Exemption of Acquisition By Registered Public-Utility Holding Companies of Securities of Nonutility Companies Engaged in Certain Energy-Related and Gas-Related Businesses; Exemption of Capital Contributions and Advances to Such Companies

The Commission is requesting comment upon proposed rule 58 and related proposed conforming amendments to rules 45(b) and 52(b) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 ("Act'). Rule 58 would exempt from the requirement of prior Commission approval under sections 9(a)(1) and 10 of the Act, pursuant to section 9(c)(3), the acquisition by a registered holding company or any subsidiary company of securities of an "energy-related company,' as defined in the rule, subject to certain investment limitations and reporting requirements. Rule 58 would also exempt from the requirement of prior Commission approval under sections 9(a)(1) and 10, pursuant to section 9(c)(3), the acquisition by a gas registered holding company or any subsidiary of securities of a "gas-related company,' as defined in the rule, subject to certain reporting requirements. The proposed rule and related rule amendments will eliminate unnecessary regulatory burdens and paperwork associated with filings by a registered holding company for Commission approval to invest in nonutility businesses that are closely related to a system's core utility business.