Challenged

Depending on who you ask, KN Energy’s (KN) choice gas program inNebraska was either a raving success or a seriously flawedoperation. Results indicate 100,000 people participated in thetwo-year program, which concluded last month. While KN was pleasedwith the turn-out, other involved parties have joined together in alawsuit accusing the Colorado-based company of breaking antitrustlaws and creating a monopoly by setting up unfair market advantagesfor itself and its affiliate, KN Gas Services.

Depending on who you ask, KN Energy’s (KN) choice gas program inNebraska was either a raving success or a seriously flawedoperation. Results indicate 100,000 people participated in thetwo-year program, which concluded last month. While KN was pleasedwith the turn-out, other involved parties have joined together in alawsuit accusing the Colorado-based company of breaking antitrustlaws and creating a monopoly by setting up unfair market advantagesfor itself and its affiliate, KN Gas Services.

Westcoast Energy Inc. last week challenged BC Gas’ request for an abbreviated approval process for the Southern Crossing pipeline proposal and called for a full public review of the re-filed proposal by BC Gas to build a $350 million pipeline across Southern British Columbia. Westcoast maintains the Southern Crossing project is too expensive and that there are other alternatives.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday remanded a case inwhich industrial and LDC customers challenged a FERC-approvedmethod for compensating customers that are curtailed beyond theirpro rata share on Texas Eastern Transmission (Tetco). “This was avery good result for us,” said an attorney for one of thepetitioners.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday remanded a case inwhich industrial and LDC customers challenged a FERC-approvedmethod for compensating customers that are curtailed beyond theirpro rata share on Texas Eastern Transmission (Tetco). “This was avery good result for us,” said an attorney for one of thepetitioners.

The producer refund case has taken a unique turn as severalpipelines have stepped up to argue that while natural gas producersmust pay them the $500 million in refunds – yesterday was thedeadline for payment – they don’t believe they have to pass thatmoney on to their customers.