Request

As expected, Barrett Resources Corp.’s request for eight waterdischarge permits to operate in the Powder River Basin wereapproved last week by the Wyoming Department of EnvironmentalQuality. But Barrett and other producers operating in the prolificcoalbed methane basin may be holding their breath to see if thepermit approval process slows down following an anticipated statepublic hearing Jan. 3 (see Daily GPI, Nov. 6).

As expected, Barrett Resources Corp.’s request for eight water discharge permits to operate in the Powder River Basin were approved last week by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. But Barrett and other producers operating in the prolific coalbed methane basin may be holding their breath to see if the permit approval process slows down following an anticipated state public hearing Jan. 3 (see NGI, Nov. 6, Dec. 11).

While Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is in the midst of defending a 30% rate hike request, the Philadelphia District Attorney has filed criminal charges against four former PGW executives for theft and misuse of company funds. The action was sparked by a Philadelphia County Grand Jury investigation.

While Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is in the midst of defendinga 30% rate hike request, the Philadelphia District Attorney hasfiled criminal charges against four former PGW executives for theftand misuse of company funds. The action was sparked by aPhiladelphia County Grand Jury investigation.

The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.(MISO) announced today that it was issuing a Request For Proposal(RFP) for an independent third-party market monitor.

Consumers Energy filed a request with the Federal EnergyRegulatory Commission (FERC) to transfer its electric transmissionsystem assets to a new wholly owned subsidiary, Michigan ElectricTransmission Company (Michigan Transco). The proposed transfer isthe first step in a plan to sell or transfer control of itstransmission business to a party which meets the requirements ofFERC Order 2000. Michigan Public Act 141, the electric industryrestructuring legislation signed by Governor Engler in June,requires that investor-owned Michigan utilities sell or transfercontrol of their transmission systems to an independentorganization by the end of next year. After the transfer iscompleted, Consumers will function solely as a generation anddistribution company taking service from Michigan Transco underFERC-approved transmission tariffs. “Our next step is to fullyevaluate all alternatives to achieve full independence of thetransmission business,”said David W. Joos, president andCEO-electric.Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMSEnergy, is Michigan’s largest utility providing natural gas andelectricity to more than six million people.

The New York Independent System Operator has filed a requestwith FERC to implement temporary power bid caps of $1,300/MWh forenergy until Oct. 28 (see docket EL00-3038). The ISO requested awaiver of the normal Commission notice period and an effective datefor the caps of July 6.

The New York Independent System Operator has filed a requestwith FERC to implement temporary power bid caps of $1,300/MWh forenergy until Oct. 28 (see docket EL00-3038). The ISO requested awaiver of the normal Commission notice period and an effective datefor the caps of July 6.

GRI, formerly the Gas Research Institute, filed itsfourth-to-last annual research, development and demonstrationprogram application last week with FERC, requesting a budget of $70million and approval of its 2001-2005 RD&D Plan.