FR 2025-04311

The Federal Register notice from March 18, 2025, details significant filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning natural gas pipeline rates. Specifically, the notice highlights proposals from Empire Pipeline, Inc., National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation, and Horizon Pipeline Company, L.L.C., to institute new rates effective April 1, 2025. Additionally, WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. has submitted a compliance filing to amend rates starting August 1, 2025. This editorial aims to break down the contents of the notice for a general audience and discuss its potential implications.

General Summary of the Document

The document serves as a formal announcement of several rate-related filings received by FERC. These filings are part of routine regulatory processes involving adjustments to natural gas pipeline rates. Companies involved must regularly submit these filings to FERC, which oversees the nation's natural gas pipeline network. The notice provides the public and stakeholders with details about when and how these rate changes will take effect, as well as opportunities for public comment and intervention in the proceedings.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One major issue with the document is its technical complexity, which may obscure understanding for individuals not well-versed in regulatory or energy sector terminology. Terms such as "§ 4(d) Rate Filing" or "Negotiated Rate 5 Agreement" lack explanation within the document, potentially alienating laypersons who might wish to engage with the content.

Furthermore, the document alludes to compliance with the Commission’s regulations but does not elaborate on their content or implications. This could leave readers in the dark about the broader context and rationale behind a company's compliance filings. Additionally, critical information and justifications for the proposed rate changes are not provided, which could be significant for those impacted by such changes and hinder transparency.

Broad Impact on the Public

The procedural nature of the document underlines the necessity for public engagement in regulatory processes. Members of the public are invited to comment or intervene by specific deadlines, and there is encouragement to use electronic filing methods. However, the notice does not provide clarity on how public interventions might alter or influence decisions, limiting public understanding of their participation's significance.

While the document directs individuals to FERC's eLibrary and website for further details, this approach assumes a level of digital literacy and access to the internet that not all members of the public may possess. This could deter broad-based public participation in these proceedings.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved, such as the companies submitting filings, the document's formal nature ensures procedural transparency and regulatory compliance. This is beneficial for business continuity and operational clarity.

Conversely, affected landowners, communities, and environmental groups may view the lack of detailed reasoning behind rate changes as a negative. Without clear justifications, these stakeholders might find it challenging to assess how the changes could impact local economies or environments.

In conclusion, while the document fulfills its regulatory function by informing stakeholders of upcoming rate changes, it falls short in making the information accessible and comprehensible for the general public. More efforts could be made to provide clear, comprehensible explanations to enhance public engagement and understanding of regulatory processes impacting natural gas rates.