Energy Transfer LP affiliate Rover Pipeline LLC wants to slightly increase capacity on the 713-mile system that serves natural gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica shales.

Rover filed an application with FERC earlier this month to boost mainline capacity on the pipeline by 175 MMcf/d primarily through operating efficiencies. The expansion would cost nothing and require no additional equipment, Rover said.

“This proposed increase in system capacity is supported by Rover’s analysis of actual pipeline operating flow and pressure conditions,” the company said in its filing. “By incorporating these actual operating conditions into the Rover system flow design calculations, Rover determined that the system was performing with higher pipeline and compression efficiencies and a lower pipe roughness as compared to the efficiencies and pipe roughness assumptions included” in its original certificate.

Rover, which entered full service in November 2018, moves Appalachian gas to markets across the United States, as well as into the Dawn Hub in Ontario. If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission were to approve the expansion, total mainline capacity would be 3.425 Bcf/d.

Rover said it would continue charging shippers for transportation service using current rates under its FERC gas tariff if the expansion is approved. The company also said there are unsubscribed mainline facilities on the system, and there is no need to conduct an open season for the additional capacity as a result.

While production in Appalachia is expected to grow at a slower rate this year as operators curb spending and activity on lower commodity prices, the basin continues to be a prolific source of gas with current production of about 33 Bcf/d.