Commissioners

The Port of Houston Authority commissioners, who manage the public facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, have voted to appeal a January ruling by U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes who ruled that the Port, and not companies, should pay the cost of lowering pipelines to accommodate the deepening of the channel. At least 87 pipelines, containing chemicals, petroleum products and natural gas, may be involved at a cost of $1 million each.

The Port of Houston Authority commissioners, who manage the public facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, have voted to appeal a January ruling by U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes who ruled that the Port, and not companies, should pay the cost of lowering pipelines to accommodate the deepening of the channel. At least 87 pipelines, containing chemicals, petroleum products and natural gas, may be involved at a cost of $1 million each.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) reported on Wednesday that Kenneth T. Lombard has been re-elected president of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners. He begins his fourth year on the commission and his second term as president.

With barely six months under his belt in a six-year appointment,one of California Gov. Gray Davis’ two new state regulatorycommissioners, Joel Hyatt, announced this week that he will resignin January to be replaced by a current top-level Davis cabinetmember, Loretta Lynch, 37, an attorney who heads Davis’planning/research office in Sacramento.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners(NARUC) and Wyoming and Colorado regulators last week urged theFERC majority to throw in the towel in its effort to re-cast itsauthority as it relates to the Hinshaw amendment.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners(NARUC) and Colorado regulators earlier this week urged the FERCmajority to throw in the towel in its effort to re-cast itsauthority under the Hinshaw amendment.

Commissioners Linda K. Breathitt and Vicky A. Bailey last weekjoined the club of those confused about when, if ever, FERC mightsettle the huge number of gas issues that have been on its platefor more than a year. Much to the chagrin of the industry, whichhas been anticipating some type of FERC action soon, Breathittindicated it would take up to six more months, while Baileypredicted the Commission would be delivering a package of gasdecisions by Christmas.

Commissioners Linda K. Breathitt and Vicky A. Bailey this weekjoined the club of those confused about when, if ever, FERC mightsettle the huge number of gas issues that have been on its platefor more than a year. Early in the week, Breathitt indicated itwould take up to six more months, while Bailey said yesterday theCommission would be delivering a package of gas decisions byChristmas.

The Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works (CPW), the municipalorganization responsible for the energy needs for the city ofGreenwood, SC, said last week it has entered the market for a totalenergy provider. The CPW is searching for companies with tangibleassets to provide comprehensive energy supply services, includingpower supply and gas supply. Energy supply proposals may includealternatives ranging from full requirements service to thedevelopment of owned generating resources, the CPW said.