Gas groups seek change in key order 636 provision

Two natural gas distributor groups want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revise its Order 636 capacity release mechanism by allowing them to negotiate for their excess capacity. The request, submitted by the Associated Gas Distributors and the United Distribution Companies, centers on the same criticisms raised by electric power generators regarding the capacity release mechanism, which is the centerpiece of FERC's pipeline restructuring rule. And because so few in the industry actually are using the mechanism, it might be worth FERC's time to reconsider its reliance on the practice, they say.