(a) A precedent agreement or contract entered into by a public utility with the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation or its successors or assigns may contain a covenant for the public utility to establish, charge, and collect rates sufficient to meet its obligations under the contract. If the precedent agreement associated with the contract is approved by the commission under AS 42.08, the rate covenant in the associated contract is valid and enforceable.
(b) A public utility negotiating to purchase natural gas to be shipped through an in-state natural gas pipeline regulated under AS 42.08 shall submit the contract to the commission before the contract takes effect.
(c) A public utility negotiating to contract for the storage of natural gas shipped in an in-state natural gas pipeline regulated under AS 42.08 shall submit the contract to the commission before the contract takes effect.
(d) The commission shall review and may conduct an investigation and hearing to determine whether a contract submitted under (b) or (c) of this section is just and reasonable. The review and determination shall be conducted as provided in AS 42.08.320(b) — (d). The commission shall either approve the contract as presented or, if the commission finds that a contract is not just and reasonable, disapprove the contract. Notwithstanding AS 42.05.175, if the commission has not acted within 180 days after the contract is submitted, the contract shall be considered approved and shall take effect immediately. The commission may, by order, extend the 180-day review period by the duration of a delay caused by a failure of the public utility to submit supplemental information that is available to the public utility. A contract that is approved or considered approved under this section is not subject to further review by the commission.