Pipelines now have an extra year to get interactive websites andelectronic data interchange systems in place, FERC said in a finalrule on the matter yesterday. The rule extends the deadline to June1, 2000. The order requires pipelines to provide a communicationssystem consisting of interactive Internet websites and EDI.

“The fact that customers will have the choice of using EDI forbulk data transfer or standard interactive websites, which seem tobe more the wave of the future, I think is very important,” saidFERC Chairman James J. Hoecker. “I think it’s important thatindustry has the time to adapt to these changes. This Commission islooking for a smooth transition and looking for the besttechnological solution, and in that light, I think that GISB, andits participants and members are entitled to some congratulationsfrom this commission for their hard work.”

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