Gas group seeks improved complaint process

The Pipeline Customer Coalition, a group of nine U.S. business associations, has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create a faster, more effective complaint process. The request was filed in FERC's recourse/negotiated rate proceeding. The relief sought would be in the form of new rules that would supplement existing complaint procedures and apply to any issue relating to pipeline rates, services, or practices.

June 10, 1996

2 min read

The Pipeline Customer Coalition, a group of nine U.S. business associations, has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create a faster, more effective complaint process.

The request was filed in FERC's recourse/negotiated rate proceeding. The relief sought would be in the form of new rules that would supplement existing complaint procedures and apply to any issue relating to pipeline rates, services, or practices.

The Pipeline Customer Coalition includes the American Iron & Steel Institute, American Gas Association's Local Distribution Company Caucus, American Public Gas Association, Associated Gas Distributors, Georgia Industrial Group, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Natural Gas Supply Association, Process Gas Consumers, and United Distribution Companies.

The Associated Gas Distributors (AGD) spearheaded formation of the coalition and preparation of the request.

Airing complaints

Fred Moring of AGD said, "As the industry adapts to the reality of lighter handed pipeline regulation, pipeline customers of all kinds will be more dependent on the FERC complaint process to resolve issues and concerns regarding their pipeline services.

"The missing ingredient in FERC's present complaint procedures is some assurance that a well documented grievance about a pipeline's service or rates will receive timely attention.

"As the gas industry continues its trend toward shorter term transactions, timely remedies from FERC become more important."

The coalition noted two FERC commissioners have said future pipeline regulation will rely more heavily on the complaint process and less on traditional regulatory proceedings.

Commissioner James Hoecker told the Washington Natural Gas Roundtable last week the present complaint process is inadequate and FERC should be open minded about adapting its complaint procedures.