Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), allows a Pipeline that carries Natural Gas to the St. Louis Area, to Operate through Winter amid a Legal Battle over the Pipeline's Authorization.
The Pipeline's Authorization Certificate was Revoked, following a Court Challenge from the Environmental Defense Fund in November. A Temporary Certificate allowed the Pipeline, operated by Spire, to Operate, but was set to Expire next Monday, December 13th.
In a Friday Order by the FERC, the Commission Granted a New Temporary Certificate that will allow the Pipeline to Operate while its ultimate fate is Resolved.
"[T]he record demonstrates that without a temporary certificate, Spire's customer, Spire Missouri, will experience a loss of gas supply potentially impacting hundreds of thousands of homes and business during the winter heating season," FERC said in the Order. "Therefore, we find that an emergency exists and will issue Spire a temporary certificate."
Spire Affiliates Spire STL and Spire Missouri had entered a Contract for nearly 88% of the Energy carried by the Pipeline. EDF argued the Company was Self-Dealing in Challenging it in Court.
A Federal Appeals Court sided with the Environmental Group in June, and Ordered further Federal Review of the Pipeline.
In a Statement Saturday, EDF said Spire had Misrepresented the Threat of St. Louis Residents going without Power if the Pipeline was Not allowed to continue Operating.
"EDF has consistently told regulators that the pipeline should be allowed to operate to ensure reliable service. FERC's action provides clarity for St. Louis customers and rectifies the confusion and fear created by Spire's misleading campaign," EDF Senior Director and Lead Counsel Natalie Karas said in a Statement. "As FERC carries out a comprehensive review in accordance with the law, it has a duty to protect Spire's customers from improper costs and to protect the landowners and communities impacted by the construction and operation of the pipeline."
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