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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Variance for Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a variance for Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC to temporarily increase the hours of operation of one new gas-fired reciprocating internal combustion engine at the Emporia Compressor Station in Greensville County, Virginia. The approval was granted on August 21, 2025, in response to a request made by Columbia on August 6, 2025. The variance will allow the engine to operate for up to 4,000 hours until electrical service from the local utility can be established.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a variance for Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC to temporarily increase the hours of operation of one new gas-fired reciprocating internal combustion engine at the Emporia Compressor Station in Greensville County, Virginia.
  • The variance was granted in response to a request made by Columbia on August 6, 2025, to operate the engine for up to 4,000 hours until electrical service from the local utility can be established.
  • Columbia has committed to filing a copy of their updated Emporia Compressor Station Air Permit with the Commission once permanent electrical service is established, confirming that units have reverted to the certificated 500 hours of operation annually.
  • Prior to the start of operations at the Emporia Compressor Station, Columbia must update the Commission on the schedule for electrical service.
  • Columbia must also comply with Condition 17 of the Commission's November 16, 2023 Order Issuing Certificates and Approving Abandonment, which requires a noise survey with the Secretary no later than 60 days after placing the modified Emporia Compressor Station in service.
  • The Commission confirmed the receipt of all federal authorizations or consultations relevant to the approved activities, and reminded Columbia to comply with all applicable remaining terms and conditions of the Order.

Statistics:

  • 500 vs. 4,000 hours of operation: Temporary increase in hours allowed for the gas-fired reciprocating internal combustion engine at the Emporia Compressor Station.
  • 60 days: Timeframe for Columbia to conduct a noise survey with the Secretary after placing the modified Emporia Compressor Station in service.
  • November 16, 2023: Date of the Commission's Order Issuing Certificates and Approving Abandonment.
  • August 6, 2025: Date of Columbia's request for approval to temporarily increase the hours of operation.
  • August 21, 2025: Date of the Commission's approval of the variance.

Sources:

  • Washington, D.C. 20426: OFFICE OF ENERGY PROJECTS, In Reply Refer To: OEP/DG2E/Gas 5 Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC Virginia Reliability Project Docket No. CP22-503-000 VIA FERC Service August 21, 2025
  • Document Accession #: 20250821-3087 Filed Date: 08/21/2025
  • November 16, 2023 Order Issuing Certificates and Approving Abandonment.

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