Upgrade

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) should reject Southern California Gas Co.’s (SoCalGas) application to spend $1 billion to upgrade nearly six million meters to advanced devices with two-way communication capabilities, according to the state’s Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), an independent consumer advocacy division of the CPUC.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) should reject Southern California Gas Co.’s (SoCalGas) application to spend $1 billion to upgrade nearly six million meters to advanced devices with two-way communication capabilities, according to the state’s Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), an independent consumer advocacy division of the CPUC.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved an Atlanta Gas Light Co. (AGLC) request to begin a multi-year system upgrade to improve service on peak demand days.

FERC last Thursday approved Dominion Cove Point LNG LP’s proposal to upgrade and expand its offshore pier at its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the eastern shore of Maryland.

FERC Thursday approved Dominion Cove Point LNG LP’s proposal to upgrade and expand its offshore pier at its liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the eastern shore of Maryland.

Two public-sector utilities in California and Tennessee won’t see any change in the credit ratings of their respective natural gas-buying units from the ratings upgrade of Wachovia Bank NA, according to an assessment released Monday by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P). Both the ratings and the credit outlook remain unchanged on the $449 million in gas-buying bonds of the two utilities.

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York Inc. (Con Edison) last Wednesday said it plans to invest more than $1.7 billion this year to upgrade and reinforce its electric delivery system, while continuing to press its customers to be more energy efficient.

The Pacific Northwest region’s largest natural gas storage facility has completed drilling for expansion and upgrade by its operator, Bellevue, WA-based Puget Sound Energy (PSE).

AGL Resources subsidiary Virginia Natural Gas said its performance-based rate proposal, including plans for a $48-60 million gas pipeline upgrade in the Hampton Roads region, was approved with modifications by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and accepted by the utility company. The utility said the plan will freeze customers’ distribution charges for five years at terms that have not increased since 1996. It’s the first performance-based rate plan approved in Virginia. “This $48-$60 million pipeline project will provide additional gas supply and serve as an economic development boost for the entire region,” said Hank Linginfelter, president of Virginia Natural Gas. “Moreover, the rate freeze provides our customers with better price stability and certainty for years to come. “We are thankful the plan was widely supported and that it was approved. We look forward to getting the pipeline built,” said Linginfelter.