The Commission has emphasized thta regulated natural gas pipelines must develop rigorous compliance programs.  On October 16, 2008, the Commission issued a Policy Statement on Compliance which signals or warns that the Commission expects regulated entities to have strong compliance programs in place.  In order to assist clients in developing such a compliance program, BWMQ offers clients a cost-effective tool which would enable them to sequentially track their individual regulatory filing dates through a data base.

BWMQ provides clients with advice on how to properly interpret and account for FERC precedents and current policies in the electric, natural gas and oil pipeline industries. BWMQ prepares complete regulatory filings for clients on a wide variety of regulatory matters. We also assist clients in developing responsive pleadings to FERC on a broad array of issues. Our experts can offer valuable insights into the regulatory issues that arise in the evolving world of FERC regulation.

BWMQ professionals have a thorough understanding of the FERC rules and regulations. We provide advice and assistance in interpreting new and revised regulations. We also can assist you in commenting on FERC NOPRs and in requesting clarifications of new Commission orders and policy statements.

BWMQ assists clients in understanding NAESB standards and procedures, including compliance with FERC requirements with regard to NAESB. We provide assistance and advice on electronic filing of documents at FERC, including tariffs and rate case materials.

BWMQ offers a wide variety of expert witnesses that provide litigation support on most regulatory issues, be it cost-based or market-based. Last year, BWMQ added two PhD economists, both former staff members of the Office of Administrative Litigation at FERC, to strengthen its market power analysis group. Our diverse capabilities can provide clients with virtual one-stop shopping for assistance in formal and informal proceedings (e.g., settlement negotiations) on most regulatory matters.

In addition to FERC proceedings, BWMQ also provides assistance to clients in state and federal proceedings, including bankruptcy matters, contractual disputes, and complaints initiated by state regulators.

BWMQ is unsurpassed in its ability to assist clients on all FERC-related matters. Our continuing presence in FERC proceedings and our fundamental understanding of FERC rules and practices uniquely position BWMQ to provide advice and assistance on all FERC issues involving policy and regulations. BWMQ, with its wide breadth of experience on electric, natural gas pipeline and oil pipeline policies, provides guidance and advice to a diverse group of clients on current and proposed regulations.

BWMQ can help you evaluate and submit comments on proposed FERC changes effectuated through Policy Statements or through Rulemaking Proceedings, as well as to help you understand current FERC policies. We can assist clients to position themselves appropriately and advantageously despite the evolving regulatory landscape. We also provide advice and assistance to clients in estimating the economic and financial impacts of regulatory policies on current operations as well as on future investment projects.

BWMQ also provides clients with a better understanding and appreciation of the roles played by FERC offices and officials in FERC proceedings. We assist clients in the pre-filing process for natural gas and electric matters.

BWMQ helps natural gas and oil pipeline clients draft and file tariffs and Section 311 filings. BWMQ develops full FERC Gas Tariffs for interstate pipeline and storage companies.  In addition, BWMQ assists clients in revising or updating specific provisions of their FERC Gas Tariffs.   BWMQ has developed Statement of Operating Conditions for intrastate pipelines.  BWMQ will be able to assist clients in E-Filing their FERC Gas Tariffs.  In addition, our projects include providing assistance to electric utilities in developing their terms and conditions of service and developing open access transmission tariffs providing “comparable” point-to-point and network services as well as ancillary service tariffs; resolving issues pertinent to preexisting arrangements and stranded costs; and consulting on the structures of and procedures to be employed by RTOs, ISOs and other independent coordinators of electric transmission services.  Regarding oil pipelines, our services include assistance in adjusting tariffs for indexing, cost of service initial rate filings, settlement rates, and calculating the effects on tariff surcharges of system additions.