Pioneer Withdraws Hearing Request in Proceeding to Bring Retail Choice to Ex-Cap Rock (Now Sharyland) Territories

Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. has withdrawn its request for a hearing in the Public Utility Commission of Texas' review of a transition to retail competition at the former Cap Rock territories now owned by Sharyland Utilities, LP.

Pioneer Natural Resources, an exploration and production company, was the lone non-signatory to a non-unanimous stipulation that would establish a retail market transition plan and timeline, including selection of default retail electric providers see prior story for details on the retail plan.

Pioneer was primarily concerned with its desire to reconfigure service to its Spraberry Driver Unit from secondary meters to one or more primary meters. However, the PUCT ruled, in addressing a certified issue, that such reconfiguration shall not be addressed in the retail transition docket, though the issue could be argued by Pioneer and considered by the Commission in its ultimate decision in the context of whether the non-unanimous settlement should be rejected under the El Paso standard (e.g. consistent with the public interest).

Subsequently, Sharyland has said that it would work with Pioneer outside of the retail transition proceeding to reconfigure the electrical facilities that serve the Driver Unit so that the Unit can qualify for primary service, provided Pioneer agrees to pay for all associated costs.

"Relying on Sharyland's representations referred to above and considering the effect of the Commission's Order on Certified Question in this matter, Pioneer hereby gives notice that Pioneer will not file testimony in this proceeding. Pioneer hereby withdraws its request for a hearing in this matter," Pioneer said.