Favored

A number of interstate pipelines and pipeline customers lastweek indicated they would oppose any FERC proposed rule requiringpipes to formally notify affected landowners about constructionprojects prior to filing applications, saying that changes toexisting practices were unnecessary, could further snarl thecertification process and might even aggravate what are alreadytense pipeline-landowner relationships. In late September, FERCsuggested in a notice of technical conference that it was leaningtoward such an initiative in order to involve landowners earlier inthe certification process.

Interstate pipelines and industrial gas customers said theywould be opposed to any FERC proposal requiring pipes to notifyaffected landowners of proposed projects prior to filing theirapplications at the Commission, saying this would only furthersnarl the certification process. In late September, FERC indicatedin a notice of technical conference that it was leaning toward sucha proposal in order to involve landowners earlier on in thecertification process.

Chicago’s Citizens Utility Board (CUB) announced it has signed asettlement agreement with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) thatobligates the utility to terminate its controversial marketingprogram, which was designed to give the utility’s affiliatecompanies an edge in the coming competitive energy market.