BRIDGER PIPELINE'S REPLY TO PROTEST PORTRAYS EXTREME CONGESTED OIL SUPPLY TRANSPORTATION SITUATION IN BAKKEN SHALE AREA AND SIGNIFICANT INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING ACTIVITY

摘要

Bridger Pipeline LLC (IS11-313) says its proposed new three-tier penalty system for over-nomination activity is merely a crucial tool it needs to manage its pipeline system operating in a prolific producing area that is tapping significant new oil supplies in the Bakken Shale area of North Dakota. A protest by Concord Energy LLC, filed in mid-May, challenges one tier of its proposed tariff modifications and should be rejected, answered Bridger. The rapid increase in production has challenged the existing pipeline infrastructure. As a result, maintaining and increasing regional pipeline capacity, and ensuring the efficient use of existing, capacity is a serious matter for all market stakeholders, and a focus for Bridger. Bridger said its tiered penalty approach, described in an April 29 filing, is a key element of that focus, aimed at promoting efficient utilization of its system and maximizing the use of available capacity in the Bakken Shale.