Texas Gas Must Pass Through Some Procedural Hoops Before Implementing New Pooling Arrangements

摘要

On 11/26/13 FERC issued a suspension order subject to condition, to become effective 5/1/14, with respect to revised tariff records filed on October 31 in which Texas Gas Transmission, LLC (RP14-90) proposes to modify its pooling provisions set forth under Rate Schedule TAPS (Transportation Aggregation Pooling Service) and certain sections of its General Terms and Conditions. FERC said that Texas Gas’ proposal to modify its pooling provisions to: (1) consolidate the separate firm and interruptible pools of each rate zone into a single combination pool for each rate zone; (2) split Zone 1 into two pooling areas to address a constraint; and (3) permit inter-pool transportation, subject to applicable transportation charges, is just and reasonable. “The proposal would provide Texas Gas shippers with more pooling flexibility, while reducing administration burdens.” The Commission, however, will not permit the proposed changes to take effect on December 1, while granting a delayed implementation, as requested by Texas Gas. “It is misleading and unreasonable for an effective tariff to set forth services that the pipeline is not prepared to provide,” the order stated. Hence, its decision to suspend the proposed tariffs until the earlier of Texas Gas’ completion of the computer updates or 5/1/14.