Approval

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Friday gave final approval to a plan that would allow three investor-owned utilities to carry out a large-scale expansion of natural gas service throughout the state, adding 280,000 customers over the next 10 years.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) latest authorization to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries bends the agency’s own rules and sends a “troubling” message, an LNG export advocate told NGI.

Malaysia’s prime minister vowed that Petroliam Nasional Bhd will keep promises that secured Canadian approval of Progress Energy’s takeover.

Appalachian heavyweight Antero Resources LLC has opened its doors to public investment after gaining approval to launch an initial public offering (IPO) of 30 million shares, or more, of common stock.

Las Vegas, NV-basedNV Energy Inc.’sshareholders on Wednesday “decidedly” approved the power utility’s acquisition by billionaireWarren Buffett-led Berkshire Hathaway’ MidAmerican EnergyHoldings Co., a $5.59 billion deal announced last May (seeDaily GPI,May 31). Speaking at a special stockholders’ meeting called for the vote, NV Energy CEOMichael Yackirasaid the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter next year, assuming that all customary closing conditions are met, including approvals from theFederal Energy Regulatory Commissionand theNevada Public Utilities Commission.

With its fourth non-free trade agreement (FTA) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export authorization Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Energy has approved a volume of exports that is beginning to make some nervous. While approvals have gathered pace, some feel that a pause is coming.

The Department of Energy (DOE) should move forward on all liquefied natural gas (LNG) export applications “in a timely manner,” development of natural gas resources should be a priority for the United States, and lawmakers should help clear the way by opposing any polices that would delay or prohibit LNG exports, according to areportissued Tuesday by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the ranking member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Portland, OR-based NW Natural has asked Oregon regulators for approval to provide compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling service to business customers. The cost of the service would be paid by the individual customers using it.

Constitution Pipeline Co. LLC has filed its long-awaited application with FERC seeking approval to construct a pipeline to carry natural gas from northern Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale to Northeast markets, the company said Friday, and Iroquois Gas Transmission has filed an application to build a key interconnect project.