Charlotte, NC-based Piedmont Natural Gas has received approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) for its affiliate agreements with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). Since Piedmont is both a financial partner and a customer of the proposed natural gas pipeline (see Daily GPI, Sept. 2), Piedmont’s affiliate agreements with ACP are subject to NCUC approval. Ultimate approval of the project rests with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The pipeline would carry gas from the Marcellus Shale and would be the second major interstate gas pipeline serving North Carolina. It is proposed to be in service by late 2018.