Exeter Associates, Inc. has been extensively involved in natural gas regulatory issues since the mid-1970’s.  After the adoption of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) Order No. 636 and subsequent unbundling of interstate pipeline services in 1993, local gas distribution companies (“LDCs”) have become entirely responsible for the gas procurement function, a responsibility primarily borne by interstate pipelines prior to adoption of FERC Order No. 636. 

Exeter’s engagements have included evaluation of LDC gas procurement practices and policies in the post-Order No. 636 environment on behalf of public utility commission (“PUC”) staffs and consumer advocates.  Exeter has provided expert witness assistance to PUC staffs and consumer advocates in numerous regulatory proceedings before state and federal regulatory authorities addressing revenue requirement, cost allocation and rate design issues. 

Exeter professionals have advised state and federal clients concerning issues related to natural gas industry restructuring.  This includes addressing issues such as performance-based gas procurement programs, stranded costs, unbundling of LDC services, and new regulations to promote competition under conditions of an evolving market structure.  Exeter has also assisted clients in the direct procurement of natural gas supplies and contract negotiations in the continually evolving competitive gas acquisition markets.

Exeter’s experience spans traditional natural gas regulatory issues such as LDC gas procurement practices and policies, cost allocation and rate design and extends to more recent and emerging issues such as performance-based gas procurement programs, the unbundling of LDC services, and the development of transportation programs for residential customers.