Washington, DC – The American Gas Association (AGA) today released the following statement on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)’s proposal to require interstate natural gas pipelines to adhere to business practices outlined by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB):
“Standardized business practices like the ones drafted by the NAESB help create a more efficient pipeline grid. But these practices need to be implemented in a timely manner in order to be effective.
"While AGA does not oppose FERC’s decision to incorporate NAESB’s Version 1.8 business practice standards, the decision has taken entirely too long. This process began in 2004 and the final incorporation will not occur until 2009. Any process that takes more than five years to complete is inadequate and needs to be reformed.
“AGA urges FERC to review its procedures and its interactions with NAESB with the goal of streamlining the process. For example, FERC should set a deadline for NAESB to make a filing on a specific date each year. FERC should give specific guidance to NAESB and hold NAESB accountable for reporting back to FERC within a reasonable period of time. In addition, FERC should develop a procedure by which policy disputes can be quickly resolved.
“These guidelines would shorten the time that interstate natural gas pipelines need to change their business operations in order to deliver natural gas efficiently and safely to destinations across the country.”
To view AGA’s full comments, please click here.