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

Reliant proposed the new system that will use electronic meteringand communication via the Internet in a rate scheduled filed with theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission. It is another first forReliant. The company was the first to propose and have approved anhourly firm transportation schedule to meet the peaking needs of powergeneration customers. (See Daily GPI, June17, 1999)

“Our new AutoNom service is designed to provide much greaterconvenience for our customers,” sad Dale C. Earwood, President andCOO of Reliant Energy Interstate Pipelines. “These customers simplywill use the natural gas they need and let the AutoNom serviceautomatically adjust their nominations to usage. In short, we aregoing to let technology do all of the work and then electronicallyinform everyone in the supply chain of the new nominations.Imbalances are eliminated, or reduced substantially, and nopenalties will be assessed against any small imbalance that mayremain.”

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

“Today, manufacturers and other companies are already avoidingthe substantial costs associated with maintaining large inventoriesof raw materials or stock by being linked electronically to theirsuppliers. It becomes the suppliers’ job to track usage andreplenish supplies when needed,” Earwood said. “Rate Schedule ANSbrings this type of electronic ‘just-in-time’ supply management forthe first time to the natural gas pipeline business.” Customers maycontact Terri Williams, manager of transportation services, aboutthe service at (318) 429-2993.

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