(a) The owner of an in-state natural gas pipeline subject to this chapter may not engage in the transportation of natural gas or undertake the construction of a natural gas pipeline facility for that purpose, or acquire or operate an in-state natural gas pipeline facility, unless a certificate of public convenience and necessity by the commission authorizing contract carriage is in force with respect to that owner. A certificate shall describe the nature and extent of the authority granted, including, as appropriate for the services involved, a description of the authorized area and scope of operation for the in-state natural gas pipeline facility.
(b) Application for a certificate shall be made in writing to the commission and verified under oath. The commission by regulation shall establish the requirements for the form of the application and the information to be contained in the application. Notice of the application shall be provided to interested parties in the manner provided by regulation.
(c) Within 180 days after receiving an application under this chapter, the commission shall issue a contract carriage certificate authorizing, in whole or in part, the operation, service, construction, or acquisition covered by the application to a qualified applicant if the commission finds that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to do the acts, perform the proposed service, and conform to the provisions of this chapter and the requirements of the commission, and that the proposed service, operation, construction, extension, or acquisition, to the extent authorized by the certificate, is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity. The commission may, by order, extend the 180-day period for considering an application by the duration of a delay caused by the failure of the applicant to provide additional information reasonably required by the commission. If, within the 180-day period and any extension of the period for considering the application, the commission fails to issue a contract carriage certificate and does not make a finding that the applicant is not fit, willing, and able under this subsection or that the proposed service is not required by public convenience and necessity, the application shall be considered approved and the contract carriage certificate shall take effect immediately.
(d) The commission may attach to a contract carriage certificate reasonable terms and conditions that are consistent with the terms of this chapter and are for the mutual benefit of the in-state natural gas pipeline facility and the public.
(e) Operating authority may not be transferred by sale or lease of the contract carriage certificate or by the sale of substantially all of the stock or assets of a pipeline carrier holding a certificate without prior approval and a finding by the commission that the safe and efficient operation of the natural gas pipeline is not impaired by the transfer. The commission shall summarily approve a transfer not involving a substantial change in ownership.
(f) After receiving a complaint or on its own motion, the commission, after notice and hearing and for good cause shown, may amend, modify, suspend, or revoke, in whole or in part, a certificate. Good cause for amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of a certificate is shown by
(1) misrepresentation of a material fact in obtaining the certificate;
(2) unauthorized discontinuance or abandonment of all or part of a service that is the subject of the certificate;
(3) wilful failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter or a regulation or order of the commission; or
(4) wilful failure to comply with a term, condition, or limitation of the certificate.
(g) A person holding a certificate issued under this chapter may not abandon or permanently discontinue the use of all or a portion of an in-state natural gas pipeline without permission and approval by the commission, after due notice and hearing and a finding by the commission that continued service is not required by public convenience and necessity. An interested person may file a protest or memorandum of opposition to or in support of discontinuance or abandonment with the commission. The commission may order the temporary suspension of a service or part of a service.
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