FERC Renews Energy Paperwork Without a Single Tweak
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Notice
Summary
FERC is asking for public feedback to keep collecting info on four key energy forms, like power plant applications and fuel buying habits. This is just an extension—no big changes or new fees—so folks involved in energy projects should weigh in by April 4, 2025. It’s all about keeping the paperwork smooth and the energy flowing without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 10 costs, 0 mixed.
Section 203 filings: $10M/$1M thresholds
If your public utility proposes to merge, consolidate, sell, or acquire jurisdictional facilities with a value over $10,000,000, you must file a Section 203 application. If the facilities to be acquired have a value over $1,000,000 and you are not otherwise required to secure authorization, you must submit a notification filing. FERC estimates an average burden of 324.43 hours and $32,443 per respondent, with total annual burden 43,473.62 hours and total annual cost $4,347,362.
Interlock full application burden
If you are an officer or director of a regulated public utility and must seek FERC authorization to hold interlocking positions via a full FERC-520 application, FERC estimates 16 such full applications annually. Each full application averages 50 hours and $5,000, for a total of 800 hours and $80,000 annually.
Interlock informational report burden
Certain officers/directors who qualify for automatic authorization file a streamlined informational report (FERC-520). FERC estimates 500 informational reports annually, each averaging 8 hours and $800, for a total annual burden of 4,000 hours and $400,000.
Gas pipeline certificate filing costs
Jurisdictional pipeline companies and storage operators filing certificate or storage applications (FERC-546) are estimated at 48 filings annually, each averaging 500 hours and $50,000; total annual burden for these filings is 24,000 hours and $2,400,000.
Project-area labor wage filings (FERC-546)
For project-area labor wage matters under FERC-546, FERC estimates 16 responses annually, each averaging 15 hours and $1,500, for a total annual burden of 240 hours and $24,000.
FERC Form 580 — respondents with Fuel Adjustment Clauses
FERC Form 580 (interrogatory on fuel and energy purchase practices) is collected every two years. Utilities with Fuel Adjustment Clauses (FACs) — an estimated 24 respondents — file on a 0.5 annual-response basis; each response averages 103 hours and $10,300 (equating to $5,150 per respondent per year), with total annual burden 1,236 hours and $123,600.
FERC Form 580 — respondents with AACs but no FACs
Utilities that have automatic adjustment clauses (AACs) but no FACs are estimated as 12 respondents filing every two years (0.5 annual responses). Each response averages 20 hours and $2,000 (about $1,000 per respondent per year), for a total annual burden of 120 hours and $12,000.
FERC Form 580 — respondents with no AACs or FACs
Utilities without AACs and without FACs (estimated 4 respondents) file the FERC Form 580 on a biennial basis; each response averages 2 hours and $200 (about $100 per respondent per year), with total annual burden 4 hours and $400.
Interlock notice-of-change filing rule
If an authorized officer or director resigns or withdraws from a Commission-authorized interlock (or is not re-elected/reappointed), you must file a FERC-520 notice of change within 60 days. FERC estimates 100 notices annually, each averaging 0.25 hours and $25.
Three-year extensions with no substantive changes
FERC is requesting three-year extensions of the information collection approvals for FERC-519, FERC-520, FERC-546, and FERC-580 with no changes to current reporting requirements. Comments on these collections are due April 4, 2025.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20744, Combined Notice of Filings #2
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a new filing from Iroquois Gas Transmission about changing their natural gas rates starting November 1, 2026. This affects customers and companies using their pipeline, who might see new negotiated prices. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until October 19, 2026, to file your comments or protests.
2026-20580, Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Ventura to Farmington A-Line Abandonment and Capacity Replacement Project and Northern Lights 2027 Expansion Project
Northern Natural Gas Company plans to retire old pipeline sections in Iowa and Minnesota and build new ones to keep gas flowing smoothly and add extra capacity. This project will affect local communities and the environment but aims to do so responsibly, with a decision expected after public comments by November 2, 2026. The upgrades will help deliver more natural gas reliably, supporting energy needs without major environmental harm.
2026-20658, Shoshone Irrigation District; Notice of Existing Licensee's Failure To File a Timely Notice of Intent To File a New License Application, and Soliciting Notices of Intent To File a License Application and Pre-Application Documents
The Shoshone Irrigation District missed the deadline to say if they want to renew their license for the Garland Canal hydro project in Wyoming, which ends in 2031. Because of this, they’re treated as if they don’t plan to relicense, opening the door for others to step in and apply. If you’re interested, now’s the time to file your intent and get your paperwork ready!
2026-20659, Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Eastern Shore Natural Gas is planning a big upgrade to its pipelines in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, including building new loops and replacing old pipes. This $75 million project will boost gas delivery for local utilities and customers, with new facilities and some old parts being removed. If you want to have a say, you need to act before the intervention deadline set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
2026-20582, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from several natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and agreements that could affect how much customers pay starting this fall. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to comment by mid-October or late October depending on the case. These updates impact pipeline rates and contracts, so keep an eye on deadlines to have your say!
2026-20642, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a new filing from Colorado Interstate Gas Company about changing a gas pipeline agreement that starts November 16, 2026. People who want to speak up or join the discussion must do so by October 14, 2026. This could affect gas rates and contracts, so keep an eye on the deadline if you’re involved!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03546, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension Without Change or a Currently Approved Collection; Comments Requested: Form CSO-005, Preliminary Background Check Form
The U.S. Marshals Service is asking to keep using their Preliminary Background Check Form (CSO-005) without any changes. This affects people who fill out the form for background checks and helps the agency keep things running smoothly. They’re inviting comments until April 4, 2025, but there’s no new cost or extra paperwork involved.
Next: 2025-03551, Seaspan Energy Ltd.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order
Seaspan Energy Ltd. asked the government to confirm that selling and loading liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel ships won’t be controlled by certain federal gas laws. This could make fueling ships easier and less regulated, affecting companies using LNG for marine fuel. People have until a set deadline to share their thoughts or join the discussion before any final decision is made.