SMP's involves the direct sale of producer gas that has previously been committed to a pipeline or distribution company. The gas is released by pipeline or another distribution company and the producer sells the released gas to an end-user or distribution company at a price below the original contract price in order to be competitive. Transportation of the gas is typically provided by the releasing pipeline at a rate which contributes to full fixed cost recovery. The FERC intends for the SMP to act as a mechanism for gas producers to make necessary price concessions in order to market their production.