Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) is moving forward with a proposal to transfer jurisdiction over its mainline natural gas transmission facilities and storage system from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
The natural gas pipelines at issue cross into the southwestern United States as well as Canada.
At a November 11 conference, "Canadian-Northeast Energy Trade: New Issues and Challenges," sponsored by the New England-Canada Business Council, Commissioner Donald F. Santa, Jr.
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. has adopted a plan to encourage fair treatment of shareholders in event of a takeover offer. The plan addresses concerns that existing Canadian law does not allow enough time for the board or shareholders to properly consider a takeover bid. Under the plan, shareholder rights can only be exercised when a person announces the intention to acquire 20 percent or more of TransCanada's common shares without complying with the "permitted bid" provisions of the rights plan.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has delayed until January 19 a hearing on its proposal to weigh external environmental costs when setting efficiency requirements for electric appliances, air conditioners, and other consumer goods. The hearing will consider selection and application of economic theory, the role of the regulatory process, scientific basis for proposed action, and economic impact of such a far-reaching shift on the economy. (em LB
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has decided to adopt a "wait and see" approach in general rate proceedings for utilities affected by its generic industry restructuring case. Southern California Edison Co. asked the CPUC to postpone ruling on marginal cost, rate design, and cost-allocation issues in its 1995 general rate case until it issues a policy order in the restructuring proceeding.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a settlement permitting potential refunds or surcharges by New England Power Co. (NEP) and Northeast Utilities Service Co. (NU) on deferred rate issues relating to transmission services provided on facilities collectively known as the "New Hampshire corridor" (Docket Nos. ER92-764-000 and ER92-766-000).
When NU merged with Public Service Co. of New Hampshire (PSNH), the FERC authorized PSNH to dispose of its jurisdictional facilities.
MAPP wants to apply a distance-based transmission charge for wholesale coordination transactions of four years or less between pool members.