FR 2020-29327

The document from the Federal Register issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission provides a notice about several electric rate filings, related to pipeline and gas transmission companies. This notice primarily covers procedural details, detailing applications from various companies such as Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage, Iroquois Gas Transmission System, and several others. Each listing includes a docket number, a brief description of the filing, and deadlines for public comment or protest.

General Summary

This notice indicates that various energy companies have submitted requests for rate changes or negotiated rate agreements with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These filings, made in late December 2020, highlight changes that will be effective shortly after the filing dates, with public comments or protests required by January 11, 2021. These filings concern a mixture of administrative actions, such as negotiated rates and the removal of authorized overruns for pipeline services.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several noteworthy issues concerning the document:

1. Complex Terminology: The use of specific legal and technical terminology may make the document less accessible to those without specialized knowledge. Terms like "docket number" and "§ 4(d) rate filing" may not be intuitive for all readers.

2. Lack of Context: There is limited information explaining why these rate changes are necessary or what precipitated the filings. For instance, the document notes the approval by a Bankruptcy Court for Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC without elaborating on possible implications.

3. Impacts and Transparency: The document does not address the impacts these changes may have on consumers, businesses, or the broader economy. There is also no mention of any prior public consultations that might have taken place before these filings.

4. Access to Additional Information: While accession numbers for the filings are provided, there is no explanation of how they work or what information they provide, potentially limiting public access to detailed information.

Broader Impact on the Public

The public at large may not immediately perceive direct impacts from these filings, especially if they are not directly involved with utility providers or stakeholders in the energy sector. However, changes in energy rates could eventually translate to variations in service costs, reliability, and overall energy efficiency for residential and commercial consumers.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

1. Energy Companies: These filings represent administrative tasks essential for the continued negotiation and operation of energy services. Successful negotiations and adjustments to rates could lead to improved financial operations for these companies.

2. Regulatory Bodies: For federal and state regulators, these documents form part of their oversight responsibilities, ensuring that filings adhere to legal standards and serve public interests.

3. Consumers and Businesses: Depending on the nature of these rate changes, consumers may experience adjustments in utility bills, and businesses in the energy sector may see shifts in the cost structures. These impacts would be both direct (for those specifically linked with the mentioned applicants) and indirect (via market adjustments).

Overall, the document serves as a formal notification required by law but falls short on providing substantive context or implications of the proposed changes. While it satisfies regulatory transparency, it might still leave stakeholders seeking additional clarity on the potential effects and motivations behind these filings.