Application

The British Columbia Utilities Commission said Friday that it has approved BC Gas Utility’s application for an increase in the rates it charges for the natural gas commodity. The increase will add approximately 16% to the typical residential customer’s total gas bill, about 6% less than the wholesale cost the distributor believes it may have to pay over the next 12 months. BC Gas said that the increase works out to an additional C$184 per year for a typical Lower Mainland home; C$167 per year for a typical home in the Interior and C$183 per year for a typical home in the Kootenays. The increase — which was requested earlier in the week (see Daily GPI, March 18) — will take effect April 1, 2003. The utility estimates the full impact of increased commodity prices would add almost 22% to the typical residential customer’s bill. Most of the company’s current gas contracts expire at the end of this month and it is in the market for supplies going forward. BC Gas serves 764,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 100 communities in British Columbia.

Iroquois Gas Transmission System LP has notified FERC that it is withdrawing its application to build its eastern Long Island (ELI) extension due to “lack of continued customer support for this project,” which would have provided approximately 175,000 Dth/d of new firm transportation service to the expanding natural gas market through a new line under Long Island Sound from Connecticut.

Iroquois Gas Transmission System LP has notified FERC that it is withdrawing its application to build its eastern Long Island (ELI) extension due to “lack of continued customer support for this project,” which would have provided approximately 175,000 Dth/d of new firm transportation service to the expanding natural gas market through a new line under Long Island Sound from Connecticut.

PG&E Gas Transmission-Northwest Corp. (GTN) has requested permission from FERC to withdraw its application to build its 2003 pipeline looping and compression expansion project, citing lack of demand in the Pacific Northwest region.

PG&E Gas Transmission-Northwest Corp. (GTN) requested permission from FERC last week to withdraw its application to build its 2003 pipeline looping and compression expansion project, citing lack of demand in the Pacific Northwest region.

Aquila Corp. affiliate Red Lake Gas Storage LP has filed an application at FERC for a certificate to build new storage facilities and an associated pipeline in Mohave County, AZ, to meet the growing natural gas demand in that region. It also is seeking the green light to offer storage and hub services at market-prevailing prices.

Aquila Corp. affiliate Red Lake Gas Storage LP has filed an application at FERC for a certificate to build new storage facilities and an associated pipeline in Mohave County, AZ, to meet the growing natural gas demand in that region. It also is seeking the green light to offer storage and hub services at market-prevailing prices.

Three major New York utilities are supporting the application of Texas Gas Transmission to establish a web-based auction for short-term firm and interruptible capacity on its system (RP02-378).

Three major New York utilities are supporting the application of Texas Gas Transmission to establish a web-based auction for short-term firm and interruptible capacity on its system (RP02-378).