The Iroquois Gas Transmission System LP is holding an openseason for gas delivery into the New York City area. Iroquoisproposes to construct a 29-mile extension of its mainline,originating in Northport, Long Island, and terminating at a newinterconnect with Consolidated Edison in Bronx, NY. Thisinterconnect will provide access to both Con Ed and the New YorkFacilities System.

“Our Eastchester Expansion is the most economical means ofserving the growing New York City market,” said Craig R. Frew,president of the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Co. (IPOC). “With atotal length of about 29 miles, including 27 miles beneath LongIsland Sound, Iroquois’ plan offers minimal environmental intrusionas well as the potential to avoid residential areas for nearly theentire route.”

With greater than 4,500 MW of new generation and conversionsproposed in New York City, the Eastchester Expansion also givesfacilities developers gas supply options and will help to meet thearea’s high winter heat and summer electricity demand.

“The project provides immediate benefit to existing shippers,said Herb Rakebrand, vice president, marketing, transportation forIPOC. “It will provide a whole new market for their supply —without increasing their costs. Furthermore, given the market pull,the project’s benefits and its small size, it is in line withFERC’s Policy for new natural gas pipeline construction.”

Iroquois began accepting bids for transportation on the proposedexpansion Nov. 15 and will continue to accept them until the end ofbusiness Dec. 17. All bids must have a minimum service term of 10years. By Jan. 8, Iroquois will have evaluated the bids todetermine whether there are sufficient bids to justify the proposedexpansion. If so, the expansion will be completed by November 2001.

“Given the ease with which we can expand, interested partieswith projects in the region that have a start-up of later thanNovember 2001 should still submit bids,” said Frew. “As the marketgrows we can phase in capacity expansions with minimal additionalupstream compression.”

Iroquois currently has multi-year, firm contracts to transportapproximately 987.5 MDt/d for 34 gas utilities, power generators,marketers and producers. That is an increase of 50% from the amountof gas under contract when the pipeline went into operation in1992. Companies interested in receiving more information on theopen season or obtaining an Open Season Bid Form can contact RobinAlmond, (203)925-7274. Information also is posted on the Iroquoiswebsite https://www.iroquois.com and on Iroquois’ electronicbulletin board https://www.nrgexpressway.com

Joe Fisher, Houston

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