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Energy Glossary

To make the informed choice, you need to know the lingo. Learn it here.

P

Peak Day

The one day (24 hours) of maximum system deliveries of gas during a year. Peak day data is used to, among other things, determine the allocation of certain costs between classes of service. The Commission sometimes required allocation based on an average of three continuous days of maximum deliveries (i.e., three-day peak).

Peak Hour

The one-hour period of greatest total gas sendout or use.

Pig

A device used to clean the internal surface of a pipeline. Pigs are usually barrel-shaped, made of metal, and covered with metal brushes. They may also have rubber or plastic cups and be made entirely of plastic. They are inserted into the pipeline by means of a device called a pig-trap and pushed through the line by pressure of the flowing fluid, usually gas. Its name derives from the squealing sound made by the forward movement and rotation of the device as it cleans the rust, liquids, and other undesired substances from the pipeline; also called a go-devil.

Pipeline

All parts of those physical facilities through which gas is moved in transportation, including pipe, valves, and other appurtenances attached to pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, holders, and fabricated assemblies.

Price Ceiling

Statutory maximum lawful prices for various categories of natural gas, including gas destined for both the intrastate and interstate markets.

Processing Plant

A plant in which liquefiable hydrocarbons, such as propane, butane, ethane, or natural gasoline, which are initially components of the gas stream, are extracted or removed.

Processor

A legal entity which processes or treats natural gas in a gas plant of any type.

Producer

Any party owning, controlling, managing, or leasing any gas well and/or party who produces in any manner natural gas by taking it from the earth or waters.

PUCO

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

PUCT

Public Utility Commission of Texas. A state agency that provides a regulatory environment under which electric, gas, telecommunication and water utilities operate.