Agenda Date: March 24, 1999
Item Number: 

Docket:  UG-990294
Gas Company Operations -- Rulemaking

Review the Commission’s rules in Chapter 480-90 of the Washington 
Administrative Code concerning Gas Companies - Operations.

Staff:  James Russell, Revenue Requirements Specialist
  Mert Lott, Gas Industry Coordinator
  Doug Kilpatrick, Electric Industry Coordinator
  Dennis Moss, Review Judge
  Penny Hansen, Public Involvement Coordinator
  Jeffrey Showman, Policy Analyst
  Mike Parvinen, Revenue Requirements Specialist
  Joanna Huang, Revenue Requirements Specialist
  Deborah Stephens, Regulatory Consultant
  Steve Rieger, Pipeline Safety Engineer


Recommendation:

Direct the Secretary to file a preproposal statement of inquiry (CR 101) in 
Docket UG-990294 to initiate review of the Commission’s rules relating to Gas 
Companies - Operations in Chapter 480-90 WAC.

Discussion:

This review is undertaken to comply with Executive Order 97-02 requiring 
agencies to review significant rules against specified standards.  This review 
will include asking:

1) Do the current rules provide the results they were originally intended to 
achieve?

2) Are the rules written and organized in a clear and concise manner so they 
are readily understood by those to whom they apply?

3) Are the current rules obsolete, duplicative, or in need of repeal?

4) Do the rules comply with the authorizing statutes?

Staff will schedule public meetings and workshops with broad notice to 
interested persons and inviting regulated utilities and other interested 
parties to participate in the rulemaking process.

Therefore, Staff recommends that the Commission direct the Secretary to file a 
preproposal statement of inquiry (CR 101) in Docket UG-990294 to initiate 
review of the Commission’s rules relating to Gas Companies - Operations in 
Chapter 480-90 WAC.


Attachment