MS HB1266

Declares intrastate gas pipelines and gas gathering systems as common carriers required to provide open access, nondiscriminatory services to shippers on a contractual basis.

Establishes Public Service Commission jurisdiction to determine just and reasonable fees, terms, and conditions of service when shippers and carriers cannot reach agreement, considering competitive market factors but excluding utility rate-of-return regulation.

Prohibits discrimination by carriers in favor of gas owned or purchased by themselves or their affiliates, and allows commission to allocate pipeline and gathering system capacity among shippers on a just and reasonable basis.

Exempts persons owning or operating intrastate gas pipelines and gathering systems from being classified as public utilities requiring certificates, and excludes existing regulated public utilities and underground storage facilities from these requirements.

Establishes expedited complaint procedures before the commission requiring hearings within 60 days and final orders within 120 days, with authority to set interim rates and protect confidential information.