The opening of state hearings by the Public Utility Commission on the Equitable Gas-Dominion Peoples merger was twice delayed yesterday as Equitable sought to reach settlements with as many opposing parties as possible before witnesses took the stand.

The company achieved some success, ending the day with a signed agreement with the Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania, a trade association representing independent oil and natural gas producers, marketers and service companies.

It also reached a "settlement in principle" with Woodbridge, NJ-based Hess Corp., and Baltimore, Md.-based Constellation Energy, resolving what Equitable attorney Charles Thomas called "issues involving how to move gas on the system."

The hearings will continue through Friday.