Overview
Title
Combined Notice of Filings
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several reports from different companies about changes in the prices for using gas pipelines, and they want people to give their thoughts on these changes by a certain time. They also have a special office to help people understand how to join in and give their opinions.
Summary AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has received several filings concerning natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports. These include updates from various companies like Black Hills/Kansas Gas Utility Company, Iroquois Gas Transmission System, and El Paso Natural Gas Company. Individuals interested in these filings have specific deadlines to submit comments or protest. The Commission also encourages eFiling and provides contact information for public inquiries and assistance through the Office of Public Participation.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
This document is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), housed within the Energy Department, regarding recent filings related to natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports. Several companies have submitted updates to their rate schedules, including Black Hills/Kansas Gas Utility Company, Iroquois Gas Transmission System, and El Paso Natural Gas Company. These filings have specific comment and protest deadlines which interested parties must observe to ensure their input is considered.
Summary
The core purpose of this document is to inform the public and stakeholders about new proceedings and updates in the natural gas sector. Various entities have filed for changes or updates to their rates, with implementation dates ranging from late 2024 to early 2025. The notice offers details about how and when the public can intervene or protest these filings. This transparency is crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance and for providing stakeholders the opportunity to voice concerns or support.
Issues and Concerns
Technical Complexity: The document uses specific regulatory terms like "284.123(g)" and "4(d) Rate Filing" without explaining these terms. This could be confusing to those unfamiliar with FERC's regulation codes. More accessible language or a glossary could make the document more user-friendly.
Tracking Filings: While the document lists docket numbers and filing dates, accessing specific filings may still be challenging for those who are not accustomed to navigating government databases like FERC's eLibrary system.
Understanding Deadlines: The document refers to complex procedural rules (such as 18 CFR 385.211) for intervention and protest deadlines. For the uninitiated, these references might necessitate additional research to understand fully and to act accordingly.
Impact Clarity: The implications of the filings for consumers and stakeholders are not fully addressed. It might be difficult for individuals to determine how these rate changes will impact them personally or their businesses without further context or explanation.
Public Impact
For the general public, particularly those who use natural gas services, these filings could mean adjustments in service costs. Any changes in pipeline rates could eventually find their way into consumer bills. It's essential for consumers to understand how these filings might impact their usage costs and to participate in the commentary process if these changes could significantly affect them.
Stakeholder Impact
For stakeholders such as companies, environmental groups, and community organizations, these filings represent opportunities to influence future pricing and policies. Companies may benefit from new rates that allow them to operate more competitively, whereas environmental or community interest groups might raise concerns about the environmental or social impacts of adjusting natural gas rates.
In conclusion, while this document fulfills regulatory requirements in notifying the public and stakeholders about changes and opportunities for engagement, it also highlights a need for clearer communication and more user-friendly access to complex regulatory processes. Engaging the public effectively requires that they have both the information and the capacity to respond meaningfully to changes that might affect their lives or businesses.
Issues
• The document uses several technical references such as '284.123(g)' and '4(d) Rate Filing' without providing explanations, which may be unclear to general audiences not familiar with regulatory codes and filing types.
• The document refers to specific docket numbers and filing dates, which may be difficult for the public to track if they are not familiar with navigating government databases or the specific processes involved.
• The language concerning intervention and protest deadlines might be complex for laypersons, as it involves understanding specific rules (e.g., 18 CFR 385.211, 385.214, 385.206) without further explanation.
• There is no clear explanation of the implications of the rate filings and how they may affect stakeholders or the general public, potentially leaving the impact ambiguous.
• The mention of the Commission's Office of Public Participation aims to encourage public engagement, but it might be insufficient for those who are completely unfamiliar with FERC processes and jargon.