FR 2025-01764

The recent notice published by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) outlines several filings concerning natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports. It highlights updated negotiated rate agreements by Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C., and Viking Gas Transmission Company, as well as a compliance filing by Great Basin Gas Transmission Company. Each of these filings is slated to become effective on January 17, 2025, with a deadline for public comments set for January 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

General Summary of the Document

The notice serves to inform the public and relevant stakeholders about the incoming changes in natural gas pipeline rates and agreements. These filings devise new negotiated rate arrangements, which are contractual agreements aligning both the pipeline company and its customers on specific rates for services, over and above standard tariff rates. The Great Basin Gas Transmission Company's filing involves compliance with NAESB (North American Energy Standards Board) standards, which is critical for ensuring that practices and systems conform to the latest standards in the energy industry.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A primary concern of this notice is to ensure transparency and public participation. The window for intervention or commenting on these filings is relatively short, specific to regulatory proceedings. This limited timeline might disadvantage some stakeholders or members of the public who require additional time to understand the technical and environmental implications of such filings. Moreover, significant changes in negotiated rates could have downstream effects on consumers who depend on natural gas for heating or energy.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the adjustments in pipeline rates might affect natural gas prices for end-users, potentially translating into higher or lower energy costs depending on the nature of the rate changes. Adequate oversight and engagement in these proceedings could ensure that the interests of consumers are safeguarded and that there remains a fair balance between maintaining low prices and effective infrastructure management.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For specific stakeholders, such as the companies involved in these filings, the changes might signify adjustments in business operations to align with newly negotiated rates, impacting their financial forecasts and service offerings. Additionally, environmental justice communities or landowners affected by pipeline operations might see these proceedings as opportunities to address grievances or advocate for better environmental or safety practices.

The role of FERC's Office of Public Participation (OPP) is crucial in supporting communities and individuals in understanding and engaging in the filings process. This move ensures that various stakeholders—including tribal members and environmental justice communities—are not left without resources to understand the implications these changes might have on them and can effectively participate in the regulatory process.

In essence, while the filings themselves represent routine updates in the complex energy regulatory landscape, their implication may extend beyond mere technical adjustments, impacting economic and environmental domains and necessitating robust public participation and scrutiny.