Lawmakers want energy regulator to turn over findings of natural gas rate probes

The top two lawmakers on a key Senate panel asked energy regulators Wednesday to turn over information about national gas rate proceedings over the last four years. 

In a letter sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Senate Energy and Natural Resources chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) asked the regulator to detail ten inquiries it has undertaken since 2009.

The proceedings were initiated to investigate whether rates charged by national gas pipeline operators were fair. The lawmakers are also asking for details of an inquiry prompted by an outside complaint accusing pipeline firms of collecting unreasonable and unjust fees for transportation, storage and fuel.
 
“Consumers deserve to know how much they’ve been overcharged, and whether current regulations and regulators are doing the job,” Wyden said in a written statement.

In the letter, the lawmakers ask the commission for any information gathered about allegations of unjust fees. Beyond holding the industry accountable, Murkowski said the inquiry will give the committee a better sense of FERC’s oversight operations.
 
“I think it’s important to establish how the process FERC has in place to maintain just and reasonable rates is working,” Murkowski said.