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Title: Industry rips ERA's utility-priority gas proposal

Journal Article · · Energy User News; (United States)
OSTI ID:5525054

A proposal to give curtailment priority status to electric utilities promising to convert to coal has brought protests from industrial users, who argue that those subject to incremental pricing will pay even more for natural gas. This will prompt some industrial users to change to scarce middle distillates while encouraging utility demand for gas. A priority policy, industrial users contend, should also include other multifuel installations planning coal conversion. Industry, natural gas distributors, and regulators all made negative comments at the Economic Regulatory Administration (ERA) proposal hearing on the grounds that it will prolong coal conversion and will be an unfair subsidy to utilities. Utility use of natural gas is less efficient than industrial use, making the proposal contrary to national energy-conservation policy. Utilities and industrial-boiler owners agree that a direct-purchase program which treats both groups alike is best. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
5525054
Journal Information:
Energy User News; (United States), Vol. 5:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English