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The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) last week unanimously approved the merger of Consolidated Edison of New York and Orange and Rockland Utilities. NYPSC Chairman Maureen O. Helmer said Consumers will benefit from the strength of the companies’ combined management and from merger-related savings over the next five years. “The merger has achieved broad public support, and after thorough review and analysis by staff and interested parties, the commission concludes it serves the public interest.”

Viking Gas Transmission got some good news Wednesday as FERCapproved a looping expansion of its system that will make itpossible for existing customers between the northern Minnesotaborder and West-Central Wisconsin to receive up to 28,000 Dth/d ofadditional gas supplies by the end of the year.

The Palmetto Pipeline, a proposed joint venture between CarolinaPower & Light (CP&L) and Sonat, announced an open seasonMonday seeking interest from potential firm gas transportationservice customers for terms of at least 20 years. The open seasonbegan April 1 and will continue through May 31.

The White House has given the green-light to the renomination ofCommissioner Curt Hebert Jr. for a full five-year term at theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission. “It’s my understanding thatthey’ve signed off on my nomination,” Hebert told NGI.SenateMajority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) sent a letter to the White Housein January seeking his renomination. The Senate EnergyCommitteeis expected to schedule a hearing after Congress returns fromrecess in mid-April, at which time it will begin to schedule ahearing.

FERC last week put off making a final decision on the merger ofTopeka, KS-based Western Resources Inc. and Kansas City Power &ampLight (KCP&ampL), citing potential competitive concerns. It set theproposed combination of the Midwest electric utilities for anevidentiary hearing on issues involving market power and customerprotection.

The White House has given the green-light to the renomination ofCommissioner Curt Hebert Jr. for a full five-year term at theFederal Energy Regulatory Commission.

FERC yesterday set the merger between Western Resources Inc. andKansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) for evidentiary hearingon issues involving market power and customer protection.

Destin Pipeline Co. has filed at FERC to have cost limitationson its “CNG Lateral” waived in light of delays that pushed theproject’s cost to $35.1 million, well above $19.6 million allowedfor in the Commission’s certification of the project last year(Docket No. CP98-238).

Destin Pipeline Co. filed at FERC last week to have costlimitations on its “CNG Lateral” waived in light of delays thatpushed the project’s cost to $35.1 million, well above $19.6million allowed for in the Commission’s certification of theproject last year (Docket No. CP98-238).