S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION * * * * *

Transcription

1 S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION * * * * * In the matter of the application of ) DOMINION MIDWEST ENERGY, INC., ) for authority to operate the Comstock Hills ) Case No. Pipeline in Alcona County. ) ) At the meeting of the Michigan Public Service Commission in Lansing, Michigan. PRESENT: Hon. John G. Strand, Chairman Hon. David A. Svanda, Commissioner ORDER APPROVING APPLICATION On December 10, 1998, Dominion Midwest Energy, Inc., (Dominion) filed an application, pursuant to the provisions of 1929 PA 9, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA et seq., requesting authority to operate the Comstock Hills Pipeline. The pipeline consists of a 4-1/2 inch outer diameter line approximately 1.6 miles long, extending from Dominion s Comstock Hills Central Production Facility (CPF) in the NW/4 of Section 20 to a point of interconnection with the Thunder Bay Pipeline in the SE/4 of Section 8, all in T28N, R8E, Caledonia Township, Alcona County. Initially, the Comstock Hills pipeline was constructed and operated as a gathering line, which is exempt from Commission jurisdiction, but Dominion now desires to operate it as a transmitter

2 pipeline for its own gas. However, Dominion represents that no tariffs will be imposed and no transportation fees will be assessed. Attached to the application are engineering specifications covering the construction, testing, and operation of the pipeline to demonstrate compliance with the Michigan Gas Safety Code and a map showing the location of the pipeline. The maximum allowable operating pressure of the pipeline will be 1,440 pounds per square inch gauge. After reviewing the application, the Commission finds that the pipeline will serve the public convenience and necessity and that ex parte approval is appropriate. The Commission FINDS that: a. Jurisdiction is pursuant to 1929 PA 9, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA et seq.; 1919 PA 419, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA 22.1 et seq.; 1939 PA 3, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA 22.13(1) et seq.; 1969 PA 165, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA (1) et seq.; 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA 3.560(101) et seq.; and the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, as amended, 1992 AACS, R et seq. b. The map, route, and type of construction of the Comstock Hills Pipeline should be approved. c. The pipeline is practicable in that it provides an economic means of delivering natural gas to market. d. The pipeline will meet the requirements of the Michigan Gas Safety Code if tested and operated as proposed. e. The pipeline will serve the public convenience and necessity. Page 2

3 hearing. f. The public interest will be adequately protected without the time and expense of a public THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that: A. Dominion Midwest Energy, Inc., is authorized to operate the Comstock Hills Pipeline in Alcona County, as proposed in its application filed on December 10, 1998 and subject to the requirements of 1929 PA 9, as amended, MCL et seq.; MSA et seq. B. The map, route, and type of construction of the Comstock Hills Pipeline are approved. C. If in the future the Comstock Hills Pipeline is operated as a common carrier for third party gas, appropriate filings must be made with the Commission concerning rates and tariffs to ensure the provision of nondiscriminatory transportation service. The Commission reserves jurisdiction and may issue further orders as necessary. Page 3

4 Any party desiring to appeal this order must do so in the appropriate court within 30 days after issuance and notice of this order, pursuant to MCL ; MSA MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ( S E A L ) /s/ John G. Strand Chairman /s/ David A. Svanda Commissioner By its action of February 9, /s/ Dorothy Wideman Its Executive Secretary Page 4

5 Any party desiring to appeal this order must do so in the appropriate court within 30 days after issuance and notice of this order, pursuant to MCL ; MSA MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Chairman By its action of February 9, Commissioner Its Executive Secretary Page 5

6 In the matter of the application of ) DOMINION MIDWEST ENERGY, INC., ) for authority to operate the Comstock Hills ) Case No. Pipeline in Alcona County. ) ) Suggested Minute: Adopt and issue order dated February 9, 1999 granting Dominion Midwest Energy, Inc., authority to operate the Comstock Hills Pipeline in Alcona County, as set forth in the order.