Bill Proposed in Georgia to Increase Pipeline Competition from Elba Island
The Georgia House Utilities Committee approved a measure on February 15, that, if passed by the Georgia Senate, would streamline the application process and authorize a surcharge to fund the construction of a new pipeline from Southern LNG’s Elba Island LNG terminal to consumers in Georgia. The proposal is expected to benefit local distribution company Atlanta Gas Light. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution [subscription required] reports critics, including Southern Natural Gas and BG LNG, an LNG supplier at Elba Island, say the pipeline is unnecessary because Southern has already announced plans for a new pipeline to serve the same region. According to the report, supporters say HB 1325 will provide competition for natural gas delivery that would ultimately reduce consumers’ energy bills. The text of HB 1325 is available at the Georgia General Assembly website.