FR 2025-03911

The document at hand is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) detailing several filings related to gas pipelines. These filings include accounting requests and rate changes, which are critical components of regulatory oversight within the energy sector. Such filings often reflect necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with federal regulations or to update rate structures to match operational realities.

General Summary

FERC has received multiple filings from organizations involved in natural gas transportation. Among them, Viking Gas Transmission Company is proposing specific adjustments due to its acquisition by DTM Interstate Transportation LLC. Additionally, Cimarron River Pipeline, LLC, and Gulf Shore Energy Partners, LP, have proposed new rate filings scheduled to take effect in April 2025, generally affecting the cost recovery models of these companies.

The notice also includes compliance filings from ANR Pipeline Company and Adelphia Gateway, LLC, indicative of ongoing regulatory requirements that these companies must adhere to. Thus, this document represents a typical process of regulatory compliance and adjustment requests within the gas pipeline sector.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several key issues can be identified from the document:

1. Complexity of Language: The docket numbers and numerous regulation references might make this document difficult to comprehend for those not familiar with FERC processes. Such complexity can hinder public understanding and involvement.

2. Lack of Transparency on Monetary Implications: The document lacks specificity on the financial impacts of these filings, such as changes in tax balances or rate adjustments. This absence can obscure understanding of how these changes might affect consumers directly.

3. Sparse Contextual Information: The document lists several procedural actions without elaborating on their broader implications or the reasoning behind them, potentially leaving the general public and stakeholders wondering about their significance or impact.

4. Public Engagement and Accessibility: While eFiling is encouraged and assistance is available, the process may still seem daunting to many, particularly those unfamiliar with regulatory filings. Simplifying this aspect could enhance broader public participation.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, the impacts of these filings may manifest in changes to natural gas prices, which could affect household and commercial energy costs. It's essential for consumers to be aware that rate filings and tax adjustments can trickle down into pricing, albeit how directly can vary.

Public engagement in these procedural processes remains a critical component of transparent and accountable regulatory operations. However, the accessibility of participation tools and clarity of communication are vital to ensuring genuine, widespread involvement.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Gas Companies: Companies like Viking Gas Transmission Company may experience operational shifts following such regulatory adjustments. These changes could affect their financial health, compliance status, or market strategies.

• Investors and Financial Stakeholders: Adjustments such as those concerning deferred tax balances can have significant repercussions on a company's valuation and investor trust.

• Consumers: While the immediate document does not specify rate changes or price adjustments to consumers, any such changes initiated by gas companies will likely affect consumer costs at some level.

In conclusion, while regulatory filings like those outlined in this FERC document form an essential part of maintaining industry standards, the complexity and technical nature of the language present barriers to public understanding. Greater transparency and simplicity in communication could lead to more effective public engagement and a clearer understanding of these proceedings' implications.