TAPS carriers challenge intrastate rates

The trans-Alaska oil pipeline carriers have petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, alleging that 2005 rates set by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for intrastate transportation on the trans-Alaska pipeline system are unlawful because they create an undue preference in favor of intrastate shippers.

The commission said July 29 that in a petition filed July 20 the carriers (BP Pipelines (Alaska), ConocoPhillips Transportation Alaska, ExxonMobil Pipeline, Koch Alaska Pipeline and Unocal Pipeline) said the intrastate rates are unjustly discriminatory against and an undue burden on interstate commerce, and asked FERC to investigate the RCA-set intrastate rates and set new intrastate rates equal to or comparable to interstate rates.