FERC Approves Columbia Gas Settlement With Regard to Funding for Safety Upgrade to Its LNG Facility in Virginia

摘要

Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (RP13-606) worked out a settlement of the means to fund upgrades needed on its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities located in Chesapeake, Virginia. On June 3 FERC issued an order approving the deal that was filed in late February. The terms represent a “collaborative resolution” between Columbia and three LNG customers, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc., the City of Richmond, Virginia, and Virginia Natural Gas, Inc. Columbia was seeking approximately $30 million for the facility upgrades needed to extend the life of and ensure the continued safe operations of these facilities. The three customers signed up for all of the capacity of the LNG facilities pursuant to Rate Schedules X-131, X-132, and X-133. According to Columbia, the rates for the LNG services, which consist of a base rate, a "levelized facilities adder" and an electric power charge, are not part of Columbia’s generally applicable rates. Finally, Columbia states that it will file revised tariff records consistent with the pro forma tariff no sooner than 12/1/13 to be effective 2/1/14.