Legal Case Summary

PG&E v. FERC


Date Argued: Wed Dec 08 2004
Case Number: 03-72874
Docket Number: 7858871
Judges:Browning, Pregerson, Berzon
Duration: 57 minutes
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Case Summary

**Case Summary: PG&E v. FERC (Docket No. 7858871)** **Court**: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) **Docket Number**: 7858871 **Parties Involved**: - **Petitioner**: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) - **Respondent**: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) **Background**: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is a major utility provider in California that distributes electricity and gas to millions of customers. The dispute between PG&E and FERC primarily centers around regulatory decisions affecting PG&E's operations, rates, and environmental compliance measures. FERC is an independent agency of the U.S. government that regulates the transmission and wholesale sale of electricity and gas in interstate commerce. **Issues**: The fundamental issues in this case may involve: 1. PG&E's challenges to specific rates or regulations imposed by FERC. 2. Compliance obligations relating to federal energy policies. 3. Disputes concerning cost recovery for infrastructure investments. 4. Environmental regulations and their impact on utility operations. **Arguments**: - **PG&E’s Position**: PG&E argues that FERC's decisions regarding rates or regulatory requirements are overly burdensome and detrimental to its operational viability. The company may contend that the regulatory framework does not sufficiently consider the economic realities of providing utility services while maintaining infrastructure and ensuring reliability. - **FERC’s Position**: FERC asserts that its regulations are necessary to ensure fair pricing in the energy market and to protect consumers. FERC may argue that PG&E must adhere to the established rules and that these rules are designed to promote competition and reliability within the energy sector. **Outcome**: As of the date of this summary, the case's outcome is not specified. Typically, the resolution could involve a ruling in favor of PG&E, modifying the FERC requirements, or a ruling affirming FERC's authority to impose certain regulations, which may include denied requests for rate adjustments or other financial remedies. **Significance**: The case highlights the ongoing tensions between utility companies and regulatory bodies in the context of balancing economic viability, consumer protection, and environmental considerations. It may set important precedents regarding how utilities operate under federal regulations and the extent of FERC's authority. **Note**: Detailed outcomes or final decisions may require access to official court records or FERC documentation following the timeline of this case.

PG&E v. FERC


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