FNG challenges Spectrum case

As it seeks to expand its service area in the Interior, Fairbanks Natural Gas LLC is saying that another player in the liquefied natural gas game should not become a party to the case.

In recent filings with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, Spectrum Alaska LLC asked to join the case, saying its proposed LNG facilities on the North Slope could someday serve customers the area into which Fairbanks Natural Gas hopes to expand. The area includes North Pole, Eielson Air Force Base and less-populated areas in the vicinity.

“Spectrum wishes to raise issues that have nothing to do with this docket. If Spectrum wishes to raise these issues, it should do so in a separate proceeding,” Fairbanks Natural Gas wrote to the RCA May 13. Among those issues, according to Fairbanks Natural Gas, is the question of open access. Spectrum said the RCA should take special care to ensure Fairbanks Natural Gas operates as an “open access” utility. Fairbanks Natural Gas said the point is irrelevant because third parties can already pay to use the system and because open access covers the entire service area rather than the expansion area in question.

Additionally, according to Fairbanks Natural Gas, the service area expansion would not prevent Spectrum from accessing potential customers in the region. “If Spectrum wishes to serve customers in FNG’s service area with an LNG truck, it can do so now, and it will be able to do so after the grant of FNG’s application,” Fairbanks Natural Gas wrote.

—Eric Lidji