The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is considering a change to the gas industry’s standard operating day to better align it with the demand cycle of the electric power industry—an increasingly important gas customer.

“The commission’s proposed actions focus primarily on the scheduling practices of the natural gas transportation and electricity markets,” the notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) said.

The proposal would move back the gas industry’s standard day to 4 a.m. Central Time, five hours earlier than the current 9 a.m. Central Time “in order to ensure that gas-fired generators are not running short on gas supplies during the morning electric ramp periods,” according to the NOPR. Following- day gas nomination times also would be moved back and the industry would adopt four intra-day nomination cycles rather than the current two “to provide greater flexibility to all pipeline shippers,” the NOPR added.

Firm shippers also would gain additional flexibility to bump interruptible service customers if the commission issues an order based on its NOPR proposal.

FERC asked for comments on the proposal by the end of November. It likely will issue a final order, probably sometime in 2015, following review of comments.

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