Common Carrier

b) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

c) Open access to any party willing to pay

c) They are established fees publicly available for all shippers.

b) Increased control by major oil companies over transportation

b) The high cost of maintaining and expanding pipeline infrastructure

Here's a possible solution:

"Green Energy Solutions" can leverage the existing pipeline owned by "Mega Oil" by utilizing the principles of common carriers. As a common carrier, "Mega Oil" is obligated to provide non-discriminatory access to its pipeline to any party willing to pay the established tariffs.

Here's how they can proceed:

• **Negotiate a Shipper Agreement:** "Green Energy Solutions" can approach "Mega Oil" and negotiate a shipper agreement outlining the terms and conditions for transporting their oil. This agreement will cover aspects such as transportation fees, pipeline capacity allocation, and delivery deadlines.
• **Pay Established Tariffs:** "Green Energy Solutions" will need to pay the established tariffs for using the pipeline, as determined by "Mega Oil" and potentially regulated by FERC or state commissions. The tariffs should be publicly available and non-discriminatory.
• **Ensure Viable Proposal:** They need to ensure they have a viable commercial proposal for transporting their oil, including sufficient volume and a schedule that aligns with the pipeline's capacity and operations.

**Potential Challenges:**

• **Capacity Constraints:** If the pipeline is already operating at full capacity, "Green Energy Solutions" may face challenges securing space for their oil. They might need to negotiate with existing shippers or explore alternative transportation options.
• **Access Disputes:** There could be disputes or delays in securing access to the pipeline due to potential conflicts with "Mega Oil" or other existing shippers.
• **Tariffs:** The established tariffs might be high, potentially impacting their profitability. They might need to explore negotiation strategies or seek alternative transportation solutions if the tariffs are deemed unreasonable.

**Overcoming Challenges:**

• **Early Engagement:** They should engage with "Mega Oil" early in the process to discuss their transportation needs and negotiate a favorable shipper agreement.
• **Legal Counsel:** They should consult with legal counsel specializing in energy law to understand their rights and obligations as a shipper and to navigate potential disputes.
• **Alternative Options:** They should explore alternative transportation options such as trucks or rail, particularly if they face significant challenges accessing the pipeline.

By leveraging the common carrier principles and navigating potential challenges effectively, "Green Energy Solutions" can ensure the successful transportation of their oil and contribute to the competitive energy market.