Ohio Sets Changes to Duke Energy Ohio Natural Gas Tariff, Which Will Determine Viability of Choice Program, For Hearing

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has set for hearing several Duke Energy Ohio natural gas program and tariff changes which will determine the viability of the retail choice market.

Duke Energy Ohio had proposed changes to firm balancing service and enhanced firm balancing service, and related modifications to the full requirements aggregation service (FRAS) and gas trading service (GTS) tariffs

Duke had proposed to make enhanced firm balancing service mandatory for gas suppliers and aggregators that have a maximum daily quantity (MDQ) greater than or equal to 20,000 dth/day, while gas suppliers and aggregators with an MDQ over 1,000 dth/day and under 20,000 dth/day would continue to elect either type of balancing service. Duke had proposed such changes since the number of gas suppliers and aggregators electing enhanced firm balancing service has declined, which Duke said has resulted in difficulty for Duke in managing storage balances within interstate pipeline tariff requirements

"In light of the issues raised in the parties' comments with respect to Duke's proposal to modify the terms under which gas suppliers and aggregators choose either firm balancing service or enhanced firm balancing service, and the Company's related proposal to modify the FRAS and GTS tariffs, the Commission finds that it is appropriate to establish a hearing date and to allow additional time for the parties to conduct discovery and pursue a stipulation for the Commission's consideration," PUCO said.

IGS Energy has called the proposal discriminatory against large suppliers, and also opposed Duke's filed proposal to retroactively modify CRNG provider elections for the 2015-16 delivery year.

RESA, which has also raised concerns with Duke's as-filed proposal, has noted that, "The Commission’s decision in this matter will affect the viability of the CRNG market in Duke’s service territory."

Case 15-0050-GA-RDR