Mike Fasano to Rick Scott: Fight 'Monopolistic Practices' in Pipeline Sale

State Sen. Mike Fasano is calling on Gov. Rick Scott to "take immediate action" to ensure that Floridians aren't gouged by the prospective sale of a natural-gas pipeline company.

In a letter to Scott, the New Port Richey Republican said he had become aware of the proposed purchase of the Florida Gulf Transmission Pipeline by reading a Sunshine State News article of July 15.

"In my capacity not only as an advocate for Floridas consumers but also as a member of the Senate Committee on Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities, I write to you now to express my concern over what I read," Fasano informed Scott in his July 22 letter.

The Sunshine State News story reported that the Williams Cos. is bidding to acquire Southern Union Co. Each firm owns natural-gas pipelines that serve Central Florida. If successful, Williams would have monopoly ownership of both pipes, reviving antitrust issues that were addressed in 2001.

That prompted Fasano to write to Scott:

"As you know, Florida is a state that is largely dependent on natural gas as a source for its utility generation.With only two pipelines supplying the majority of the natural gas that we use, electric customers -- many on fixed incomes -- will be significantly impacted by the sale of either one of these energy conveyances.

"I urge you to take immediate action to work with the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission and the Department of Consumer Affairs to discourage monopolistic practices and to make sure that any approved sale of one of Floridas natural gas pipelines is in keeping with what is best for Floridas consumers."

Scott spokesman Lane Wright said the governor had no comment on the situation as of Monday afternoon.