CIPSEA Training

Question 3 – What is statistical use?

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) contacts you and requests data for all companies reporting on Form EIA-912 Weekly Underground Natural Gas Storage Report (WNGSR) for the last four weeks in December. The WNGSR data is protected under CIPSEA. CFTC is investigating reports that some companies may have tried to influence spot prices for natural gas by reporting incorrect values on their EIA-912 survey form. CFTC wants access to EIA underground natural gas storage data to determine if companies were trying to manipulate natural gas trading markets. CFTC has outside source evidence that indicates certain companies were involved in attempts to manipulate trading markets. They intend to use the natural gas storage data to develop a statistical model to forecast company-level estimates of natural gas storage and compare those estimates with the values that companies reported to EIA during that same period. Is CFTC's request a statistical use that is consistent with CIPSEA?

- Pick one answer -

A. Yes, the natural gas storage data will be used to develop a statistical model to forecast weekly storage values.
B. No, CFTC is a regulatory agency and may not access CIPSEA-protected data when performing their duties and responsibilities as a federal agency.
C. No, this is a nonstatistical use. CFTC intends to use this information for an investigation of specific companies and possible enforcement action.
D. Yes, CFTC is using outside source information for its investigation and wants access to EIA data for statistical purposes.
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