Page:Department of Public Utilities v. Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co.pdf/2

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DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES v. ARK.–LA. GAS CO.
355

On November 4, 1935, the Department issued a citation, requiring the respondent–appellee to show cause why it should not file schedules applicable to the class of business not included in the former report, and for convenience these customers will be referred to as pipe line customers.

The response filed with the Department was an allegation that the sales in question constituted transactions in interstate commerce, and therefore the Department was without power to regulate. The cause was set for hearing. Evidence was introduced, witnesses were examined and cross-examined, and a brief was filed by the respondent. Thereupon, the Department made a finding of facts, as follows:

"The respondent owns natural gas acreage in Northern Louisiana and in the Clarksville field in Arkansas, and produces gas from the acreage in each state. The respondent owns and operates a pipe line extending from the Clarksville field to Little Rock, and by means of this line supplies six or seven of its own city distribution plants with gas produced in that field. In addition to suprilying gas ta its own distribution plants respondent sells gas from that field to Empire Southern Gas Company, Arkansas Western Gas Company, and the Little Rock Gas & Fuel Company. Each of these companies resells and distributes the gas so purchased to consumers through city distribution plants. All of the gas produced in the Clarksville field is transported, sold, distributed and consumed exclusively in Arkansas.

"During the hearing the respondent filed schedules showing charges for gas produced in the Clarksville field and sold and delivered to Empire Southern Gas Company and Arkansas Western Gas Company.

"The gas produced by respondent in Louisiana is, along with gas purchased in that state, turned into a pipe line system owned and operated by respondent and by means of rock pressure, or compressor stations, strategically located, forced under high pressure ranging from 150 to 200 pounds per square inch, to points of consumption or delivery for resale to consumers in the