FR 2021-01973

The recent publication by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the Federal Register announces the receipt of natural gas pipeline rate and refund report filings. Two entities, Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC and Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, have submitted their respective requests for tariff and rate modifications. These motions reflect the ongoing adjustments utilities make to align with market changes and regulatory requirements.

Summary

FERC's Notice informs stakeholders about two distinct filings. Stagecoach Pipeline & Storage Company LLC is seeking approval for tariff modifications set to take effect in February 2021. Simultaneously, Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC proposes a negotiated rate related to a gas release effective as of January 2021. The document provides procedural information for those wishing to engage in the regulatory process through interventions or protests regarding these filings. Interested parties are directed to FERC's eLibrary system to access the filings using specific docket numbers.

Issues and Concerns

Several issues in the document may pose challenges for the general public. Firstly, the lack of a succinct abstract and specific 'action' description in the metadata might hinder a quick understanding of the notice's purpose. For individuals or entities unfamiliar with regulatory jargon, the technical language used throughout might be perplexing. Moreover, while the notice outlines the procedure for filing interventions or protests, it does not detail the steps clearly, potentially leaving the uninitiated unsure of how to proceed. The mention of multiple URLs and contact numbers can be overwhelming, especially without accompanying guidance on how or why to use them.

Public Impact

From a broad public perspective, these filings and the subsequent tariff or rate decisions could affect natural gas pricing and availability. If approved, Stagecoach's tariff adjustment and Algonquin's negotiated rates may lead to variations in consumer gas bills, influencing household and business budgets across the regions served by these companies.

Stakeholder Impact

For specific stakeholders, such as the natural gas companies involved, approval or denial of these filings could significantly impact operational revenues and strategic planning. Utilities could face financial implications based on the Commission's decisions. Consumers and consumer advocacy groups might view these filings through the lens of transparency and fair market competition, assessing whether the proposed changes align with their interests or necessitate further scrutiny.

In summary, this notice from FERC is a call to action for stakeholders who wish to weigh in on proposed pipeline rate changes. While its technical nature and procedural references might be daunting to some, it plays a crucial role in the regulatory landscape governing natural gas distribution, influencing a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from multinational corporations to individual consumers.