Administrative

Major liquefied natural gas (LNG) suppliers have protested a crucial administrative law judge (ALJ) initial decision accepting restrictive interchangeability standards that were proposed by Florida Gas Transmission (FGT), saying it could limit the availability of Atlantic Basin LNG supplies to import terminals along the Gulf Coast.

In a long-awaited decision that is likely to have widespread repercussions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) suppliers, an administrative law judge (ALJ) last Tuesday recommended that FERC approve the more conservative interchangeability standards proposed by Florida Gas Transmission (FGT) to receive Btu-rich regasified LNG in southern Florida for transportation through its 5,000-mile system.

In a decision that is likely to have widespread repercussions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) suppliers, an administrative law judge (ALJ) Tuesday recommended that FERC approve the more conservative interchangeability standards that Florida Gas Transmission (FGT) proposed to receive Btu-rich regasified LNG in southern Florida for transportation through its 5,000-mile system.

A FERC administrative law judge’s (ALJ) initial decision earlier this month recommending a significantly lower return on equity (ROE) than was sought by Kern River Gas Transmission is a “troubling sign,” according to a major gas pipeline group, but it reminded companies that the Kern River ruling isn’t final and is subject to review by the full Commission.

Natural gas-focused Questar Corp.’s quarterly earnings were up 42% on stronger production results and higher realized prices for gas, oil and natural gas liquids (NGL), as well as increased gas gathering and processing volumes and margins. However, the company warned that the recent decline in gas prices will impact 2006 earnings.

Over the objection of major producers and other parties, a FERC administrative law judge Tuesday concluded that Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America’s (NGPL) proposed hydrocarbon dew point (HDP) safe harbor of 15 degrees Fahrenheit is “just and reasonable.”

FERC has denied a request for rehearing and stay of a July order that, by affirming an administrative law judge (ALJ) ruling, opened the door for Tennessee Gas Pipeline to build an interconnect to the Columbia Gulf Transmission-operated portion of a transportation system along the coast of Louisiana that the two pipelines jointly maintain.

Pending approval by the five-member Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), a proposed decision by an administrative law judge (ALJ) could put about $160 back in the pockets of each of Peoples Gas’ customers. The ruling recommends that Peoples Gas refund customers $118.6 million for imprudent gas purchases and illegal profit sharing between Peoples’ parent company and an Enron affiliate in winter 2000-2001.

FERC on Monday affirmed an administrative law judge (ALJ) ruling that clears the way for Tennessee Gas Pipeline to build an interconnect to the Columbia Gulf Transmission-operated portion of a transportation system along the coast of Louisiana that the two pipelines jointly maintain and operate.