Idaho regulators have scheduled a hearing for Sept. 13 to take public comments on a settlement that would result in a net rate decrease for Spokane, WA-based Avista Utilities’ natural gas and electric retail utility customers in northern Idaho. In July Avista applied for gas and power rate increases averaging 2.7% and 3.7%, respectively, but the proposed settlement would allow much smaller average increases of 1.6% and 1.1%, effective Oct. 1. With several other rate adjustments for the combination utility, customers face the prospect of overall decreases of about 1% for gas and 2.4% for electricity. In addition, as part of the deal Avista would not seek another increase in base rates from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) before April 1, 2013. The three PUC commissioners will conduct a combination public and technical hearing Sept. 13 in Coeur d’Alene, ID.
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Industry Briefs
The recently formed Eagle Ford Task Force, which was created by Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter (see Shale Daily, July 29), outlined its agenda for the rest of the year at a meeting last week. The 24 task force members plan to focus on water usage and hydraulic fracturing; the impact of oil and gas production on community infrastructure; the need for public education about oil and gas production; and the promotion of economic development through the industry. At the meeting members discussed workforce issues affecting the region. Industry representatives estimated that approximately 120 jobs are connected to each drilling rig and currently there are about 200 rigs operating in the Eagle Ford. However, employers are often battling failed drug tests and background tests or the lack of commercial drivers licenses when trying to fill jobs in the burgeoning oil and natural gas play, they said.
Northwest Retail Gas Rates, Demand Keep Dropping
Idaho regulators are anticipating making further decreases in the retail charges for natural gas in the state as they currently circulate for public comments a filing by Intermountain Gas Co. to cut retail charges by 5.3%, effective Oct. 1.
Northwest Retail Gas Rates Keep Dropping
Idaho regulators are anticipating making further decreases in the retail charges for natural gas in the state as they currently circulate for public comments a filing by Intermountain Gas Co. to cut retail charges by 5.3%, effective Oct. 1.
Rains Ease Susquehanna Basin Withdrawal Restrictions
A stretch of heavy rainfall across Pennsylvania helped ease water levels in the Susquehanna River Basin, but the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) on Monday morning was still restricting withdrawals on 28 state waterways.
MSC: EPA’s Proposed Air Standards ‘Overreach’
Calling newly proposed air emission standards to be imposed on the oil and gas industry an “overreach,” industry groups on Friday continued to lobby the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rethink its plans. In fact, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) warned that the standards could stifle natural gas production, which could promote the use of other less-clean energy sources.
Study Finds No Air Emissions Risks in North Central Pennsylvania
In its third regional report over the past year, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found compounds of natural gas constituents near natural gas operations in Bradford, Lycoming and Tioga counties, but none at any level that would trigger health issues.
Correction
In the article “IEA Official: Shale Will Exert Downward Pressure on Gas, Oil Prices” (see Daily GPI, Feb. 4), NGI incorrectly attributed comments made by International Energy Agency (IEA) Deputy Executive Director Richard Jones to Jim Burkhard, who was also misidentified as IEA’s managing director. Burkhard is the managing director of Cambridge Energy Research Associates. NGI regrets the errors.
BOEM Solicits Comments on Shell’s Deepwater Gulf Plan
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEM) is soliciting comments on an environmental assessment (EA) of the first supplemental exploration plan (EP) in the deepwater of the Gulf of Mexico.
BOEM Solicits Comments on Shell’s Deepwater Gulf Plan
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEM) is soliciting comments on an environmental assessment (EA) of the first supplemental exploration plan (EP) in the deepwater of the Gulf of Mexico.
