Reliant Energy Gas Transmission is going to “let technology do all of the work” with a new Automatic Nomination Service (AutoNom) that will effectively provide “just-in-time” deliveries by automatically adjusting customers’ nominations to their actual usage.

Reliant proposed the new system that will use electronic metering and communication via the Internet in a rate schedule filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It is another first for Reliant. The company was the first to propose and have approved an hourly firm transportation schedule to meet the peaking needs of power generation customers.

The new Reliant service was one of two innovative proposals pipelines offered at FERC last week. Northern Natural Gas also filed a ‘share the weather risk’ one-part volumetric firm service proposal. (see separate story, this issue)

“Our new AutoNom service is designed to provide much greater convenience for our customers,” sad Dale C. Earwood, President and COO of Reliant Energy Interstate Pipelines. “These customers simply will use the natural gas they need and let the AutoNom service automatically adjust their nominations to usage. In short, we are going to let technology do all of the work and then electronically inform everyone in the supply chain of the new nominations. Imbalances are eliminated, or reduced substantially, and no penalties will be assessed against any small imbalance that may remain.”

The new Rate Schedule ANS would be used in conjunction with the customer’s firm or interruptible transportation from Reliant. Where meters are not already in place, the customer can arrange to have them installed. Reliant will arrange for installation of the necessary electronic communication equipment.

“Today, manufacturers and other companies are already avoiding the substantial costs associated with maintaining large inventories of raw materials or stock by being linked electronically to their suppliers. It becomes the suppliers’ job to track usage and replenish supplies when needed,” Earwood said. “Rate Schedule ANS brings this type of electronic ‘just-in-time’ supply management for the first time to the natural gas pipeline business.” Customers may contact Terri Williams, manager of transportation services, about the service at (318) 429-2993.

Ellen Beswick

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