Overview
Title
Combined Notice of Filings
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is telling people that some companies want to change how much they charge for moving gas through pipes, and everyone has until December 9 to say what they think. They can use a computer to send their comments, and there's a special office to help anyone who is confused.
Summary AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a notice that it has received several filings related to natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports. These filings, which include updates to negotiated rate agreements and annual reports from different companies like UGI Mt. Bethel Pipeline Company and El Paso Natural Gas Company, must be commented on by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on December 9, 2024. The notice encourages interested parties to submit comments or protests and highlights the availability of eFiling for easier submission. Additionally, the Commission's Office of Public Participation is available to help the public understand and engage in the proceedings.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register, titled "Combined Notice of Filings," details recent submissions related to natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports received by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These filings involve several companies including UGI Mt. Bethel Pipeline Company, El Paso Natural Gas Company, and others. Each filing is documented with crucial details such as docket numbers, descriptions, and comment dates.
General Summary
The notice serves as an announcement from FERC regarding a series of rate filings and annual reports. These documents, submitted by various entities, involve contractual updates and regulatory compliance related to natural gas pipelines. Interested parties are invited to submit comments or protests by December 9, 2024. The notice is a routine part of FERC's regulatory processes, aimed at ensuring transparency and public participation in matters affecting energy rates and infrastructure.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One significant issue with the document is the use of technical language that may not be easily understood by individuals without a background in regulatory or legal matters. The document references specific rules and procedures, such as Rules 211, 214, and 206 of FERC's Regulations, without providing explanations or context about what each rule entails.
Additionally, the mention of "Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings" may suggest potential refunds, but lacks details on the circumstances under which these refunds would occur, if at all. The document is heavily procedural, focusing more on the requirements for submission and less on the implications or impacts of these filings.
Public Impact
The document's impact on the public is indirect; however, it is inherently connected to broader consequences for energy consumers. Changes in rate filings, tariff amendments, and negotiated rate agreements could influence natural gas prices, which may eventually affect consumers' utility bills. The notice, therefore, encourages public engagement and participation, acknowledging the role of the public in these regulatory proceedings.
Impact on Stakeholders
For stakeholders, the filings could have various implications. Companies like El Paso Natural Gas Company and UGI entities are submitting these filings to comply with regulatory standards and to update existing agreements. For them, these filings are part of maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholders like environmental justice communities, landowners, and tribal members may view such filings from an environmental or land-use perspective. The document points to the Office of Public Participation as a resource to help these groups navigate the regulatory landscape, although the notice itself does not detail the specific nature of this support.
In conclusion, while the document provides a necessary framework for regulatory compliance, the complexity of the information might limit broad public understanding. Simplified language or additional context about the filings' potential impacts would aid in greater public engagement and awareness. The document invites participation and highlights available resources, reflecting FERC's ongoing commitment to transparent and inclusive regulatory processes.
Issues
• The document uses technical terminology related to legal and regulatory processes that might be difficult for a layperson to understand without additional context.
• The phrase 'the following Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings' implies there might be refunds involved, but the text does not explain under what circumstances refunds apply.
• The document mentions specific regulations (Rules 211, 214, or 206 of the Commission's Regulations) without providing a brief explanation or summary of these rules for better clarity.
• The notice requires actions (intervention, protest, or answer a complaint) without clearly explaining the process or implications for those unfamiliar with the procedures.
• The text is primarily focused on describing filings and procedural requirements, lacking any analysis or mention of how these filings might impact consumers or stakeholders.
• There is no information provided about the fiscal impact or potential cost implications of the rate filings and tariff changes listed.
• While the document provides contact information for the Office of Public Participation, it does not elaborate on the roles or assistance provided by this office, which could be useful context for the public.