Kansas Gas Companies Told to Speed up Pipeline Replacement

Kansas regulators order three gas companies to speed up pipeline construction project.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Corporation Commission has rejected a request from three gas companies, sticking to its original ruling that they need to speed up the replacement of obsolete pipeline deemed a safety risk.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the commission ruled in September for Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy and Kansas Gas Service to create a 10-year plan to replace unprotected and bare steel pipes. The companies also have to recoup funds at up to 40 cents per month per customer.

The ruling ended a years-long look at whether the companies needed to tackle their obsolete pipeline faster.

The companies filed a petition for reconsideration, but the commission rejected it last week, enforcing the three return with an accelerated replacement plan within three months and a final plan in six months.