Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) beganconstruction of its 292-mile pipeline system. “We remain confidentthat PNGTS will be fully operational this fall, bringing thebenefits of this important new energy project to customersthroughout New England,” said Michael A. Minkos, president of PNGTSOperating Co.

Construction related to PNGTS and the PNGTS/Maritimes JointFacilities Project began simultaneously during the second week ofJune in: Dummer, NH; Gilead, ME; Albany Township, ME; Wells, ME;and Plaistow, NH. PNGTS contractors already have completed ahorizontal directional drill of the Piscataqua River between Eliot,ME and Newington, NH.

The project will transport gas from an interconnection withTransCanada PipeLines (through an extension of the TQM system) toan interconnection with Tennessee Gas Pipeline. The pipeline isexpected to be in service in November, in time to meet shipperrequirements for the 1998-99 winter heating season.

PNGTS is sponsored by an international consortium of energycompanies including subsidiaries of: Bay State Gas, El Paso Energy,Gaz Metropolitain, MCN Energy Group, NIPSCO Industries, andTransCanada PipeLines.

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