The Independent Electricity Market Operator (IMO) of Ontario is soliciting bids for a “Multi-Region Natural Gas Infrastructure Study” covering the northeastern United States and Canada. IMO is coordinating the study on behalf of six other entities, including the New York ISO, PJM Interconnection, ISO New England, the Northeast Power Coordinating Council and the North American Electric Reliability Council.

The project is the latest cooperative effort of the participants. IMO has been working with the organizations for a number of years, looking at ways to lessen the seams between the jurisdictions.

Since most new generating capacity is natural gas-fired, the power market organizations are interested in seeing “collectively” what the prospects are for gas supplies in the region. “We want to see how all the jurisdictions are going to meet supply needs — whether there is enough gas for all the proposals in the region, or whether there is a reliability issue,” a spokesman said. “We will all be drawing on the same gas sources. We need to look at the collective impact.” The study, which the group hopes to have completed this year, would cover from the 2003-2004 winter season to the 2007-2008 season.

Those who are interested in producing a study of the gas infrastructure may respond to the request-for-proposal document which can be obtained by submitting a written request by fax or e-mail to Robert Rankin, IMO procurement specialist (Phone: 905-855-6265; Fax: 905-855-6283; or e-mail, rob.rankin@theIMO.com).

The request must specify the “Multi Region Natural Gas Infrastructure Study” and include the name and address of the company, and the name, address, phone, fax and e-mail address of the primary contact. Proposals are due in by 3 p.m (EST), March 1.

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