FR 2025-03446

In the Federal Register notice issued on March 4, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) outlines a series of filings associated with natural gas pipeline rates and financial reports. The notice involves submissions from various companies, including Delaware Link Ventures, LLC, The East Ohio Gas Company, and others. The document serves both as an announcement of these filings and as a solicitation for public comments, interventions, and protests related to the applications.

General Summary

FERC's notice announces its receipt of natural gas pipeline rate and financial report filings. These filings are part of regulatory compliance, indicating changes or updates in the operating conditions, rates, and financial strategies of companies involved in the natural gas sector. The notice specifies deadlines for public comments and any interventions or protests, encouraging participation in these regulatory processes.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A particularly notable detail is the filing from Golden Pass Pipeline LLC, which features an effective date set to December 31, 9998. This date appears to be either a typographical error or a placeholder, potentially leading to confusion regarding the actual timeline of its effectiveness. Such errors might undermine the document's overall reliability.

Furthermore, the document is replete with industry-specific jargon, such as "Accession Number" and "4(d) Rate Filing," which may not be immediately comprehensible to the general audience. The notice, while intended for transparency, might fall short of being fully accessible to individuals not familiar with regulatory language or the intricacies of natural gas pipeline management.

Additionally, the references to various regulations (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214, or 385.206) could be a barrier to understanding without sufficient background information or easy access to the referenced content. Links or more detailed explanations could vastly improve comprehension.

Impact on the Public

The general public is given the opportunity to engage with procedural aspects of natural gas pipeline management through comments, interventions, and protests. However, the heavy reliance on electronic access to filing information and processes (e.g., the eLibrary or eFiling systems) may present challenges to individuals lacking internet access or necessary technical skills. This creates a potential disparity in participation and influence, disproportionately affecting those who are less tech-savvy.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For industry stakeholders, such as the companies mentioned and others in the energy sector, these filings represent routine yet critical procedural steps in maintaining compliance and transparency. They serve as a mechanism for financial and operational adjustments, ultimately affecting company strategies and market positions.

While companies must adhere to administrative and regulatory requirements, they might find benefit in the public's increased participation and potential support or opposition through comments or protests. Engagement from environmental groups, community organizations, or industry peers can shape how these processes unfold.

Overall, while the notice aligns with regulatory procedures designed to ensure transparency and participation, efforts to improve accessibility and clarity could enhance its utility to a broader audience.