Affiliates

Additional analysis performed by FERC trial staff into whether Avista Corp. affiliates may have engaged in questionable energy trading practices in Western energy markets turned up no evidence that the companies engaged in the buyback of ancillary services by submitting false schedules, participated in “megawatt laundering” or improperly executed so-called “counter-flow” schemes.

Two Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) pipeline affiliates have asked FERC for the green light to broaden an already-certificated project and to build a loop expansion to increase transportation service to “two high-growth areas” — the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Two Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) pipeline affiliates have asked FERC for the green light to broaden an already-certificated project and to build a loop expansion to increase transportation service to “two high-growth areas” — the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Financially troubled Allegheny Energy Inc. announced last Thursday that it sold two affiliates — Fellon-McCord & Associates and Alliance Energy Services LLC — to Constellation Energy Group for an estimated $22.3 million.

Financially troubled Allegheny Energy Inc. announced Thursday that it sold two affiliates — Fellon-McCord & Associates and Alliance Energy Services LLC — to Constellation Energy Group for an estimated $22.3 million.

If FERC should find El Paso Corp. affiliates manipulated natural gas prices in California, some energy industry experts believe the Commission has “very broad authority” to take disciplinary action against the energy corporation and essentially could destroy it, while others believe the agency’s remedial powers are “somewhat limited.”

Questar is buying CIG Overthrust Inc.’s 10% interest in the Overthrust Pipeline for $1.8 million, giving two Questar affiliates a combined 100% ownership interest in the pipeline partnership, which owns an 88-mile, 36-inch-diameter pipeline that transports about 227 MMcf/d of gas from the Whitney Canyon area north of Evanston, WY, to Rock Springs, WY. “Ownership of the Overthrust Pipeline will enhance the services we provide and give us more flexibility,” said Questar Pipeline President Nick Rose. “It is a natural fit for us with its location in our service territory and proximity to our facilities and supply sources.” Questar Pipeline designed and built the Overthrust system and has operated it since its completion in October 1982. In February, the company increased its ownership in the pipeline from 72% to 90% when it purchased the interest of NGPL Overthrust Inc. The Overthrust Pipeline is the westernmost segment of the 793-mile Trailblazer system, which runs from southwestern Wyoming to Beatrice, NE.

Questar is buying CIG Overthrust Inc.’s 10% interest in the Overthrust Pipeline for $1.8 million, giving two Questar affiliates a combined 100% ownership interest in the pipeline partnership, which owns an 88-mile, 36-inch-diameter pipeline that transports about 227 MMcf/d of gas from the Whitney Canyon area north of Evanston, WY, to Rock Springs, WY.

FERC’s proposed rule to limit intra-corporate cash transactions, although a step in the right direction, offers regulated energy subsidiaries little in the way of protection from parent companies that are financially strapped, according to Standard and Poor’s (S&P) credit analyst Todd Shipman. And the Commission’s past record of “sluggish response” doesn’t give him much confidence that the agency will actively enforce it, he said.