposition,
merger, consolidation of facilities, purchase, or acquisition oversight
and enforcement in accordance with the FPA as referenced above. Without
this information, FERC would be unable to meet these responsibilities.
The required information includes descriptions of corporate attributes
of the party or parties to the proposed transaction (e.g., a sale,
lease, or other disposition, merger, or consolidation of facilities, or
purchase of other acquisition of the securities of a public utility and
the facilities or other property involved in the transaction),
statements about effect of the transaction, and the applicant's proof
that the transaction will be consistent with the public interest. It
will enable the Commission to meet its statutory responsibilities
regarding its FPA section 203 oversight of public utility dispositions,
mergers, or consolidation of facilities, and associated oversight and
enforcement responsibilities under the FPA as referenced above. The
required information to be collected in the notification filing
(established by the addition of 18 CFR part 33.12) for certain
transactions includes descriptions of corporate attributes of the party
or parties to the transaction and the facilities involved. FPA section
203 requires a filing on the occasion that a public utility proposes to
dispose of jurisdictional facilities, merge such facilities, or acquire
the securities of another public utility. Public Utilities consist of:
Corporate;
Information Technology Management;
General Accounting;
Personnel and Payroll;
Transportation;
Tariffs and Rates;
Insurance;
Operations and Maintenance;
Plant and Depreciation;
Purchase and Stores;
Revenue Accounting and Collection;
Tax;
[[Page 95766]]
Treasury; and
Miscellaneous.
Type of Respondents: Public utility officers regulated by the FPA.
Estimate of Annual Burden: \2\ The Commission estimates the total
annual burden and cost \3\ for this information collection as follows:
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\2\ ``Burden'' is 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 Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3.
\3\ Commission staff estimates that the industry's skill set and
cost (for wages and benefits) for FERC-520 are approximately the
same as the Commission's average cost. The FERC 2024 average salary
plus benefits for one FERC full-time equivalent (FTE) is $207,786/
year (or $100/hour).
FERC-519--Application Under Federal Power Act Section 203
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Annual number
Number of of responses Total number of Average burden & cost per Total annual burden hours (total annual Cost per respondent ($)
respondents per respondent responses response cost)
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4).............................. (3) * (4) = (5).......................... (5) / (1)
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FERC-519 (FPA Section 203 Filings) 134 1 134 324.43 hr.\5\; $32,443........... 43,473.62 hrs.; $4,347,362............... $32,443.
\4\.
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2. FERC-520
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\4\ Commission staff estimates that approximately 26 section 203
filings will change from full section 203 filings to the
notification filing described above and will take one burden hour to
complete. The number of respondents and responses is based on
Commission staff's estimate that 13 percent of the approximately 200
section 203 filings received will be affected. This represents a
significant reduction in burden hours.
\5\ With this amendment each of the 26 affected entities and
their related filings (i.e., the entities that now only have to file
the section 203 notification filings) is reduced to 1 hour.
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Title: FERC-520, Application for Authority to Hold Interlocking
Directorate Positions.
OMB Control No.: 1902-0083.
Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC-520 information
collection requirements with no changes to the current reporting
requirements.
Abstract: FERC Form No. 520 is an application requesting FERC
authorization for officers and directors of regulated public utilities
to simultaneously hold positions of officers and directors of certain
other entities. Section 305(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) \6\
prohibits the holding of specific interlocking positions unless the
Commission has authorized the holding of such interlocks upon a
determination that neither public nor private interests will be
adversely affected.
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\6\ 16 U.S.C. 825d(b)(1).
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FERC-520 consists of three information collection activities. A
``full application,'' in accordance with 18 CFR 45.8, provides detailed
information about the positions for which authorization is sought,
including a description of duties. Submission of a more streamlined
``informational report,'' in accordance with 18 CFR 45.9, is a
condition for an automatic grant of authorization to hold interlocking
directorates. This automatic authorization is available only to certain
types of officers and directors. Finally, a ``notice of change,'' in
accordance with 18 CFR 45.5, is required within 60 days after an
officer or director resigns or withdraws from Commission-authorized
interlocked positions or if the applicant is not re-elected or
reappointed to the interlocked position. However, no notice of change
is required if the only change is: (1) a resignation or withdrawal from
fewer than all position held between or among affiliated public
utilities; (2) a reelection or reappointment to a position that was
previously authorized; or (3) holding a different or additional
interlocking position that would qualify for automatic authorization
under 18 CFR 45.9.
Type of Respondents: Officers and directors of public utilities
seeking authorization to hold interlocking directorates.
Estimate of Annual Burden: 7 The Commission estimates
the total annual burden and cost \8\ for this information collection as
follows:
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\7\ ``Burden'' is 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 Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations 1320.3.
\8\ Commission staff estimates that the industry's skill set and
cost (for wages and benefits) for FERC-520 are approximately the
same as the Commission's average cost. The FERC 2024 average salary
plus benefits for one FERC full-time equivalent (FTE) is $207,786/
year (or $100/hour).
FERC-520--Application for Authority To Hold Interlocking Directorate Positions
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B. Annual
A. Number of number of C. Total number of D. Average burden & cost per E. Total annual burden hours & total
respondents responses per responses response annual cost F. Cost per respondent
respondent
............ ............... (Column A x Column B) (Column C x Column D)................ (Column E / Column A)
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Full Application..................... 16 1 16 50 hrs.; $4,350................ 800 hrs.; $69,600.................... $4,350
Informational Report................. 500 1 500 8 hrs.; $696................... 4,000 hrs.; $348,000................. 696
Notice of Change..................... 100 1 100 0.25 hrs.; $21.75.............. 25 hrs.; $2,175...................... 21.75
Totals........................... 616 N/A 616 N/A............................ 4,825 hrs.; $419,775................. N/A
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3. FERC-546
Title: FERC-546, Certificated Rate Filings: Gas Pipeline Rates.
OMB Control No.: 1902-0155.
Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC-546 information
collection requirements with no changes to the current reporting
requirements.
Abstract: The Commission reviews the FERC-546 materials to decide
whether to approve rates and tariff changes associated with an
application for a certificate under Natural Gas Act
[[Page 95767]]
(NGA) section 7(c) (15 U.S.C. 717). Additionally, FERC reviews FERC-546
materials in NGA section 4(f) (15 U.S.C. 717), storage applications, to
evaluate an applicant's market power and determine whether to grant
market-based rate authority to the applicant. The Commission uses the
information in FERC-546 to monitor jurisdictional transportation,
natural gas storage, and unbundled sales activities of interstate
natural gas pipelines and Hinshaw \9\ pipelines. In addition to
fulfilling the Commission's obligations under the NGA, the FERC-546
enables the Commission to monitor the activities and evaluate
transactions of the natural gas industry, ensure competitiveness, and
improve efficiency of the industry's operations. In summary, the
Commission uses the information to:
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\9\ Hinshaw pipelines are those that receive all out-of-state
gas from entities within or at the boundary of a state if all the
natural gas so received is ultimately consumed within the state in
which it is received, 15 U.S.C. 717(c). Congress concluded that
Hinshaw pipelines are ``matters primarily of local concern,'' and so
are more appropriately regulated by pertinent state agencies rather
than by FERC. The Natural Gas Act section 1(c) exempts Hinshaw
pipelines from FERC jurisdiction. A Hinshaw pipeline, however, may
apply for a FERC certificate to transport gas outside of state
lines.
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ensure adequate customer protections under NGA section
4(f);
review rate and tariff changes filed under NGA section
7(c) for certification of natural gas pipeline transportation and
storage services;
provide general industry oversight; and
supplement documentation during the pipeline audits
process.
Failure to collect this information would prevent the Commission
from monitoring and evaluating transactions and operations of
jurisdictional pipelines and performing its regulatory functions.
Type of Respondents: Jurisdictional pipeline companies and storage
operators.
Estimate of Annual Burden: \10\ The Commission estimates the burden
and cost for this information collection as follows:
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\10\ ``Burden'' is 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 Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations
1320.3.
FERC-546 (Certificated Rate Filings: Gas Pipeline Rates)
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Annual Annual number Total number of
number of of responses responses Average burden & cost per Total annual burden hours & total annual Cost per respondent ($)
respondents per respondent (rounded) response (rounded) cost (rounded) (rounded)
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4)............................. (3) * (4) = (5).......................... (5) / (1)
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Pipeline Certificate Filings and 48 \11\ 1 48 500 hrs.; $50,000............... 24,000 hrs.; $2,400,000.................. $50,000.
Storage Applications.
Project Area Labor Wage \12\......... 16 1 16 15 hrs; $1,500.................. 240 hrs; $24,000......................... 15 hrs: $1,500.
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4. FERC-580
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\11\ This figure was calculated by dividing the total number of
responses (111) by the total number of respondents (83). The
resulting figure was then rounded to the nearest thousandth place.
\12\ Project-Area Wage Standards in the Labor Cost Component of
Cost-of-Service Rates under Docket No. PL24-1-000 was issued on
March 21, 2024, which allows jurisdictional entities to include
wages consistent with project-area standards in cost-of-service
rates filed with the Commission where the record supports that
outcome.
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Title: FERC Form 580: Interrogatory on Fuel and Energy Purchase
Practices Pursuant to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act.
OMB Control No.: 1902-0137.
Type of Request: Three-year extension of the FERC Form 580 with no
substantive changes to the current reporting requirements.
Administrative changes to update the form are being made, as described
below.
Abstract: The Commission collects FERC Form 580 information every
other year as required under Section 205(f)(2) of the FPA,\13\ which
provides that the Commission must review, ``not less frequently than
every 2 years,'' practices under automatic adjustment clauses
(AACs).\14\ As required by FPA section 205(f)(2), the Commission uses
the information collected through the FERC Form 580 interrogatory to
review utility purchase and cost recovery practices under AACs in order
to ensure efficient use of resources.\15\ The Commission uses the
information to evaluate costs in individual rate filings and to
supplement periodic utility audits. The public also uses the
information in this manner. Without the FERC Form 580 interrogatory,
the Commission would not have the requisite information available to
conduct the necessary review the FPA mandates.
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\13\ 16 U.S.C. 824d.
\14\ An automatic adjustment clause is a provision of a rate
schedule which provides for increases or decreases (or both),
without prior hearing, in rates reflecting increases or decreases
(or both) in costs incurred by an electric utility.
For additional information on AACs, see the Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) and Desk Reference for FERC Form 580 on the
Commission's website.
\15\ By using the data in FERC Form 580, the Commission is able
to review utility purchase and cost recovery practices and ensure
the resources are in compliance with Commission regulations in 18
CFR 35.14.
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Type of Respondents: The filing must be submitted by all FERC-
jurisdictional utilities owning and/or operating at least one steam-
electric generating station of 50 MW or greater capacity or having a
majority ownership interest in a jointly-owned steam-electric
generating station of at least 50 MW. A jurisdictional utility without
a cost-based tariff on file with the Commission is not required to file
the form.
Estimate of Annual Burden: The Commission estimates the annual \16\
public reporting burden \17\ and cost \18\ for the information
collection as:
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\16\ The FERC Form 580 interrogatory is conducted every two
years.
\17\ 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. See 5
CFR 1320 for additional information on the definition of information
collection burden.
\18\ Commission staff estimates that the industry's skill set
and cost (for wages and benefits) for FERC-520 are approximately the
same as the Commission's average cost. The FERC 2024 average salary
plus benefits for one FERC full-time equivalent (FTE) is $207,786/
year (or $100/hour).
[[Page 95768]]
FERC Form 580 (Interrogatory on Fuel and Energy Purchase Practices Pursuant to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act)
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Annual number Annual cost
Number of of responses Total number of Average burden & cost Total annual burden hours & per respondent
respondents per respondent responses per response total annual cost ($)
(1) (2) (1) * (2) = (3) (4).................... (3) * (4) = (5)............... (5) / (1)
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Respondents with FACs \19\... 24 0.5 12 103 hrs.; $10,300...... 1,236 hrs.; $123,600.......... $5,150
Respondents with AACs, but no 12 0.5 6 20 hrs.; $2,000........ 120.0 hrs.; $12,000........... 1,000
FACs.
Respondents with no AACs and 4 0.5 2 2 hrs.; $200........... 4.0 hrs.; $400................ 100
no FACs.
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Total.................... ............ ............... 20 ....................... 1,360.0 hrs.; $136,000........ ..............
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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.
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\19\ Fuel Adjustment Clause (FAC).
Dated: November 25, 2024.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024-28248 Filed 12-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
