DE 98-075
ENERGYNORTH NATURAL GAS, INC.
APPLICATION TO EXTEND WAIVER OF RULE PUC 505.04(C)
Order Nisi Approving Application to Extend Waiver
of Rule Puc 505.04(c)
O R D E R N O. 22,980
July 13, 1998
On June 4, 1996, the Commission, in Docket No. DE
96-001, pursuant to Rule Puc 201.05, issued Order No. 22,183,
granting EnergyNorth Natural Gas Inc.,(ENGI) a waiver of Rule Puc
505.04(b)(now Rule Puc 505.04(c)) related to periodic tests of
meters in service. In lieu of the existing standards, the waiver
allowed ENGI to implement an alternative methodology for meter
testing based on a program entitled the "Statistical Sampling
Plan". The objective of the new plan was to provide for the same
level of meter accuracy coincident with reductions in testing
costs due to operating efficiencies.
On May 8, 1998, ENGI requested that the Commission (A)
grant an extension of its waiver from compliance with Rule Puc
505.04(c); and (B) allow ENGI to continue to utilize the
Statistical Sampling Plan attached to the filing as Exhibit A.
In support of the request, ENGI states that utilization of the
Statistical Sampling Plan has resulted in cost avoidance for its
customers due to the creation of operating efficiencies in its
meter accuracy and testing procedures. In addition, ENGI notes
that overall meter accuracy rates have increased while the plan
has been in effect.
On July 10, 1998, Commission Staff, (Staff) submitted a
memo recommending acceptance of the application for extension.
Staff based its recommendation on a review of the application and
annual meter test data for fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Staff
concurred with ENGI's representation that test results indicated
that meter accuracy has improved. Staff noted that it routinely
analyzes meter accuracy and recommended that the alternative
testing methodology be continued until the next general
rulemaking or until Staff advises otherwise. Having reviewed
Staff's memo, we concur with the recommendations contained
therein and will approve the filing on a nisi basis in order to
provide an opportunity for public input.
Based upon the foregoing, it is hereby
ORDERED NISI, that ENGI's application for extension of
waiver of Rule Puc 505.04(c) related to periodic tests of meters
in service is granted; and it is
FURTHER ORDERED, that ENGI will utilize the Statistical
Sampling Plan identified as Exhibit A in the filing in lieu of
the provisions of Rule Puc 505.04(c) as the alternative method
for testing meter accuracy; and it is
FURTHER ORDERED, that the waiver shall remain in effect
until otherwise directed by the Commission; and it is
FURTHER ORDERED, that pursuant to N.H. Admin. Rules,
Puc 1604.03 or Puc 1605.03, the Petitioner shall cause a copy of
this Order Nisi to be published once in a statewide newspaper of
general circulation or of circulation in those portions of the
state where operations are conducted, such publication to be no
later than July 20, 1998 and to be documented by affidavit filed
with this office on or before July 27, 1998; and it is
FURTHER ORDERED, that all persons interested in
responding to this petition be notified that they may submit
their comments or file a written request for a hearing on this
matter before the Commission no later than August 3, 1998; and it
is
FURTHER ORDERED, that any party interested in
responding to such comments or request for hearing shall do so no
later than August 10, 1998; and it is
FURTHER ORDERED, that this Order Nisi shall be
effective August 12, 1998, unless the Commission provides
otherwise in a supplemental order issued prior to the effective
date.
By order of the Public Utilities Commission of New
Hampshire this thirteenth day of July, 1998.
Douglas L. Patch Bruce B. Ellsworth Susan S. Geiger
Chairman Commissioner Commissioner
Attested by:
Thomas B. Getz
Executive Director and Secretary