Release of Firm Capacity on Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

18 CFR Part 284

[Docket No. RM95-5-000; Order No. 577]

Release of Firm Capacity on Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines

Issued March 29, 1995.

AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

[[Page 16980]] ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is amending its

capacity release regulations to make the capacity release mechanism

operate more efficiently and reduce burden. The existing regulations

establish the provisions under which shippers can release capacity

without having to comply with the Commission's advance posting and

bidding requirements. The Commission is extending the exception from

posting and bidding to one full calendar month as well as exempting

transactions at the maximum rate from the posting and bidding

requirements. The revisions also change the provision regarding roll-

overs of exempted releases by changing the period in which shippers

cannot re-release capacity to the same shipper from 30 days to 28 days.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The final rule becomes effective May 4, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 825 North Capitol

Street NE., Washington, D.C. 20426.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Goldenberg, Federal Energy

Regulatory Commission, 825 North Capitol Street NE., Washington, D.C.

20426, (202) 208-2294.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In addition to publishing the full text of

this document in the Federal Register, the Commission also provides all

interested persons an opportunity to inspect or copy the contents of

this document during normal business hours in Room 3104, 941 North

Capitol Street NE., Washington D.C. 20426.

The Commission Issuance Posting System (CIPS), an electronic

bulletin board service, provides access to the texts of formal

documents issued by the Commission. CIPS is available at no charge to

the user and may be accessed using a personal computer with a modem by

dialing (202) 208-1397. To access CIPS, set your communications

software to use 19200, 14400, 12000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, 1200, or

300 bps, full duplex, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. The full

text of this document will be available on CIPS for 60 days from the

date of issuance in ASCII and WordPerfect 5.1 format. After 60 days the

document will be archived, but still accessible. The complete text on

diskette in WordPerfect format may also be purchased from the

Commission's copy contractor, La Dorn Systems Corporation, also located

in Room 3104, 941 North Capitol Street NE., Washington D.C. 20426.

Under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission)

regulations, firm holders of pipeline capacity can release that

capacity to others. The Commission is modifying Sec. 284.243(h) of its

capacity release regulations.

The general rule under the regulations is that shippers must post

their available capacity on the pipeline's Electronic Bulletin Board

(EBB) for bidding by potential purchasers (replacement shippers). In

Sec. 284.243(h), the Commission permits an exception to the general

rule by allowing shippers to release capacity for a period of less than

one month without having to comply with the Commission's advance

posting and bidding requirements. Shippers, however, cannot roll-over

such releases and cannot re-release capacity to the same replacement

shipper under the short-term release exception until 30 days after the

first release period ends.

The Commission is revising Sec. 284.243(h) to promote a more

effective and efficient capacity release mechanism as well as reduce

administrative burdens. The Commission is revising Sec. 284.243(h)(1)

to coordinate with the industry's monthly purchasing practices by

extending to one full calendar month the exception from the advance

posting and bidding requirements. The Commission also is exempting

transactions at the maximum rate from the posting and bidding

requirements.

The Commission is revising Sec. 284.243(h)(2) to provide for a 28

(rather than a 30) day hiatus during which shippers that released

capacity at less than the maximum rate under the exception cannot re-

release that capacity to the same replacement shipper at less than the

maximum tariff rate. This change accounts for the fact that February

has only 28 days and will ensure that shippers entering into a full

month's release in January will be able to begin another full month's

release beginning March 1.

I. Reporting Requirements

The final rule affects the information required to be maintained on

pipeline EBBs. The public reporting burden for EBBs is contained in the

information requirement FERC-549(B), ``Gas Pipeline Rates: Capacity

Release Information.'' The rule will eliminate the need for the

industry to continue the current practice of using two capacity release

postings (a less-than-one month release coupled with a one-day release)

to complete a full month release transaction. Under the rule, full

month releases can be accomplished with only one such posting.

In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR), the Commission

estimated that 1,500 paired release transactions occur per year and

that the proposed rule would reduce burden by 1,500 hours. A survey

conducted by INGAA and filed with their comments indicates there were

1,924 paired release transactions during the first three quarters of

1994. Both the staff estimate and the industry survey are based on

historical data. However, the number of capacity release transactions

has increased each quarter, as the industry has gained more experience

with capacity release. Therefore, historical data are not an accurate

indicator of the current level of capacity release activity.

The current rate of paired release transactions, when annualized,

is about 3,500 per year. At one hour per transaction, the annual

reduction in burden as a result of this rule is approximately 3,500

hours.

A copy of this final rule is being provided to the Office of

Management and Budget (OMB). Interested persons may send comments

regarding the burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection

of information, including suggestions for further reductions of this

burden, to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 941 North Capitol

Street NE., Washington, D.C. 20426 [Attention: Michael Miller,

Information Services Division, (202) 208-1415, FAX (202) 208-2425].

Comments on the requirements of this proposed rule may also be sent to

the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Washington,

D.C. 20503 [Attention: Desk Officer for Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission (202) 395-6880, FAX (202) 395-5167].

II. Background

Under the current capacity release regulations, promulgated in

Order No. 636,1 holders of firm capacity on pipelines can reassign

that capacity in two ways.2 The releasing shipper can choose to

have the pipeline post the notice of release on the pipeline's EBB so

other shippers can submit bids for that capacity, with the capacity

awarded to the highest bidder. Or, the releasing shipper can enter into

a pre-arranged [[Page 16981]] deal with a replacement shipper for the

release of capacity.

\1\Pipeline Service Obligations and Revisions to Regulations

Governing Self-Implementing Transportation; and Regulation of

Natural Gas Pipelines After Partial Wellhead Decontrol, Order No.

636, 57 FR 13,267 (Apr. 16, 1992), III FERC Stats. & Regs. Preambles

 30,939 (Apr. 8, 1992), order on reh'g, Order No. 636-A, 57 FR

36,128 (Aug. 12, 1992), III FERC Stats. & Regs. Preambles  30,950

(Aug. 3, 1992), order on reh'g, Order No. 636-B, 57 FR 57,911 (Dec.

8, 1992), 61 FERC  61,272 (1992), appeal re-docketed sub nom.,

United Distribution Companies, et al. v. FERC, No. 92-1485 (D.C.

Cir. Feb. 8, 1995).

\2\18 CFR 284.243(a)-(h).

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The regulations establish different requirements for pre-arranged

releases depending on the length of the release. For pre-arranged

releases of one calendar month or more, the release must be posted on

the pipeline's EBB to permit other shippers to bid for that

capacity.\3\

\3\If a shipper bids more than the pre-arranged release rate,

the pre-arranged replacement shipper is given the opportunity to

match that bid to retain the capacity.

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For pre-arranged releases of less than one calendar month,

Sec. 284.243(h) permits shippers to consummate the transaction without

complying with the posting and bidding requirements.4 Releases

under this provision must be posted no later than 48 hours after the

release transaction begins. Section 284.243(h)(2) provides that

shippers cannot roll-over or extend releases covered by this exception

unless they comply with the requirements for prior notice and bidding

and cannot re-release to the same replacement shipper until thirty days

after the first release period has ended.5

\4\Releasing shippers, however, are free to post pre-arranged

deals for less than one calendar month for bidding if they choose to

do so. Section 284.243(h)(1), as originally promulgated, read: ``A

release of capacity by a firm shipper to a replacement shipper for

any period of less than one calendar month need not comply with the

notification and bidding requirements of paragraphs (c) through (e)

of this section. A release under this paragraph may not exceed the

maximum rate. Notice of a firm release under this paragraph must be

provided on the pipeline's electronic bulletin board as soon as

possible, but not later than forty-eight hours, after the release

transaction commences.''

\5\Section 284.243(h)(2), as originally promulgated, read: ``A

firm shipper may not roll-over, extend, or in any way continue a

release under this paragraph without complying with the requirements

of paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section, and may not re-

release to the same replacement shipper under this paragraph until

thirty days after the first release period has ended.''

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The Commission adopted the less-than-one calendar month exception

to the posting and bidding requirements to balance two objectives of

the capacity release mechanism.6 The exception was designed to

ensure that parties could quickly and efficiently consummate short-term

deals in emergency situations, such as a power plant outage resulting

in excess capacity, without the administrative complications resulting

from the advance posting and bidding requirements. On the other hand,

the restriction to less-than-one calendar month was intended to ensure

that normal monthly transactions would have to comply with the advance

posting and bidding requirements to ensure open and non-discriminatory

access to the capacity release market. The Commission thought that the

pipelines could design capacity release procedures to efficiently

handle full calendar month transactions.

\6\See Order No. 636-A, III FERC Stats. & Regs. Preambles 

30,950 at 30,553-54; Order No. 636-B, 61 FERC  61,272 at 61,994-95.

'

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The capacity release mechanism has now been in effect for over a

year and the Commission has begun the process of evaluating the

mechanism's operation. In the course of this review, the staff of the

Commission has conducted informal discussions about the operation of

the capacity release mechanism and possible changes or modifications to

improve the mechanism with all major segments of the gas industry,

including pipelines, local distribution companies, marketers,

producers, end-users, and others interested in the capacity release

market, such as companies developing third-party bulletin boards.

Based on comments made in these meetings, on January 12, 1995, the

Commission issued the NOPR in this docket which proposed to extend to

one full calendar month the period in which firm shippers can release

firm capacity without having to comply with the posting and bidding

requirements.7 Due to the broad support for the revision amongst

all the industry groups involved in the staff meetings, the Commission

proposed to make this one revision so that it could be implemented

quickly. The Commission stated, however, that further adjustments to

the capacity release mechanisms were still under consideration.

\7\Release of Firm Capacity on Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines,

60 FR 3783 (Jan. 19, 1995), IV FERC Stats. & Regs. [Proposed

Regulations]  32,513 (Jan. 12, 1995).

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Forty-five comments on the NOPR were received, all supporting the

proposed revision.8

\8\The appendix lists all those filing comments.

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III. Discussion

The extension of the short-term exception to a full calendar month

will promote a more effective capacity release market and eliminate

administrative inefficiencies created by the less than one calendar

month regulation. As the commenters point out, the change to a full

calendar month better comports with the industry's purchasing

practices. The industry generally conducts its gas purchases on a

monthly basis, so that customers requiring capacity need to acquire a

full month's capacity. Moreover, most monthly transactions occur during

a very compressed time period known as bid week and this time pressure

requires that shippers be able to obtain released capacity quickly with

the certainty that the deal will go through as negotiated.

In addition, as the comments recognized, administrative burdens

will be reduced significantly because the amendment will make

unnecessary the previous industry practice of designing so-called ``29/

1 day'' deals to arrive at full month releases. Under this practice,

shippers release capacity under the Sec. 284.243(h) exception for 29

days (or less than one calendar month) and then post a release offer

for bidding for the remaining day of the month. This practice ensures

that the designated replacement shipper can obtain a full month's

capacity, since rarely do other shippers want to purchase capacity for

one day or the one-day prearranged deal is posted at the maximum rate.

While this procedure does permit full month releases, the practice is

administratively cumbersome, doubling the administrative burden by

requiring two EBB postings, two awards, two contracts, and two bills.

According to INGAA, during the first three quarters of 1994, 14% of all

capacity releases involved paired releases.9

\9\Northwest estimates that 80% of its transactions were paired

releases.

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The Commission's original reason for restricting the short-term

exception to less-than-one calendar month deals was to limit the

exception to emergency situations, so as to maximize the open bidding

for capacity. However, the widespread use of 29/1 day deals

demonstrates that bidding for one month deals is not taking place, and

any attempt to limit or restrict the 29/1 practice in order to further

promote bidding would seem only to create further inefficiencies. The

commenters agree that, on balance, the increased speed and efficiency

made possible by the extension of the short-term exception to a full

calendar month outweighs any potential benefits from requiring bidding

for monthly transactions. The commenters also point out that the

Commission and the industry can still monitor one month deals for

adherence to the Commission's policies against undue discrimination

because all deals will be posted on the pipelines' EBBs within 48

hours.

Many commenters suggest that the Commission make changes in aspects

of the capacity release regulations beyond this rule's limited focus on

the short-term exception, such as elimination of bidding, removal of

the maximum rate cap, and posting of pipeline interruptible deals,

while others contend that such major structural [[Page 16982]] changes

should not be made.10 The Commission is committed to its review of

the capacity release mechanism and will be considering these issues,

along with others, as part of that process. The Commission will address

here only those comments directly bearing upon the short-term

exception.

\10\Most commenters support and encourage the Commission's

review of other aspects of the capacity release mechanism.

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IOGA-PA contends that to ensure open and non-discriminatory access

to released capacity, the Commission should require the posting of

certain details of one month transactions on the pipelines' EBBs. IOGA-

PA specifically lists price, delivery points, receipt points, recall

status, and order of curtailment as items that should be

disclosed.11

\11\Although IOGA-PA states it supports the rule as long as

sufficient information about the deal is disclosed, it later states

that it is of the opinion that all pre-arranged deals should be

subject to bidding. Requiring bidding for all pre-arranged deals,

however, would defeat the goal of the regulation by introducing the

very delay and uncertainty into monthly transactions that the

regulation is designed to eliminate.

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The Commission finds no need to impose additional reporting

requirements, because the information listed by IOGA-PA already must be

posted on pipeline EBBs. The Commission's EBB rulemaking in Docket No.

RM93-4-00012 requires pipelines to post price, location of

releases (receipt and delivery points or pipeline segments), and the

recall status of the release.13 Pipelines must also include in

their tariffs provisions setting forth their curtailment

priority.14

\12\Standards For Electronic Bulletin Boards Required Under Part

284 of the Commission's Regulations, Order No. 563, 59 FR 516 (Jan.

5, 1994), III FERC Stats. & Regs. Preambles 30,988 (Dec. 23, 1993),

order on reh'g, Order No. 563-A, 59 FR 23624 (May 6, 1994), III FERC

Stats. & Regs. Preambles 30,994 (May 2, 1994), reh'g denied, Order

No. 563-B, 68 FERC 61,002 (1994).

\13\This information is to be posted on the pipelines' EBB

sections dealing with capacity awards. See Standardized Data Sets

and Communication Protocols, Version 1.2, Section III Firm

Transportation and Storage Capacity Release Award Data Set, III.1,

line 25 (recall indicator), Section III.1.1, lines 7-13 (price

information), Section III.1.2, line 4 (location type indicator).

These are all mandatory fields, meaning that all pipelines must

provide the required information. This document is available at the

Commission's Public Reference and Files Maintenance Branch.

\14\See 18 CFR 284.14(b) (requiring pipelines to include

curtailment provisions in their filings to comply with Order No.

636).

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MichCon requests clarification that the rule will apply to 31 day

months and suggests that the regulation refer to releases of 31 days,

rather than to a calendar month. MichCon suggests that this change also

will permit releases of 31 days spanning two calendar months (i.e.,

January 15 to February 15). The term ``calendar month,'' by definition,

encompasses all months, including those of 31 days, and there is no

need to substitute the phrase 31 days to add clarity. The term

``calendar month'' also better reflects the regulation's purpose,

because it synchronizes the short-term exception with the industry's

practice of purchasing gas and capacity during bid week when shippers

need speed and certainty in their transactions. The substitution of the

phrase 31 days is not needed to effectuate mid-month releases, as

MichCon suggests. If shippers have an emergency requiring the release

of capacity in the middle of a month, they can do so under the short-

term exception for the remaining days in that month (i.e., January 15

to January 31), which will leave sufficient time to post the

transaction for bidding for the next month.

Some commenters raise questions about the anti-rollover provision

in Sec. 284.243(h)(2). Louisville contends that the Commission should

either improve the speed of the posting and bidding process, or, in the

alternative, should permit roll-overs of one month deals. Natural

similarly suggests that roll-overs of one month deals should be

permitted.

The Commission is not removing the anti-rollover provision in this

rule, because its removal could vitiate the bidding process for longer

term releases; parties could effectuate long term releases simply by

agreeing to a series of roll-overs of one month releases. The issue of

whether bidding should be required for releases of more than one month

is beyond the scope of this rule, but will be considered by the

Commission in its continuing review of the capacity release mechanism.

If the anti-rollover provision is to be retained, PGT requests that

the Commission clarify the criteria a pipeline should use to determine

if a capacity release parcel falls within the roll-over provision. The

provision now reads that a shipper ``may not re-release to the same

replacement shipper under this paragraph at less than the maximum

tariff rate during the calendar month after the month in which the

first release ends.'' Thus, any subsequent re-release to the same

replacement shipper during the next calendar month is prohibited.

ANR/CIG suggest that the Commission amend the anti-rollover

provision to permit re-release of capacity to the same shipper after

one calendar month has passed, rather than the 30 days specified in the

current regulation. ANR/CIG argue this change is consistent with the

expansion of the short-term exception, in Sec. 284.243(h)(1), to one

calendar month and is more compatible with the month to month basis on

which gas and capacity transactions take place.

The Commission will not modify the anti-rollover provision to one

calendar month, because that could be more restrictive than the current

regulation in certain circumstances. For example, under the current

regulations, shippers entering into a one-week release under the short-

term exception from January 1 to January 7 could enter into a second

release under the exception beginning February 7. If, however, shippers

had to allow a full calendar month to pass between releases, the second

release could not begin until March 1.

The Commission, however, recognizes that the 30 day hiatus in the

current regulations does not accord with monthly releases in one

situation: because February has only 28 days, shippers entering into a

full month's release ending January 31 cannot enter into a new release

until March 2. To ensure that shippers can enter into full month

releases in March, the Commission is amending Sec. 284.243(h)(2) to

permit re-releases to the same replacement shipper after 28 days.

FMA suggests that roll-overs should be permitted at the maximum

rates without complying with the posting and bidding periods. In Order

No. 636-B, the Commission clarified its policies regarding prearranged

deals at the maximum rate.15 The Commission required that

pipelines adopt procedures so that bids at the maximum rate, meeting

all the terms and conditions of the bid, would not be subject to the

bidding procedures and would be implemented promptly. As the Commission

found, when a prearranged deal is at the maximum rate, no other shipper

can make a better bid for that capacity and, therefore, subjecting that

release to the bidding requirements in the pipeline's tariff could

unnecessarily delay implementation of the release. To ensure that the

regulations reflect Commission policy, the Commission is modifying

Sec. 284.243(h)(1) to include all releases at the maximum rate,

regardless of term, as releases that need not comply with the advance

posting and bidding requirements.16

\15\Order No. 636-B, 61 FERC at 61,994.

\16\In Order No. 636-B, the Commission stated that releases at

the maximum rate must be posted immediately, rather than 48 hours

after the transaction commences. Order No. 636-B, 61 FERC at 61,994.

But there seems to be no need to continue that restriction. Posting

within 48 hours is sufficient to provide the industry and the

Commission with the ability to review and monitor transactions at

the maximum rate.

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Columbia requests that the Commission set an effective date for

this rule that will provide sufficient time for pipelines to file

revised tariff sheets and make computer programming changes to

implement the change on their EBBs. The Commission wants to make this

rule effective as soon as possible so that the industry can achieve the

efficiencies from full month releases. The Commission concludes that

making the rule effective 30 days from publication in the Federal

Register should provide most pipelines with sufficient implementation

time. If some pipelines need more time to make tariff filings to

reflect the change, the Commission can waive the 30-day notice

requirement to allow for consistent effective dates.17 Columbia

does not explain exactly what computer programming is needed to reflect

this change. The Commission considers 30 days to be sufficient time in

general to make whatever programming changes are needed to accommodate

the minor change effected by this rule. [[Page 16983]]

\17\15 U.S.C. Sec. 717c(d); 18 CFR 154.22.

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IV. Environmental Analysis

The Commission is required to prepare an Environmental Assessment

or an Environmental Impact Statement for any action that may have a

significant adverse effect on the human environment.18 The

Commission has categorically excluded certain actions from these

requirements as not having a significant effect on the human

environment.19 The action taken here falls within categorical

exclusions provided in the Commission's regulations.20 Therefore,

an environmental assessment is unnecessary and has not been prepared in

this rulemaking.

\18\Order No. 486, Regulations Implementing the National

Environmental Policy Act, 52 FR 47897 (Dec. 17, 1987), FERC Stats. &

Regs. Preambles 1986-1990 30,783 (1987).

\19\18 CFR 380.4.

\20\See 18 CFR 380.4(a)(2)(ii), 380.4(a)(5).

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V. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA)21 generally

requires a description and analysis of final rules that will have

significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Since the proposed regulations do not increase the burdens on any

companies or entities, they will not have a significant impact on small

entities. Pursuant to section 605(b) of the RFA, the Commission hereby

certifies that the regulations proposed herein will not have a

significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

\21\5 U.S.C. 601-612.

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VI. Information Collection Requirement

OMB regulations require approval of certain information collection

requirements imposed by agency rules.22 The information

requirements affected by this proposed rule are in FERC-549B, ``Gas

Pipeline Rates: Capacity Release Information'' (1902-0169). The

Commission is issuing the final rule, including the information

requirements, to carry out its regulatory responsibilities under the

Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) to promote a

more effective capacity release market as instituted by the

Commission's Order No. 636. The Commission's Office of Pipeline

Regulation uses the data to review/monitor capacity release

transactions as well as firm and interruptible capacity made available

by pipelines and to take appropriate action, where and when necessary.

The collection of information is intended to be the minimum needed for

posting on EBBs to provide information about the availability of

service on interstate pipelines.

\22\5 CFR 1320.13.

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The Commission is submitting to the Office of Management and the

Budget a notification of the revision to the FERC-549B collection of

information. Interested persons may obtain information on these

reporting requirements by contacting the Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission, 941 North Capitol street, NE; Washington, DC 20426

[Attention: Michael Miller, Information Services Division, (202) 208-

1415], FAX (202) 208-2425. Comments on the requirements of this rule

can be sent to OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs;

Washington, DC 20503 [Attention: Desk Officer for Federal Energy

Regulatory Commission (202) 395-6880, FAX (202) 395-5167].

VII. Effective Date

The final rule will take effect May 4, 1995.

List of Subjects in 18 CFR Part 284

Continental shelf, Natural gas, Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

By the Commission.

Lois D. Cashell,

Secretary.

In consideration of the foregoing, the Commission amends Part 284,

Chapter I, Title 18, Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below.

PART 284--CERTAIN SALES AND TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS UNDER THE

NATURAL GAS POLICY ACT OF 1978 AND RELATED AUTHORITIES

1. The authority citation for Part 284 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 717-717w, 3301-3432; 42 U.S.C. 7101-7532;

43 U.S.C. 1331-1356.

2. In Sec. 284.243, paragraph (h) is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 284.243 Release of firm capacity on interstate pipelines.

* * * * *

(h) (1) A release of capacity by a firm shipper to a replacement

shipper for any period of one calendar month or less, or for any term

at the maximum tariff rate applicable to the release, need not comply

with the notification and bidding requirements of paragraphs (c)

through (e) of this section. A release under this paragraph may not

exceed the maximum rate. Notice of a firm release under this paragraph

must be provided on the pipeline's electronic bulletin board as soon as

possible, but not later than forty-eight hours, after the release

transaction commences.

(2) When a release under paragraph (h)(1) of this section is at

less than the maximum tariff rate, a firm shipper may not roll-over,

extend, or in any way continue the release at less than the maximum

tariff rate without complying with the requirements of paragraphs (c)

through (e) of this section, and may not re-release to the same

replacement shipper under this paragraph at less than the maximum

tariff rate until twenty-eight days after the first release period has

ended.

Note--The following appendix will not appear in the Code of

Federal Regulations.

[[Page 16984]]

Appendix--Parties Filing Comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

[Docket No. RM95-5-000]

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Commenter Abbreviation

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American Gas Association.................. AGA.

American Public Gas Association........... APGA.

ANR Pipeline Company and Colorado ANR/CIG.

Interstate Gas Company.

Associated Gas Distributors............... AGD.

Atlanta Gas Light Company and Chattanooga Atlanta/Chattanooga.

Gas Company.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company........ Baltimore.

Brooklyn Union Gas Company................ Brooklyn Union.

City of Hamilton, Ohio.................... Hamilton.

Columbia Gas Distribution Companies....... Columbia Distribution.

Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation and Columbia.

Columbia Gulf Gas Transmission Company.

Consolidated Edison Company of New York... Con Edison.

Consolidated Natural Gas Company.......... Consolidated.

Consumers Power Company................... CPCo.

EnerSoft Corporation and New York EnerSoft/NYMEX.

Mercantile Exchange.

Enron Interstate Pipelines (Northern Enron.

Natural Gas Company, Transwestern

Pipeline Company, Florida Gas

Transmission Company, and Black Marlin

Pipeline Company) and Enron Capital &

Trade Resources Corporation.

Fuel Managers Association................. FMA.

Hadson Gas Systems, Inc................... Hadson.

Illinois Power Company.................... Illinois Power.

Independent Oil and Gas Association of IOGA-PA.

Pennsylvania.

Independent Petroleum Association of IPAA.

America.

Interstate Natural Gas Association of INGAA.

America.

JMC Power Projects (Altersco-Pittsfield, JMC Power Projects.

L.P., MASSPOWER, Ocean State Power, Ocean

State Power II, and Selkirk Cogen

Partners, L.P.

K N Interstate Gas Transmission Company... KNI.

Louisville Gas and Electric Company....... Louisville.

Michigan Consolidated Gas Company......... MichCon.

MidCon Gas Services Corporation........... MidCon Gas Services.

Mississippi River Transmission Corporation MRT.

Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America... Natural.

Natural Gas Supply Association............ NGSA.

Northern Illinois Gas Company............. NI-Gas.

Northern Indiana Public Service Company... Northern Indiana.

Northwest Pipeline Corporation............ Northwest.

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc........ Orange/Rockland.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company.......... PG&E.

Pacific Gas Transmission Company.......... PGT.

Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company and Peoples Gas/North Shore.

North Shore Gas Company.

Process Gas Consumers Group, American Iron Industrials.

and Steel Institute, and Georgia

Industrial Group.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District..... SMUD.

Sonat Marketing Company................... Sonat Marketing.

Southern California Edison Company........ Edison.

Southern California Gas Company........... SoCalGas.

Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation, PEC Pipeline Group.

Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company,

Algonquin Gas Transmission Company, and

Trunkline Gas Company.

Texas Gas Transmission Corporation........ Texas Gas.

United Distribution Companies............. UDC.

Wisconsin Distributor Group............... WDG.

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[[Page 16985]]

[FR Doc. 95-8224 Filed 4-3-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P