Prince Edward Island, a popular vacation spot off the northerncoasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is looking to get on boardthe natural gas express line running from Sable Island through theCanadian Maritimes provinces.

The 2,184-square mile island’s government has requestedexpressions of interest on building a distribution system,primarily to fuel electric generation, but also to serve the localfood processing industry and the residential market. In a noticeposted on the MERX bulletin board (www.merx.ca) the Prince EdwardIsland government, through the provincially-owned P.E.I. EnergyCorp., has asked for submissions on a natural gas development plan.

A spokesman said there have been discussions with owners of theMaritimes & Northeast Pipeline, which recently started mainlinedeliveries from Nova Scotia through New England. Pipeline officialshave said they are willing to make a connection if there is ademonstrated market. An 8-10 inch pipeline from the mainland couldeither be buried under water or strung from the relatively new14-kilometer bridge from New Brunswick to the island. Prince EdwardIsland has a population of 130,000 but hosts a considerably largerpopulation of summer vacationers visiting its sandy, warm-waterbeaches.

In stage I of the process, prospective developers are asked toprovide detailed descriptions of the essential elements of theirproposals along with their own capabilities and track record indesign, construction and operation; provide preliminary costestimates relating to construction and operation; outline proposedfinancing arrangements; outline the economic benefits that could beexpected to accrue to P.E.I.; and outline the expected role ofgovernment (i.e. financial, regulatory and otherwise).Thedeadline for submissions is April 28.

Developers must obtain the Expression of Interest document fromMERX, Canada’s National Electronic Tendering Service. Questions maybe directed to Wayne MacQuarrie, P.Eng., CEO, P.E.I. Energy Corp.by calling (902) 894-0288.

Ellen Beswick

©Copyright 2000 Intelligence Press, Inc. All rightsreserved. The preceding news report may not be republished orredistributed in whole or in part without prior written consent ofIntelligence Press, Inc.