(a) The purpose of this section is to develop a distribution plan to minimize the severity of disruptions in the supplies of LP-gas in various regions of Texas. This section outlines the Commission's mechanisms for both determining that a regional LP-gas shortage exists and responding to a regional LP-gas shortage emergency.     
      (b) The Commission may determine that an LP-gas supply emergency exists within designated counties of the state. The Commission may also determine the duration of the regional supply emergency. The Commission shall issue notice when it has determined that an LP-gas regional supply emergency exists and when it determines that the LP-gas regional supply emergency has ended or will end. In determining whether an LP-gas regional supply emergency exists, the Commission may consider any relevant information, including but not limited to the following:      
        (1) notification from LP-gas storage facilities as appropriate, including, but not limited to, storage facilities located at gas processing plants, pipeline terminals, petroleum refineries, and inland salt domes, that they are attaining maximum LP-gas withdrawal rates;       
        (2) notification from LP-gas licensees that sufficient supplies are not available locally or that curtailments are anticipated; and       
        (3) weather data.       
      (c) Upon the Commission finding that an LP-gas regional supply emergency exists, the Commission may request selected LP-gas loading rack operators to give first priority in loading to LP-gas transport vehicles whose cargoes are bound for counties designated as within the region subject to the LP-gas supply emergency until the regional supply emergency has been determined to be abated.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §9.31 adopted to be effective February 1, 2001, 26 TexReg 947