FR 2025-02847

In reviewing the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notice, it's clear that the document outlines several procedural steps regarding various natural gas pipeline rate and refund filings. The notice brings attention to the activities of prominent companies in the natural gas sector, such as Northern Natural Gas Company, Northwest Pipeline LLC, and Adelphia Gateway, LLC. These companies are instituting changes in rate structures and submitting compliance reports, which are subject to public comment and intervention.

General Summary

The notice announces that FERC has received new filings pertaining to natural gas pipeline rates and refund reports. These filings involve requests for changes in rates, compliance submissions, and revenue credit reports. The document specifies that comments or interventions regarding these filings must be submitted by certain deadlines in February 2025. The notice also provides information on how interested parties can access and file documents electronically through FERC's online systems.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues within the notice may raise concerns:

• Missing Abstract and Action Details: The metadata section lacks an abstract and a clear action description, which might lead to confusion about the overall intentions and outcomes the notice aims to address.

• Lack of Specific Program Details: For the docket listed as RP25-562-000, there is a mention of an "Annual Modernization and Emissions Reduction Program CRM" without further elaboration. This absence of detailed explanation may leave readers unfamiliar with the program without a clear understanding of its scope or implications.

• Unclear Effective Date: The docket RP25-563-000 mentions a report with an effective date listed as "N/A," which could create ambiguity regarding the implementation timeline for stakeholders.

• Protests vs. Interventions: The notice states that while protests might be considered, intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceedings. This distinction is not clearly explained and may lead to confusion among the public regarding the procedural rights and implications of filing protests versus interventions.

• Ambiguity in Reports: The notice briefly mentions the filing of rate and refund reports by the Northern Natural Gas Company but does not provide detailed insights into these reports, potentially leaving stakeholders with insufficient information for comprehensive assessment.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact:

For the general public, this notice primarily impacts those with interests in the natural gas industry, possibly affecting rates and service conditions. Public engagement is encouraged, and the provisions for electronic filing and intervention reflect an effort to make these processes more accessible.

Specific Stakeholder Impact:

• Energy Companies: Companies like Northern Natural Gas Company and Northwest Pipeline LLC are directly impacted, given that their filings can influence financial operations and regulatory compliance.

• Consumers and Landowners: Consumer and landowner interests might be indirectly affected by changes in natural gas rates or service provisions. The clarity and transparency of these regulatory processes are crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring fair treatment.

• Public Entities and Advocacy Groups: Entities and advocacy groups focused on environmental and regulatory oversight could be both positively and negatively affected by the proceedings, depending on how proposed changes align with environmental and modernization goals.

The document serves as a procedural notification to ensure stakeholders are aware of the opportunity to participate actively by submitting comments or interventions in ongoing FERC proceedings. For a more impactful engagement, stakeholders will need to navigate the procedural nuances carefully and submit timely responses within the specified deadlines.