Sound bites from state and federal regulators.
Natural Gas Briefs
Gas Motor Vehicles. Federal appeals court revokes antitrust immunity in suit by California CNG, Inc., alleging that Southern California Gas sought to dominate gas vehicle (NGV) refueling market by offering "free or virtually free" installation and maintenance of refueling facilities for NGV fleet operators. No. 95-55806, Sept. 19, 1996, 96 F.3d 1193 (9th Cir.).
Interdepartmental Transfers. Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc., must share with ratepayers 85% of revenues from moving gas from gas department to electric utility for power generation if the gas department adds value not available in commodity markets. (Con Ed has now formed a new "Fuel Resource Section," separate from its gas utility, to obtain gas for electric generation. Case 95-G-1037, Sep. 16, 1996 (N.Y.P.S.C.).
Peak Shaving. Minnegasco (division of NorAm Energy Corp.) gains certification for a 7,000 Mcf/day peak-shaving facility, plus 12 propane storage tanks (30,000 gallons each), as a "reasonable alternative" to other resource options, such as conservation or pipeline construction. Docket No. G-008/CN-95-514, Sept. 12, 1996 (Minn.P.U.C.).
Weather Normalization. West Florida Natural Gas Co. wins go-ahead for trial rate adjustment for weather normalization; regulators say winter weather affects northern and central Florida, and note increasing interest nationwide in weather adjustments. Docket No. 960831-GU, Order No. PSC-96-1192-FOF-GU, Sept. 23, 1996 (Fl.P.S.C.).