D.C. Investigating Whether CNG Fuelers Require Retail Natural Gas Supplier License

The District of Columbia PSC has opened a proceeding to determine, among other things, whether operators of certain CNG fueling stations require a license as a retail natural gas supplier.

Washington Gas Light has filed several tariff revisions related to CNG service. One of these tariffs provides for the resale CNG for use as a motor vehicle fuel, and requires that, for service under such tariff, "[t]he customer agrees to obtain and maintain, at its expense, all necessary certificates, licenses and regulatory approvals necessary to engage in the sale of natural gas for use as a motor vehicle fuel." One of the licenses required under this tariff provision would be a license to operate as a retail natural gas supplier issued by the PSC.

In addition to several questions concerning what information should be required for CNG fuelers to receive a retail natural gas supplier license, the PSC asked for stakeholder comment on whether Commission needs to amend its Consumer Protection Standards applicable to retail suppliers to address safe operations at a CNG fueling station.

How might customer information and price disclosure rules currently applicable to retail suppliers be impacted by CNG fueling station transactions, the PSC asked.

The PSC also asked:

1) What federal or national standards are applicable to CNG fueling stations? Are the National Fire Protection Association Code 52 and Code 58 the most appropriate standards? What other codes and standards should apply?

2) Should the Commission incorporate these rules into the regulations of retail suppliers operating natural gas fueling stations

The same tariff would also allow WGL to engage in retail sales of CNG to end users at utility-owned CNG facilities, and the PSC invited comments on these provisions as well.

GT-2013-01