Current through Register Vol. 54, No.43, October 26, 2024
Section 69.18 - Communications protocolsCommunications protocols are tools by which NGDCs, NGSs and other parties, define and describe the type, form and frequency of communications necessary to successfully fulfill customer requirements in an operating environment of increased retail choice. Effective and consistent communications are critical to reduce errors, and provide all entities with the information necessary to properly fulfill their respective responsibilities, both in normal and emergency circumstances. A communications protocol should include at minimum, in addition to the specific requirements in § 69.17(b)(2) and (3) (relating to critical period procedures) the following:
(1) A detailing of contact data for both NGDC and NGS personnel responsible for the various aspects of customer contact, gas deliveries and distribution, including mechanisms for ensuring that the data is kept current for all parties.(2) The specification that regular meetings will be held, with joint agenda development responsibilities, including the potential scheduling of operational conference calls.(3) Communications, to the extent not otherwise set forth in the NGDC's tariff, associated with the NGDC's procedures for customer enrollment, billing arrangements, daily or monthly delivery quantity determination, nominations (monthly, daily, intra-day, and weekend), balancing options, reconciliation or true-ups, cash-outs and electronic data exchange requirements.(d) Procedures utilized by NGDCs to inform NGSs of changes to NGS delivered supplies or customer demand, or both, required to assure system reliability, both daily and seasonal, and to avoid pipeline penalties. This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 69.11 (relating to definitions); and 52 Pa. Code § 69.19 (relating to operational and capacity councils).