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ALJ/TJS/avs DRAFT Item 2

Decision DRAFT DECISION OF ALJ SULLIVAN (Mailed 10/26/2001)

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Order Instituting Rulemaking into whether the curtailment and diversion priorities for noncore natural gas customers in the service territories of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Southern California Gas Company should be changed.

Rulemaking 01-03-023

(Filed March 15, 2001)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

OPINION DECLINING TO PROVIDE SERVICE PRIORITIES TO ELECTRIC GENERATORS IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL GAS SHORTAGE 33

Findings of Fact 3333

Conclusions of Law 3535

ORDER 3636

OPINION DECLINING TO PROVIDE SERVICE PRIORITIES
TO ELECTRIC GENERATORS IN THE EVENT
OF A NATURAL GAS SHORTAGE

I. Introduction - Proposed Changes in Gas Service Priorities Are Not Needed

Granting a priority to electric generators for natural gas service is not needed at this time to avoid disruptions in electric service. Our examination of the natural gas transmission and storage infrastructures of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) lead us to conclude that California, barring an exceptionally cold winter, should have adequate natural gas supplies over the next twelve months. Given current supply conditions, neither PG&E nor SoCalGas anticipates gas service curtailments to either their core or noncore customers. Thus, no supply conditions warrant a change in service priorities.

In addition, an examination of PG&E's and SoCalGas's tariffs indicate that those electric generators holding gas storage rights can obtain services that ensure gas service even if system curtailments occur. Providing higher service priorities to electric generators could undermine current policies that both encourage and allow large gas users to ensure their supply of gas. Electric generators consume two-thirds of all gas provided to noncore customers. In the event of a gas shortage, granting electric generators a priority would, impose unfair burdens on other noncore customers, many of whom supply essential services to California.

Similarly, gas storage regulations need no changes at this time. In southern California, unusually high demand over the past year has led SoCalGas to run its infrastructure at full speed and store all gas not immediately needed. In the face of these market conditions, there is no superior gas storage policy. PG&E, has adequate transmission and storage capabilities for the next twelve months, and insuring the reliability of gas supply does not require regulatory change.

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