FR 2025-00090

The recent notice published in the Federal Register indicates that the Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a natural gas project in Louisiana. This project, named the South Central Louisiana Project, aims to upgrade equipment to boost the transportation capacity of natural gas to Tampa Electric Company. While the document includes procedural details for public participation, several issues arise that may affect both the general public and specific stakeholders.

Summary of the Document

The document announces that Florida Gas Transmission Company seeks federal approval for enhancements in their operations, highlighting the technical upgrades planned at two compressor stations in Louisiana. The upgrades are intended to increase the transportation capacity by adding a new and more powerful compressor unit. The notice details the regulatory framework under which this application is being submitted and provides a deadline of January 30, 2025, for public comments, protests, and interventions.

Concerns and Issues

A notable concern is the lack of detailed justification regarding the project's estimated cost of over $43 million. This absence of a cost breakdown can make it challenging for the public and stakeholders to assess whether the expenses are justified or align with efficient use of resources.

Another issue is the complexity of the document's language and references to technical regulations, which may not be easily comprehensible to individuals without legal or industry-specific expertise. Terms like "Rate Schedule FTS-WD-3" and sections of regulations are used without adequate explanation, potentially alienating or confusing readers who are less familiar with energy sector procedures.

Moreover, the process for participation through protests, comments, and interventions may be daunting for those unfamiliar with FERC processes. The procedural requirements for electronic or paper submissions have specific steps that might discourage broader engagement from people who are not adept with digital filings or legal processes.

Broader Public Impact

The project can significantly impact communities by altering the capacity and reliability of natural gas supply to the region served by Tampa Electric Company. For the general public, particularly those in the affected areas in Louisiana and customers of Tampa Electric Company, this may mean changes in energy dynamics, potentially affecting prices or service dependability.

Additionally, there are implications for environmental stakeholders, given that such projects often have environmental repercussions. However, the document lacks explicit details on navigating environmental impact discussions, merely mentioning an environmental mailing list. Greater transparency and accessibility to these environmental reviews could facilitate more informed public discourse.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The primary stakeholders include Tampa Electric Company, which stands to benefit from increased gas supply capacity, potentially improving their service offerings. On a broader scale, customers relying on Tampa Electric's services could see improved reliability in natural gas delivery.

Conversely, environmental groups and local communities in Louisiana might view this project with concern over potential ecological impacts and changes to local landscapes or noise levels due to the new equipment. Their ability to participate meaningfully in the process could be hindered by the technical complexity and procedural specifics outlined, underscoring the need for clearer communication from FERC.

In conclusion, while this notice serves its regulatory function, it raises significant issues regarding accessibility and clarity. These factors can potentially impact how effectively the public and stakeholders engage with the proposed project, determine its implications, and contribute to the decision-making process.

The document outlines a project proposed by Florida Gas Transmission, LLC, which involves significant financial expenditure. The project's total estimated cost is $43,357,590. This amount is specifically noted in the application filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), indicating that this figure has been projected for the completion of the South Central Louisiana Project.

Summary of Financial Allocations

The document specifies that the project will involve an uprate of an existing natural gas-fired compressor turbine and the installation of a new compressor unit. These upgrades are intended to increase the transportation capacity of natural gas, which is linked to providing services to Tampa Electric Company. The financial expenditure of $43,357,590 is thus connected to enhancements in energy infrastructure. However, details on how this cost is distributed between the uprate and the installation, or among various sub-components, are not provided in the notice.

Relation to Identified Issues

One major concern highlighted is the lack of detailed justification or breakdown of the projected $43,357,590 cost. No itemized estimates or justifications for this amount are provided, making it challenging to assess whether the expenditure is justified or if there might be areas where costs could be optimized. This lack of transparency might raise concerns about potential wasteful spending.

Another issue is the mention of a "negotiated rate with service provided under Rate Schedule FTS-WD-3," without explaining its implications for cost recovery or how this rate ties into the overall financial structure of the project. Such references could be interpreted as ambiguous for readers without a background in energy regulations, potentially leading to confusion about how these financial mechanisms will impact the project's budget or consumer costs.

Finally, the document's complexity, including its discussion of financial elements, may alienate members of the public who are unfamiliar with FERC processes. This is especially pertinent for individuals who wish to engage with the project but may find detailed financial and regulatory language daunting. This could limit public participation in scrutinizing the financial projections or offering feedback on the project's fiscal management.