Gas pipeline operators can exchange non-public operational information with PJM and other RTOs under a final rule approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The rule, approved Nov. 15, is the first regulatory change by FERC since it began an inquiry on gas-electric interdependence in February 2012 (AD12-12-000).

The order includes a No-Conduit Rule that prohibits recipients of the information from disclosing it to an affiliate or a third party. The No-Conduit Rule does not affect current communications among pipelines, local distribution companies and gatherers regarding conditions affecting gas flows between them.

In response to comments, the final rule allows transmission operators to seek commission authorization if they wish to share information from an interstate pipeline with a local distribution company.

(See Talk among Yourselves: FERC Urges Gas-Electric Communication.)