Involuntary Diversions may occur when supply destined for the core market is insufficient to meet forecast core demand. When deliveries to core customers are threatened, Pacific Gas and Electric Company may divert noncore gas supplies to core customers in order to meet the forecast core demand. An Emergency Flow Order (EFO) is also in effect during Involuntary Diversions.
Gas Rule 14 defines provisions for Involuntary Diversions.
If conditions are such that supply is insufficient to meet core demand, it may become necessary for Pacific Gas and Electric Company to implement Involuntary Diversions. To avoid the need for Pacific Gas and Electric Company to divert noncore supply, Core Transport Agents and Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Core Procurement Group, on behalf of their core customers, should first attempt to secure and deliver additional supply sufficient to meet forecast core demand.
Core Transport Agents and Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Core Procurement Group can use the following sources based on availability:
If Involuntary Diversions are necessary in order to meet forecast core demand, Pacific Gas and Electric Company will determine the volume of noncore gas supply that must be diverted from backbone transmission system gas supplies. Supply destined to the core market will not be diverted. Noncore gas supplies will be diverted in the following order:
During Involuntary Diversions, customers whose usage exceeds their post-diverted supply will be assessed noncompliance charges. Compliance will be based on the following:
Backbone transmission customers whose supply is diverted during Involuntary Diversions receive the following compensation:
When Involuntary Diversions are called, Pacific Gas and Electric Company will notify gas suppliers via the same channels used for OFO notification. Pacific Gas and Electric Company will take the following actions:
It may be several hours before these reports are available since supply information will not be final until the scheduling and diversion processes have been completed. Pacific Gas and Electric Company will notify customers via INSIDEtracc and the Pipe Ranger Web site when these reports are available.
It is crucial that suppliers understand their role during Involuntary Diversions. The following information and suggestions may be helpful in preparing for these events:
Following the diversion process, noncore end-use customers may be required by their supplier to reduce gas usage depending on the supplier's remaining gas supply. The following suggestions may help noncore end-use customers prepare for such a request: