TransCanada PipeLines and Nova Gas Transmission (NGTL) toldtheir shippers they are looking into expanding their pipelinesystems to increase deliveries to the Pacific Northwest. Thecompanies plan to assess the feasibility of expansions of NGTL andTransCanada’s BC System in British Columbia and are offeringshippers the opportunity to “rationalize” their firm contractholdings on those systems effective November 2002.

The push for expansion was prompted by an announcement fromPG&E Gas Transmission Northwest (GTN) recently that it plans tofile with FERC in April for a 200 MMcf/d expansion. GTN, which isthe major western pipeline downstream of TransCanada and NGTL, alsosaid it would probably increase the capacity of its system by 1Bcf/d over the next decade.

TransCanada and NGTL have asked all their shippers to provideinformation on their plans to extend their contracts beyond thecurrent expiration date. The pipelines said such information is”fundamental to the assessment of the long-term economicfeasibility of the proposed expansion.” The deadline for providingthe information is March 12. For details contact Jeff Rush at (403)920-5819, jeff_rush@transcanada.com.

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