Glossary of Terms

Not familiar with a term?  We've got you covered!

T

Tail Block

The last or lowest priced block of energy in a declining block rate structure.

Take-and-Pay

A clause that requires a minimum quantity to be physically taken and paid for, usually gas in association with oil, or wells that will be damaged by failure to produce.

Take-or-Pay

The clause in a gas supply contract which provides for a specific period a specific minimum quantity of gas must be paid for whether or not delivery is accepted by the purchaser. Some contracts contain a time period in which the buyer may take later delivery of the gas without penalty. 

Take-or-Pay Credits

Credits provided by FERC Order No.500 which allow the pipeline to credit a quantity of gas it transports against its obligation to take a similar quantity of gas under a take-or-pay contract executed before June 23, 1987.

Take-or-Pay Liabilities

The liabilities incurred by many pipelines under contractual obligation to pay for volumes of gas they were unable to take because of reduced sales and lack of market demand. Some of the liability may in effect represent prepayment for gas that may be taken at a later time. Conversely, a portion of the liability may represent unrecoverable obligations due to contractual limitations or the inability of the pipeline to take the gas at a later period. See TAKE-OR-PAY CREDITS. Methods for recovery of Take-or-Pay liabilities were addressed by the Commission in Order No.500. See EQUITABLE SHARING MECHANISM.

Tap

To cut threads in a round hole so that other fittings or equipment can be screwed into the hole. Also to make an opening in a vessel or pipe.

Tariff

A gas company schedule detailing the terms, conditions and rate information applicable to various types of natural gas service. This document is filed with and approved by FERC or a state regulatory body.

Tariff Gas

Gas purchased by gas distributors from gas pipelines. The term is usually used by natural gas distributors to distinguish gas they purchased from pipelines from gas they purchased directly from producers and had transported.

Tariff Volume

The maximum amount of natural gas which a consumer is entitled to receive during any specified time period. Usually the volume of gas that is subject to a curtailment plan. Also referred to as a contract obligations and entitlements.

Telemetering

Use of an electrical apparatus transmitting data to a distant point for indicating, recording, or integrating the values of a variable quantity.

Telemetry

In order to monitor a customer’s usage, the utility may require that they install special metering equipment to verify the customer is managing their business within the parameters of the transportation agreement. Transport customers and not sales customers can be required to install this equipment.

Temperature Limiting Device

A device which automatically interrupts the gas flow to the burner when the temperature exceeds the limit set.

Temperature-Compensated Meters

These meters measure volume at pipeline conditions using a device which will convert volume at flowing temperature to volume at base temperature. These temperature compensators use a temperature-sensitive device to continuously vary the diaphragm-stroke to provide a temperature-compensated volume output. Meters equipped with temperature-compensators are often identified by red badges on the index face.

Temporary Certificate

Temporary authorization from the Commission allowing a jurisdictional pipeline for good cause to commence sales and service and/or construction of facilities prior to the time that the Commission issues a permanent certificate pursuant to Section 7 of the NGA of 1938.

Transportation Cost

The cost for Black Hills Energy to move gas from the city gate to the individual meter.