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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________________
:
In the Matter of : CERTIFICATE
: of
THE EAST OHIO GAS COMPANY : NOTIFICATION
:
File No. 70-8601 :
:
(Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935):
____________________________________________
*
TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION:
By Order dated May 4, 1995 ("Order"), HCAR No. 26285, in the
above-captioned proceeding, the Securities and Exchange Commission authorized
the sale of utility assets by The East Ohio Gas Company ("East Ohio"). (East
Ohio is a gas utility subsidiary of Consolidated Natural Gas Company, a
registered public utility holding company.)
East Ohio has completed the sale of 378 production wells, connecting lines,
leases, access rights, contract rights and records associated with the wells,
to Belden & Blake Corporation (an oil and gas exploration company) and received
$6.5 million, plus $46,000 in interest, from escrow.
The "past tense" opinion (required by paragraph F(2) of the instructions to
exhibits for Form U-1) is attached.
THE EAST OHIO GAS COMPANY
By J. M. Hostetler
Its Attorney
Dated: May 24, 1995
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May 24, 1995
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
RE: The East Ohio Gas Company
S.E.C. File Number 70-8601
Dear Sirs:
This "past tense" opinion is rendered in accordance with the requirements
of Exhibit F to Form U-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
("Commission"). The opinion concerns a completed transaction where The East
Ohio Gas Company ("East Ohio") sold utility assets -- 378 production wells and
connecting lines, including leases, etc. ("Wells") -- to Belden & Blake
Corporation ("Belden & Blake") in exchange for $6.5 million. The Commission
issued an Order (HCAR No. 35-26285) authorizing the transaction on May 4, 1995.
I have examined the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of East Ohio,
the Purchase and Sale Agreement signed by East Ohio and Belden & Blake relating
to the transaction proposed in East Ohio's Declaration, and such other
documents, records, laws and other matters as I deemed relevant and necessary
for the proposes of the opinion.
Based on such examination, I am of the opinion that East Ohio has taken
all requisite action to consummate the sale of the Wells.
Additionally, I am of the opinion that (1) all state laws applicable to
the transaction have been complied with, (2) East Ohio has legally acquired
the $6.5 million, plus interest, (3) the transaction does not violate the legal
rights of East Ohio, its parent, or any associate company thereof, and (4) that
such has been carried out in accordance with the Commission's May 4 Order.
I hereby consent to the use of this opinion in connection with the filing.
Sincerely,
J. M. Hostetler
Attorney
