Called

Shippers on Texas Gas Transmission Corp. have called on FERC toproceed cautiously with the pipeline’s proposed Section 4 generalrate filing that seeks to increase its total cost of service by19%, or $48 million, and boost annual rates for jurisdictionalpipeline and storage services by about $81 million.

In what traders called a purely screen-driven cash market,prices achieved double-digit increases at virtually every pointexcept for PG&E citygates, which rose by a little less than adime.

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) called a recent complaint to FERC by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) an attempt at “market mugging” in the New York retail electric market. IPPNY condemned NYSEG’s complaint against the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and said suggested changes to the ISO were “an attempt to strangle fledging competitive electricity markets in the state before they become fully viable.”

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) calleda recent complaint to FERC by New York State Electric & Gas(NYSEG) an attempt at “market mugging” in the New York retailelectric market. IPPNY condemned NYSEG’s complaint and saidsuggested changes to the New York ISO were “an attempt to stranglefledging competitive electricity markets in the state before theybecome fully viable.”

William McCormick, CEO of CMS Energy called for the Michiganlegislature to pave the way for added electric generation and fullcompetition in the state. He presented his comments to a group ofpeople at the Midland Cogeneration Venture (MCV) 10th yearanniversary ceremonies yesterday.

In what one gas industry official close to the case called a”major victory,” the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appealsupheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s program for reducingnitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for 19 eastern and midwestern statesplus the District of Columbia last week. Barring any furtherappeals, the NOx SIP Call rule will be added to the Clean Air Act,requiring the states included in it to reduce their NOx emissionsby a total of 1.2 million tons, or 28% of current levels, annually.

In the wake of the price spikes in heating oil, CommissionerCurt Hebert Jr. yesterday called on his FERC colleagues tocertificate the Northeast-bound gas pipeline projects that havebeen stalled at the Commission to reduce the region’s historicdependence on the higher priced heating fuel.

BP Amoco released what it called strong fourth quarter 1999results, and CEO John Browne had favorable remarks regarding futurenatural gas prices.

BP Amoco released what it called strong fourth quarter 1999results, and CEO John Browne had favorable remarks regarding futurenatural gas prices.