Reaches

New York Gov. George Pataki and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer last week unveiled agreements with NRG Energy, AES Corp. and New York State Electric and Gas Corp. (NYSEG) that will cut emissions from six upstate coal-fired power plants, including the state’s two largest-polluting power plants. Niagara Mohawk (NiMo), previous owner of several of the plants, is also be affected by the settlements.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) announced last Monday it has reached a three-year agreement on natural gas transportation and storage costs with all stakeholders that will result in lower transportation costs for direct transmission customers and slightly higher distribution costs for bundled commercial and residential customers.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) announced Monday it has reached a three-year agreement on natural gas transportation and storage costs with all stakeholders that will result in lower transportation costs for direct transmission customers and slightly higher distribution costs for bundled commercial and residential customers.

Northwest Natural Gas Co. is among pipeline operators nationwide who are facing rising costs this year for new pipeline integrity testing. Northwest said Monday that it reached an agreement with the staff of the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC) over $5 million in additional charges in 2004 and the $5-15 million per year in charges over the next nine years for new pipeline integrity testing and related pipeline safety activities.

Portland, OR-based Northwest Natural Gas Co. announced Monday it reached a proposed settlement calling for a $3.5 million rate increase for Washington customers. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission must approve the deal, which involved the utility commission staff and key Washington intervenors for the company, the bulk of whose customers are in Oregon.

Energy companies completed more than 680 natural gas wells in Texas during the month of February, the highest number in 30 years, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Energy companies completed more than 680 natural gas wells in Texas during the month of February, the highest number in 30 years, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Bankrupt Mirant Corp. on Friday said that it has reached a settlement with FERC staff related to the sale of ancillary services in California. Mirant settled for $3.66 million, which the company said is a fraction of the approximately $28 million alleged by the California parties in the original claim made against the company.

One of Sempra Energy’s two major California utilities, San Diego Gas and Electric Co., on Thursday announced it has reached a settlement in its pending cost-of-service rate case with the independent consumer unit of the California Public Utilities Commission.