[BETA] Fortnightly

Sound bites from state and federal regulators.

Telco Interconnection Rules. Federal appeals court enjoins pricing aspect of rules published August 8 by the Federal Communications Commission to govern sale at wholesale of local exchange service elements by Bell system local carriers to new competitors (who would resell such elements to provide competitive local telephone services). Finds possibility of irreparable harm plus likelihood that Bell carriers might prevail on the merits of jurisdictional issues. No. 96-3406, Oct. 15, 1996 (8th Cir.).

Passive Deregulation. Citing the state's low electric rates, and fearing a "diminution" in quality of service, Idaho has decided to go slow on utility restructuring, explaining that it will not actively attempt to deregulate the state's electric industry. Case No. GNR-E-96-1, Order No. 26555, Aug. 16, 1996.

Pilot Programs. New York defends its retail-access pilot program for Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., noting that the plan limits the amount of energy that participants can purchase from alternate suppliers by reference to minimum offpeak load requirements of O&R's generating plants. Case No. 95-E-0491, Aug. 12, 1996 (N.Y.P.S.C.).

Flexible Water Rates. Regulators allow Pennsylvania-America Water Co. to charge competitive water-service rates (within a ceiling and floor) to large-volume users that demonstrate access to competitive options, telling the state consumer advocate that PUC approval of a range of rates meets state ratemaking procedures. Dkt. No. R-00943231, June 6, 1996 (Pa.P.U.C.).

Gas Service Unbundling. Noting efforts already underway on a case-by-case basis to restructure the state's local gas distribution companies (LDCs), Massachusetts regulators have dismissed a petition seeking a policy statement and generic guidelines to mandate unbundling of gas LDC services. D.P.U. 96-47, June 28, 1996.

Pipeline Safety. Arizona revises safety rules on pipeline transportation of natural gas, other gases, and hazardous liquids, by incorporating the most recent amendments to federal safety standards. Dkt. No. R-0000-96-242, Decision No. 59783, Aug. 8, 1996.t

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