Mexico’s energy regulatory commission (CRE) defined the gasdistribution geographic zone of North Bajio to includemunicipalities Aguascalientes-Jesus Maria-San Francisco de losRomo, Aguascalientes; San Luis Potosi-Soledad de Graciano Sanchez,San Luis Potosi; and Zacatecas-Guadalupe, Fresnillo, Calera andMorelos, Zacatecas. About $35 million will be needed to develop thedistribution network, the CRE said. Belgian company Tractebel issaid to be interested in developing the distribution system. Theregion has more than 1.6 million residents and 342,000 homes 86% ofwhich are equipped with running water and liquefied propane gasinstallations. The homes consume about 16.2 MMcf/d of propane.

In addition, the CRE recently issued transportation permits forthe Bajio geographic zone. TransCanada and Gutsa hold a permit for126-mile line. Tejas Gas International, Southern Union Co., andIntegrated Gas Services de Mexico plan to build a 142-mile line.And Midcoast Gas Services and Associated Pipeline Contractors havea permit to build a 62-mile line.

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