FR 2025-05107

Overview

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a request for public comments regarding the information collection titled "FERC 545: Gas Pipeline Rates: Rate Change (Non-Formal)." This comes in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection, closely tied to sections of the Natural Gas Act, seeks to ensure that natural gas rates remain fair and non-discriminatory. Stakeholders have until April 25, 2025, to provide their input via specified online platforms or through traditional mail.

Key Issues and Concerns

One of the main issues with the document is the lack of clear guidance on what specific aspects the Commission seeks comments. Potential commenters may find it challenging to understand what is expected, thereby possibly leading to insufficient or irrelevant feedback. This is particularly concerning in regulatory processes where precise public input can influence outcomes significantly.

Furthermore, the document lacks a detailed explanation of how the information collected through FERC-545 will be utilized. There's an emphasis on the necessity of collecting this information under the Natural Gas Act; however, it fails to articulate how such data will concretely enhance public welfare or decision-making. Without understanding the benefits, stakeholders might question the overall utility of the collection.

The section dedicated to estimating the annual burden is rather technical. Readers lacking a background in regulatory matters might struggle to grasp this part, limiting broader public engagement in the commentary process. Additionally, while the document outlines costs associated with different professional roles, it doesn't clarify how these roles directly contribute to the information collection process, leaving a gap in understanding the cost-effectiveness of the initiative.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, the information collection process's implications might not be immediately apparent due to the technical nature of the document. However, maintaining just and reasonable natural gas rates is crucial for consumers, especially amidst economic fluctuations.

Specifically, jurisdictional natural gas companies, being the direct respondents, might face increased administrative burdens. The mention of potential updates affecting the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) standards and project-area wage standards suggests a likely uptick in workload, yet details are sparse. This creates uncertainty for companies in forecasting the resources they must allocate to comply.

In contrast, a constructive aspect of the document is its call to improve the quality, utility, and clarity of collected information. If taken up, this could lead to enhanced transparency and more efficient regulatory oversight, benefiting the public in the long-term by potentially stabilizing energy prices and accessibility.

Conclusion

In summary, while the FERC's request aims to align regulatory processes with the requirements of federal legislation, greater clarity and detailed instructions are needed to encourage meaningful public and stakeholder participation. The document's potential impact hinges on how well it engages publics, how it manages to address company concerns about burdens, and how effectively it guarantees fair market practices in the natural gas sector.

The document from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) includes several financial elements, particularly related to the costs of labor involved in the process of regulatory compliance and information collection. This commentary will explore these financial references and their implications.

Financial References in Labor Costs

The document provides specific hourly cost estimates for various occupations involved in compliance with the FERC-545 information collection requirements. These figures include not only salaries but also benefits, offering a comprehensive view of the real cost of labor:

• Computer and Information Systems Manager: $115.47/hour
• Computer and Information Analysts: $80.10/hour
• Electrical Engineer: $79.31/hour
• Legal (Occupation Code: 23-0000): $162.66/hour

The average hourly cost, considering these roles evenly, is calculated to be $109.38, which is then rounded to $109/hour. This figure is critical for understanding the financial implications of complying with FERC's processes.

Relevance to Document Issues

The financial data mentioned reflect the costs associated with complying with the requirements of FERC-545. However, the document lacks clarity regarding how these specific roles contribute to the process of information collection, a point highlighted as an issue. Without clear connections between these roles and the FERC-545 process, stakeholders may struggle to understand or justify the cost implications of compliance, particularly if some roles appear tangential or indirect in their involvement.

Impact of Financial Allocations on Burden Estimation

The document also comments on the potential increase in burden due to revisions in the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) standards. This section does not specifically allocate funds or mention direct costs but notes an increased number of responses, which indirectly suggests a higher financial burden in terms of labor. A detailed breakdown of the financial implications, including how these costs were assessed or what specific changes lead to increased labor, could enhance understanding and help stakeholders prepare for requisite resource allocation.

In summary, the document provides detailed figures on labor costs involved in the regulatory compliance process. However, these figures are presented without a comprehensive explanation of their direct impact on information collection processes, potentially leading to confusion among stakeholders. Enhanced clarity on the functional roles tied to these labor costs and the financial burden of regulatory compliance could improve transparency and utility of the information for public and stakeholder consideration.