[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 210 (Tuesday, October 29, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55796-55797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-27646]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Docket No. CP96-737-001]


Texas-Ohio Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Amendment to Application

October 23, 1996.
    Take notice that on October 16, 1996, Texas-Ohio Pipeline, Inc. 
(Texas-Ohio), 800 Gessner, Suite 900, Houston, Texas 77024, filed to 
amend its application in Docket No. CP96-737-000 which sought pursuant 
to Section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act for permission and approval to 
abandon, by sale to Total Compression Incorporated (TCI), two 
compressors and appurtenant equipment from its existing facilities 
located in Garrard County, Kentucky, and for the authority to lease 
back from TCI one of the compressors for continued service on its 
existing pipeline facilities. Texas-Ohio's amendment requests the 
additional authority to lease a second compressor from Global 
Compression Services, Inc. (GCS) for continued service on its existing 
facilities, effective November 1, 1996, all as more fully set forth in 
the application which is on file with the Commission and open to public 
inspection.
    Texas-Ohio states that, since the filing of its original 
application on August 21, 1996, the circumstances surrounding its 
operations have changed. Texas-Ohio states that, as noted on page six 
of its Application, it was in the process of a corporate ownership 
change in which Public Service Company of Colorado, through a wholly-
owned subsidiary, had agreed to purchase all of the outstanding stock 
of Texas-Ohio. It is stated that the stock purchase transaction was 
completed on September 4, 1996. Although Texas-Ohio remains a stand-
alone entity with its own operating personnel, it is stated that the 
ownership change has provided Texas-Ohio with enhanced marketing 
capabilities. As a result, Texas-Ohio contends that it has identified 
significant potential gas transportation opportunities for the upcoming 
winter heating season in addition to the volumes it projected at the 
time the initial application was filed. It is stated that because of 
these potential additional transportation opportunities, which would 
require the operation of two compressors, rather than one compressor, 
on its pipeline facilities, Texas-Ohio has entered into an agreement 
into GCS to lease and operate a second compressor and appurtenant 
equipment for use during the upcoming winter heating season. Texas-Ohio 
states that lease agreement for the second compressor will become 
effective on November 1, 1996. It is stated that no increase in the 
originally certificated

[[Page 55797]]

configuration or daily capacity (60,000 Mcf) will occur, and that 
Texas-Ohio will not install this second compressor until the Commission 
grants it the authority requested herein.
    Texas-Ohio states that the abandonment and sale of the two 
compressors and the subsequent lease back of two compressors will lead 
to a reduction in its operating expenses and cost-of-service as 
compared to the costs underlying its present rates. Accordingly, Texas-
Ohio contends that it will be able to reduce its rates in order to 
become more competitive, and that its current and prospective shippers 
shall benefit from these lower rates and enhanced system 
competitiveness. Upon approval of its application and amendment, Texas-
Ohio states that it will file to amend its rates and tariff to reflect 
the abandonment of facilities and the leaseback arrangements.
    Any person desiring to be heard or to make a protest with reference 
to said amendment should on or before November 4, 1996, file with the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20426, a motion to 
intervene or a protest in accordance with the requirements of the 
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 
385.211) and the Regulations under the Natural Gas Act (18 CFR 157.10). 
All protests filed with the Commission will be considered by it in 
determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to 
make the protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to 
become a party must file a motion to intervene in accordance with the 
Commission's Rules.
    Take further notice that, pursuant to the authority contained in 
and subject to the jurisdiction conferred upon the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission by Sections 7 and 15 of the Natural Gas Act and 
the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, a hearing will be 
held without further notice before the Commission or its designee on 
this application if no motion to intervene is filed within the time 
required herein, if the Commission on its own review of the matter 
finds that permission and approval for the proposed abandonment are 
required by the public convenience and necessity. If a motion for leave 
to intervene is timely filed, or if the Commission on its own motion 
believes that a formal hearing is required, further notice of such 
hearing will be duly given.
    Under the procedure herein provided for, unless otherwise advised, 
it will be unnecessary for Texas-Ohio to appear or be represented at 
the hearing.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-27646 Filed 10-28-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M