Maine Natural Gas (MNG), a joint venture between the CMP Groupand Energy East, began delivery of natural gas to Calpine Corp.’snew 540 MW electric generating facility last week. The new powerplant is located in Westbrook, ME. The LDC also began supplying gasto the University of Southern Maine (USM) and parts of Gorham, ME.

Expected to be in full commercial service by March 1, 2001, theCalpine plant will produce enough electric power to meet the needsof more than 500,000 homes. The $200 million Calpine facility wasoriginally expected to be ready for gas delivery by June 1, 2000.

“We are excited about the opportunity to provide many years ofquality gas service to Calpine, USM and homes and businesses inGorham,” said David T. Flanagan, president of Energy East.”Competitively priced and clean-burning natural gas will benefitour economy, our environment and consumers here in Maine.”

MNG will draw gas off of the Portland Natural Gas Transmissionsystem and the Maritimes & Northeast pipeline system to feedCalpine with 90,000 Dth/d through its newly completed two-milelateral. MNG also will pull from these systems to deliver to theUSM campus and Gorham customers.

The Calpine plant’s electric generation will be delivered to theNew England grid to serve Maine and the New England region ingeneral.

Alex Steis

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