National Grid's Response to Albany Loop Project Withdrawal Request

The New York State Department of Public Service issued a request for information from National Grid, regarding the withdrawal of an application for the Albany Loop pipeline project. The document outlines National Grid's response to the request, addressing concerns about the gas and electric rate filings. Key aspects of the response include the interpretation of "exigent operating conditions" and the potential refiling of the Article VII application.

Key Takeaways:

• National Grid has a duty to provide safe and reliable service to existing customers, and in the event of operating conditions jeopardizing service, the company must explore all prudent options to ensure uninterrupted service.
• The Public Service Law requires utilities to provide service that is "safe and adequate and in all respects just and reasonable."
• National Grid's operating procedures, filed with the Commission, include minimum pressure requirements for the gas network that provide an objective standard for assessing operating conditions.
• In the event of "exigent operating conditions," National Grid would consider reasonable alternative infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions before proposing the project.
• The Company committed to withdrawing the Article VII application for the Albany Loop project and exploring alternatives to serving customers in the region.

Statistics:

• The Company has not experienced operating conditions that would affect safe and reliable service in the past ten years.
• The time required to permit and construct a project like the Albany Loop is significant, and alternatives would be considered before refiling the application.
• The minimum pressure requirements for the gas network are filed with the Commission pursuant to 16 NYCRR Part 255.603.

Sources:

• National Grid's response to the request for information (Form 103)
• Public Service Law § 65(1)
• 16 NYCRR Part 255.603 (Commission regulations)