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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Michigan Public Service Commission Responds to Vector Pipeline L.P. Motion to Consolidate Rate Cases

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Michigan Public Service Commission (Michigan PSC) has submitted an answer to the Motion of Vector Pipeline L.P. (Vector) to Consolidate Section 4 and Section 5 Rate Cases in front of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The commission's answer addresses Vector's motion to consolidate the two rate cases, which were initiated in September 2024 and May 2025, respectively. The Michigan PSC does not object to the consolidation but objects to a specific statement made by Vector regarding the impact of the Section 4 Case on the Section 5 Case.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Michigan PSC does not object to the consolidation of Vector's Section 4 Case (RP25-936-000) and Section 5 Case (RP24-971-000) as per Vector's Motion to Consolidate filed on May 31, 2025.
  • The commission, however, objects to Vector's statement claiming that the Section 4 Case has rendered moot the Section 5 Case and the pending motion for interim rate reduction filed by Commission Trial Staff.
  • Approval of Commission Trial Staff's motion for interim rate reduction will have a direct impact on Vector's Section 4 Case by lowering the refund floor to the interim rate reductions reflected in the Trial Staff motion.
  • The Michigan PSC's answer is submitted pursuant to Rule 213 of the FERC's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
  • The commission is represented by Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Q. Taylor and Special Assistant Attorneys General David D'Alessandro and M. Denyse Zosa of STINSON LLP.
  • The answer is dated June 6, 2025, and a certificate of service is attached, indicating that the document was served on all parties on the FERC service list.

Statistics:

  • September 19, 2024: FERC initiates an investigation of Vector's existing rates in Docket No. RP24-971-000 (Section 5 Case).
  • May 30, 2025: Vector files changes to its rates under Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act in Docket No. RP25-936-000 (Section 4 Case).
  • May 31, 2025: Vector submits a Motion to Consolidate Section 4 and Section 5 Rate Cases.
  • April 15, 2025: Commission Trial Staff files a Motion for Interim Rate Reduction in the Section 5 Case.

Sources:

  • FERC's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 C.F.R. §385.213)
  • Motion of Vector Pipeline L.P. to Consolidate Section 4 and Section 5 Rate Cases, Docket Nos. RP24-971-000 and RP25-936-000 (filed May 31, 2025)
  • Vector Pipeline L.P., 188 FERC P 61,184 (2024)
  • 15 U.S.C. § 717c
  • Motion of Commission Trial Staff to Implement Vector's Cost and Revenue Study Transportation Rates, Docket No. RP24-971-000 (filed April 15, 2025)
  • Motion of Vector Pipeline L.P. to Consolidate Section 4 and Section 5 Rate Cases, Docket Nos. RP24-971-000 and RP25-936-000 (filed May 31, 2025)

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